It is a subscription, but the fee can be applied per vehicle, so shops only pay for what they need. One tool company offers a flash tool that allows shops to reprogram modules in-house instead of sending it to the dealer. However, some of the equipment is still pretty expensive. Most OEMs have switched from using stand-alone scan tools to PC/internet-based equipment. Having the information in the shop can save technicians time, and for them, time is money. These scan tools function like a tablet computer, allowing access to repair-specific videos, OE service information and real-world repair databases. One advantage of many professional-level scan tools is the ability to access repair information online. But that’s changing with these new scan tools that are subscription-based. Most independent shops today are limited by one thing more than anything else – access to OEM-level data. And, more tools are available to reprogram or “reflash” these modules.

More expensive tools will have added functions such as the ability to check emission-monitor statuses, freeze-frame data and faster display rates of data. But testing things like body control modules or ABS modules is outside of their functional range. It may lead the technician to visually inspect the problem or use a scope to look at a waveform. These tools work great as a first step in resolving misfire codes and catalytic efficiency codes. They can tap into the OBD II port and pull generic codes, and even some OEM-specific ones for much less than a professional scan tool, but they have limited features and capabilities.

But, these basic tools are just that: basic. Using a basic scan tool can handle a lot of initial diagnostics, and they are budget-friendly, too. When it comes to analyzing diagnostic trouble codes on late-model vehicles, you need a whole lot more than some hand tools and duct tape (although some still use this method). Cars have far more capability today than they did even 10 years ago. Scan Tools are more expensive and more versatile. We are basically rolling around in mobile networks. On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) is a system that monitors a cars computer system and reports diagnostic. Today’s vehicles can have as many as 50 computers on board and 150 electrified devices and sensors.

Most expensive car diagnostic machines