Which diag tool?

  • Mapengo's Avatar
    Hi,

    The new garage I am working for are about ready (after some serious arm twisting) to invest in diagnostic gear i.e. code reading, live data and cross matching with tech data.

    Looking for opinions and recommendations on which system to consider / purchase and which to avoid.

    Purchase cost, cost of updates and models covered will have a bearing on which they choose. Pre-owned or leased could be an option.

    Cheers, Steve...
  • 8 Replies

  • Hometune's Avatar
    Guest
    Hi Steve,
    The market is overloaded with scanners and code readers all claiming to be the best. What you must remember though is that there is not one that will do everything despite adverts to the contrary. You will need at least two if you want to access all types of cars and all their systems.
    I have been trained on and used the Bosch KTS 650 which a few years ago was considered the king of diagnostic tools. When it works it is unbeatable but its application list was not immense. It is the dearest, has the most expensive upgrades and locks out if you do not buy every year.
    Snap-on have their Modis, Solus range which are popular as they visit garages every week and it can be bought on credit terms. It was recently advertised in Aftermarket magazine as the best selling diagnostic scantool on the market. I visit garages and diagnose with my scanners where it fails!!!
    Before I bought mine I spent weeks contacting makers and visited trade shows. I have a Sykes Pickavant code reader/scanner which I use for quick easy jobs and for cars made from the early 90's as I now have all the specialist diagnostic leads. It is a good cheap all rounder.
    For the majority of my work I use the Launch x431. It is not so good on early British cars but anything Japanese/Asian is a piece of cake. It also has the same qualities as the original manufacturer scan tool for Audi/VW/Seat group, BMW and Mercedes.
    My advice is this. Take them on trial for a month before you buy. Only then will you find out what they can really do. Remember, the salesman gets commission! If they won't let you trial it, don't buy it.
  • Mapengo's Avatar
    Thx for the reply Hometune.

    Have looked at the Launch website and it looks good although the reviews I have read so far on the net have me personally leaning towards an SP unit, there seem to be a good number up for sale on ebay etc with extensive sets of leads and modules. In your experience are these good for live data (do they show it in waveform as well as values) and do they give you manufacturers values to compare to?

    The garage I am at mainly works on older models - 2003 is probably the latest models they get in as they are targeting the "budget" market which suits me as I am easing myself back into the trade gently after being out in africa for the last 7 or so years and most of the kit i had is either missing or in just serviceable condition after being in storage for so long. It will take me a while to re-equip and upgrade.

    I must admit I am struggling to persuade them to invest in diag kit and the autodata 3.18 CD3 although in my mind it is a sound and relatively small investment in terms of efficient diagnosis, service we can sell, time management and effective use of workshop hours (there is only me in the workshop).
    I may just spend my own money and charge them on a per job basis - they are currently paying £35 per job to another shop across the town and were thinking the autodata tech data book from 2000 was all they needed until I started there two weeks ago- hmmmm.

    Would love to get more opinions from the other techs out there.

    Cheers, Steve...
  • Hometune's Avatar
    Guest
    A lot of the cheaper tools dont have scopes. That really is the difference between them. The more you pay, the more you get and the Bosch has 4 waves at once so if you are into heavy diagnostics its invaluable. It also puts a red box around any value that is not within the manufacturer's limits so you don't need to know what they are!
    Stay away from Ebay at all costs!!! You and the tool must be registered with the manufacturer and some will not be upgradable. Be very very careful as another mobile mechanic near me bought a Sykes off Ebay and found that he couldn't bring it up to date for much less than a new one. Also, with Launch, if it comes from another country they will block it and it won't work (warning on their website).
    If the SnapOn man comes your way, he will have a second hand unit. Ask to try it and see what you think. Make sure you get all the leads for pre-97 cars though - there are loads of them.
    Was hoping some RAC lads would be able to help here too.
  • Mapengo's Avatar
    Sorted - of a fashion

    Hi Hometune,

    They decided to go with a 2nd hand leased KTS 570, it was the only one that was demo'd to them!

    And I (the only experienced & qualified tech in the shop) wasn't there when the salesman came a calling.

    And they haven't got all the bits n pieces, connectors etc.

    Best of all, the bloke who gets to go on a 2 day training course to use it is the least mechanically minded person in the garage, doesn't know his crank sensor from a self regulating thingummyjig not the technician with C&G 381 Advanced craft and 20+ years experience- hmmm, time for a move i think .....

    Cheers, Steve...
  • Hometune's Avatar
    Guest
    Think you may be right. If the mechanic can't follow the basics of engine management he won't get far on the course. I think the garage will give it up at the end of the lease as they'll say it was no good because they can't use it correctly :eek:
    To answer a previous question, the ACR4 Sykes is basic but does a pretty good job at the price. No scope but there are a lot of manufacturers' data at the touch of a button. No good on Asian or Japanese. Is OBD and Canbus enabled so anything from 2000 you can access the engine. Might be a good starter kit :)

    Surprised no Patrols have added their views here as they must use this equipment daily :confused:
  • Mapengo's Avatar
    Personal choice

    I had a demo on friday of the X431, quite impressed with it. Hovering on the fence but pretty sure I am going to invest a few shekels of my own hard earned in one.

    :D
  • Hometune's Avatar
    Guest
    Hi Steve,
    There are 2 importers of the X431, one based in Plymouth and one from Rotherham. The web site is by the Rotherham importer. I got mine from a distributor from Rotherham but was selling for Plymouth. Very confusing. My advice is to get it from the Rotherham importer as there is no technical help from Plymouth.
    You need to find out which importer your distributor or agent is selling for.
    You will find me on the X431 forum from time to time.
    Hope that helps.
  • Adrian21's Avatar
    I understand that this is an old thread but it is still appearing in search results so thought it could be worth adding that the Thinktool Master X is also the x431 pad 7 just rebranded at a much lower price, if you want to use your own phone there is also the Thinkdiag. The thinkdiag is a bargain considering it uses the launch software enabling OE level functions and enhanced code reading/clearing at such a low price for either one or two years full car brand access. If you don't want to use your own phone i would probably go with the Master or Master X
    Last edited by Adrian21; 06-10-21 at 14:14.