Denver -- It should be no secret for anybody working in the independent service sector that the electronics content of an average vehicle has risen from an estimated 10 percent during the 1990s to an estimated 40 percent for vehicles coming on line today.
Many basic vehicle models contain at least four networked computers for their powertrain, safety, and antitheft features, and some high-end import vehicles may contain more than 70 networked computers to operate safety options such as the new vehicle stability control and collision avoidance systems.
The dilemma for many independent shop owners is keeping their technicians working productively in a rapidly changing technical environment while at the same time keeping the learning curve short and equipment costs low. In response to the flood of technology, major scan tool suppliers such as OTC and Snap-on are increasing shop productivity by redesigning their tools to save time in the navigation and information research process.
OTC, a business unit of SPX Corp., has retained the same exterior configuration for its Genisys scan tool through its current production run. Optional components such as a Scope Module and a Genisys Performance Five-Gas Module can be added to the Genisys platform to increase its basic diagnostic capability. Throughout the years, the Genisys has undergone a series of upgrades, the most recent of which is the Genisys 3.0 software package.
OTC has created a Productivity Package for its Genisys 3.0 software package that bundles its new Automated System Test capability, OBD II Smart Cable, and System 3.0 diagnostic software to produce a scan tool that can simultaneously poll multiple computers for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and related data stream information.
OTC's Automated System Test is the direct result of using input gathered annually from a nine-technician panel to simplify the diagnostic process. "Diagnosing a 2001 Chevy four-wheel-drive Silverado with the 5.3-liter engine provides a good example of how we reduced the number of button pushes required to scan the Silverado's PCM and all of its subsystems," said Ed Lipscomb, senior product manager for OTC.
"Where 191 button pushes were required to access subsystem information on older-generation Genisys scan tools, only 10 button pushes are required on our new Automated System Test," Lipscomb said. "When an average technician hits the button on our restructured Automated System Test, he'll find that the 500 lines of data that he formerly had to sort through manually might be summarized in 90 lines of vital data in the new Automated System Test."
If the technician wants to verify a completed repair, he can save time by selecting the Quick DTC Scan of Supported Systems from the Genisys' main menu to check for trouble codes, he said.
The Automated System Test also saves time by including the traditional Pathfinder, Infotech, Identifix Repair-Trac, and Fast Fixes trouble shooter designed to help the technician research common symptoms and component failures related to specific DTCs. The above features provide instant access to individual component test data, pin-out information, diagnostic tips, and diagnostic test specifications.
Similarly, the Genisys' OBD II Smart Cable eliminates the need for the technician to install one of 50 vehicle-specific Smart System Inserts formerly required by older OTC scan tools for communication with various vehicle computers. The Genisys System 3.0 also reduces diagnostic time with its new "Fast Boot" technology and a more user-friendly, direct-access menu.
Following a different packaging strategy, Snap-on Diagnostics supplies its capability in two platform configurations. The first configuration is the Modis, which combines a four-channel lab scope, component testing database, and scan tool capability in its platform. The second is the combination of two stand-alone tools, the Solus Pro scan tool and the Vantage Pro two-channel lab scope.
When paired together, and with the exception not having a four-channel lab scope capability, the Solus Pro and Vantage Pro offer the same diagnostic capability as the larger Modis.
Snap-on's new Software Bundle 7.4 incorporates features that are similarly intended to reduce diagnostic time on its Modis and Solus Pro scan tools. The Modis/Vantage Pro software adds 4,000 component tests and enhances another 15,000 previously included component tests.
The Modis/Vantage Pro software contains component location, operation, best test location, connector pin-out information, and known good waveform information that saves time by providing the technician with information that's often unavailable in factory service manuals. The navigation required to access different on-board computers and data screens has also been greatly simplified to further save time and increase productivity.
"Investing in the Solus Pro is a productivity-based decision because of its unique integration of experience-based information with data instrumentation," said Chris Hockett, technical marketing specialist for Snap-on Diagnostics. "Because Snap-on develops software based on technician input called 'Voice of the Customer,' each new software bundle has additional vehicles, systems, and component tests that technicians themselves have identified as vital to their collective productivity."
"The Solus Pro," Hockett said, "provides a tool that reads stored trouble codes, provides detailed code descriptions, and repair strategies on real-world-based solutions and experience-based information."
The experience-based and technical service bulletin information contained in Snap-on's Fast-Track Troubleshooter database can turn an eight-hour diagnostic nightmare into a quick, profit-making opportunity by providing manufacturer's technical service information and diagnostic solutions directly to the technician.
"Snap-on's current Software Bundle 7.4 update adds 600 new vehicle platforms, 5,000 new systems, 6,000 new trouble codes, and approximately 650 new functional tests. The software Bundle 7.4 provides a huge productivity value over previous software releases," Hockett said.
Snap-on has advanced from its thumbwheel scrolling feature introduced on its classic MT 2500 scan tool to a directional button control on the Solus Pro that identifies the vehicle and selects various test menus. Snap-on has also reduced the need to zigzag through various menus to locate component tests. Boot-up time for the Solus Pro is also significantly less than earlier versions of the scan tool.
"With each software release, Snap-on looks to reduce the number of button presses required to navigate within the tool," Hockett said. "Snap-on painstakingly evaluates each feature in the tool and, based on customer feedback, adds and sometimes restructures features based on technician needs." This process includes the smallest details such as standardizing internal terminology. The practice has culminated in a more user-friendly software experience for working technicians.
The OTC and Snap-on scan tool systems are justifying their relatively modest expense by reducing the time required to navigate networked computer systems and access system-specific information.
Although their component test, pattern failure, and technical information databases are packaged differently, OTC and Snap-on are striving to further increase productivity by making more DTC-specific repair information available in the scan tool. This saves time by eliminating the need for the technician to access repair manual information.
In addition, both manufacturers display trouble code and data stream information in a consistent format, which simplifies data interpretation for the average technician.
Will an aftermarket scan tool address the diagnostic needs for all vehicles? Of course not, but most aftermarket tools will address the diagnostic needs for a vast majority of vehicles the vast majority of time. In short, many aftermarket scan tools such as the Genisys and the Solus Pro not only cover many different applications, but also offer many navigation and database features that reduce the time required to accurately diagnose modern vehicles with multiple networked on-board computers.
These time-saving features will, in most cases, justify the cost of the equipment to the technician or shop owner.