No Verus on this Snap On Truck

I stepped onto a Snap On truck today to get a close up shot of the Verus for this blog. The Snap On salesman said he couldn’t justify the expense of keeping a Verus scan tool in stock, it sells for $8895 without accessories. Quite understandable with today’s economic state and the price of the Snap On Verus scan tool approaching the cost of a new economy car like the Nissan Versa. 

$8895 Verus

$9990 Versa

The Truth. “Obviously there is a huge bias towards the OTC tools on this site, so it is pointless to try and make a direct comparison. The VERUS is an actual COMPUTER, running windows XP, capable of running numerous applications and going to unlimited websites. The Pegisys is simply a custom interface with a touchscreen. The ONLY websites you can access are for software downloads and identifix. All of the information in the “comparison info” on the OTC site is misconstrued and mostly lies. Having used both, the verus has the better screen, better interface, better true shop capabilities, etc, etc, etc… the list goes on and on. What are the major complaints here? personality keys? really? We have been using them for a very long time, it’s not that big of a deal. The wireless link to the pegisys failed multiple times during the demonstration by the napa rep, I wouldn’t try and use that day to day. Also, the verus stores customer information and vehicle information until deleted, not for just two weeks like pegisys. And the ability to graph and record ALL PIDS at once, instead of just the three on screen is critical! The verus is always recording pid data from when you enter the datastream, when I used the pegisys I noticed that the unit would start graphing other pids when you switched to them, but would lose the history of the ones previously shown. To the host here, how can you deny that pegisys is NOT a genisys with a touchscreen. Same information (less actually) no true online capabilities, no true computer capabilities. Why not tell a little truth now and then.”

Read the rest…

It seems that with all the new choices for wireless automotive scan tools now, information is hard to come by. Our recently revised automotive tech article compares the top three wireless, touch screen automotive scan tools from Snap On (Verus), OTC (Pegisys) and Launch (X431Tool). Snap On known for it’s quality tools and yes, high prices. Snap On has the Verus to offer shops that are looking for a good all around scan tool that works well with many different types of vehicles and systems. The good news is that there are other choices for premium wireless auto scan tools that have wireless capabilities and an Internet connection feature that is really a plus when it comes to diagnosing today’s cars. The OTC Pegisys is sure to become a very popular choice and will most likely surpass the OTC Genisys scan tool in sales in the years to come (see our previous post on the Genisys Scan Tool). Genisys isn’t done yet though, for shops that want a bargain scan tool with plenty of capability the Genisys scan tool still certainly provides that. And then there is the Launch X431Tool, a new wireless scan tool that you may not have heard about, but has been a popular choice outside the US for some time now. For shops that want a premium wireless scan tool at a great price, the Launch is worth considering. One of the best things about the Launch is that it includes Domestic, Asian and European coverage with free updates for one year directly from their website. With Launch, updates can be done every week if desired and Launch is constantly upgrading the software. So, many technicians are taking advantage of being able to update often. Vehicles are becoming more complex all the time, fortunately for auto techs of today, scan tools are providing the capabilty to diagnose these complex vehicles without losing productivity.

Good – Simple Actron Code Reader CP9125

The CP9125 Actron code reader is a very popular choice for the DIY (Do it Yourself-er) and for many used car dealers that want to read codes before the auction (or clear the codes prior to their car being ran through). The size of this tool makes it easy to carry in your pocket. No frills, just a good basic code reader with about 3,000 definitions for Global OBD 2 codes. This code reader works on all cars with US emissions, OBD II connector 1996 and up.

Better – Code Reader with Definitions

The Launch CReader is a basic OBD2 code reader that is great for the DIY (Do it Yourself-er) or the auto mechanic that would like to have the convenience of reading and clearing Power Train Codes, without the expense of owning a more elaborate scan tool. The Launch CReader is also capable of working on vehicles with CAN protocol. Controller-Area-Network, or CAN-bus is a new computer network standard that enables multiple control modules to communicate with each other. To illustrate how great a deal this is, consider this; The CAN adapter alone for a Snap On MT2500 Scan Tool is around $250. Without it the Snap On Scanner is unable to communicate with many vehicles. The Launch CReader also allows Freeze Frame Data to be stored and viewed. Freeze Frame Data means that at the time the CEL (Check Engine Light) comes on, sensor readings are recorded. This can be very helpful in cases where a sensor may have an intermittent failure and then be functioning as normal when the diagnoses is attempted. Having Freeze Frame Data with an inexpensive code reader is a real plus. Another useful feature the Launch CReader has is the built in Readiness Monitor. The Readiness Monitor will let let you know when a drive cycle is complete after a repair has been made. Since many conditions have to be met to complete the drive cycle, this indicator takes out the guess work. A Readiness Monitor alone, that indicates when a drive cycle is drive is complete can be priced over a hundred dollars.

Good – Actron CP9190 Scanner Graphs & is Bi-Lingual

The Actron CP9190 scanner has the features of the CP9125 and more. The Actron CP9190 has graphing and printing capability. This scanner in addition to scanning OBDII and CAN protocol vehicles has cables for some OBD I vehicles. So in certain cases this scanner could be more useful especially if your first language is Spanish or if you have a classic (or a work car) in the garage that has OBDI. The larger back lit display is easy to read and this scanner has it’s own batteries that allows the code information to be displayed even after the OBD interface cable has been unplugged.

Better – The OTC 3499 has more enhanced codes

The OTC 3499 Scanner has more enhanced codes including codes for Honda. OTC is one of the largest manufacturers of automotive scan tools, OTC actually owns Actron as well. Actron is tailored to the DIY (Do it Yourself-er) and OTC is marketed more to the professional auto Technician. Also Bi-lingual, the OTC 3499 has a larger display than Actron and also has extra interface cables enabling it’s use to a wider coverage of vehicles in addition to OBD II, it includes OBD I connections for GM, Ford and Chrysler. 

 OTC Hand Held Battery, Charging System/ Starter Tester

The OTC Sabre is a hand held tester that is an easy to use alternative to the OTC Minuteman electrical tester. This tool is very easy to use, quick and accurate. The Sabre being a hand held unit, is not subjected to the abuse of rolling across rough shop floors. It comes in a nice storage case, some models come with a wireless infrared printer. The printer capability is nice since many customers will believe the print out over what the technician says. There is an optional amp probe needed for testing amps drawn by the starter. This unit is especially good for not taking up floor space in smaller auto shops.

Old Style Toaster/Battery Tester

The OTC Sabre uses technology that doesn’t create the heat that the old style dead short toasters did. The name toaster for this type of tester was obviously derived from the fact that you could literally toast bread on one of these testers when putting a load on a battery. They work though, and for many years that is all I used at the Goodyear shop that I started at back in the 80’s.

MinuteMan OTC Tester on Roll Around

The OTC Minute Man tester has the capability to check starters without having to purchase an optional amp probe. Larger shops that space is not an issue may favor this tester. There is also something to be said for being able put batteries on the bottom of this cart instead of carrying them by hand to and from the car!

What’s in your toolbox?

Recently I sat in on a CarQuest sponsored auto technician training class for Auto Enginuity and the Carman Wi. Both of these scan tool softwares are PC (Personal Computer) based. The Auto Enginuity scan tool software is an up and coming player in the scan tool arena that has more USA Domestic capability than the Carman Wi. The Carman Wi is a Korean based auto scan tool software that has much more capability when it comes to Asian vehicles, in particular the Hyundai and Kia. The Carman Wi lacks OBD II function, it’s not surprising since this tool is made mostly for the Asian market place where OBD II does not exist. Each of these tools are a work in progress. Each tool had it’s advantages and disadvantages and apparently CarQuest is pitching them as a pair to be able to provide the most complete vehicle coverage. The Carman Wi had an extra module that was placed precariously on a side tray on the computer cart. The trainer warned as he displayed on the overhead projector, whatever you do “don’t drop the module.”  You guessed it, just as the words came out of his mouth, he dropped the module, catching it by the computer cables before it crashed to the floor, the classroom broke out into laughter. There is something to be said for scan tools that are encased in a durable shell that are designed for exposure to the real shop environment. There’s always at least one joker in the group, one in our group said that he would rather have a Nintendo Wii instead of the Carman Wi.

Many Cables.  Each tool had many different connection cables required for interfacing to different makes and models. Someone in the class made the statement that they should have all the cables incorporated into one, like the OTC Genisys Smart Cable. The instructor said that OTC has had a lot longer to develop their scan tools and that we just have to understand that improvements are on the way.  When either tool lacked in any area of capability, the trainer also responded by saying “it’s not cooked yet…it’s not done.”  This was his way of saying that both scan tool soft-wares are in constant development and are not complete at this time.

Colors on Parade.  The bar graphs for each scan tool were customizable by changing the colors of the background and the lines themselves to be able to see the readings more clearly. The Carman Wi being Korean made and losing some meanings in translation, calls the background color setting, the bottom, since it is the bottom color. I couldn’t help thinking that flat rate techs are not going to be too concerned with the color of the graphs, they just want to quickly diagnose the car and move on. The Carman Wi also did not show much of a reading on the graph, it looked more like a straight line. One of the techs pointed this out, the instructor adjusted the graph to show more definition as the tech just stood there and shook his head no, not happy with the degree of movement of the bar graph line. The Auto Enginuity’s graph was much easier to read variances since there was much more movement of the line on the graph. From what I gathered, both of these scan tool products will eventually have the capability to reprogram computers if the the updates are accessed through the car manufacturer’s paid website links.  

Genisys.  There’s no doubt that when these scan tools are further developed they will have great capability. I came away from this training class with a renewed respect for the OTC Genisys scan tool with the Smart Cable. The OTC Genisys may not ever have the capability of flashing car’s computers but with it’s user friendly interface and wide range of use, it will have a place in tool boxes for many years to come.

Some of our most requested tools lately has been specialty tools for aligning cams and cranks for timing chain alignment. In the past changing a timing chain or timing belt only required basic tools to get the job done. The camshaft and crankshaft sprockets only went on one way due to the design that used a key-way which only allowed the pulley to go on one way. Alignment marks for the cam and crank were aligned per directions from the service manual. Now many engines have no key-way and the pulleys are pressed on. Since the key-way is not used in increasing number of vehicles, specialty automotive tools are required to properly Align the cam and crank.

Looking for the Marks.  Many auto mechanics, when changing a timing chain in the past could just look for the timing marks and not even have to look up the timing mark diagram in the service manual (me included). It was pretty simple, bring the number one cylinder to top dead center and look for the obvious timing marks. Most of the time there was only the crank and only one camshaft to deal with and the pulleys went on one way. Times are changing.   

European Influence.  In the past, most of the vehicles that did require specialty cam/crank holders and line-up tools were Volkswagen’s, BMW’s and Volvo’s. More cars sold in the US are using European designed or influenced engines. They are not as easy to work on, some have VVT (Variable Valve Timing), SOHC (Single Over Head Cam), DOHC (Double Over Head Cam) engines that aren’t nearly as simple. Now with American cars using more engine designs from overseas, auto technicians are finding that the old familiar timing marks that were stamped on the timing covers or pulleys are now gone.

Ford Explorer.  One very popular engine that requires cam and crank alignment tools is the German built 4.0 SOHC that is used in Ford Explorers from 1997 and up. Rotunda has been selling specialty tools for years that are used for holding the proper alignment of the cams and crank, since the pulleys can be pressed on in any position. There are eight tools required to align and hold everything in place when aligning the crank and cams. As with many Ford Rotunda specialty tools, once they have been the exclusive supplier of specific dealer required tools for a certain period of time, they start selling these auto tools under the OTC (Owatonna Tool Company) label. The above mentioned Rotunda equivelant auto tools are in a kit, the OTC6488-OCDEM.

All Makes.  Ford is not the only manufacturer that uses European designed engines that require these specialty tools. Chevrolet and Chrysler also have gone with import designs for their engines as well. Alignment tools required for Chrysler are usually labeled Miller specialty tools and Chevrolet required specialty tools are usually labeled as Kent Moore. Rotunda, Miller, Kent Moore and OTC specialty tools along with many other brand names are all under the SPX Corporation (Sealed Power Corporation) umbrella.

Professional Repairs.  Since there are many different specialty tools required for changing timing chains or aligning the old timing chain after having a cylinder head off, this precludes many DIY’s (Do It Yourselfers) from tackling this type of job. This is good news for professional auto repair shops that are willing to invest in the specialty tools required to repair these engines. For the well equipped auto repair shop, there will be no shortage of repair work in the future.

OTC (Owatonna Tool Company) is a very large tool company as you may already know. OTC’s tool line includes hand tools, shop equipment and diagnostic scan tools. The OTC Genisys scan tool has been a very popular choice in auto scan tools for many years, but now Pegisys is staged to be OTC’s next generation of automotive diagnostic scan tools. Genisys is still a very good scan tool and will continue to be very popular due to it’s much lower cost and it will continue to be supported by OTC. OTC has many automotive code readers, scan tools and diagnostic tools. OTC currently has the OTC 3499 (no fancy name), the Nemisys, the Genisys and now the Pegisys. The Pegisys has AirBridge technology which allows wireless communication with the vehicle and the Internet. I suppose there is a correlation between the Pegisys and Pegasus, Pegasus is a winged horse in classical mythology and is also a northern constellation between Cygnus and Aquarius. It represents the freedom of the wireless capability that allows the auto tech to move around the vehicle when performing diagnostic tests. Auto scan tools normally have an interface cable that keeps the tech in the seat or requires the cable to be draped through the door or window to reach the engine compartment. 

Pegisys has a touch screen. In addition to being able to use the scroll to change frames when using the scan tool, the Pegisys allows the user to make selections right on the touch screen. Everyone knows that guys are “visual” creatures. So, what better way for a guy to find the application he wants than to just touch the image on the screen?

OTC 3825 equipped with a scope.  Sometimes when testing a particular component on a car, a scope is needed to see the wave patterns to help detect momentary glitches. This is particularly helpful when testing sensors like the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor).

Updates through the Internet. The Pegisys comes with a one year subscription that starts when the tool is registered for warranty on the Pegisys website. It comes with USA Domestic and Asian software and even has OBD I and OBD II cables included. Optional software enables the Pegisys to be used on European vehicles and Heavy duty truck applications.

OTC also produces car dealer specific diagnostic scan tools like the Tech 2 Scan tool for Chevrolet. While the Tech 2 has programming/flashing capability it is limited to GM. The key to the Pegisys scan tool is that it has the capability to access many different makes and many systems. This makes the OTC Pegisys a good choice for repair shops that need to service many different makes and models. With access to the Internet, technicians can also easily find more information from Identifix an optional data base that has fixes that auto techs in the real shop environment have uploaded. Indentifix can of course be accessed without the Pegisys, but with the wireless Internet it just makes it very convenient.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems are in place today in large part due to law suites, brought forth by the Ford Explorer roll overs in the past blamed partially on low tire inflation. Now vehicles equipped with TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems) are able to warn the driver of an under-inflated tire. The vehicle’s computer can tell us when the tire pressure is low, some can indicate the exact tire pressure reading. But what about when the low tire pressure warning light stays on after a tire has been repaired or replaced? Tire and auto repair shops today need to have the right auto specialty tool to deal with this. I was recently asked “Which Tire Pressure Monitor Reset tool is best for my shop?” Well, choosing a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) tool that can reset the warning light on most makes of vehicles is needed, since most shops work on more than one type of car. Read on for information.

Direct or Indirect TPM systems are used on cars today. Direct tire pressure monitoring systems have sensors that can measure the exact tire pressure in each tire (including the spare on some models). The tire pressure sensors are either mounted by a steel band or built into the valve stem. These type sensors have a battery that can fail over time like any other battery. The sensors are not serviceable, so when the battery fails the unit is replaced. Caution must be taken when changing tires with the direct type TPM sensors, they can be damaged inadvertently when breaking the bead of the tire down while using the tire machine. Consumers should also be aware that ”fix a flat” or any similar tire sealer can damage the sensors. Indirect TPM systems do not have tire pressure sensors on each wheel, they use the vehicle’s ABS (Anti Lock Brake) wheel speed sensors to calculate the speed of each tire. The idea is that equally inflated tires will travel at the same speed. The computer detects the slight difference in speed of the under inflated tire and turns the warning on. It is also important to match tread depth and brand since variations in wheel speed can cause the warning light to come on with this type of system.

OTC is the primary OE (original equipment)  tool manufacturer, therefore OTC makes most of the car dealer manufacturer specific essential (required by the manufacturer) TPM diagnostic/reset tools. GM’s OTC TPM reset tool number is J-46079 (Kent Moore), Ford’s auto specialty tool number for resetting the TPM warning light is Rotunda 204-363 ( Rotunda TKIT-20006V4-FLM). OTC owns both Kent Moore and Rotunda among other companies. The problem for the average auto repair shop is that it’s not feasible to own each of the manufacturer specific TPM tools for each vehicle manufacturer. And, each manufacturer specific tool is only capable of resetting their specific brand. For instance if you have the Ford Rotunda TPMS tool it will work only on Ford and not Chevrolet, Nissan etc. The OTC 3833 TPMS is a very popular choice when it comes to TPMS auto specialty tools. The reason is that it is made by OTC and has software that allows it to have a wide range of coverage, not just one vehicle manufacturer. This is why the OTC 3833 TPM tool is a favorite for repair shops that need an auto specialty tool that can be used for a wide variety of vehicle manufacturers.