Professional Distributor - 35

AUTOMOTIVE INTELLIGENCE

AFTERMARKET
DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS
There are many tools to choose from
in the aftermarket. One of the fastest,
full-vehicle health-check-type tools
I've found is the MAHLE TechPRO.
This PC-based scan tool works exceptionally well on GM and Ford applications. On most CAN vehicles (2008
model year and beyond), the tool allows
the technician to select the customer
report option and produce a pre- or
post-scan report with a single click.
The tool will then query all modules for DTCs and the MODE$06
information from the engine controller
and produce a single report that can be
saved as a PDF and printed or attached
to the work order. This operation happens rather quickly and is the only one
I've observed thus far to work this fast.

DIAGNOSTIC MODE
When it comes to observing data, and
depending on the task, I prefer to have
display options that allow me to not
only graph but also control the scaling.
Some scan tools have limitations and
I recommend you review your options
when selecting scan tools. Toyota's
Techstream, Ford's IDS, and one of my
favorites, the VCM Scanner by HPTuners allow for a wide range of scaling and
display options. The VCM scanner also
allows one to generate custom parameter IDs (PIDs) such as math channels.
Some of the OEM tools also contain specialized tests designed to help
identify specific service issues that may
have plagued one of their vehicle platforms and/or powertrain systems. For
example, the Ford IDS sets up specific
PIDs in order to assist in analyzing
specific transmission issues.

DIAGNOSTIC SUPPORT
Some tool manufactures have support
integrated into the tool. Drew Technologies, Autologic, Autoenginuity, and

Blue-link are now under one company,
Opus | IVS, and offer the DrivePro scan
tool. The tool is supported on the back
end by highly talented diagnostic technicians that can help guide one to a
solution when support is needed.

THE FUTURE
OBD-II regulations are always evolving, and we've already seen some new
solutions being implemented, such as
the 3-byte DTC which provides additional information as to the failure
mode that the DTC was set for. Moving forward, I've heard that many of
the advanced utilities found within
OEM tools will soon be available in
generic modes. As more safety systems
get embedded into the vehicle, being
able to access the right data when you
need it will become a critical part of
the service and repair business.
With the introduction of the secure
gateway (SGW) on vehicles, access to
non-emissions related modules will be
unavailable without certain credentials
provided through the use of OEM or
select aftermarket tools. Follow groups
such as the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), Equipment
& Tool Institute (ETI), AutoCare Association, and others to get a glimpse of
what the future of data access might
look like.

KNOWLEDGE AND EDUCATION
Knowing how to best leverage a tool
can come from both external training
and internal self-training. Through
your own persistent research, you can
learn a lot through self-discovery. If
you're interested in staying in touch
with current trends and best practices
around diagnostics, then I invite you
to check out Diagnostic Network (diag.
net) where you'll find some very sharp
professionals helping each other with
advanced technologies.
To read the extended version of this
article, visit: VehicleServicePros/21134191

WORK

SMARTER
NOT HARDER

MS908S

MS908SP

DIAGNOSTIC
INTELLIGENCE
64G Memory

POWERFUL HARDWARE
SMARTER SOFTWARE

Phone: (855) 288-3587 * USSUPPORT@AUTEL.COM
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Professional Distributor

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Professional Distributor

Editor's Note: On the truck and in front of customers
Cover Story: Running on Full Charge
Sneak Peek
Most Wanted
2020 PTEN Innovation Awards Nominees, Part 1
Go Sell Something: Let's improve your demonstration skills
In Focus Products
Diagnostic Tech: Scan tools, code readers, and professional diagnostics
Driving Sales - Power and Air Tools
Tales From the Road: All in this together
Professional Distributor - 1
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