Scan tool questions

[Greg85mcss]

I recently went from a corporation to a privately owned shop. It's great, but we aren't provided with as much fancy new equipment. We have an older Solus to use, but I'm debating on whether I should get a scanner with more functions than my pocket scanner. What I'm looking for is full scan and clear, especially abs & srs, live data graphing, preferably with the capability to select a few things to watch together. Tpms and touch screen would be nice, but aren't a deal breaker. I work on almost all Hondas and don't need a ton of special functions. I have quite a few things on my to buy list so budget is tight. Any suggestions?
I'm thinking about a used otc genisys I saw for $300. I have used one in the past and liked it. It's a little overkill for what I need, but I don't think I'll find something with everything I want for close to that price. My main concern is if it will function right without updates. I've heard they aren't doing any more. Anyone have experience with using one of these that hasn't been updated?

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

 

[Fedwrench]

OTC is notorious for dropping platforms in order to launch a new and improved platform.
A used Genisys may not be that much of a bargain if it's the first generation tool (they were real slow) or if it's not close to being current. Of course that may also depend on what you work on too.
I recommend taking a look at Autel and launch products before investing in an older platform.

 

[Greg85mcss]

Those are the two I'm most interested in. I have watched a few videos on YouTube and I one of them didn't seem very intuitive to navigate. I can't remember which it was, but thinking autel. I have one of their pocket scanners I really like though. This isn't a priority purchase, but it would be nice not to use the clunky old shop scanner and switch keys for different systems.

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

 

[WhiffySpark]

Keys? Tell your shop to spend some money and upgrade their stuff. I haven’t dealt with keys in a long time..

 

[Showkey]

The mid price AUTEL like MD802 at $200 will give a Honda factory scan tool data list.

 

[Tallpilot]

OTC is notorious for dropping platforms in order to launch a new and improved platform.
A used Genisys may not be that much of a bargain if it's the first generation tool (they were real slow) or if it's not close to being current. Of course that may also depend on what you work on too.
I recommend taking a look at Autel and launch products before investing in an older platform.

It is an excellent price but it’s going to end up just being money flushed down the drain.

Keys? Tell your shop to spend some money and upgrade their stuff. I haven’t dealt with keys in a long time..

This for sure. With all due respect to the shop owner; I’ve got better diagnostic equipment for working in my driveway. I know this stuff is expensive and it’s hard to stay above water but keeping up with tech is an absolute necessity.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0714GBRZK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I think that is the most capability you can get unless you want to up your budget to around $500.

 

[Greg85mcss]

That's one I'm considering. I'm not sure exactly what I'm looking to spend but if $500 or a little more would get something that has everything I want and features I might need down the road instead of one that will do the job for now I could increase the budget.
The foreman has a pretty new modis that he lets everyone use. I'm pretty sure they bought it for him. I just don't like borrowing something on a regular basis. Do autel or launch require updates?

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

 

[Fedwrench]

Do autel or launch require updates?

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

All scan tools require updates to keep pace with ever changing technology or end up on the scrap heap or eBay

 

[Greg85mcss]

Oops I meant to ask what they charge. I remember something about one, maybe launch having free updates.

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

 

[emort007]

I've got a red button OTC Genisys as my personal scan tool for use at the shop that I work at.
Like you the shop has an older scan tool, but its got issues and hasn't been updated since 08!Makes it kind of hard to work on newer stuff. I picked up a Newer Genisys with 2013 coverage for Asian, European and USA cars and I love it.
Cost me less than $300, and all I did was buy a $15 battery. I've had it for two years now and never looked back

I looked at a used Autel, but the fact that every time you cycle the key on a car it looses it's mind was a deal breaker. If that thing had a battery it would have been worth it, but it takes forever to boot up, and it needs to boot up often.

 

[Mr_B]

808 pro has a lifetime updates but that what autel class as tool lifetime which going be a few years and not decades .
If you can go up to 500bucks easily do so but don't overspend unless your employer going bung you some of the cost or a raise .
autel and launch very good on the imports.
maybe get a cheap entry scope or used vantage/vantage pro to compliment your scanner .
Shops with minimal diag kit can become a pain as if you buy well your kit will be in high demand but you not getting payback for your investment .

 

[Wamsutta]

https://www.vehicleservicepros.com/...hicleserviceproscom-2018-scan-tool-spec-guide

That's a real good guide for helping you determine what you need.

 

[Greg85mcss]

I'm leaning towards the creader 123 or 129. There are some really nice ones in the next price bracket, but the reality is that it won't be making me money as much as wasting less time on bs. Either way they have all the features I really need and I'll have more money for tools that save me time, which is why I was looking for my own scanner in the first place.

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

 

[Greg85mcss]

One thing I have been trying to find out is what live data the creaders support. Misfires on individual cylinders? I would imagine it's somewhere between my Al319 & a full on scan tool like a Solus.

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I'm leaning towards the creader 123 or 129. There are some really nice ones in the next price bracket, but the reality is that it won't be making me money as much as wasting less time on bs. Either way they have all the features I really need and I'll have more money for tools that save me time, which is why I was looking for my own scanner in the first place.

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

129 is the much superior unit. Free updates since I purchased mine.



Realistically, after the 129 price point, your budget needs to step up to $1000 or more to get good capability. You also need to decide how much you really need to spend. 129 money is totally reasonable, if you're going above that, beware. I'd love a 4 channel scope, but there's no way I'd ever make my money back. Don't buy stuff that's "nice for the shop to have". Let them buy that, your tools need to make money or decrease headache. If they don't want to buy it, they can ship those jobs.

Luckily most hondas are pattern failures and don't usually need bi-directional controls.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

One thing I have been trying to find out is what live data the creaders support. Misfires on individual cylinders? I would imagine it's somewhere between my Al319 & a full on scan tool like a Solus.

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

You basically get what is available in global with the 129. Now, some modern stuff has a LOT in global. And my autel 906 doesn't have subbie misfire counters, I don't remember using anything that did.


I've always been in the "screw tpms" camp. Very little money in that, and lots of crying from customers and management; waste of time IMO.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

129 graphing is weak, you cannot adjust X/Y scale, and if you have multiple traces on 1 graph it's not telling you much. That said, a 129, volt meter, and some thinking can solve LOTS of problems.

You'll just spend more time than with a $1200 autel 906. 129 will not do electric ebrake retraction AFAIK. This is becoming very common, something to consider. If you feel comfortable with the 9volt battery trick, you don't need it, but that can cause issues sometimes.

To me, the scanners fall into 3 ...ately useful. $3000+ - Adds coding.[/QUOTE]

 

[Greg85mcss]

I can't stand tpms. Service advisors never want to charge labor and it ends up being thrown on the ticket as a note. That's been the same at every shop I've been at. From what I've read the 129 does ebrakes. Actually I probably don't really need anything it adds to the 123, but it might be worth another $50 to have the ability.

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I can't stand tpms. Service advisors never want to charge labor and it ends up being thrown on the ticket as a note. That's been the same at every shop I've been at. From what I've read the 129 does ebrakes. Actually I probably don't really need anything it adds to the 123, but it might be worth another $50 to have the ability.

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

I had the 129 before electric ebrakes came out, had the autel once they became common, so I can't say for sure. Amazon says it can, I know I've done steering angle reset with it. Oil light reset was hit or miss. Nice unit overall, I still use it for basic stuff because I can get into the codes menu faster than the autel and it's less bulky.

Gotta have electric parking brake though. Super gravy and adds like .5 to a rear pad slap. Hell volvo calls for 1.8 or something, but there interface and reset procedure is garbage. I have a feeling this is going to become an industry norm. Be the guy that can do that when a newer car comes in.