Automotive Scanner Comparison OTC's and Snap On

By Dennis Bandy Copyright © 2006,07,08 DenLorsTools.com



Which OTC scanner, code reader or scan tool is right for you? This all depends on the features that are important to you. For basic code reading with definition displayed, code clearing and low cost, it is very hard to beat the OTC 3407 . The OTC3407 will Scan Generic trouble codes on 1996 and newer vehicles, faster than the OTC 3409 . The reason this process is faster, is the fact that vehicle specific information like the year, make & model is not entered into the OTC 3407. The OTC 3409 will however, after a little longer set up time (about two minutes), will allow you to view live data. This can be helpful if you want to read the values of specific sensors, besides just reading the codes. In addition to displaying all the generic trouble codes, the OTC3409 will also provide some additional code definitions that are specific to each manufacturer. OTC 3407 & OTC 3409 * Both will read & clear codes on vehicles from 1996 up. * Both display freeze frame data. * Both allow manual code definition look up. * Both display code definitions with the generic OBD II codes. * Both made by OTC, a trusted Automotive Tool manufacturer. * 1 year warranty for OTC3407. OTC 3409 Displays live data stream. * Displays additional definitions for enhanced codes. * Backlit display. * Battery back up for vehicle data review, with scanner detached from vehicle. * Printing capability with (optional printer, not included). * 3 year warranty.

 

Q: On your page that compares diagnostic tools you compare the OTC AutoCode OTC 3407 against the OTC 3409 and I believe it should be the OTC 3499. The page is informative but confusing when you try to look the unit up on OTCTools.com. The page also states the OTC 3409 (3499) shows codes for drive train related components, not sure this is totally true.

 

A: When this article was originally written, the OTC 3499 was not yet manufactured, the OTC 3499 is replacing the OTC 3409. The main difference between these, is that the OTC 3499 has a multi-lingual option (English, Spanish & French). There is a good comparison chart on OTCTools.com. The OTC 3499 does show codes for drive train, these are P-Codes (the "P" stands for Power Train). We currently offer free shipping on this scanner (Free Shipping within US $99 & up).

 

Q: I need an automotive scanner to read ABS & Air Bag codes on domestic vehicles, I looked at an automotive scanner on a tool truck, an OTC 3797 for $1600, will it work? Is that a good price? A: Yes and no. The Nemisys OTC 3797 is an excellent automotive scanner with the additional ability of reading ABS & Air Bag codes on domestic vehicles. We sell the OTC 3797 for much less than any of the tool trucks, we have very low overhead & we pass the savings on to our customers.

 

Q: Do you have the scanner that Chevrolet and GM dealers use?

 

A: Yes, OTC makes the scanner called the Tech 2, it has the most comprehensive capabilities for Chevrolet and other GM vehicles.

 

Q: What scan tool will work for a 1994 Olds 98 with a obd 2 aldl most scanners I've found starts obd 2 from 1996 up? Will the otc 3499 work with these vehicles 1990 Corvette, 1994 Olds 98, 1997 Lincoln Town car?

 

A: The OBD II functionality generally started in 1996. However, some vehicle manufacturers started to include the OBD II connector in some models prior to 1996, before it was required by the US Government. Some models were granted a grace period so they were allowed to continue using OBD I for a short time. Keep in mind the OBD II connector and the GM ALDL (Assembly Line Diagnostics Link) connector look similar, so don't force the connector on, just in case it doesn't match up. Also any vehicle with the OBD II connector prior to 96 may not provide complete function or have all the information that a full fledged OBD 2 system would include. There should be an ALDL connector (on a 94 Olds 98), if needed this could also be used as long as you have the OBD I connector in your scan tool kit. In addition to getting a scan tool that works for older vehicles, choose a scan tool that will work on newer ones that have CAN (Controlled Area Network) which is required on all vehicles manufactured from 2008 and later. Keep in mind that scan tools are limited by the car manufacturer's willingness to allow access to info. For example, any scan tool used on the same year Ford, GM and Chrysler will show slightly different data due to the different vehicle engine control software systems. And some of the data, due to OBD 2 standardization will be the same. The OTC 3499 scanner has the older OBD I connectors, the OBD II connector and works on vehicles that use CAN protocol. Also see the Actron ACT 9150 scan tool, it has a little smaller display screen and has much of the same functionality at a bargain price. Either of these scan tools would work well for the vehicles you mentioned for engine codes and data.

 

 

The Snap On MT2500 automotive scanner has been one of the most popular scanners in automotive repair for years. Snap On has updated the cartridges many times over the years (now they are programmable) and have even designed a CAN adapter to increase the capability. In comparing the Snap On scanner with the Genisys Scan tool equipped with the 2.0 operating system they have the same capability with the cars we have checked. The Genisys has the most standard menu, which is the same layout for any vehicle. The Snap On MT2500 requires a little more searching to find what you are looking for in some cases. The Genisys smart cable is a tremendous improvement over searching for one of fifty inserts that was required in the past, depending on the car you are working on.

Snap On would do well to take a lesson from OTC, if it is possible to eliminate the growing number of personality keys required to keep the Snap On scanner up to speed. Both have Global OBD II capabilities, there is no CAN adapter required for the Genisys, however to access CAN with the Snap On scan tool an expensive adapter is required and they have had a few reliability issues with them. Future updates are also a consideration, at this time the Snap On truck currently charges $895 to update the black cartridges, Asian & Domestic with Toubleshooter and updates are available multiple times a year. The Genisys latest update for Domestic and Asian with Pathfinder can be purchased for on-line at a competitive price.