BY BOB CHABOT Considering the combined cost of initial purchase and subsequent support, the selection of one or more full-featured scan tools should be well thought out. Separating fact from fiction can guide you forward.

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he role of scan tools can be likened to the Pirates’ Code, familiar to Capt. Jack Sparrow, his peers and those who watched the movie The Pirates of the Caribbean. Recall this exchange: “There’s the Code to consider.” And the response: “The Code? You’re pirates! Hang the Code, and hang the rules! They’re more like guidelines anyway.” For many of us, scan tools hold a certain “friend or foe” mystique. They give order and method to how we diagnose,

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service and reprogram increasingly complex interrelated systems to restore our customers’ vehicles to sound operating condition. But by no means are they definitive or infallible. Understanding and being able to fully employ the functionality available to us in modern and emerging scan tools are acquired skills. If our knowledge and skills do not keep pace with technological change and associated scan tool functionality, our awareness of what we know a tool can do or cannot do will be a two-edged profit sword.

Photoillustration: Harold A. Perry; images: Snap-on & Thinkstock

SCAN TOOLS: SEPARATING MYTH FROM REALITY

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Expect meaningful training and support from whichever scan tool suppliers you purchase from. At the recent Mac Tools 2014 Tool Fair, scan tool training sessions hosted by Mac Tools’ manufacturing partners provided attendees with operational instruction for the Mentor Touch and Mentor Scout scan tools.

My point? We hold scan tools in high esteem. We have high expectations, sometimes high hopes, of them. We look for quick “silver bullet” solutions, often while using a less-than-optimum scan tool for a particular vehicle brand, make and model. We also realize the world of scan tools is a blend of hype and hope. We must be vigilant in sorting myths from realistic expectations. It’s the difference between a professional reputation built on solid ground or upon quicksand. Let’s consider several common beliefs to sort fact from fiction. I’ll provide my conclusions, along with the rationale. Form your own judgment as you read, and feel free to share your viewpoint with MOTOR on Facebook. Diagnosis has become too difficult because the scan tools used to perform diagnosis have become too expensive. The increased computerized electronic complexity built into new vehicles has

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Scan tools are not definitive or infallible. Understanding them and being able to fully employ their functionality— now and in the future—are acquired skills.

Photo courtesy Mac Tools

SCAN TOOLS: SEPARATING MYTH FROM REALITY necessitated shops and technicians to acquire more sophisticated scan tools to keep up. Then in a short time they can become outdated and need updating to keep diagnostic competencies current. While this squeeze certainly puts shops and technicians in a bind, it’s not one that is financially insurmountable. Consider this comment by Charlie Gorman, executive manager of the Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI). “For years technicians complained that they couldn’t get their hands on factory scan tools from automakers and now that these tools have become more available, they are complaining about the cost. Factory tools today can cost anywhere from sub-$1000 to as much as $15,000 or more. But compare that to the $25,000 cost of a brand-new computerized tune-up machine in 1985. That’s equivalent to $50,000 in today’s money. How many scan tools does that buy?” My view: Myth. Aftermarket scan tools are competitive with factory tools. This really boils down to a trade-off between value and cost. No doubt, new factory scan tools provide the most functionality available for a vehicle brand. But the question that aftermarket scan tools deal with is how much of that functionality will shops and techs actually use? Some argue that vehicles cannot be repaired properly unless one purchases the OE scan tools new-car dealers use. Yet there are many enhanced aftermarket scan tools that do an excellent job of providing diagnostics for the bulk of repairs; in addition, some of these aftermarket tools are not limited to just one brand. “Not one aftermarket scan tool today can do everything for all vehicles,” say Bosch technical experts James E. Wilson and Duane “Doc” Watson. The key is in the mix. Purchase factory tools for the brands a shop specializes in (if any), and then use enhanced aftermarket tools for the rest. One caveat: Make sure you know what your aftermarket tools cannot do (some functionality may have been given up to achieve a lower price point). Have access to a backup mobile diagnostician who has the factory tool when needed, or be

SCAN TOOLS: SEPARATING MYTH FROM REALITY prepared to be honest with customers about what your shop cannot do. Honesty still resonates as a reason to do business with you. My view: Reality.

Tables courtesy Automotive Career Development Center

Automaker factory scan tools always support their models. Capable shops and technicians use au-

thentic resources, whether they’re diagnostic scan tools, service information and procedures, training and/or other resources. Consider Toyota, which has a solid reputation, particularly with regard to scan tools. In 2008, the OEM switched scan tool suppliers to Denso Corp., and began providing

Photo courtesy Bosch Automotive Service Solutions

Scan tool data is also important when diagnosing high-voltage hybrid systems. Some automakers’ battery designs for hybrid vehicles (for example, Toyota’s NiMH battery packs) allow scan tools to capture high-voltage data (see the partial scan tool screen capture above). Well-trained and experienced technicians can use this data to identify and replace individual cells and/or modules that have deteriorated or been damaged, rather than replace an entire battery pack.

A scan tool, such as the OTC Encore, is a great place to begin a diagnosis, but it may not be able to pinpoint the actual cause of a problem.

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two different levels of access to the resources relevant to its brands. The most complete solution is the Toyota Information Systems (TIS) Techstream factory scan tool. The cost to an automotive professional is approximately $8000, but it includes a Panasonic Toughbook laptop, complete diagnostic and reprogramming functionality, support for 1989 to all current models, technical service bulletins and periodic software updates. A less functional and lower cost option is Techstream Lite, which costs approximately $1500 but requires users to supply their own laptops. It performs OBD II diagnostics for 2006 through current models only. In addition, other diagnostic functionality may be limited, especially for hybrid, electric and plugin vehicles. Aftermarket scan tools may be even more limited. So what can happen when a factory or aftermarket scan tool becomes obsolete? Craig Van Batenburg, founder of the Automotive Career Development Center, a well-known aftermarket hybridelectric vehicle service training firm, shared an example of how tools can become obsolete and unsupported: “In 2006, the Lexus RX 400h and Toyota Highlander Hybrid mediumsized SUVs were introduced. Broadly based on the Generation 1 Prius, the SUVs’ battery packs, electrical connections and transmissions were common service items. The initial diagnostic scan tool was the Mastertech, manufactured by Vetronix, a toolmaker that was acquired by the Bosch Group during the rollouts. Toyota then phased out support for the Mastertech between 2007 and 2008 and moved to the TIS Techstream platform developed with Denso. While the Toyota Highlander Hybrid was completely redesigned in 2008 and supported by the new TIS Techstream scan tool, the Lexus RX 400h was not redesigned until 2010 and was left unsupported.” In addition to the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid, the 2007 Camry Hybrid was also orphaned. Other OEM and aftermarket scan tool examples exist. But for shops and technicians to be certain of their capabilities, they must be cognizant of what their scan tool of choice

can and cannot do. And that capability can change in an instant. That takes diligence and a willingness of toolmaker representatives to disclose. Remember the earlier statement about being honest with customers about what you cannot do? Honesty still resonates with shop owners and technicians looking for the right scan tools. I’ve been told that too often is incomplete. My view: Myth.

Purchases are often made with unrealistic expectations on the buyer’s part as to what a scan tool can do. That should be crystal clear in the buyer’s mind before purchase, and buyers should be able to get support and training to navigate the learning curve to become fully proficient with any scan tool. Rather

than focus on manufacturers that fall short, let me share a couple of examples that provide both—Delphi Automotive and Mac Tools. Delphi’s Scan Diagnostics and Flash Reprogrammer tools operate on a PCbased platform or WiFi-ready, touchscreen tablet. The marketing informa-

Scan tools are secure, factory scan tools even more so. Hardly, in either case. Although vehicle system attacks are not easy, let alone in the wheelhouse of all but a relatively few number of hacker types—those with ill intentions and those with good intentions—scan tools, vehicle communication networks and J-2534 and associated devices are all input/output devices that are subject to attacks. It’s enough of a concern that Chrysler Group, which requires users to purchase licenses, now also requires both dealership and independent shop users to register wiTECH diagnostic software and scan tools to ensure authenticity when servicing customers’ vehicles. In a document exchanged with the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), a Chrysler spokesperson told NASTF that more than threequarters of known bona fide users have already registered their device, and that later this year, Chrysler will no longer allow unregistered users to operate their wiTECHs or clones of the wiTECH VCI. Seeing how some OEMs are sensitive about security-related parts, expect other automakers to follow. Whether any or all of them migrate security checks to NASTF’s Secure Data Release Model (tracked by law enforcement agencies) remains to be seen, but security of diagnostic data is a serious matter, especially with the emergence of telematics and connected vehicles. My view: Myth. Scan tool marketing support and training are adequate. In general terms, both fall well short of meeting the needs of the shops and technicians that purchase scan tools. Circle #25

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SCAN TOOLS: SEPARATING MYTH FROM REALITY Fair, after spending a morning reviewing new diagnostic scan tools available from Launch Tech, Bosch and other scan tool partners, I was invited to sit in on training classes hosted by the vendors to become familiar with the range of functionality offered by each new tool. After the classes, I visited the “genius bar” area back on the trade show floor, where product experts walked me through several demonstrations of my choosing. Attendees included tool distributors and technicians, and the experience left me with a very positive sense of what can be done in the way of marketing support and training and why it matters. My view: Myth, with some notable exceptions.

coming obsolete. Delphi is also positioning these tools to integrate emerging telematics and connected vehicle technologies. [Editor’s Note: Delphi will be sharing its initiative regarding connectivity and telematics with MOTOR readers later this year.] At the recent Mac Tools 2014 Tool Other tools used in conjunction with a scan tool can complete a diagnosis and enable a repair that not only resolves the actual cause of a problem, but also avoids unnecessary parts replacement. To better identify potential turbocharger issues pertaining to the vehicle fuel system, for example, a vacuum/ pressure gauge (such as the OTC Vacuum/Pressure Gauge at left) may help avoid an unnecessary turbocharger replacement.

Photo courtesy Delphi Automotiv

Photo courtesy Bosch Automotive Service Solutions

tion for both is clear, and the toolmaker will readily discuss specific concerns you have before purchase. Afterwards, buyers are provided a one-day scan tool setup and online training day, as well as access to Delphi live tech support and service information. Software updates help keep the tool from be-

Scan tools in the near future will evolve to integrate more cloud- and appbased delivery of information, provide shops with telematics functionality and even serve a role in vehicle connectivity and automated driving.

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No single diagnostic tool is a “silver bullet.” “A good quality scan tool will help the technician check vehicle codes and datastreams, to identify where an issue may be within the vehicle,” explained Dennis Hanson, OTC product manager for Bosch Automotive Service Solutions. “If an engine lacks power, the issue may be a turbocharger, low fuel pressure or a mass airflow sensor issue. A scan tool will quickly eliminate some potential problems by pulling any codes, both active and stored. As cars get more complicated, there is huge potential for more electronic modules to be included, along with diagnostic trouble codes that will provide more precise information on their operation to scan tools via technicians providing service. Bob Pattengale, training manager for Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Division, concurs. “For example, consider the diagnosis of turbocharger systems. The first tool to begin with should be a good-quality scan tool. It can tell the technician if the turbocharger is able to reach desired performance levels. It can also be used to test actuators in the turbocharger system utilizing bidirectional controls.” “The scan tool will help the technician check vehicle codes and data streams, and identify where an issue may be within the vehicle,” Hanson explained. “If an engine lacks power, the issue may be a turbocharger, low fuel pressure or a mass airflow sensor issue.

A scan tool will quickly eliminate some potential problems by pulling any codes, both active and stored. “But it doesn’t end there,” Hanson continued. “When it comes to identifying or diagnosing a vehicle issue, the technician must be proficient in properly using several more complicated tools besides a scan tool. These include a vacuum pressure tester, smoke machine, lab scope and/or coolant tester. “In some service cases, technicians may have to use a vacuum pressure tester to identify potential turbocharger issues pertaining to the vehicle fuel system,” Hanson noted. “By testing fuel pressure—coming up to the injection pump as well as test low boost pressure (up to 10 psi) heading to the turbocharger—the technician will know if a low power issue is related to the fuel system or not, which will help determine whether the turbocharger is actually in need of replacement. In other cases, testing a vehicle’s coolant may also help identify or eliminate the turbocharger as the vehicle issue. The technician can test pressure on a vehicle’s cooling system or check for leaks that may drop antifreeze into a turbocharger’s oil system. In this latter case, the turbocharger would need replacement.” “Turbochargers also have many hoses and connection points, which need to be checked for leaks,” Pattengale shared. “The best tool for this purpose is a smoke machine, which can be used to locate leaks in the turbocharger system. However, keep in mind that most smoke machines are designed to produce less than 1 psi pressure and, under boost conditions, a turbocharger can be greater than 20 psi, such as in many high-performance or heavy-duty applications. For instance, it may be necessary to conduct a high-pressure test method similar to the General Motors Charge Air Cooler Tester J 46091 to locate leaks under higher pressure.” My view: Reality. What have we learned? No scan tool can fix everything…yet. Diagnos-

tics can reduce labor costs, provided the user’s skills and other necessary resources are sound and kept current. Innovation and obsolescence will continue their dance, for like all things automotive, change is a certainty. Expect scan tools to encompass more cloud- and app-based delivery, inte-

grated telematics and even a role in the evolution of vehicle connectivity automated driving—perhaps sooner than you may think. To parody the Pirate’s Code: “The scan tool? You’re technicians! Hang the scan tool, and hang the rules! They’re more like guidelines anyway.”

This article can be found online at www.motormagazine.com. Circle #26

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