Matco Interceptor Scan tool

nunan · April 14, 2009

Hey, do any of you guys have any experience with the int5000 scan tool from matco? my buddy wants to pick one up for doing heavy duty/light duty stuff, but idk if they're worth the price when a genisys w/ heavy duty setup is half the cost. thanks

Bruce Amacker · April 14, 2009

I have not used the INT5000, but I'll warn you of some of the pitfalls of aftermarket scan tools.

First, Ford is the only major auto manufacturer that never released the CAN bidirectional code to ETI, which is a trade group for aftermarket scan tool manufacturers. That means if you work on a FMC CAN vehicle, you are limited to pulling codes, KOER, KOEO, Buzz test, clearing codes and viewing limited data stream. All of the cool bidirectional tests in the IDS are not available in any aftermarket scan tool. If the tool can do module programming (reflashing) it will likely take you 30-60 minutes to perform this task with numerous steps of identifying the programming level, checking whether it is the latest level, downloading (and paying for) the latest flash level,and installing it into the PCM. We are SERIOUSLY spoiled by the fabulous qualities of the IDS.

Second, on an HD truck aftermarket scan tools are similarly limited. You will be able to read and clear codes and read very limited scan data. You will not be able to program, (other than maximum road speed and some PTO parameters) even though the MFR will likely state "programming capabilities" in their advertisement. I have used the Genisys and it is really limited.

Beware: If you buy an aftermarket scan tool, you will have the ability to do 25% of what the factory scan tool can do.

Good Luck!

nunan · April 14, 2009

yeah unfortunately i know the limitations of aftermarket scan tools. he's not planning on doing reporgramming or anything major. just wants a good tool to do general diagnostics and monitor certain parameters.

Bruce Amacker · April 14, 2009

he's just wants a good tool to do general diagnostics

That's the problem- they're not good.

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DamageINC · April 14, 2009

I'm currently getting acquainted with Snap-On's "Modis" and I can't believe how SLOW it is when it comes to PID data monitoring. Anythign more than 2 or 3 pids at once and you get information updates like once a second, it's horrible. Identifying small quirky problems that would REQUIRE a fast graphnig tool are *never* going to be solved with this thing.

ANd I guess it's close to 10 grand or something ridiculous.

No joke, the PDS would embarrass this thing. The only advantage it has is it's ability to help diagnose (to a degree) anythign on wheels.

Dave

nunan · April 15, 2009

Originally Posted By: nunan

he's just wants a good tool to do general diagnostics

That's the problem- they're not good.

unfortunately he's gunna be workin on a vast amount of vehicles. not just fords. having the factory scan tools for each vehicle would be great, but definately not in the cards.

and i hate the modis, used it in school and it was the biggest piece for the money. i wasnt sure how this compared with the modis, but if its similar than i'm going to advise him against it.

Shlep · April 15, 2009

Our Mac guy strongly advises not to get their version of it because it's been really buggy, crashing, locking up and just plain failing.... and would recommend staying with the Mentor or the Matco version or even the Genisys because of the support available both now and in the future. I'd love to have all the factory toys too but ........ $$$$$$$

Bruce Amacker · April 15, 2009

The Genisys is not a bad scan tool and does well on most automotive platforms. It has good bidirectional controls on everything but Ford CAN vehicles. It's poor on HD trucks using the HD setup and 9 pin Deutsch connector.

I am a strong proponent of OEM scan tools for obvious reasons but realize smaller shops cannot afford an array of OE scan tools. I also hate Snap-On scan tools for the same reasons already stated. If you held a gun to my head and forced me to buy an aftermarket scan tool, the Auto Enginuity software program is the best bang for the buck. Get the Pro version which costs about $1200 and it will do nearly everything the Modis or Genisys does at a fraction of the price. The only thing AE does not have is a "Pathfinder" or "Troubleshooter" program, which is OTC/SO's "guided diagnostics".

Regardless of which aftermarket scan tool you purchase, remember its abilities will be very pale when compared with IDS/PDS. The aftermarket tools do a much better job on GM/Chrysler/Toyota/FordSCP etc with bidirectional controls.

As for HD generic scan tools, I'd suggest AutoTap for Trucks. It is a software based system that is only $699 (with the comm cable) that will do everything a Genisys or Modis will on HD vehicles at a fraction of the price. (the HD setup for Modis is almost $2000 list!) Remember it will pull/clear codes and view limited data stream with no trick tests available.

Most HD comm cables cost $500-800 so essentially you get the software for free. Another great tip is that the AutoTap comm cable works with most IH, Allison, Cat, Cummins, etc. software for general use.

Good Luck!

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LARRY BRUDZYNSKI · April 17, 2009

My choice of providers is APEX, they have alot of the most popular choices, but I personally haven't used them. I have had good reviews from the customers that have bought them and will keep up the subsriptions because they do offer a large variety of choices for all of the MD/HD truck market.