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Hey Y’all, what’s shakin?
So, WyoTech has been shoving Snap-On down my throat for 11 months now, and the only things I really like are the ETHOS and VERUS. Wait, is it the VERUS? The top of the line thing, above the MODIS.
ANYWAYS, what’s the difference between a code reader and a scan tool? Is the ETHOS really worth the $1200 price tag? I don’t want to pay for the Snap-On name, but that ETHOS is sick.
So, I’m looking for an entry-level technician’s scan tool/code reader and I have no idea what to look for or buy because the school says: “Buy the ETHOS. If you don’t want that, buy a MODIS.”
Problem is, NOBODY even comes close to the same ballpark as the ETHOS. It’s really a kick-@$$ tool. I want PID and Freeze Frame data. I want to read and clear codes for any PCM, ECM, ECU, TCM, ABS, BCM, CCM, and any other Controller Modules I might be forgetting.
I think PID is sick because you can see whether the TCC is locked up, and compare that to MAF, MAP, TPS, and HO2S readings to aid in diagnosis. Plus, it’s fun to open the throttle plate and watch the STFT’s go haywire.
I aim to work at GM as soon as I can get in their doors. I know they have the Tech II, but have Y’all seen the MDI?! It’s all wireless! I shadowed a guy at GM here, and he hooked that thing up WIRELESSLY to the DLC, WIRELESS to his personall laptop that sits on his tool box, then he showed me how he can pull all of the info off of the MDI, onto his computer, have the big screen, and compare it side by side with the actual GM service information, rather than that third party stuff all in an effort to make an easy and correct diagnosis.
Then, he unplugged is laptop from everything, and said: “follow me”. He walks out and sits down next to the customer in the lobby, and they can both look at the data on his laptop. The customer asked a question, and the Tech said: “Let me see..” He goes back to other data from the tool and asks the tool to show him this, that, and the other thing, compares it to GM’s Service Info, and answers the customer’s question using the tool and his laptop to teach the customer what was wrong with the vehicle. How sweet is that?!
So guys, who makes what, and what’s it gonna do to my bank account to buy it? I know I won’t NEED it if I work at a dealership, but when the clowns in the sales dept. make a trade for an 04 Mustang that has a P0305 code, I would like to know that I have access to a tool that WILL tell me: “Hey dummy, you got a miss-fire, Cylinder 5. Try testing the ignition and fuel delivery systems.” And not just “P0300, Miss-fire, perform further tests to determine which Cylinder(s).”
Thanks,
Jason
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The ethos doe not do by-directional controls.
That’s what i wanted and the only one that i could afford that did that was a used snap on MTG-2500.
I really like it so far, it reads codes on all the modules in the car.
Plus the fast track trouble shooter cartridges are sweet.
You can kill injectors and actuate solenoids and stuff on the car.
Some people say it’s out of date ( last updates were 2008) but i never have had to work on anything that new yet.
But it’s still a great unit for cars from 1980-2008 (with the proper cartridges).
Until my business income allows me to buy a better scanner I’m happy with this one.I’m sure your school has some type of purchase tool agreement with Snap-On, alot of schools do. I guess what scan tool you buy depends upon what you can afford and what you want to do with it. I can only speak from personal experience. I have a Modis and I like it but I feel like it’s way over priced. I bought it back when it first came out and was the hottest thing. Before that I had a Snap-On 2500 ‘red brick’ and the Snap-On Vantage meter. I still have those two along with the Modis and they’re just about indestructible. I’ve dropped the red brick numerous times left it near a hot engine, you name it, never had a problem with it. The Modis is good, especially if you learn how to use all that it has to offer. I really like having the 4 channel lab scope. But what ever you buy learning how to use it properly is the key because it’s just a tool and it just provides the information. It’s up to you to determine how to use it. Good luck.
Thanks, gents. Must be nice to be made out of money and have a MODIS. I heard they recently shut down production and are only planning 2-3 years of updates before completely phasing it out in favor of the Verus, Vantage, and whatever else.
I forgot the name, but MATCO has a nice competitive tool that’s right in with MODIS. I simply won’t pay through my nose to buy the Snappy name.So what exactly is the difference between a “code reader” and a “scanner”? Is a reader simply that and nothing more?
Thanks again, guys
Yes, Code readers just read codes and maybe freeze frame data.
A lot of people mistake code readers for scanners.
Real scanners do a lot more then just read codes, They view live data and graph sensors, and you can actuate things ect.. ect…It all depends on what is in your budget and if the scan tool is for personal use or not. Most automotive shops will supply the top of the line scanners.
If i had excess money, id be all over the Verus for personal use.
I want Jennifer Aniston in my bed. But like the Verus, that just ain’t gonna happen.
So, who do I buy from for everyday professional use? MAC, MATCO, or Cornwell? F* the Snap-On prices. I refuse to over pay for a tool just because every Mechanic and his brother owns them.
And I want a real scanner, not a Modis/Verus/Solus type of tool. That’s a freakin NASA rocket ship compressed into hand held. No, I’m not ready for full on diagnostic tools yet. Just a dang good scanner.
Quoted From Chevypower:
I want Jennifer Aniston in my bed. But like the Verus, that just ain’t gonna happen.
So, who do I buy from for everyday professional use? MAC, MATCO, or Cornwell? F* the Snap-On prices. I refuse to over pay for a tool just because every Mechanic and his brother owns them.
And I want a real scanner, not a Modis/Verus/Solus type of tool. That’s a freakin NASA rocket ship compressed into hand held. No, I’m not ready for full on diagnostic tools yet. Just a dang good scanner.
That made me laugh!
Did you ever look at the Actron C9190? http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP9190-AutoScanner-Diagnostic-Scanner/dp/B000KGCUMA
Its a pretty decent scan tool for the price and it is what i use for personal use. Granted its not bi-directional but it shows PID data that would be a nice start for a newer tech to learn from.
I think theres also another thread around here with scan tool info and what to buy as well.
Quoted From Trcustoms719:
Yeah i want a Verus too.
I might actually look into a used Vantage though.The vantage is a piece of garbage unless you do not have a lab-scope at all. The processor is weak and is super slow. The save files are crap and hard to upload, send etc..
That said a verus works well but still only has a 600MHz processor which makes me mad because for the price of the verus we should at least get a 1.5ghz which is pretty standard on any tablet pc.
You may also take note that the verus,vantage and modis DO NOT come with the additional adapters to utilize the scope features and will have to be purchased separately with a price of no less than 2500 but could go as high as 7500 depending if you need the SIA adapter.Anyways whatever his name was that started this thread will never have the tool to Carry out the function that may be needed because all problems are never included in one single scan tool as the third party tool makers are limited to what the OEM’s have released.
Usually to get all the functions you have to have an unlocked version of the factory scan tool.
The only thing he can actually do is decide what he will settle for and that depends on if he has a DSO or not.
I would say the genisys and pegisys is a pretty universal bi-directional scan tool made by spx that co-writes alot of the scan software utilized in many factory scan tools but I wouldn’t expect it to reinitialize a PATS system, add a key to a Honda or add a key fob to a Chrysler. (by the way the pagisys has an integrated two channel dso)
Those functions are only a few off the top of my head because those are the most common but you might also think on a quick assumption that you wont need that function anyways and I’m here to tell you that you are wrong.If you stick to the OEM units you will get a full functional 100% do all that is available tool but there needs to be a little warning given as there are clone units out there on ebay, amazon etc.. and a guy can get one cheap but to later realize it is a clone when it wont perform or has a problem is expensive.
There are clone Honda GNA and HIM units that are cheap but worthless not to mention Honda doesn’t even support them anymore nor can they j2534-1 or-2 although the add say it does.
There is also the MTS3100 Mastertechs out there that Bosch/Vetronix pushes as the OEM tool that services Honda PGM and Toyota TDS and for the most part they are the same except the ones marked Honda and Toyota are embedded with a silicon chip that enables other features that only the dealer has the power to enable or program things that are going to be a common request in the near future.I have a Verus and I’m totally ok with it and it’s functions but I understand the limits of the unit. Should I need to enable 3 cylinder idle on a cummins engine I know only the drb3 will do it and I don’t expect the Verus to do it.
I have 20 years or so in independent car care and have bought alot of scanners and sold none.
So far I have a Ford ngs, Ford vcm/ids,Genisys,Mastertech-mvci,Verus,Mt2500(brick),Gmtech2,
Gmtech1a ,Chrysler-drb3,Honda pgm, Honda him,Honda mvci, Toyota-tds, Toyota-tech-stream, Silica-sbb, Mitsubishi-mut and an Autoenginuity.
Each one of them has a handful of certain features that not another unit can clone for an exception of the brick but has it’s certain functions that I like for obd1 vehicles.
The Mastertech-mvci has an integrated j2534-1 and -2 feature that is bar none the best unit I have ever used for programming without the third party restrictions so I can do the IPC’s, Theft systems and security modules without sending them out.The thing is, I would save up and buy a factory scan tool but, I work on so many different makes i would not be able to afford them all.
I’m just starting out and don’t even have a real shop yet, so for now I’m going to have to be happy with my Little old MTG-2500.I have about $1000 bucks in mine so far and still don’t even have anything for euro cars yet.
Most the stuff i work on is older then 08 anyway so I think I’ll be good for awhile.Quoted From Trcustoms719:
The thing is, I would save up and buy a factory scan tool but, I work on so many different makes i would not be able to afford them all.
I’m just starting out and don’t even have a real shop yet, so for now I’m going to have to be happy with my Little old MTG-2500.+1. I think about 99% of this forum can not afford the better scan tools out there for personal use. Jacob is 100% right with his analysis though however, like the rest of you, i will never own anything close to OEM unless i win the lottery or decide to open my own service shop and go into alot of debt doing so and with this economy, that is not an option.
Be happy with your Brick Trcustoms, its a nice tool to have.
I keep hearing about the MTG-2500 and I see them selling on ebay listing just the body for fairly cheap. Besides the body, what else do I need to use it if I buy this? Researching on the web I can’t find any answers. Thanks.
You would need the keys, adapters, cables and update cartridges.
The Brick was the first scan tool i learned on. Id love to have one if i could find one at a reasonable price. Don’t forget that you can no longer update these anymore but they work great on older vehicles too.
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