Quantcast
Jump to content


Diagnostic equipment


Recommended Posts

When I worked for Ford, we often had to reprogram the ecm for most parts being swapped. With diagnostic tools like Snap-on Solus and Verdict, do you have the ability to do this? Im trying to find info on any scanner outside of the IDS really!

Link to comment
Share on other sites



Only OE Specific Scan Tools can guarantee that you can complete your repair 100% from Programming to Coding to Re-Learns to Reinitializing Modules. We can help you with handling all of this with ease. We really like to break it down by car count what makes sense for ROI, but some of our Customers are more concerned about having the ability to complete all repairs no matter what Make comes in their door.

 

We also should talk about adding our J2534 Device and specing you a Durabook that we can partition the hard drive so that you don't outgrow your computer too quickly. We also like to put these together because we know what works, depending on the Tools you add on you can have major issues with the version of Java on the Machine and you can waste a module quickly. With J2534 depending on Make like GM & Toyota you can have full OE Diagnostics and Programming so you can complete repairs easily with those Models, but on a Chrysler you get no Diagnostics but can Flash ECM & TCM if you have the right version loaded. Problem with this is you can do the programming but can't finish the repair with Re-Learns or Reinitializing. There is a lot to know here and this is where we can help you make the right choices in equipment and can help 100% with technical support to make you much more efficient.

 

There is a lot to consider when you get into this so Let us know if we can help.

 

Thanks

 

[email protected]

(682) 300-4613

I find that the J2534 setups have several "holes" in their programming. My first attempt at setting up a Ford with a Mongoose cable was a disaster. I had to contact the manufacturer of the J2534 tool and an engineer at Ford who helped me walk through the process. It took all day to get it done between phone calls.

 

The car did start, did accept the theft initialization, and the initial programming per the download from Ford. However, this car was a 4WD vehicle. Unknown to me, and the Ford engineer, the download only covered the needed info for getting the vehicle started. (As the engineer found out later, based on the idea that the info needed and the purpose of the tool was allow the car to start and be driven to the nearest repair facility - NOT everything. (This was about 10ish years ago BTW)

 

The eventual outcome was to send it to the dealer and have another PCM installed. The guy at the dealership tried several times to override the download I put it, but it wouldn't allow it. A blank - unprogrammed PCM was the answer. Never found out if there was a problem with the PCM or if it was the download. Once it was changed out all the issues were taken care of.

 

I'm sure, by now, the J2534 setups are much better. After that debacle I bought an IDS.... end of the problems.

Just sayin'.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Its sounds like more trouble than its worth! While at Ford, we often had engeneers visit the location due to faults with reprogramming things like the pscm or instrument cluster and several things security related. How do shops know if they can handle a specific repair or that it will require factory programming in the first place? Im trying to wrap my head around small full service shops. I dont want my oporation to be just tires and alignments but I am afraid that is what the future holds.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Snap-On scanners will get you a long way, especially the scope capabilities they have.

 

They will not provide much (if any) in the way of flashing. Regarding flashing, I am with Gonzo on this one. Either use the OEM scan tool, or don't even try to do it ... it's just too risky. Can you do it with aftermarket tools? Yes. Should you? No.

 

We just upgraded all of our scan tools. For $15k, we got the following tools:

  • Toyota/Lexus/Scion Techstream
  • Honda/Acura HDS
  • Ford IDS
  • GM Tech2
  • Hyundai/Kia G-Scan (also does a LOT more)
  • Volkswagen/Audi VCDS

A good Snap-On is going to cost you about half of that. Your A-tech should have that tool already anyway along with a good scope.

 

Our techs use these tools daily, and they have saved us MANY times.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

My question to you ATLAuto would be were your Tools you purchased authentic or cracked? Who did you buy them from?

 

They are all 100% legit. All came in OEM boxes with OEM paperwork. All were new when we bought them with the exception of the Tech2, which was a refurb. We actually had to swap that one out under warranty, and the seller sent us a brand new one to replace it. Exceptional service.

 

We have ongoing subscriptions to most of them. The ones that we use rarely, we just grab a 1 day subscription when we need it.

 

All of these tools have saved us on multiple occasions when we reach the end of the Snap-On capabilities. There are just so many things an OEM tool can do that a generic cannot.

 

Curious why you ask on whether we bought cracked vs. legit? That is a bit of an offensive question, I must admit. If we wanted cracked software, I would have gone on eBay and bought it all for well under $15k...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         5 comments
      I recently spoke with a friend of mine who owns a large general repair shop in the Midwest. His father founded the business in 1975. He was telling me that although he’s busy, he’s also very frustrated. When I probed him more about his frustrations, he said that it’s hard to find qualified technicians. My friend employs four technicians and is looking to hire two more. I then asked him, “How long does a technician last working for you.” He looked puzzled and replied, “I never really thought about that, but I can tell that except for one tech, most technicians don’t last working for me longer than a few years.”
      Judging from personal experience as a shop owner and from what I know about the auto repair industry, I can tell you that other than a few exceptions, the turnover rate for technicians in our industry is too high. This makes me think, do we have a technician shortage or a retention problem? Have we done the best we can over the decades to provide great pay plans, benefits packages, great work environments, and the right culture to ensure that the techs we have stay with us?
      Finding and hiring qualified automotive technicians is not a new phenomenon. This problem has been around for as long as I can remember. While we do need to attract people to our industry and provide the necessary training and mentorship, we also need to focus on retention. Having a revolving door and needing to hire techs every few years or so costs your company money. Big money! And that revolving door may be a sign of an even bigger issue: poor leadership, and poor employee management skills.
      Here’s one more thing to consider, for the most part, technicians don’t leave one job to start a new career, they leave one shop as a technician to become a technician at another shop. The reasons why they leave can be debated, but there is one fact that we cannot deny, people don’t quit the company they work for, they usually leave because of the boss or manager they work for.
      Put yourselves in the shoes of your employees. Do you have a workplace that communicates, “We appreciate you and want you to stay!”
  • Similar Topics

    • By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Recorded at the 21st annual TST Big Event, Robert Kenny Jr shares his journey from technician to mobile diagnostician and educator. Discussions cover the challenges of technician retention, fair compensation, and the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). Robert Kenney Jr., Ampd Auto Diagnostic Solutions, and instructor at Hudson Valley Community College. Show Notes
      Robert Kenny Jr.'s Career (00:01:03) Overview of Kenny's career and his transition to entrepreneurship. Starting a Shop (00:02:24) Kenny's journey to opening his shop and the obstacles he encountered. Technician Training (00:03:20) The significance of training for technicians and its industry effects. Education and Industry Development (00:03:59) Kenny's role in automotive industry education and growth. Mobile Diagnostic Business Growth (00:06:43) The development of Kenny's mobile diagnostic service and its influence on small shops. Balancing Roles (00:08:00) The challenge of juggling teaching, diagnostics, and shop management. Technician Pay Issues (00:10:03) The problem of technician compensation and its effect on new talent. Accountability and Mentorship (00:11:17) The role of accountability and guidance in business growth. Admitting Failure (00:12:31) The difficulty of acknowledging mistakes and seeking assistance in the field. Mobile Diagnostician Benefits (00:14:16) Advantages of working as a traveling mobile diagnostician. Labor Rate Comparison (00:16:09) Analyzing labor rates and their significance in the industry. Flat Rate System Comparison (00:22:51) Contrasting flat rate systems in various shop types and their technician impact. EV Standards Development (00:24:19) Participation in setting electric vehicle charging standards and curriculum updates. EV Technology Importance (00:25:44) The significance and progress of electric vehicle technology in the sector. Training Importance (00:27:05) The consequences of inadequate training on businesses and the demand for specialists. Robert's Mobile Diagnostic Experience (00:32:12) Kenney shares his enjoyment and insights from his mobile diagnostic venture and time at Gill's Garage. Educational Programs and EV Training (00:32:17) Discussion on Hudson Valley Community College's programs and Bronx Community College's EV class development. Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections            
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Great news, you don’t have to go it alone. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
       
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Get a copy of my Book: Download Here
      Aftermarket Radio Network
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.



  • Our Sponsors

×
×
  • Create New...