Snap-On Scanners
- Thread starter bmwpower
- Start date
KingPerformance
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 11, 2007
- Messages
- 321
To be honest, they are middle ground. Especially on European cars. Matco has a nice scan tool (made by otc), and there is certain specialty scan tool software that works with a lap top that I believe works just as well as (if not better then) OEM equipment . VAG comes to mind.
Tim G
Well-known member
Depends on what you want to do with it,and on what type of car.bmwpower said:
The scanner itself isn't real valuble,it's the software/cartridges that cost!
Most european stuff requires a mnfr specific cartridge,which is pricey,and pre OBD2 requires mnfr specific adapters.
Latest non programable cartridges stopped in 2001,anything newer needs a programable one that costs @900 each for domestic/asian,updated every 6 months at 495 a pop!
Go w/ one on Ebay that has OBD2 capabilities,with as many personality keys as you can get,they plug into the scanner to access different vehicles.
Depending on how the carmaker set up the PCM,BCM, etc,you can read codes,clear codes,access a diagnostic trouble tree {w/troubleshooter cartridge} read battery voltage,rpms,O2 sensor voltages,fuel trim,coolant temp,pretty much any info sent by sensors to pcm.
If you can get to the Bcm,you can check interior lights,power locks,other body accesories thru the scanner.
If all you want to do is read codes on Obd1,most times you can jump a wire somewhere,and either count idiot light flashes,or hook up an anolog voltmeter and count the sweeps or the needle
I bought a used MT2500 off the Snap on truck 3 years ago,current to 2000 Asian/Domestic,probably 12 or so adapters,complete set of keys,manuals,case for 1500,probably isn't worth half that now!
kartracer55
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- Joined
- Jun 21, 2005
- Messages
- 5,317
I HATE the mt2500... only a few lines of display and too few buttons doing too many things. Having to answer Y/N all the time just means it takes longer to use.
Id look for an OTC/Matco deal. It supports CAN systems and it is fully upgradable. Much easier to navigate, bigger screen, WAY more info, faster, etc. Its just a way more modern scanner. Downside, of course, is that it will run you a few thousand new, and they sell for a good bit of $$$ because they are upgradable.
You may also want to look for an older OTC scanner. We have one at work as well that I occassionally use. Its only 3-4 lines of display, and not quite as fast or as powerfull as the Genysis, but its still far superior to the Mt2500 that I use on occassion
Jim
Id look for an OTC/Matco deal. It supports CAN systems and it is fully upgradable. Much easier to navigate, bigger screen, WAY more info, faster, etc. Its just a way more modern scanner. Downside, of course, is that it will run you a few thousand new, and they sell for a good bit of $$$ because they are upgradable.
You may also want to look for an older OTC scanner. We have one at work as well that I occassionally use. Its only 3-4 lines of display, and not quite as fast or as powerfull as the Genysis, but its still far superior to the Mt2500 that I use on occassion
Jim
How do the snap-on or matco compare to the generic laptop based OBD/CAN readers like autotap, proscan, VAG etc...?
If you have an old laptop, for $300 you can get an interface + software to read and reset the diagnostics on any car from OBD1 to CAN. I've even seen the same setup used to power realtime electronic gauges from the OBC.
Do the Snap-on or matco scanners have other features beyond accessing the scan codes and mfg specific codes?
http://www.myscantool.com/ is one software tool.
If you have an old laptop, for $300 you can get an interface + software to read and reset the diagnostics on any car from OBD1 to CAN. I've even seen the same setup used to power realtime electronic gauges from the OBC.
Do the Snap-on or matco scanners have other features beyond accessing the scan codes and mfg specific codes?
http://www.myscantool.com/ is one software tool.
TNToy
Well-known member
Vermaraj, it depends on which one you're buying. The upper end scanners off the tool trucks will do pretty much everything. Graphing inputs from various sensors, or full-on scope capabilities in the top of the line ones.
For my money, I'd be buying a laptop a few years old and finding the best diagnostic software to stick onto it. That's the route I **DO** plan on going, a year or two down the road.
Like most dealerships, our VIDA scanners are PC-based now. Wonderful tools, and it's ruined me. I hate being hunched over in the car with a Determinator whenever I have to work on a different brand of car. Every major automaker will probably be usuing PC-based diagnostic software soon, if they aren't already. VW's been using VAG for a very long time now, I think they were one of the first.
For my money, I'd be buying a laptop a few years old and finding the best diagnostic software to stick onto it. That's the route I **DO** plan on going, a year or two down the road.
Like most dealerships, our VIDA scanners are PC-based now. Wonderful tools, and it's ruined me. I hate being hunched over in the car with a Determinator whenever I have to work on a different brand of car. Every major automaker will probably be usuing PC-based diagnostic software soon, if they aren't already. VW's been using VAG for a very long time now, I think they were one of the first.
I have a laptop now that I use for OBDII cars, but I didn't think I could use a laptop and software OBDI stuff. Who makes OBDI software and interfaces use with laptops?
This is what I use now:
http://www.autoenginuity.com/
This is what I use now:
http://www.autoenginuity.com/
Last edited:
TNToy
Well-known member
Oops... missed the pre-OBD II part.
How do you like the software you've got? Work well on manufacturer-specific codes, etc?
How do you like the software you've got? Work well on manufacturer-specific codes, etc?
TNToy said:Oops... missed the pre-OBD II part.
How do you like the software you've got? Work well on manufacturer-specific codes, etc?
Works pretty well and the company seems to be diligent with updating the software. If you check out the site, they have other wireless packages, handheld connectors and extended sensor packages if you want to view every sensor and calculation on your Ford, BMW, etc.
Saved me more than a couple trips to the dealer for CEL.