New HF code readers.

[Coach James]

I found this article in PTEN today. I would post a link, but I am unable to copy and paste it.

From PTEN:

"Zurich, a new line of professional automotive diagnostic tools for the master technician, is now available at Harbor Freight Tools.

The Zurich OBD2 Code Readers are engineered to provide precise measurements and readings, making complex vehicle diagnostic systems easy to understand and fix. All Zurich readers diagnose and clear trouble codes and lights on virtually every foreign and domestic car, light truck, minivan, SUV and hybrid manufactured since 1996. This new line was designed to have all of the features and functionality of leading brands at an affordable price.

The Zurich ZR4 is the line’s baseline code reader. Ideal for service writers and weekend mechanics, the ZR4 is compact, convenient and quickly reads and clears trouble codes and lights. The ZR4 features an option to display in either English or Spanish, and it displays 20 data points at once on a 2.8″ color screen.

Technicians can view freeze frame data, and a patented health monitor LED makes it simple to check for emissions readiness. The hot key feature allows access to the menu with one-touch functionality.

The Zurich ZR8 has an oil light reset, battery/alternator system check and can diagnose and erase ABS (antilock brake system) codes and lights on domestic vehicles. The ZR8 streams live data and comes equipped with a trip cycle procedure. Its 2.8″ color screen displays 20 data points at once and can be set in either English or Spanish.

With a hot key feature for one-touch access to the menu, freeze frame data and a vehicle health monitor LED to check emissions readiness, the ZR8 is easy to use and affordable.
The Zurich ZR11 and Zurich ZR13 are ideal for master technicians who work on domestic, European and Asian cars.

These models diagnose and erase ABS codes and lights, are equipped to graph and record live data and have a battery reset feature. The ZR11 and ZR13 feature bilingual display in English or Spanish and have a patented 2.8″ color screen that displays 20 data points at once. Standard features include freeze frame data, a patented health monitor LED to check emissions readiness and one-touch functionality with a hot key feature.

These two models include an OBD connector with an LED light, making it easier to access the under-dash port, and both come with a battery to make it easier to move around the vehicle and shop. The ultimate in code readers, the ZR13 is the only Zurich reader that can diagnose and erase SRS (supplemental restraint system) codes and lights.

It also is equipped with FixAssist, which diagnoses the trouble code your vehicle is experiencing and provides the most likely solutions for repair, drawn from the vehicle manufacturer’s real-time field database."


Coach

 

[Fedwrench]

https://www.vehicleservicepros.com/...-code-readers-now-available-at-harbor-freight

kind of look like Innovas to me

 

[KnurledNut]

These are featured in the latest catalog.

 

[Ohmthis]

The last models were just rebadged autels.

 

[Brownsfan]

They also just came out with new multimeters. The scan tools definitely look like Innova to me. I wonder who is making the meters.

 

[Alpine4x4]

Be curious if it actually works on ABS codes for domestics. Lots of readers say they do, but dont.

 

[lbhsbz]

These are featured in the latest catalog.

At least before, they had Autel stuff...halfway bootleg Autel stuff that couldn't be updated like real Autol stuff, but it was a decent start. Autel is probably the best non mainline aftermarket scanner platform out there. Innova? They're OK for the home gamer, but this proves their product development group has no idea WTF they're doing. Comparing to Blue Point? Give me a break...might as well put their hand tools up against the companion line from sears.

 

[Tallpilot]

At least before, they had Autel stuff...halfway bootleg Autel stuff that couldn't be updated like real Autol stuff, but it was a decent start. Autel is probably the best non mainline aftermarket scanner platform out there. Innova? They're OK for the home gamer, but this proves their product development group has no idea WTF they're doing. Comparing to Blue Point? Give me a break...might as well put their hand tools up against the companion line from sears.

Some pros (especially relatively poorer new ones) buy some tools at Harbor Freight. I am not aware of any who purchase scan tools there. These are almost certainly marketed toward home gamers who want to be able to do what the Autozone guy does for them; grab a code then launch parts at it until it's fixed or trade it in.

No way to know for sure but perhaps Autel USA didn't like them selling 'third shift' editions of their products which forced them to find an alternative. Obviously these are not going to make the Harbor Freight 'must-haves.'

The big three 'professional' aftermarket scan tools (Snap-On, Autel, Launch) all have pros and cons. The only true 100% dealer level capability tool is the factory tool with the exception of the makes which support J2534 and provide a web portal which works with a pass through device. Perhaps someday there will be a <$200 tool with most of the capability needed to properly diagnose and repair modern solid state control systems on vehicles but that day isn't here yet.

 

[lbhsbz]

The big three 'professional' aftermarket scan tools (Snap-On, Autel, Launch) all have pros and cons. The only true 100% dealer level capability tool is the factory tool with the exception of the makes which support J2534 and provide a web portal which works with a pass through device. Perhaps someday there will be a <$200 tool with most of the capability needed to properly diagnose and repair modern solid state control systems on vehicles but that day isn't here yet.

Foxwell is the best I've found so far for a price point tool....I bought the NT510 for my own amusement more than anything else last year, but it's proven to be a good tool....but not without it's glitches. If I try to autodetect my 2002 silverado...it makes something click and resets the radio clock to 1:00. Tried the same on the wifes '03 4runner, it screwed up the VSC zero point calibration and set the radio to an AM station...LOL. All other functions on GM, toyota, and Ford seem to work well, so long as you manually enter the vehicle.

I don't care if an outfit is selling a tool that is a work in progress...as long as they're receptive and at least act they'll try and help make things right...Harbor freight doesn't care about anything other than the sale...there is absolutely zero post sale support or capability of post sale support, which is why I'm slowly moving to avoid them

 

[zendriver]

Thanks for posting info about these new products. The haters complaining about them offering Little more than innuendo , even makes them more interesting.

My centech will read abs codes on some Chevys but not my Silverado which used something A little proprietary at the time (I think). I'll check if those functions have been added in.

This is an upgrade year for equipment anyway


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Coach James]

Thanks for posting info about these new products. The haters complaining about them offering Little more than innuendo , even makes them more interesting.

My centech will read abs codes on some Chevys but not my Silverado which used something A little proprietary at the time (I think). I'll check if those functions have been added in.

This is an upgrade year for equipment anyway


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Glad to do it. I figure some people may not have seen these and might be interested.

Coach

 

[1982fxr]

I can’t imagine paying that much for that type of tool from hf.

 

[firworks]

Foxwell is the best I've found so far for a price point tool....I bought the NT510 for my own amusement more than anything else last year, but it's proven to be a good tool....but not without it's glitches. If I try to autodetect my 2002 silverado...it makes something click and resets the radio clock to 1:00. Tried the same on the wifes '03 4runner, it screwed up the VSC zero point calibration and set the radio to an AM station...LOL. All other functions on GM, toyota, and Ford seem to work well, so long as you manually enter the vehicle.

I don't care if an outfit is selling a tool that is a work in progress...as long as they're receptive and at least act they'll try and help make things right...Harbor freight doesn't care about anything other than the sale...there is absolutely zero post sale support or capability of post sale support, which is why I'm slowly moving to avoid them

Foxwell is definitely glitchy but real powerful too. I'm still working on the parser for the data capture format. I made some good progress last night on it. I think with full graphing capability it'd be hard to beat. Just if they could "tighten it up a bit".

 

[xin]

I can’t imagine paying that much for that type of tool from hf.

My thought exactly.

 

[theoldwizard1]

What I don't understand is why companies are still building hardware ?

A bluetooth OBD-II adapter can be purchased for a couple of bucks (in volume). An Amazon Fire HD 10 is an AMAZING tablet for about $150. Add $10 or $20 in a nice rugged housing and maybe a screen protector.

BlueDriver should be killing everyone else if they are able to keep upgrading the software.

 

[Patrobot]

I bought the HF zr13 a few weeks back however I cannot recommend it at all. Out of 3 cars it only provided live data on 1, supported enhanced dtc reading on none, SRS & ABS diagnostic on only 1 car and appeared only as a generic storage device when I hooked it up to my laptop to update. It told me nothing more than my old $40 reader. As I unboxed this scanner the cheap self destructing packaging, lack of storage box or pouch and very light construction immediately left me feeling like I had been cheated out of $170

 

[Patrobot]

Wanted to mention the support site zurichdiagnostics.com directs you to the Harbor freight main site, where you can spend your money on some more ****, it's laughable!

 

[AA/FC]

What I don't understand is why companies are still building hardware ?

A bluetooth OBD-II adapter can be purchased for a couple of bucks (in volume). An Amazon Fire HD 10 is an AMAZING tablet for about $150. Add $10 or $20 in a nice rugged housing and maybe a screen protector.

BlueDriver should be killing everyone else if they are able to keep upgrading the software.

Does bluedriver offer any bi-directional controls? Or is it just a code scanner?

 

[Fedwrench]

I bought the HF zr13 a few weeks back however I cannot recommend it at all. Out of 3 cars it only provided live data on 1, supported enhanced dtc reading on none, SRS & ABS diagnostic on only 1 car and appeared only as a generic storage device when I hooked it up to my laptop to update. It told me nothing more than my old $40 reader. As I unboxed this scanner the cheap self destructing packaging, lack of storage box or pouch and very light construction immediately left me feeling like I had been cheated out of $170

What make, model, year vehicles were you trying to communicate with?

 

[Eric29]

I agree. The Foxwell is bi-directional and is helpful for retracting electronic parking brakes and bleeding ABS systems.

Foxwell is the best I've found so far for a price point tool....I bought the NT510 for my own amusement more than anything else last year, but it's proven to be a good tool....but not without it's glitches. If I try to autodetect my 2002 silverado...it makes something click and resets the radio clock to 1:00. Tried the same on the wifes '03 4runner, it screwed up the VSC zero point calibration and set the radio to an AM station...LOL. All other functions on GM, toyota, and Ford seem to work well, so long as you manually enter the vehicle.

I don't care if an outfit is selling a tool that is a work in progress...as long as they're receptive and at least act they'll try and help make things right...Harbor freight doesn't care about anything other than the sale...there is absolutely zero post sale support or capability of post sale support, which is why I'm slowly moving to avoid them

 

[xin]

Wanted to mention the support site zurichdiagnostics.com directs you to the Harbor freight main site, where you can spend your money on some more ****, it's laughable!

It is the DARTBOARD they spin the wheel and make up names.

Kinda like the 'HULK' line up for power tools they beat everyone even tho they just started like selling them lastnight...



PLUS money is too hard earn on their imaginary 'they beat all the completion ads. Don't forget the AWESOME 90 DAY warranty who knows what it is on these trinkets.

 

[Patrobot]

FWIW I tried the scanner on a 2000 BMW, 96 Mercedes s420, 07 Saturn Vue, V6, 08 Scion. I decided to return this item today and the experience was every bit as horrible as I expected. Even though the product simply did not work at all as advertised and the support site did not exist the manager insisted I should have purchased the extended warranty for $40 to get a full refund instead of getting hit with a $40 restocking fee!? Since my line was getting pretty long and I was clearly willing to make a scene, we agreed on a compromise, lesson learned.

 

[xin]

FWIW I tried the scanner on a 2000 BMW, 96 Mercedes s420, 07 Saturn Vue, V6, 08 Scion. I decided to return this item today and the experience was every bit as horrible as I expected. Even though the product simply did not work at all as advertised and the support site did not exist the manager insisted I should have purchased the extended warranty for $40 to get a full refund instead of getting hit with a $40 restocking fee!? Since my line was getting pretty long and I was clearly willing to make a scene, we agreed on a compromise, lesson learned.

Was it the HF one?

 

[6PTsocket]

Foxwell is the best I've found so far for a price point tool....I bought the NT510 for my own amusement more than anything else last year, but it's proven to be a good tool....but not without it's glitches. If I try to autodetect my 2002 silverado...it makes something click and resets the radio clock to 1:00. Tried the same on the wifes '03 4runner, it screwed up the VSC zero point calibration and set the radio to an AM station...LOL. All other functions on GM, toyota, and Ford seem to work well, so long as you manually enter the vehicle.

I don't care if an outfit is selling a tool that is a work in progress...as long as they're receptive and at least act they'll try and help make things right...Harbor freight doesn't care about anything other than the sale...there is absolutely zero post sale support or capability of post sale support, which is why I'm slowly moving to avoid them

That is the the very reason that I take all their new "good as ***" with a grain of salt. Their lack of support makes them throw aways. An EXTRA COST insurance policy for an exchange is all the support you get. I try to avoid store brand tools, in general. While the manufacturers are not always helpful, I find store brand support is almost always pretty useless. Ever call HF with a product question? LMFAO!!.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[xin]

That is the the very reason that I take all their new "good as ***" with a grain of salt. Their lack of support makes them throw aways. An EXTRA COST insurance policy for an exchange is all the support you get. I try to avoid store brand tools, in general. While the manufacturers are not always helpful, I find store brand support is almost always pretty useless. Ever call HF with a product question? LMFAO!!.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

That is why they have the 'HULK' product line - and a 90 Day warranty!

Walk out the door and they have a new Dartboard name.

 

[bubinga]

Be curious if it actually works on ABS codes for domestics. Lots of readers say they do, but dont.

Well that *****...........
I got an ABS lite on in my Olds. (Old too.....LOL) Alero.................
I would want to read my car, and other domestics..............

 

[AmishFury]

Be curious if it actually works on ABS codes for domestics. Lots of readers say they do, but dont.

most that say they do... do... but for certain vehicles...

when you look at coverage charts pretty much all your consumer level units with ABS have the same coverage

for anything not in those charts you need to open the wallet a bit wider and step into the higher end stuff (which as a bonus many of the models you'll find in that range have bi-directional controls)

 

[geo_08]

Does bluedriver offer any bi-directional controls? Or is it just a code scanner?

I just got mine and am still playing with it, so I am not sure myself yet. The claim lots of more advanced abilities in regards to ABS and SRS, but we will see.

What I don't understand is why companies are still building hardware ?

A bluetooth OBD-II adapter can be purchased for a couple of bucks (in volume). An Amazon Fire HD 10 is an AMAZING tablet for about $150. Add $10 or $20 in a nice rugged housing and maybe a screen protector.

BlueDriver should be killing everyone else if they are able to keep upgrading the software.

So far I agree with this, even if just using the blue driver as a cheap scan tool it is way more efficient than a corded tool.

 

[tutti57]

I got an Autel on Amazon for a backup for like $110 that does obd2, srs, and abs. So far it's been able to communicate with everything I've needed it to and has lifetime updates for free.

These things are all a bit glitchy. I just had an experience where the code description did not match the code and had me chasing my tail. I emailed Autel numerous times on this issue and it's been weeks with no answer.

Like someone else said, oem is best and the others all have their weak points, even the mighty Zeus!

Sent from my Moto E (4) Plus using Tapatalk

 

[bubinga]

I just got mine and am still playing with it, so I am not sure myself yet. The claim lots of more advanced abilities in regards to ABS and SRS, but we will see.



So far I agree with this, even if just using the blue driver as a cheap scan tool it is way more efficient than a corded tool.

do any of the Bluetooth adapters at least give out ABS Codes?

 

[AmishFury]

do any of the Bluetooth adapters at least give out ABS Codes?

from what i've seen... none of the software the runs off the cheapo adapters supports ABS... only the ones where you spend significantly more and the adapter only works with their app and the coverage for ABS isn't much better than most DIY grade scanners

just doing a quick check of the 4 vehicles i commonly mess with (mine and nearby relatives) by using the "will it work" thing on the bluedriver site... only 2 show support for ABS... the same 2 that are supported by my Actron CP9680 and the Innova unit i used to have

 

[bubinga]

from what i've seen... none of the software the runs off the cheapo adapters supports ABS... only the ones where you spend significantly more and the adapter only works with their app and the coverage for ABS isn't much better than most DIY grade scanners

just doing a quick check of the 4 vehicles i commonly mess with (mine and nearby relatives) by using the "will it work" thing on the bluedriver site... only 2 show support for ABS... the same 2 that are supported by my Actron CP9680 and the Innova unit i used to have

l see, thank you!

 

[BoulderGTI]

As always, I was in a hurry and needed something immediately. I got the ZR11. Not impressed so far. Won't read ABS on Subaru despite the comparison table clearly showing that this is the reason to buy the ZR11 for $50 more than the ZR8.

Now I have to decide whether it's worth the effort and sanity to go argue with the knobs at HFT to try to get my money back. I really need to just put my foot down and say I'm never going back into the store - I always regret it afterward.