Diagnostic scan tools

[coondog]

Hey, so just looking for opinions and info on what people use on a daily basis. I am thinking it is time for an upgrade.

I bought a Snap On solus ultra a few years back, and have been somewhat pleased with it so far. I don't work on a whole lot of European cars, so I opted out of buying the package for all those extra manufacturers. If I had the package with all the other manufacturers, and a lab scope, I feel like I could get more use out of my scanner, but don't know if its worth it because I don't know anyone that has all that good stuff..

I use my Solus on a daily basis, and feel like "if it only did this" or "if I could just test that" on a good bit of my jobs.

I am torn between buying a new verus pro with all the manufacturers, or getting a scan tool from another manufacturer with similar abilities. I do a lot of electrical diagnostic work, so the lab scope is something I am interested in using. I just wanted to hear about what you guys are working with, and what you find useful, and what you think is not worth buying. Thanks, Connor.

 

[WhiffySpark]

We had a verus pro. I went to our new shop and they had a maxidas there. Another verus got delivered today for me

I've tried them all. Snapon is what I'm used to and happy with.

 

[RedRabbit]

I've tried them all. Snapon is what I'm used to and happy with.

I also agree that Snap On is the best. My shop has a couple Solus's. I love those things.

 

[LordPsychon]

For everyday use, Snap-on Solus seems to be the best. I've asked the various mechanics shops what they use and most use a Solus (those that don't aren't bad mechanics so don't assume that the tool makes the shop great).

 

[teamarctic]

we use the verus pro at our shop. its a great tool, the lab scope and multimeter functions are great feature to have, its pretty close to an all in one tool, at least at our shop it is.

 

[Hayzuse]

I was going to get a modis ultra but got the maxisys instead I kinda wish I would have went with the modis instead nothing wrong with the maxisys but I am used to snap on and it's taking a bit to figure out the maxisys


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[Hayzuse]

I plan to get the scope for the maxisys also just waiting for AESWAVE to get it in. I should call and see if they have any


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[MLB0611]

What makes do you work on the most? Snap on is the best all around scan tool but will leave you hanging a lot. OE is the best option on not having holes.But very expensive I have snap on, maxsys mini, and the shop has OE for Ford,GM,Honda,Kia/Hyundai, and Toyota. I can tell you the most used tool in the shop is the maxsys, but it is a China tool so it will have issues too. We also have the Tech 2 cards for Saab,izuzu and Suzuki.

 

[JonnyMac]

Autel maxidas... been successful on a huge range of vehicles.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

MaxiSys with add on scope. The scope also works with PCs...

I have the MaxiSys with a Hantek PC scope, seriously considering adding the Autel scope to my diagnostic arsenal

 

[Fedwrench]

Any scan tool other than an OE platform, is a compromise at best. I don't care whose name is on it. I would look at a laptop based system like autoenginuity.
After all, the big three use IDS (Ford), MDI (GM), and Witech (Chrysler) all of which are laptop based.

Snap on is ok but, updates are pricey, and you'll be wanting more if you spend more time on other than powertrain issues.

The Pico scope is really hard to beat.

Whatever platform you choose, factor in subscription or updates cost too.

 

[JonnyMac]

I've not updated our maxidas in 2 years.
FedWrench is right in some respect about OEM tools, but the other thing to remember is IDS for example isnt used by us ford engineers to do real ******** interrogation. We use a MyCanic and the associated software. I would go to customer vehicles when the dealers have failed, the pvt (plant vehicle team) failed and the last resort is the development guys and i wouldnt take an IDS. However on the occasions where the fault was known i.e a buddy has immobilized his car or the fault code wasnt well described by a local mechanic I generally take the autel and it works flawlessly.
It isnt able to generate the ford PATS entry codes without going online though (but I am able to do that on my laptop)

 

[coondog]

Lots of good info here. I do use IDS a lot, and have been enjoying what it offers for all the vehicles I hook up to.

I've had a couple nissans in the last six months that have done some weird things, and not thrown any codes. I could have used a lab scope to instantly tell there was something fishy about the cam sensor, but instead, I spent a little while hung up.

The solus is great for what I need, but its hard to make the decision to buy the european option. I posted this thread the other day, and immediately after, I had a 2008 audi TT come in with a convertible top that wouldn't come up, and could have really used the scan tool. I had to borrow an AUTEL from the mechanic beside me, and was able to use his to retrieve the convertible top codes. But like they say "borrow it once, cool; borrow it over and over, buy your own"

 

[Dimitri]

My last Chrysler dealer had an Autel DS708, which was okay for the limited off make stuff we did.

However I am liking my Launch CRP-229 I recently picked up more.

Does nearly the same in terms of data, actuators etc, but doesn't throw codes at random immediately after hooking up on some of our corporate vehicles like the CUSW platform.

It is also a lot quicker in terms of boot up time, and scanning modules in my perspective, not timed with a stop watch though.

Dimitri

 

[WhiffySpark]

Autel maxidas... been successful on a huge range of vehicles.

Ours has been an epic failure. It won't do simple tasks I even tried updating it. That and everything has different complicated names and menus

 

[WhiffySpark]

Lots of good info here. I do use IDS a lot, and have been enjoying what it offers for all the vehicles I hook up to.

I've had a couple nissans in the last six months that have done some weird things, and not thrown any codes. I could have used a lab scope to instantly tell there was something fishy about the cam sensor, but instead, I spent a little while hung up.

The solus is great for what I need, but its hard to make the decision to buy the european option. I posted this thread the other day, and immediately after, I had a 2008 audi TT come in with a convertible top that wouldn't come up, and could have really used the scan tool. I had to borrow an AUTEL from the mechanic beside me, and was able to use his to retrieve the convertible top codes. But like they say "borrow it once, cool; borrow it over and over, buy your own"

I got the versus in. Twist your dealers arm and get euro free. Modis 4500 with euro

 

[Rioredsn8k]

I use the Maxsys Mini 905 daily at the shop and love it! I researched a lot before I purchased it. Snap On was my first choice, but their initial cost and yearly updates made my final decision to choose Autel. After all its an aftermarket tool, it does a lot for the money and does have minor flaws(holes). It even does TPMS on some of late model cars I've tried it on ie Chyrsler, Ford and Volvo. I haven't had any issues with it. For the cost of top Snap On Scanner/4 channel Scope with Euro/Asian/Domestic, IMO you could buy a OEM Scan Tool for the car line you work on the most and then buy a aftermarket tool like the Autel Maxsys for the other makes.