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Posted

Hello, 

We're in the market for a new scanner and figured I'd ask fellow shop owners their ideas and experiences. I did search the board archives and didn't see much within the past year or so. 

We are a general repair shop servicing most anything, according to customer attitude. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance 🙂

Posted (edited)

I have the snap on verus pro, the snap on ethos edge, Snap on modis, autel maxi sys pro, a cheap harbor freight $89 code reader and the bosch mastertech j2534 passthru. If i could start all over again i would probably ONLY have a few obd2 dongles that work with smart phones, a j2534 pass thru and a pico scope. 90% of the time obd2 dongles would be used, when i needed deeper capabilities the j2534 would come out and the customer would understand the NEED to pay more and in about 2% of the cases the pico comes out and the customer REALLY understands they need to pay more! Its been my experience with the big aftermarket scanners with updates and maintenance, well they just are not worth the investment.

Edited by mastertechlex
  • Like 1
Posted

Don't even both with a snap-on, they are decades behind in development. I had a verus for a few years, I would have been better off throwing the 10+k in the scrap bin. I get calls from other shops all the time that can't do basic tests on european cars or swap modules and need them programed.  I stop by to do a favor and sure enough, they've got a snap-on, worthless.  Best overall that I've used is the Autel Maxisys elite.  Does most everything and comes with a J2534 passthrough adapter for when you need the OEM diag tools or need to do flash programing. I also have dealer type VCIs for the brands I use the most like BMW, Mercedes, VAG cars. I have a vag-com which is fast and capable for vw-audi. Most other manufacturers software work pretty well with J2534 passthrough like Jag/Rover, volvo. I have a laptop setup just for using these tools and swap hard drive trays to change software. Each one is setup for a manufacturer just like the dealer would have (subscriptions are required). This gives the broadest capabilities but takes a lot of time and technical investment. If you want to actually diagnose and fully repair problems though its the best way to do it. We can update software on all modules and even program keys on most vehicles.

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  • 3 weeks later...
Posted

We use the cheapest autel code readers and plug into identifix or sure trac then test the old fashioned way. I own a Maxisys elite and it works well for bidirectional testing and the coding. We’ve used about every scanner out there these tool trucks try to sell magic but there’s no avoiding hands on component testing. 

Posted (edited)

Thanks for the information everyone. After a lot of research we ended up getting the Autel Maxisys Elite, just got it today. I'll report back.

Edited by Extracareman

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

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      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.
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