what scan tool do you use?

DLOR

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 13, 2007
Location
Chapel Hill
I'm looking to upgrade my current scan tool to one of the "big boy" scanners. The little code reader/clearer is just not cutting it anymore. I was loaned an Autel ds708 to play with for a week but haven't had a chance to do so yet. I would like to be able to read live data, abs and airbag codes and do some tests with it. I am not a professional tech but I like to play one in the garage! I know some of the buy in costs are high, but I think its in my future. What are you guys using and how do you like it?
 
i currently own 4 scanners, and 3 code readers. (autel, launch, snap-on verus, snap-on solus ultra)
the autel is really good with aisan vehicles and sometimes leaves a little to be desired with american vehicles.
the launch is really good with german imports and average with everything else.
the 2 snap-on scanners work with everything and are usually my "go to" scanners.

the launch and autel are kind of slow for my everyday use and are not my first choice to pick up.
the snap-on verus stays on a cart and for the most part is stationary in the shop (it's wireless so i have it hooked to a 21" monitor so i can see it from in a car even if i'm on the lift).
the solus ultra seems to be my favorite scanner, it has most of the data i use and is small enough to hang on the steering wheel while driving(not recommend for novice drivers or scan tool readers) (and frowned upon by the raleigh police) the solus is really easy to use (i often have the wife use it when i send her on test drives)

i would personally stay away from the otc scanners, i have never really liked them, they are as slow as crap and their lack of data was astounding (i haven't tried one in the last 3-4 years)
 
I haven't used a scan tool I would recommend, work keeps getting us junk. We are suppose to get some thing new in a few months. Right now we have a laptop with autoinginuity(sp?), But I think they are done and we can't update it. And we also have the determinator it works for the most part but is show. I wish I had a snap on tool, seems like that's the best all around from what I hear.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 4
 
I agree with Lee, stick with a solus, they will do everything you want to do. They are fairly reasonable priced ( in comparison to the verus and certain launch scanners) & with the ability to update on the truck you cant go wrong.
 
You can pick up a used solus in the $600 price range, a solus pro in the $1500..... We also have deals on the ultra right now as well as our newest tool the modis ultra. The modis has the same scanner section but adds component testing. You can actually test the sensor at the sensor, this helps rule out other problems like bad grounds, broken wires, bad ECM etc etc.

If I can help let me know
 
I use the VCM scanner on HP Tuners for my truck, but it's more tailored to suit my needs. When I worked on base, we had an OTC GeniSYS and it worked fairly well. Never had any problems with it personally.
 
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