Matco determonator

[gte718p]

I just bought a matco determinator from a pawn shop. I don't know anything about them other then it seemed like a decent deal. It has all the cables including the smart cable and software version 3. It does have some dead pixels in the display, but it seemed like a bargain for $125 dollars. It was listed for $600 but had been sitting for months so I made an offer.

That being said. I can't get it to connect. Does anyone know about trouble shooting these things or have a manual for it?

 

[Fedwrench]

Visit otctools.com and look under Genisys. You should be able to get a owners manual or information there.

what do you mean you can't get it to connect? Once it's connected to the 16 pin DLC, you have to select which software to use and load the vehicle info.

 

[gte718p]

I've looked at the genisys stuff. It seems similar but not exact, and no real trouble shooting. I get through the select your vehicle enter the vin and it shows me what cord to connect. I connect the smart obd II cable and hit enter. It says unable to connect check, check, battery, ground, fuses, and cable.

 

[Fedwrench]

Did it come with the regular 16 pin dlc cable? It's the one that you have to use smart system inserts with.
Either the smart cable is screwed up or there may be something with the tool itself. I know it's not much help but, there really isn't any troubleshooting tips other than calling OTC tech support which is like being placed on ignore.

 

[daveblank]

I've looked at the genisys stuff. It seems similar but not exact, .

With the exception of the color & the name, its the same unit. You do most likely have an older unit & all you're finding online is the new Evo unit. Same operation either way. Evo is just a faster processer.

 

[gte718p]

Did it come with the regular 16 pin dlc cable? It's the one that you have to use smart system inserts with.
Either the smart cable is screwed up or there may be something with the tool itself. I know it's not much help but, there really isn't any troubleshooting tips other than calling OTC tech support which is like being placed on ignore.

Yes I have the smart cable. I also have the older cable with the individual inserts. I'm not a mechanic so no chance of the Matco guy coming to me, I was going to stalk him down, but turns out he quit last year and no one has taken over his area. I guess I'm going to have to go to OTC for support, but I've heard nothing but horror stories about dealing with them.
It could also be the vehicle. I'm only scanning one vehicle. However since my scanguage II works on the truck I'm assuming its tool or cable.