Scan tool, so many to choose from.

dieseldoc · December 15, 2006

I am looking into purchasing a scan tool but dont know what to get. I am used to the snap-on brick that is what I use now. I am a caterpillar tech by trade and we use a laptop and communication adapter to communicate with our engines. I work on our fleet of ford service trucks as well as diesel pick-ups for people in my off time. There are so many options in scan tools that it is overwhelming. I am wondering what you guys reccomend. I need to be able to read and clear dtc's as well as run cylinder contribution tests, glow plug tests, etc. Being able to read some live data would be great as well. I am interested in a laptop based set up, but know how well they work nor have I been able to find much info. What do you guys think of the snap-on solus? Your insight into this necessity of a tool is much appreciated. Thanks

Jim Warman · December 16, 2006

Check out AutoEnginuity... a lot of DIYers seem to be in love with the program...

dieseldoc · December 16, 2006

Thanks, I saw that in a thread that was posted earlier. I looked it up on the net yesterday and it sounds interesting. But it appears that you buy the software kit and than to do anything specific(run any tests and get all the dtcs)you have to buy seperate modules for each manufacturer. Does anybody have any experience with the auto enginuity set up? Or does anybody else use something else that they like really well? What scan tools should a guy stay away from?

ErickBaker · December 16, 2006

I bought a Matco determinator for my personal use and the shop I just started at uses a Snap-on Modis. Both are very good scan tools. However, these scan tools are not nearly as capable as a factory tool. If you are planning on only working on Ford vehicles only I would seriously consider purchasing a PDS system, which will do everything except fuel system tests and relative compression. One word of caution though, if you purchase a generic scan tool you will more than likely still not have access to misfire data on Fords. I learned from OTC reps that Ford is very secretive when it comes to giving out their information. If you will be working on all makes and models either a MODIS or Determinator will be a very capable choice. Just remember, you get what you pay for.

dieseldoc · December 17, 2006

Thanks for the info ErickBaker. I will be working on all three brands. I have used the older snap-on brick at the shop I worked at before becoming a heavy diesel tech. It worked really well and was easy to use. I was able to do the cylinder cut-out test with that but it was the early powerstrokes, 94-97. I will have to do some more research into the snap-on modis. How do you like your matco tool? Is the PDS a ford system I can get through my local ford dealer? What exactly is it?

ktmlew · December 17, 2006

I used one of these a couple of weeks ago. It was on a laptop and very easy to use. Didn't get to spend much time with it as I was werkin on a VW and they didn't have the European sofware...

http://www.obd2.com/scantool/scantool.htm

ErickBaker · December 17, 2006

I like my Matco scanner a lot, I also like the Modis scanner. One thing to make sure you consider in your purchase will be the cost of software upgrades. Snap on requires you to purchase upgrades each year while Matco will let you purchase upgrades whenever you deem them necessary.

As for the PDS it utilizes a pocket PC with an interface device called VCM. You can choose to purchase everything from Rotunda as a kit. It is a very good scan tool and comparable to what the NGS used to be. It is a very good scan tool for doing light diagnostic work. It will also only do OBD II or newer vehicles.

Bruce Amacker · December 18, 2006

Everything depends on your budget. If you can afford a few grand, PDS or IDS are undoubtedly the best choice, but they're Ford OBD2 only. If your budget won't handle an IDS, I'd also suggest the AutoEnginuity. I worked with Jay Horak developing the AE 6.0 software and have to say it does an excellent job, but remember there is no substitute for the factory scan tool. All aftermarket scan tools and software lack the cylinder balance graph, and with Perdels not active on the 6.0, diagnosing an weak cylinder or intermittent misfire becomes a considerable challenge when it's a 30 second diagnostic with the PDS/IDS. AE is the best "bang for the buck" in the aftermarket scan tool selection at this point by a long shot. Don't buy the DIY versions, get the pro version, which is about a grand. It will give you complete bidirectional module access (BCM, ABS, GEM, etc.) on GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, and BMW with more coming at every update. AE updates are only $50/year, which is probably less that the tax on your Snappy updates.

>>What scan tools should a guy stay away from?

Anything red. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

Good Luck!

ErickBaker · December 19, 2006

Quote:

AE updates are only $50/year, which is probably less that the tax on your Snappy updates.

I totally agree with this, Snap-on's updates are kind of a scam. If you decide not to update the scan tool for a few years, when you finally decide to upgrade you have the buy all the previous years as well. I'm not sure if this is true or not, I only know what my Snap On dealer told me. FWIW, the MODIS is lightyears ahead of "The brick".

dieseldoc · December 19, 2006

Well thanks EricBaker and everyone else for all of your input and suggestions. I think I am going to go with the AE. I will have to call AE tomorrow and get some prices but they definitely sound like the best deal by far. From what bruce says it will do everything I want to do and more. Plus $50 a year for updates sure beats the hell out of $1,000 a year from snap-on. Plus I already have a laptop that will be more than sufficient to run the AE setup. Thanks again guys, This is why this is my favorite and most used site.