Diagnostics & Scan Tools, What Best?

[71blackcheyenne]

Alright techs and informed enthusiasts, i am a journeyman opening a full line auto repair shop, mostly domestics around here, i'm looking for the best all around scan tool, leaning towards the Snap On Solus Ultra. Main features i'm looking for are ABS diagnostics, Diesel and gas cylinder contribution tests, and diesel injection pump testing. Automatic trans relearning, and solenoid testing. We have mostly gravel roads around here, so there is always lots of electrical diagnostics, from broken wires ETC. Was kind of looking at OTC, but not enough to learn their functionality. What is everyones opinion on what tool to buy? Any negative feedback from tools you have had in the past?

 

[Seanbev24]

I don't know about the diesel coverage, but the Solus Ultra is a great scanner. IMO, besides the factory tools, Snap-on is the best all around choice for domestic and Asian. Euro... not so much.

 

[Stepside]

LOOK AT THIS:

http://www.riffraffdiesel.com/mm5/m...ore_Code=RRD&Product_Code=SP01&Category_Code=

OR

http://www.riffraffdiesel.com/mm5/m...RRD&Product_Code=SP05&Category_Code=F731-MISC

 

[Stepside]

Look at AutoEnginuity. There are several different bundles available.
Most reviews are based on earlier versions. They just released 11.1
You'll be making a lot of comparisons for your needs.
And let us know how you like the product you buy.
Good Luck - so many choices

 

[joejeep92]

AutoEnginuity for the win. Having each manufacturer specific tool would be ideal but is cost prohibitive. AutoEnginuity gives you as close to manufacturer specific as possible at a fraction of the cost. I like the laptop based option and you can buy as few or as many manufacturers as you want. Updates are a major contributing factor for scan tools and snap on is expensive. Plus look at the fact that no one really makes their own scan tool. Some company makes them for snap on or mac or matco.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Alright techs and informed enthusiasts, i am a journeyman opening a full line auto repair shop, mostly domestics around here, i'm looking for the best all around scan tool, leaning towards the Snap On Solus Ultra. Main features i'm looking for are ABS diagnostics, Diesel and gas cylinder contribution tests, and diesel injection pump testing. Automatic trans relearning, and solenoid testing. We have mostly gravel roads around here, so there is always lots of electrical diagnostics, from broken wires ETC. Was kind of looking at OTC, but not enough to learn their functionality. What is everyones opinion on what tool to buy? Any negative feedback from tools you have had in the past?

It really depends on what your main use is going to by and what vehicles you are planning on scanning. I did try the Genesis OTC, Matco and now have a Snap-On. I will tell you this will be my last Snapon scan tool. Far too difficult to use properly compared to others.

I also have a Ford scan tool which is wonderful and super easy to use.

 

[wafrederick]

Avoid Bosch's scan tools,they don't back their scan tools and is yours once you buy theirs.Plus Bosch reps don't last,they quit because of Bosch's money cutting ideas.Bosch now owns OTC,the new OTC scan tools say OTC Bosch on them.Bosch bought OTC from SPX.GM security systems,aftermarket scan tools can't read the codes and have tried this with a 2006 Cobalt.The Tech 2 was the only scan tool that read the codes,tried the Modis which could not read the codes with it at all.

 

[fordnut85]

I would recommend a Snap-On Modis. You get really good bang for your buck and a built in 4 channel lab scope. They can be had on Ebay for $2000-$3000 depending on options, software and condition of course. I would highly recommend finding one with the low amp probe, one of the most used diagnostic tools in my arsenal lol

 

[FLRover]

Snap On Solous Ultra. I have been thrilled. With mine. Other than the latest firmware updates for car it have all the functions Land Rover/Jaguar IDS has and Acura's HDC. Worth the money. Don't buy a Modus they arre slow and lack a lot of coverage. If you also want an O-scope get a Vantage Pro or Pico computer based scope.

 

[truckwrench1]

i have a mentor 5.0 there has not been anything i have found that i have not been able to do, i am a diesel tech and use it mostly on the 1 ton trucks but seems to me that otc has there stuff figured out never was fond of the snap on operation system

 

[Skin]

AutoEnginuity for the win. Having each manufacturer specific tool would be ideal but is cost prohibitive. AutoEnginuity gives you as close to manufacturer specific as possible at a fraction of the cost. I like the laptop based option and you can buy as few or as many manufacturers as you want. Updates are a major contributing factor for scan tools and snap on is expensive. Plus look at the fact that no one really makes their own scan tool. Some company makes them for snap on or mac or matco.

Snap-On actually makes their own. Everyone else pushes Launch and OTC rebrands. AE is great for what it costs with access to bi-directional controls and mode 6 data that you'd otherwise have to spend thousands for, but if time is money, look elsewhere as AE very is slow and also has no built in trouble shooter. Independents or fleet working pretty much at their own pace wont care as much but someone on flat rate is going to lose hours a week just waiting for the AE UI to load.