PSA - Actron products and all product support discontinued

[Skyman]

Just a heads-up for y'all. Per the Actron website, Actron diagnostic products (apparently a subsidiary of Bosch) have been discontinued. As well, Bosch will not provide any product support whatsoever for Actron products.

I have an Actron scan tool that I bought new, but only used a few times a number of years ago. Exporting data out of the device and into a PC requires the companion Actron Scanning Suite software, which had previously been available as a free download.

Bosch refused to reach into their software archives, and make this software available to me, thus rendering the scan tool largely useless. Fortunately, I found the software on one of my old computers after being stone-walled by Bosch, so my scanner is now operational again.

If you are ever tempted to buy a second-hand Actron product, be aware that its functionality might be crippled by the unavailability of such basic companion utility software.

And, perhaps this is something to consider if you're ever tempted to buy anything from Bosch. You can be sure they've lost me as a customer.

 

[finn]

The proliferation of cheap Chinese scan tools pretty much killed the market for tools offered by legitimate, but high overhead companies like Bosch.

 

[Skyman]

While that is lamentable, ****** customer service by high-overhead enterprises destroys half of the reason to continue to do business with them. A high-overhead business must offer superior products and superior customer support if they wish to survive and thrive.

I have other Bosch products, but won't be adding more after this experience.

 

[BurtEggley]

sometimes Archive.org has items that are long gone. Another clue is that sometimes they will have a URL or FTP address, that is still active but the manufacturer says isn't.

 

[zendriver]

I have an Actron scan tool that I bought new, but only used a few times a number of years ago. Exporting data out of the device and into a PC requires the companion Actron Scanning Suite software, which had previously been available as a free download.

Bosch refused to reach into their software archives, and make this software available to me, thus rendering the scan tool largely useless. Fortunately, I found the software on one of my old computers after being stone-walled by Bosch, so my scanner is now operational again.

You're now worried about upgrades?

If you are ever tempted to buy a second-hand Actron product, be aware that its functionality might be crippled by the unavailability of such basic companion utility software.

Is there any reason to do so? Scanners are available literally by the truckload from everywhere, that might have 10x the capability for maybe less money

And, perhaps this is something to consider if you're ever tempted to buy anything from Bosch. You can be sure they've lost me as a customer.

IMO, Bosch seems almost irrelevant compared to lower cost similar quality products available now days.


I'd suggest pitching it in the trash, but I 'd be a hypocrite. I (still) have an Actron scanner (my first ever) that I thought I was really stylin, (paid a fair amount for it) even though it only showed the codes nothing else. Used it a few times. When HF came out with a scanner that gave the ODB2 descriptions "oh, hell yes!" never touched the Actron again.

I still have it somewhere and the original manual somewhere else. Can't bring myself to part with it, embarrassed to give it to my grandson. Gave him the HF unit when I got something more advanced.

FWIW Plenty of expensive old Sun machines, ended up at the scrap yard. Kind of the way things go.

 

[finn]

There’s no reason to pitch the Actron. Just be aware that upgrades won’t be available. It should still work.

I have one that’s at least 15 years old. It still works, but I mostly use a Chinese Launch, which, by the way, Launch North America won’t support, since it’s from an Amazon vendor that isn’t an authorized distributor…. Learned a lesson on that one.

All things electronic aren’t lifetime buys. More like five years max.

My first transistor radio was AM only, remember Betamax and VHS? CDs too, and my 1984 Panasonic microwave is pretty obsolete, although on a bright note, it probably has $10-$15 worth of copper. My Hitachi 42” tv in the garage is an orphan, and the big Plasma TV in the loft bedroom only works as a room heater.

Right now, my 12 year old Refrigerator is broken, and my 12 year old dishwasher needed a new motherboard last fall.

If I follow the lead of you guys, I’ll never buy Ryobi, Toro, B&D, Sony, GE, Samsung, Panasonic, Hitachi, Dell, and probably a bunch more.

In reality, it sounds like Bosch pulled the plug on the entire division, so there’s really no one left to support any part of that business unit. Either be in it with both feet, or get out entirely.

Bosch’s main business was Diesel fuel systems, which has collapsed with the move to EVs in the rest of the world. They’re a well financed organization run by a foundation. Scanners for a dwindling market, ie gasoline engines is not a growth market as the world around us electrified.

I would suggest they’re moving to a new reality as the market shifts.

 

[Skyman]

Okay, I thought I made this clear, but this isn't some cheap, obsolete POS code reader, and I wasn't seeking an upgrade of any kind from Bosch.

It's a decent scan tool that can pull codes, record streams of PIDs, etc. All I asked Bosch for was the companion software that was formerly available for free, that would allow me to migrate captured data sets to a PC for analysis. Without that SW, the data is captive on the device, which has a small LCD screen that's suitable for reading MIL codes, but pretty useless for diagnostic analysis of 50+ frames of PID values. Replacing it with anything comparably capable would not be a dollar-store expense.

I didn't have the SW on the PC I'm now using. I was fortunate that I was able to retrieve the SW from an old PC that I haven't used in a few years, but it hadn't occurred to me that I might find it there until after I ran into the brick wall with Bosch. IMHO, any company that cared much about its customer base would have quickly helped me out in this situation. They could have done so in less time than they spent on the phone telling me they wouldn't do it.

 

[BurtEggley]

The point is that the life cycle on almost everything today is five years. It might last 100 years but the manufacturers start abandoning things at 5 years. Acura is a part of Honda. Last year they discontinued support for part of the electronics in Acura models 2020 and older. Some models as late 2022. That was 3 years. The fine print no one reads says things like "we reserve the right to discontinue support on XYZ at any time we deem it necessary, and the buyer hold us harmless... ." Do I agree with that model, no, but that is how the world has become. It gives me a headache dealing with things electronic even though I was in IT for 25 years. In fact thinking of that, Dell last year discontinued support on anything they sell over 5 years old as to software updates. What someone paid for something, or how good a product it has, how many people bought one doesn't seem to matter to the manufacturing world anymore.

 

[CGarage]

The point is that the life cycle on almost everything today is five years. It might last 100 years but the manufacturers start abandoning things at 5 years. Acura is a part of Honda. Last year they discontinued support for part of the electronics in Acura models 2020 and older. Some models as late 2022. That was 3 years. The fine print no one reads says things like "we reserve the right to discontinue support on XYZ at any time we deem it necessary, and the buyer hold us harmless... ." Do I agree with that model, no, but that is how the world has become. It gives me a headache dealing with things electronic even though I was in IT for 25 years. In fact thinking of that, Dell last year discontinued support on anything they sell over 5 years old as to software updates. What someone paid for something, or how good a product it has, how many people bought one doesn't seem to matter to the manufacturing world anymore.

I agree.

The post-COVID era has ushered this in as standard practice.

What will be interesting to watch is Right to Repair litigation and if sources for aftermarket support / software / parts will appear when the OEMs decide to discontinue manufacture or service in rapid fashion.

To the environmentalists who want to build a better world, we should enforce right to repair and discontinue with products that are so easily disposed of. But consumerism and psychology of the consumer during this era seem to have won out and prevailed.

 

[Schurkey]

Bosch bought-out OTC, and destroyed THEM, too. It's what Bosch does. It's their nature to buy and discontinue, end support, leave you stranded.

Bosch can K-M-A. OTC--and Actron--are now four-letter words to me. Much like SK Tools.

 

[CGarage]

I seem to remember ~ 30 years ago OTC made early OBD1 & 2 scan tools for GM?

 

[neophyte]

I agree.

The post-COVID era has ushered this in as standard practice.

What will be interesting to watch is Right to Repair litigation and if sources for aftermarket support / software / parts will appear when the OEMs decide to discontinue manufacture or service in rapid fashion.

To the environmentalists who want to build a better world, we should enforce right to repair and discontinue with products that are so easily disposed of. But consumerism and psychology of the consumer during this era seem to have won out and prevailed.

The FTC just reached an agreement with John Deere.

John Deere’s Right-to-Repair Saga Is Finally Over—for 10 Years, at Least

A decade-long fight gets a 10-year reprieve.

gizmodo.com

 

[njride]

Bosch bought-out OTC, and destroyed THEM, too. It's what Bosch does. It's their nature to buy and discontinue, end support, leave you stranded.

Bosch can K-M-A. OTC--and Actron--are now four-letter words to me. Much like SK Tools.

And vetronix too, which has to be one of the most comprehensive pre obd2 scantool systems, and the oem tool for a few Japanese manufactures during the 90s.

 

[milky2k]

When did you buy the scanner? If you bought it two years ago and now there is no support, yeah that *****. If you bought it 10 years ago and now there is no support, I think you had a good 10 years. Support and availability of any piece of software will end at some point. Is there an Actron support group /forum that may have this software archived for users like you?

 

[zendriver]

Okay, I thought I made this clear, but this isn't some cheap, obsolete POS code reader, and I wasn't seeking an upgrade of any kind from Bosch.

It's a decent scan tool that can pull codes, record streams of PIDs, etc. All I asked Bosch for was the companion software that was formerly available for free, that would allow me to migrate captured data sets to a PC for analysis. Without that SW, the data is captive on the device, which has a small LCD screen that's suitable for reading MIL codes, but pretty useless for diagnostic analysis of 50+ frames of PID values. Replacing it with anything comparably capable would not be a dollar-store expense.

I didn't have the SW on the PC I'm now using. I was fortunate that I was able to retrieve the SW from an old PC that I haven't used in a few years, but it hadn't occurred to me that I might find it there until after I ran into the brick wall with Bosch. IMHO, any company that cared much about its customer base would have quickly helped me out in this situation. They could have done so in less time than they spent on the phone telling me they wouldn't do it.

How much did they want to charge for it?

Edit: read the OP again where they don’t want to release that at all

Going out on a limb here, but usually when somebody discontinued support for a product that discontinued everything.

Could possibly even be legal reason for them to do so. Since they bought that company at one time.

I suggest try to move on with life it’s OK to hate them, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that isn’t what most companies would do

 

[Fedwrench]

I seem to remember ~ 30 years ago OTC made early OBD1 & 2 scan tools for GM?

Yes, the old Tech One and the more recent (kind of) Tech Two. Great tools in their day. I think Bosch makes the current MDI for GM and the IDS for Ford.

Actron is an old brand. It was the DIY brand from OTC for years long before Bosch bought OTC. What year vehicles are you using the Actron scan tool on today?

The red brick from Snap on was probably the greatest OBD 1 scan tool ever made but, as new vehicles got more complicated, it couldn't keep up and was replaced. Scan tools today have shorter lifespans as technology continues to evolve. Unfortunately, there's no way a scan tool purchase today is a one and done affair.

 

[liliysdad]

we should enforce right to repair and discontinue with products that are so easily disposed of.

Here, here!

 

[zendriver]

Maybe the software was only tested up through Windows 95.

 

[American Locomotive]

It's not even that there's no continuing support, it's that completely removing the software is a huge middle finger. It costs Bosch essentially nothing to just keep the download link on their website. Tons of companies keep "archived" versions of old software available for legacy products.

I can go to amd.com, and still download the legacy drivers for the 30-year-old Rage II graphics card (back when the company was still called ATI).

It's just Bosch being a bunch of dicks.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

It costs Bosch essentially nothing to just keep the download link on their website.

I agree, but as ever:

It's always easier to do nothing, or ignore people.

 

[M635_Guy]

While that is lamentable, ****** customer service by high-overhead enterprises destroys half of the reason to continue to do business with them

It would take away all the reason for me in most cases.

I can get lamentable **** customer service for a lot less

 

[dnschmidt]

***** and moan all you want but reality is that five years is about the absolute max any scan tool is worth keeping and I'm including the big three: Autel, Launch and Topdon.

 

[CGarage]

Yes, the old Tech One and the more recent (kind of) Tech Two. Great tools in their day. I think Bosch makes the current MDI for GM and the IDS for Ford.

Actron is an old brand. It was the DIY brand from OTC for years long before Bosch bought OTC. What year vehicles are you using the Actron scan tool on today?

The red brick from Snap on was probably the greatest OBD 1 scan tool ever made but, as new vehicles got more complicated, it couldn't keep up and was replaced. Scan tools today have shorter lifespans as technology continues to evolve. Unfortunately, there's no way a scan tool purchase today is a one and done affair.

I never had an Actron but wanted to buy one because I understand it worked well on German cars. It is interesting that some scan tools work better than others or have increased functionality with only certain vehicle manufacturers.

I still have two red bricks and use them, occasionally.

 

[neophyte]

***** and moan all you want but reality is that five years is about the absolute max any scan tool is worth keeping and I'm including the big three: Autel, Launch and Topdon.

So vehicles are only supposed to last 5 years?

 

[dnschmidt]

So vehicles are only supposed to last 5 years?

What they are supposed to last and what they are electronically supported for aren't the same question. If you bought a scanner, as I did, a Launch X-431 Diagun V, when I purchased my 2021 Toyota Camry, you should be good until you sell the car as what it was then is still what it is now and will be until I dump it. If you expect to work on anything newer you're not going to have the new features that have been introduced in the last five years. If I buy a new 2026 Camry hybrid I fully expect to buy a new 2026 scanner to go along with the new car. That's just the way it is.

 

[CGarage]

What they are supposed to last and what they are electronically supported for aren't the same question. If you bought a scanner, as I did, a Launch X-431 Diagun V, when I purchased my 2021 Toyota Camry, you should be good until you sell the car as what it was then is still what it is now and will be until I dump it. If you expect to work on anything newer you're not going to have the new features that have been introduced in the last five years. If I buy a new 2026 Camry hybrid I fully expect to buy a new 2026 scanner to go along with the new car. That's just the way it is.

This is sad but true. I agree. The level of programmed obsolescence that the consumer has allowed to be built into modern products is ridiculous in my opinion. Not to mention the inflated pricing that has gone along with it.

 

[zendriver]

Are they offering any similar competing automotive diag product(s) currently?

Maybe ****-canning everything Actron, helps coax users to a new platform.

They are a Corporation, after all.

 

[Schurkey]

I seem to remember ~ 30 years ago OTC made early OBD1 & 2 scan tools for GM?

Yes, the old Tech One and the more recent (kind of) Tech Two. Great tools in their day.

I was thinking the ancient "Monitor" series--I remember when the shop I was at "upgraded" to a Monitor 4000. (But that was more-like forty years ago, not thirty.) I had about twenty minutes of experience with that device; I remember holding it in my hand. At that time, I still thought that "blinky-light" diagnostics were valid. I suppose if they'd let me use the '4000 more, I'd have wised-up sooner. As it happened, I had to buy a Snappy "Red Brick" to get my eyes opened.

The red brick from Snap on was probably the greatest OBD 1 scan tool ever made

AT THAT TIME, it was the standard of the Industry. However, the newer Snappy tools do everything the Red Brick ever did, with more memory and an easier/bigger user-interface--assuming you have appropriate software and cables/adapters to use with the older OBD-1 vehicles.

I used a Red Brick for close to twenty years before I spilled gasoline on it and it melted. Moved to a Solus Pro, and love it.

there's no way a scan tool purchase today is a one and done affair.

Depends on whether you're "upgrading" your vehicles, or if you're like me--working on my own stuff, not "customer" cars that get newer each year.

***** and moan all you want but reality is that five years is about the absolute max any scan tool is worth keeping and I'm including the big three: Autel, Launch and Topdon.

For a Pro...yes. For a D-I-Y, not so much.

 

[CGarage]

Is the Solus Pro Bi-Directional capable? Does it still use those cartridges and keys? That was the annoyance I have had with the red brick.

 

[neophyte]

What they are supposed to last and what they are electronically supported for aren't the same question. If you bought a scanner, as I did, a Launch X-431 Diagun V, when I purchased my 2021 Toyota Camry, you should be good until you sell the car as what it was then is still what it is now and will be until I dump it. If you expect to work on anything newer you're not going to have the new features that have been introduced in the last five years. If I buy a new 2026 Camry hybrid I fully expect to buy a new 2026 scanner to go along with the new car. That's just the way it is.

Having to reload software is somewhat standard, particularly on computers, since many computers only do last 5 years, or less.
Not being able to get software for an older scanner, built contemporary with an older car, is inherently problematic, since a diagnostic tool made contemporary with a vehicle, might be optimal for diagnosing the vehicle.
I’m not complaining about a 5 year old tool not having software updated for significantly newer vehicles, I’m complaining about a tool being made for servicing a vehicle, and that tool bring considered “obsolete” while the vehicle it should readily be able to diagnose is still running, and likely will be for a decade or more longer.

This reminds of Festool fans saying Festool tools over 10 years old are “obsolete”, and no purchaser should expect a tool that costs 3x the amount, to still be usable after a decade.

 

[Schurkey]

Is the Solus Pro Bi-Directional capable?

The Snappy scan tools from the Red Brick onward, are bi-directional, providing the software (and vehicle) has the capability. The quick answer would be "yes".

This is several years old, and out-of-date, but it gives a general time-line of the Snappy diagnostics:

Does it still use those cartridges and keys? That was the annoyance I have had with the red brick.

No cartridges--all software is loaded onto a memory chip that doesn't normally get replaced, it's more a matter of "reprogramming" than "replacing" when the software is updated. Snappy got mad at folks selling Red Brick software cartridges on eBay when they bought updated versions. Then they introduced the "programmable" cartridges so the same cartridge was re-used, nothing to sell on the secondary market. Everything since then has not used replaceable cartridges, they just update either "on-the-truck" or over the internet.

They DO use the "Personality Keys" on select OBD2 applications. Some applications need them, some don't. I guess that got eliminated on later generations of Snappy scan tools, but I don't know much about that 'cause I've never used anything newer than my Solus Pro.

 

[finn]

While that is lamentable, ****** customer service by high-overhead enterprises destroys half of the reason to continue to do business with them. A high-overhead business must offer superior products and superior customer support if they wish to survive and thrive.

I have other Bosch products, but won't be adding more after this experience.

I look at it a little differently. Bosch et al were the innovators in things like diagnostics, but now the technology has become commoditized (is that a word?) and they recognize it’s time to focus their resources someplace else.

I don’t look down my nose at them for recognizing that they can’t live in the past.

The world is constantly changing.

If anything, Bosch has been burned by sticking with obsolete technology too long, like hanging on to the ancient P pumps for Diesel fuel systems and dragging their feet on electronics while the oem engine manufacturers were clamoring for more flexible fuel systems like the HEUI. Bosch eventually, but reluctantly, joined the party with the introduction of the current, and industry dominant common rail system.

Lots of kicking and screaming, and loss of market share in the interim, though.

 

[zendriver]

When they “update” scanner firmware do they ever change the functionality or just add the ODBII criteria for newer vehicles?

Never really worried since I seem to upgrade scanners more that vehicles.

 

[Hakeem]

To the environmentalists who want to build a better world, we should enforce right to repair and discontinue with products that are so easily disposed of. But consumerism and psychology of the consumer during this era seem to have won out and prevailed.

Yes, it’s often forgotten but the Three R’s were Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Unfortunately the first two don’t jibe with consumerism and increasing quarterly profits…..

The disposable nature of modern products is such a shame.

 

[zendriver]

Thanks, OP.

Even if his problems was not resolved, this thread served as a PSA (to me anyway) about diagnostic system updates.

I have the Zurich ZR15S (made by Innova) HF no longer sells the "brand" but luckily still has access to firmware and database updates, presumably from Innova. I don't use it much. Never updated.

Have not purchased any newer vehicles but decided to "get while the gettin' is good!" for the scanner updates. It was a nice easy windows app, firmware and DB - 15 minute update.

Let's all do it -just in case.

 

[CGarage]

I like being able to scan my own vehicles and have insight as to what issues arise. Relying solely on the dealership or an independent shop is increasingly becoming a big gamble, and in my experience, the quality of the mechanics / technicians keeps decreasing.

 

[L.Cheapo]

The Snappy scan tools from the Red Brick onward, are bi-directional, providing the software (and vehicle) has the capability. The quick answer would be "yes".

This is several years old, and out-of-date, but it gives a general time-line of the Snappy diagnostics:



No cartridges--all software is loaded onto a memory chip that doesn't normally get replaced, it's more a matter of "reprogramming" than "replacing" when the software is updated. Snappy got mad at folks selling Red Brick software cartridges on eBay when they bought updated versions. Then they introduced the "programmable" cartridges so the same cartridge was re-used, nothing to sell on the secondary market. Everything since then has not used replaceable cartridges, they just update either "on-the-truck" or over the internet.

They DO use the "Personality Keys" on select OBD2 applications. Some applications need them, some don't. I guess that got eliminated on later generations of Snappy scan tools, but I don't know much about that 'cause I've never used anything newer than my Solus Pro.

I have an Actron code reader as well. It was the top of the line one they made when I bought it 15 or so years ago. It's the only one I'm willing to loan out to people if they ask.

I bought a new Modis Edge off the truck in 2016. The coming October update will be the last compatible update for it and I will get it, because once the next update comes out, that's it--I'd be stuck with what's currently on the tool--2018 I believe.

I get it, time marches on. It's a fantastic scan tool, especially for the vehicles I typically use it on--late 90s/early 00s Chrysler products.

What pisses me off is the Secure Gateway nonsense. I don't even mind the $50 a year AutoAuth subscription. What aggravates me is the scan tool MUST have the current software update on it for AutoAuth to work, despite the tool already being registered to me, by me, by serial number. So when that October update sunsets next spring, I wont be able to use that tool on any vehicles with Secure Gateways anymore....and...coincidentally enough...the one vehicle we have with a secure gateway will be going out of its extended factory warranty about then. It is absolute nonsense the owner of a vehicle does not have scanner access to that vehicle unless the owner has a current tool update.

I also have a TopDon Phoenix Lite 3, which is still under its complementary update period for a few more months. Its fine, and I like the topology, but prefer the Snap On way of displaying data, menus, and the Snap On scope in the Modis, while only two channel as opposed to the TopDon's 4 channels, is much easier to use and more intuitive.

When they “update” scanner firmware do they ever change the functionality or just add the ODBII criteria for newer vehicles?

Snap On does. Cant speak to the others. Haven't noticed anything significant on my TopDon.

Off the top of my head, S-O has added AutoAuth. online cloud type storage and invoicing functions (Altus) to my tool since it was new.

 

[Wamsutta]

Did Bosch buy Actron for the sole purpose of 86'ing them?

 

[Schurkey]

Did Bosch buy Actron for the sole purpose of 86'ing them?

SOLE purpose? Probably not. But given Bosch's reputation and history, I'm sure they had some longer-range planning to screw the Actron customer base. They've done it before, with OTC and other brands they bought and destroyed.