Airbag Solutions

Why Your Shop Needs a Scanner

Why your shop needs a scan tool now more than ever.

How often have you finished a large repair job only to have the cluster lit up with fault lights?  How many times do you make that call asking the customer if these lights were on before the accident or not?  Were you able to check the dash lights when the car came in?  With more and more electronics being added to vehicles today, it’s not uncommon to face this issue.  The fact is, this is now becoming an everyday experience.  Check engine, ABS, SRS and even tire pressure, all bring up a warning light in the dash, making your repair look unfinished and unprofessional.

But, with the advances made in diagnostic capabilities and the growth in competition to sell code readers and scan tools, now is the time to get the tools you need to stay ahead of those dash lights.  For years, most scanners would cost between $2000 - $3000.  That isn’t the case anymore.  There are over 50 scanners available from $150 to under $1500 that will accomplish a variety of tasks to help you. So which one do you need?  Researching every make and model can take weeks, or even months.  Talking to your local tool rep will only get you the hard sell for what he wants to sell you, not necessarily what you need.  So here’s an easy method to give you good idea of what you should look for and what you can expect to spend and some choices for you to compare.  

1. vehicle category (Domestic OR European OR Asian)
2.  vehicle categories (Domestic & European, Domestic & Asian, or European & Asian)
3. all 3 vehicle categories (Domestic, European & Asian)

If you don't know which category you fit in, check the chart here (Vehicle Scanner Requirements).

1. 1-3 times per month
2. 4-10 times per month
3. Over 10 times per month

Understanding what a scan tool can and cannot do for you is especially important before you buy one.  Some functions like programming restraint systems, programmable keys and entry systems, or occupant classification systems can only be done by vehicle specific scanners in conjunction with downloads directly from the manufacturer.  Also, don’t expect the scan tool you buy to be up to date.  Most of the software available to the aftermarket scanner makers is 2 or more years behind the current model year.  Being able to scan and read codes to determine the faults doesn’t necessarily mean you can repair the fault, but it will give you an edge you don’t have now.   On the other hand, it may very well save you time lost delivering a car or give you the proof you need that the bad ABS sensor in the right rear wheel has nothing to do with the left door you just repaired.  With this understanding, there are many lines of scan tools and code readers that will provide you with the information you need.  So let’s get back to the chart. 

If your result was BASIC your needs are simple.  You need a basic, inexpensive, multipurpose, single vehicle line scanner for your needs.  These scan tools are available covering most car makers in their region.  Domestic would cover GM, Ford & Chrysler.  European would cover, Audi, BMW, MINI, Mercedes, Volvo, & Volkswagen.  Asian would cover Acura, Honda, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Toyota.   Many scanner companies also offer an even simpler code reader for vehicle specific car lines (VW-Audi, Toyota, Honda, etc).  Selecting a specific car line will limit your coverage, but also reduce your scanner costs significantly.  Since your monthly cost for scanner needs is most likely under $300 per month, you can recover your cost quickly with a simple purchase to handle your specific needs.  Almost all of these scanners range in price from $150 to just under $300.

If your result was MID-LEVEL your needs are little more complicated (and a little more expensive)

The scanner you will need will be more expensive but will also cover more functions.  These scanners will cover multiple lines of vehicles, but will also have substantial ‘holes’ in their coverage.  These tools range in price from $500-$1000.  Once again though, remember that it may not cover all the vehicles that come through your door.  They will, however, reduce your trips to the dealer, increase your profits and provide you with new opportunities for profit centers.  Expanding your services to cover clearing the codes on multiple vehicle lines will generate revenue you were sending down the road.

If your answer was ADVANCED, your needs are complex.  The scan tool you need will be more expensive and may require some additional research to make sure it handles your expanded needs.   The scanner you purchase should have engine, transmission, airbag and ABS functions to give you the best ‘bang for your buck’.  This level of scan tool will have more than just code reading capabilities.  In addition to the categories listed above, you should also be able to perform a full DTC scan, reset tire pressure sensors, access body and chassis systems, reset oil light systems and even have access to 'Fast-Fixes"  This advanced scan tool should cover between 40 and 50 vehicle manufacturer lines with the capability of being updated regularly on the web.

Here are a few scan tools we have found that offer the best coverage in each category.

 

BASIC	MID-LEVEL	ADVANCED
VAG Volkswagen / Audi $129.95	AA 101 Multi-Line $499.50	OTC 3871 Multi-Line $2049.95
PEAKE BMW Coverage $154.95	MD 801 Multi-Line $599.95	OTC 3874 Multi-Line $2254.95
OTC 9450 Domestic Coverage $189.95	Launch EuroPro European Coverage $1575.00	Launch X431 Multi-Line $2549.95
JP 701 Asian Coverage $269.50	OTC 3869 Multi-Line $1682.00	Launch Diagun Multi-Line $2610.00
US 702 Domestic Coverage $289.50		Launch Infinite Multi-Line $2999.95
EU 703 European Coverage $289.50

Even the best scanners don’t do all cars.  A scanner to provide the expanded coverage to meet these needs will range in cost from $1500-$2850.  Unless you are prepared to spend upwards of $4000 for the scanner and annual updates of $500-$1000, you will have to make some choices.  The top of the line scanners will give you all 3 categories, but require larger memory space, and more complicated hardware.  Recovering $5000 from scanner services in a year is a lot different than recovering $300 in 3 months.

Many carmakers are now going wireless and require access to their websites to give you all the support you may need.  This too will cost you, either every time you need it or an annual fee (for each manufacturer).  At this level, you need to be very clear about how much scanner you need and what you are willing to invest. 

Bad News – Good News

The bad news is, whether you spend $175 or $3000, you may not be able to do every car or every system. Each year you may need to upgrade the software (if available) and just as with all technological devices, the next one coming is the best one!

The good news is that the sooner you buy a scan tool, no matter which one, the sooner you will be able to read codes, reset lights, better service your customers and see a return on your investment. And that turns a good decision into faster rewards and profit. Rather than sending customers back to the dealer, you can get back to being paid for your knowledge, expertise and tools.

Print | posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 7:19 AM