SnaponToolReview
Member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2017
- Messages
- 9
The new scan Tool from Snap-on is here. The ZEUS!!
- Thread starter SnaponToolReview
- Start date
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
I'm not sold. It seems like a built in identifix system, with a standard snap on scanner/scope combo.
I dislike the auto PID system. I'd prefer a "search" function on my autel, but I want to pick what I want.
Much like identifix, it seems ripe for shotgunning. Reading the fault code list is easy enough, lets me jump around and rule things out. Usually there's no more than 5 tests, since most are ruled out by common sense. Part of diagnosis is being able to look at a big picture and work backwards.
Would this tool cut down time? Probably. Having flash capability would make my life easier too. But, it's not financially viable. I'd say the same would likely be true for this unit.
I dislike the auto PID system. I'd prefer a "search" function on my autel, but I want to pick what I want.
Much like identifix, it seems ripe for shotgunning. Reading the fault code list is easy enough, lets me jump around and rule things out. Usually there's no more than 5 tests, since most are ruled out by common sense. Part of diagnosis is being able to look at a big picture and work backwards.
Would this tool cut down time? Probably. Having flash capability would make my life easier too. But, it's not financially viable. I'd say the same would likely be true for this unit.
anndel
Well-known member
Joel, did you pick up one? I saw your You Tube Channel where the SO guy was demoing the Zeus.
spoolgarage
Well-known member
I wasnt sold on it. I hate the fact that they charge a subscription now and its 5k for 3 years. Not sure it can even do flashing on units. I have a verus pro and do not see the point.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Techs like that need to learn. Not be spoon fed data lists, identifix, etc. See the big picture, understand the big picture. I think it would be convenient to use, but would hinder a young tech and his ability to learn.
Subscriptions in general would take any scan tool out of my radar entirely. Pay to update, sure. But I'm not paying for the privilege to use the tool I already purchased.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
What kills me about that guy is he seems to have EVERY HIGH END SCAN TOOL OUT THERE !
His buddy Ivan can can only afford the Snap-On and a PicoScope. Those are way out of reach of any DIYer.
anndel
Well-known member
Look at Fix it Angel, Angel only has a OTC scan tool (code reader) and nothing else. No scope nothing. So the best tool is your brain.
He is not a diy'r though like Eric the car guy.eric o is a top notch independent with the equipment he needs to be successful.hell he himself still lacks high end oem scan tools.indepentent dealers around here (good ones) have ford,gm,Toyota,Honda,and Chrysler equipment that is used in dealers on top of their snap on verus and modis set ups.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
ETCG IS a professional ! According to his own introduction, he worked for years in various Honda dealers. He lost his job during the Recession. I think he must have done "general repair".
Strouty
Well-known member
For $16k, I would expect it to fix the cars for me.
67gto
Active member
I got my Autel Maxisys on ebay for $1,900.00 last year. around thanksgiving my subscription will run out. I was a professional for 30 yrs, now just a DIY'er. A scan tool is a neccesity for me with my truck, cars, kids cars, etc. The yearly subscription goes for around $795.00. As long as I don't buy a brand new vehicle, it will still work fine for everything I have without renewing the subscription. Of course professional shops need to be always up to date. My Autel has the J2534 programming device, which I had to use to flash my sons BCM on his Monte Carlo. I went onto the GM technet site and subscribed for 48hrs for $50.00. worked like a charm.
A busy shop wont bat an eye at $1750/yr. That would probably be one of their smallest overheads.
I think Snap-On diagnostics need to pick 2-3 platforms and stick to it though. Too many problems and missing info/tools on their existing ones to be crapping out platform updates like the cellphone companies.
I think Snap-On diagnostics need to pick 2-3 platforms and stick to it though. Too many problems and missing info/tools on their existing ones to be crapping out platform updates like the cellphone companies.
It is a Windows tablet with a USB dongle
They have max $500 retail in hardware
The major cost they have is software.
The tool is not on Snap Ons site but I am reading 3$16,000 for the tool and you still need to pay $5000 for three years.
In that case you are paying 16k for a tablet and $1700 per year for software
The yearly fee for updated software is a fair price.. The hardware price is insane
They have max $500 retail in hardware
The major cost they have is software.
The tool is not on Snap Ons site but I am reading 3$16,000 for the tool and you still need to pay $5000 for three years.
In that case you are paying 16k for a tablet and $1700 per year for software
The yearly fee for updated software is a fair price.. The hardware price is insane
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I agree, the initial hardware cost is what is rediculous. Computing hardware is completely commoditized and rediculously cheap. Snap-on is making some serious margin on this stuff. That being said the software and database is worth the money if they keep it current and fix the errata. As it stands there are a great many errors in both the troubleshooting and component test information. I don't know anything about Identifix because I don't use it. The idea sounds rediculous though. It would be good to identify common failures but to replace parts without proper testing isn't going to help the already poor reputation of the average auto mechanic.
WhiffySpark
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2009
- Messages
- 6,252
Identifix is worth its weight in gold. That made me 10x what we paid for it easily
And no one is paying 16k. I can get a modis edge with euro for $4k otd. No one pays retail unless you have a **** dealer
And no one is paying 16k. I can get a modis edge with euro for $4k otd. No one pays retail unless you have a **** dealer
WhiffySpark
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2009
- Messages
- 6,252
Identifix is worth its weight in gold. That made me 10x what we paid for it easily
And no one is paying 16k. I can get a modis edge with euro for $4k otd. No one pays retail unless you have a **** dealer
And no one is paying 16k. I can get a modis edge with euro for $4k otd. No one pays retail unless you have a **** dealer
Ltarreola
New member
I want to ask you, because the Zeus is a bit pricey for DIYs, what other model would you recommend?
plinker
Well-known member
They've got Identifix at work and it can be very helpful at times and other times not very helpful, depending on the situation. It does not replace thinking skills/common sense when problem solving. I view it as more of an aid. Most of the time I am looking for spec's or repair procedures anyway. It's another tool like a service manual.