Choosing an Automotive Scan Tool -EricTheCarGuy

I've been asked about what scanner to buy for some time. Since ScannerDanner aka Paul Danner, stopped by the shop, I thought I would take the opportunity to have him help me out with this question. It is his namesake after all. The first step in choosing a scanner is to figure out what it is you really NEED in a scanner. Once you've done that, it's a matter of looking at the spec sheet for the tool you're considering and see if it meets those needs. Look for things like ABS capability, even SRS capabilities, manufacturer specific code capabilities, perhaps a 'help' database, and if the tool is 'bidirectional'. Also, for high end scanners, check out their help and training features that may come with your purchase. I know we used a lot of Snap-on scanners in this video, and we talked extensively on their features, however, there are other scan tool manufactures out there that make equally good tools. Paul and I only like to talk about what we know so sorry if this one seemed Snap-on bias. Also, the retail for the Verus is closer to $6K, not $10K as Paul said in the video. So don't beat us up too bad over that little flub. I'll post some links to some alternative tools that you might also want to check out that have similar capabilities.
Here's the links.
ScannerDanner channel: kzbin.info...
Engine Performance Diagnostics by Paul Danner: www.autocomputerstroubleshooti...
Snap-on scanners: www1.snapon.com/diagnostics/us...
Snap on 'brick': www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_kw=...
OTC scan tools: www.otctools.com
Link to U-Scan review: • Actron U-Scan Tool Rev...
Scan tools: www.jbtoolsales.com/search.php...
For other tools and deals check out the Tools page at EricTheCarGuy.com: www.ericthecarguy.com/tools
Discussion about this video: www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/1...
The best place for answers to your automotive questions: www.ericthecarguy.com
EricTheCarGuy code lookup: www.ericthecarguy.com/obd-code...
Facebook: EricTheCarGu...
Twitter: / ericthecarguy
Google+: plus.google.com/1001951801966...
Information on Premium Membership: www.ericthecarguy.com/premium...
Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[@BayAreaMCs]

Best automotive mechanics on youtube in no particular order 1.ETCG 2.ScannerDanner 3. South Main auto. I’ve learned so much from these three in just 2 years that I’ve been able to build my own car from the ground up and tackle issues successfully and even though I work in construction, a lot of friends and acquaintances pay me to fix their cars on the weekend. So thank you guys for everything your doing!

[@johneric3886]

Eric both you and scannerdanner have really contributed to improving my Automotive knowledge. Know I am very grateful.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Over four years later this video is still relevant with excellent info. I'm not sure why folks get nervous to comment on a video that is more than a few months old? I've seen that phenomenon on my own channel. Nice job Eric and Paul!

[@bohakasha]

You guys just gave me knowledge that I've been researching for a long time. Thank you. I know what to look for in scanner now. You have no idea the stress you've taken off my back

[@_CAT-lg4sr]

Eric, thanks for bringing Mr. Danner onto your channel for this video. It's great that you have guests on who can share their expertise with us. A very well done video, Bravo!

[@rahrah8076]

ScannerDanner is by far the best technician/mechanic in the world and the automotive field needs more guys like this..some dealerships and shops are damn parts changers that cost us more money!! If you’re in this field and learning and wanting to become a mechanic/technician Don’t become a parts changer!! ScannerDanner diagnoses the problems without changing parts for nothing .

[@eddielarralde559]

I wish my wife looked at me the way Scanner Danner looks at Eric The Car Guy 😂

[@druvee1810]

🤣 I wondered if anyone else caught that.

[@30jspecial]

i did not notice tell you said that lol . kind of like" wow hes dreamy" lmao

[@ryanlaudel7077]

That is hilarious!

[@IMKINDOFABIGDEAL13]

It's a beautiful thing isn't it hahahaha

[@mannygunn4698]

Dude u just realized you were gay. Congratulations 🎊

[@petemoss9693]

I HAVE TO SAY THIS VIDEO IS ONE OF THE EXCELLENT VIDEOS YOU HAVE SHOWN - ERIC & PAUL HAVE DONE A VERY, VERY GOOD JOB OF EXPLAINING THEIR VIEWS ON SCANNER TOOLS .

[@melissakrause1681]

i wish i could talk to my engine... hey buddy how ya doin? not too good, my knock sensor is really killing me ok lets go get that fixed

[@NOBOX7]

+Melissa Krause lol you rock

[@djmajiktuch82]

that would be too easy

[@EndofUSA]

+Melissa Krause engines are like women. They got troubles and keep it to themselves. And it needs us men to bring her troubles out by caressing and fondling them!!! Giving them TLC!!!

[@dunxy]

+Melissa Krause Im glad i cant have convos with my engine, it would most likely just say "stop beating on me!"

[@theprofessionalhater4710]

Best comment

[@ketoninja]

You don't need to buy a scan tool at all. You already probably have almost everything you need to read your car's data and scan your codes. If you have an Android phone or tablet with Bluetooth, all you need is a $10-$30 Bluetooth dongle based on the ELM327 chipset and a program called Torque Pro. To get the dongle, go on Amazon or eBay and search for 'ELM327' or 'ELM327 mini' and you will have many to choose from, just get one with positive ratings. To get the Torque Pro app, go to Google Play and search for it. It was $4.99 last time I checked. Worth every penny and then some. Once you pair it with the dongle via BT, you can use it to read real-time data off of all of your car's sensors and get live performance data, plus horsepower, torque, real-time MPG, coolant temperature, throttle position data, and everything else you can imagine. If you get one of the smaller dongles and your OBD2 port is in a nice inconspicuous place in your vehicle, you can leave the thing plugged in all the time and run Torque off of your phone as you drive. You'll get more info than you ever dreamt possible on your own customized dashboard. Just be safe and don't putz with it too much while you're driving.

[@DennisRackers]

Thank you, Kevin. I was puzzled by the 'ELM327' that I've seen so many times and your comment helped my zero in on my needs!!!

[@danielh9252]

Thanks. Checking out the OBDLink right now.

[@lakisbouz]

Kevin Kracht i agree 100% we have been using your set up for 6 months now. it is awesome!! we are not mechanics but mechanically minded. so we use the cheapest tools to at least know WHAT to expect when an engine light comes on. always nice to tell your mechanic what code your getting, that usually INSTANTLY reduces your bill by a few hundred dollars.

[@willdanner5745]

Hi Kevin, I want to fix OBD1 cars (all the makes and models) Who makes the OBD1 tool(s) one for Asian, European and Domestics from 1984-1996? I am just starting out, and as a mobile auto tech, I need to know what I paid good money for, will work under all circumstances.

[@SkilledEddie]

I have Torque Pro and i think it sucks. I just got dashcommand app with the extended PIDs and i can read a whole bunch of stuff like trans temp, cylinder misfire counts, knock sensor counts, and i can adjust the cam offset with it on my 1997 chevy tahoe 5.7. None of that worked with torque app. There is a ton of stuff you can do with dashcommand that torque can't.

[@IamKurr]

How could you not like a video with these two guys?! Have taught me a TON!

[@Rs500ybd]

Hi folks these guys are spot on no bullshit here i have worked as a professional rescue mech for near 20 years now they are 100% correct in this film . Nice one .

[@bigshackdaddygreen]

Thanks, very informative. I am shopping around for a scan tool/app. It finally dawned on me that shopping for a used car without a scan tool is kind of stupid. I have a much better idea what features I should look for while shopping for a scanning tool or app now.

[@rafaelnieves72]

great video.. I currently use a 80 dollar scan tool from actron which saved me money.

[@marcorojas771]

Good morning mr or sr sir Eric I would like to say first all to god he gives us some peaple like you and I love to watch you videos and I learn a lot about your work and knowledge Mr Eric thanks for sharing your knowledge and your passion Mecanic professional skills and again Mr Eric stay safe and healthy and blessed and keep teaching us have a great and blessed weekend

[@mmorgan78]

Excellent vid. Eric the Car Guy and Scanner Danner, my two favorite Car-guy-video-makers. I'm gonna have to watch this about 6 more times to grasp it all, but it gave me what I was looking for. Good job dudes!

[@elvisthedog75]

Thanks Eric, I greatly appreciate what you do! Keep up the good work!!

[@DavidDouglasToth]

I was looking for product comparison video and I got a scanner history lesson and a 30 minute hang out session with a few tips and features to look for. Not the end of the world...I guess I did learn a lot just not exactly what I was looking for.

[@clarkimperioso4972]

@SS I'm unsure what I did. Maybe you can give me a hint.

[@peterjensen7533]

Very interesting session of a topic that has to be in focus for do-it-yourself guys. Competent and straight ahead at the same time. Thanks for sharing.

[@richardjimenez7394]

Awesome Eric and thanks for the information , I am on a journey learning more about O2 sensors . Thanks Paul for your experience on scanning

[@jamiesimpson1786]

Cool video guys. I run a small repair shop in New Zealand that repairs all makes and models. What I have found is there are no bad tools. Price is one thing, but some cheap tools are very effective. I have three bi directional tools which covers about 90+% of our market. one has a slow inbuilt scope. For other scope work I have a Pico. One thing you find in the aftermarket is no one tool can do everything. One thing you have to ask yourself before you buy is are you serious about repairing cars and willing to up skill. If not maybe you need to limit the type of work you take on. I am looking at buying a scope meter, any plans on doing a video on those? Cheers, Jamie.

[@DaddytechEnt]

*i'm looking for something in the bi-directional range that allows you to reset TPMS, ABS,SRS, and adjust fuel trim levels and turn off and on sensors maybe manually adjust timing but not cost $10K so far that has been an impossible task. the AUTEL scanners are close but most of them depending on the model only do specific things and so far most of what i'm looking for only comes in the $10K or better Snapon or you have to buy a $4k-$7k brand specific scanner like the Tech2 for GM. even the clones of that one have gotten really expensive. really expensive to me is over $800.00*

[@stanleytolle416]

I have run into Vpecker and Xturner. They have several models and I have been looking at their E3 and E4 models. Don't really know if they can do what you need. These things are under $500 with tablet cheaper without. Get back to me if these things can do the job or not.

[@gordonclifton2694]

As a newcomer I found this hugely useful and a brilliant down-to-earth presentation!

[@garypersons9320]

I am way more educated now than I was when I started this video. Thanks guys.

[@16valveBravoSpoonz]

very informative video! but i can connect my Fiat, with a obd VAG cable for under $30, and any cheap laptop, and i can connect to anything. i think it does depend on what manufacturer car you own. if you can get any software specifically for you car make, its just as good as any expensive scan tool.

[@justinc.2246]

I would like to thank Eric for introducing me to scannerdanner. I've subscribed to scannerdanners premium channel and bought his ebook which has really helped me in understanding all of these computer controlled vehicles. I am an avid diyer and this information has revolutionized my understanding of modern computer controlled cars. I would like to add that you can buy a used snap on modis for $1200 or less off ebay. You get the scanner plus the scope function minus the touch screen. Look into used equipment to save money and get a quality scan/scope tool, and subscribe to scannerdanner premium to learn how to interpret and use the information. Just my opinion. Thanks for all you do Eric!

[@shelbydog1100]

Justice maximus and don’t forget to tell them how much it costs to get updates for. The last one I got was right around $1000 and that’s yearly to stay up to date

[@pedroardilatjader2569]

Outstanding! Thanks Eric & Paul for your time, this video helped me to make up my mind about getting a Scan-tool. Yay!

[@russellbeery1297]

I love both you guys.But from watching Scanner Danner I am learning how to interpret the scan tool data.I start at a shop on Monday.Thanks guys!

[@dunxy]

Loving your channels Eric! Man I was drooling over the Snap On machine, like "want" , id already made my mind up to buy one, assuming maybe a few grand.Cant justify 10 for a hobby though!

[@everytoolashammer9427]

I use the MODIS and SOLUS and I couldn't imagine life without them. Complex diagnostics become simple. information is understandable and legible. They are WORTH THEIR WEIGHT IN GOLD to me. That being said my boss pays for them.

[@moneygeewtee]

Great video. Lots of information regarding scan tool capabilities and our need to educate ourselves and decide which tool best fits our needs. Thanks Eric & Paul.

[@johnryan9476]

Got hit with a 30min advertisement before the Vid, but I was willing to listen to the whole thing because the info was worth it. Thank you for you time

[@JohnWest4]

Android Tablet with Bluetooth OBDII scanner (Rev 1.X only - Rev 2.X seem to not work) and Torque Pro app is hard to beat for us Shade-Tree types. Can do a whole lot! Not for Apple smartphones though.

[@wiredawg2005]

Hi all, wanted share this I did the whole head-scratching regarding automotive scantool...ended up buying 2 of them. But the one I wanted to share is the "Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles". You can find it on Amazon well under $20. The other one was in the range of $150. Which one I use more frequently, the

[@padraiggalvin2807]

Thanks a lot for taking the time to make this video lads. Just what I was looking for.

[@ryanhoward4519]

Fantastic informational video. You're the best Eric.

[@VanquisherUSMC]

I could write a book on the reasons to NOT purchase a Snap-On scanner. I have a Autel MaxiSys Elite. Hands down in my opinion just as good as the "top end" Snap-On scanners. Also, its a fraction of the cost!! Updates are done over your own WIFI connection, fast and simple. I got two years of free updates when I purchased my Autel. After that, they are a fraction of the cost of a Snap-On scanner updates. Im not trying to ding Snap-On, I have loads of their tools including a scanner. Some of the big selling points of Autel for me are: Quality of build, accessories and software, price (I didn't have to go into debt purchasing Autel), customer service and overall function over all makes and models. In my professional opinion, you can't go wrong with Autel!

[@victornaja7927]

darin h please tell me what maxisys model number you got looking forward

[@ToxicwasteProductions]

Kinda sad you did not bring upp the VCDS rosstech and Volvo vida and autoenginuity and such. :)

[@CesNwk10]

Screw rosstech and volvo vida... For the price of both of those you can buy a launch x431 pro3 with online updates that does ALL vehicles! Coding, key programming and all

[@icuppu2]

Well said. We need to move forward and not remain backward. How can you spend money you do not have? Credit! Ouch! I have a Launch X... and its awsome! It may not do miracles, but close. I find the comments section more educational and informational than the videos, but I am glad that the videos exist because they strike up conversations with input from across the table and not just one sided. Maybe both sides are right? Maybe both sides are wrong? Maybe only one side is right, but which one? The comments stimulate thought, and entertaining thoughts is a whole lot more economical than throwing, or hanging parts.

[@spot-onautomotivediagnosti7583]

Wow two legends in one video! Between y’all two and the videos y’all have made I’ve learned so much. Love y’all’s videos

[@707SonomaComa]

Another totally awesome video by Eric. And with the Scan King himself on the set!

[@bigfoottoo2841]

Can I get one I can connect to my wife?

[@boboften9952]

10 out of 10 . Will it accept diagnosis ? .... Bunch of flowers resolves most faults in this case .

[@comaluc427]

🤣🤣😂

[@laragreene8328]

Just take brain pills 🤣🤣🤣

[@elvirhaskovic8020]

Snap-Ons "key" system is way to outdated, theres much higher end scantools for half the price from companys like Autel.

[@DjJtown]

Look at the date. It's from 2014

[@frankdenardo8684]

got an actron scanner and does not require keys.

[@TheLifeOfMartin]

@@DjJtown dated.. a $10,000 "computer" tool that can't even have those keys preinstalled is dated....

[@pauldunphy7948]

Autel ever time add a picoscope and your sorted...

[@MA-ct7qr]

Great informational video, you two answered many questions and helped me pick the correct scanner too. Thank you!!!

[@MrNickelodion]

Pretty glad to see 2 of the best masters on automotive on these times. Hope to see other titans got together also. Best for bouth

[@MrSsippiboy]

Can you tell me what you think about this scanner. Craftsman CanOBD2&1 Scan Tool w/Software & Optional RepairSolutions 20899

[@icuppu2]

It's a rip-off. Start with a Harbor Freight scanner when they go on sale, and read, read, read. After you realize how much more the scanner has that you don't understand you will scale up to a scanner that walks you through. With more bells and whistles, you get bidirectional capabilities. No modern day computer within the public's reach can count higher than the number one (1), period! Research and read how to read and interpret mode six data ($06), its hexadecimal numbering system conversion to decimal and the binary formulas that apply for the calculations, and then you will begin to understand the machine that you need. For example, what takes me several hours to diagnose, test, gather information, data, calculate to the 32nd decimal place, it takes the Harbor Freight scan tool less than 3 milliseconds and displays it too. The machine is very, very stupid, but it does exactly what you tell it to do, and very fast, almost at the speed of light. So, there is no "blue" scanner, or "red" scanner Neo. There is only hard work, and the best education is experience; in other words, no matter how many books you read on Karate, you will still get your ass handed to you by an illiterate Karate kid. But, if you read the books and you are a student of this Karate kid then you will become one bad-ass hombre, just remember, with great power comes great responsibility, so don't rip off your customers, you won't need to, and you will have more business than you can handle, without advertising.

[@Sandra-sm5iq]

Eric do a update video on this for twenny twenny

[@azn310]

Great discussion!! So much history and info in one video!

[@laszlototh5956]

I could not wish a better video from EricTheCarGuy!

[@bellamyc7895]

how ironic....he knew the Chrysler key by heart lol often used?? lol

[@bellamyc7895]

@Moparian hahaha ok keep the faith my man

[@gately1]

This is long ass commercial for Snap On.

[@Cmlumley123]

I'm sure he picked that shirt randomly...

[@minirey360]

He looked pissed/annoyed throughout the video.

[@lilfish1308]

@@minirey360 He does tho 🤣🤣🤣

[@jamalwalker2104]

I noticed that

[@Junior-cy7lv]

Great info guys... hell of a good job. I want to give two thumbs up to your guess because even though he acknowledges that the experience and the know how of a good technician is required he gives credit to the machine itself and not to the operator. A good sign of humility on his behalf and we all know that all that the consumer wants is a experienced and honest mechanic! Thanks for you video... really educational...

[@mogtube1980]

Awesome video with great information. Thanks to you both for the intro into scan tools. It might not tell me what I need, but at least I have an idea of what to consider, and a starting point now.

[@Professional_Youtube_Commenter]

"this is more than a scanner, this is a scanner, laptop and porn viewer all in one"

[@ottard]

I always thought Paul's brain was connected directly to the car via bluetooth...

[@johnshore7976]

Wow what a great presentation I learnt so much more in watching this please keep up the great work

[@georgeriverasr.6298]

WOW, LOVE BOTH OF YOU GUYS, THANKS FOR BOTH OF YA'LLS KNOWLEDGE. GREAT VIDEO!!!!

[@bam6972]

ELM327 enough said....

[@djmv2002]

bam6972 elm can't make activate actuators. Your get what you pay for. Not saying it's a bad tool to use. I own a elm and can tell you you can only scan and erase tools.

[@ScottysBackYardBBQ]

actron elite autoscanner cp9190 good

[@moofushu]

Eric I have respect for your video making. I've tried making my own personal video, for example my Ford Ranger Water Pump, for future reference. One thing I've found is number one, I hate the sound of my own voice. Number two when making an instructional video you sorta have to in real time think of how much to show while narrating. I've noticed in your videos you have a much better narration and also are hand holding your own video camera. It's tougher than it looks. Do you practice?

[@ericthecarguy]

Thanks. I've been practicing for the past 5 years. :) And you're right, it's harder than it looks. Good luck.

[@motorsportfactory]

+EricTheCarGuy i agree with you eric. ive been workon on my own videos. with my htc one s. its not easy trying to focus on recording and workin on the car with another hand. by the way ...what kind of camera are you using .i need to upgrade to something better

[@mercedesbenzs600bash]

+EricTheCarGuy Hey Eric,which after market scanner would you recommend for a Mercedes-Benz 91-95 S CLASS?????

[@JuanNOnly123]

+Derek B. Greene did you not watch the video

[@marcosrodriguez3079]

The factory scan tool.

[@2slow95]

Thanks ETCG and SD for the info! Made me think again about what needs to be important!:)

[@lucianodiaz6197]

Excellent video. A lot of detailed information and recommendations. Thanks.

[@albertlevy8818]

Today's cars are not the same as 10-20 years ago. The systems are being run through computers and today's techs will have to be 65% IT / 35% wrencher. A diy guy may not need a top of the line Bi-directional scanner but a professional tech should and he should have the knowledge to comprehend the data in front of him.

[@krishickman8617]

Albert Levy Dude you said it exactly right on which is so sad because all the diyers won't is something they can use to help them out I know I do the dealer ships don't want us to be able to do any of this because that will cost them money it's never been about the consumer it's about the business greed and more greed in order for example to change a headlight in a Chevy HHR you have to take the bumper off so they tell you anyways just to prevent you from doing it your self you can actually don't have to do that you can go under the wheel well and do it from it takes two minutes there but it's little shit like that that they do to prevent you from diying when is the greed going stop have faith guys every thing will be ok GOD Bless Y'all from Texas Kris

[@theoriginalbillholt]

Somewhere, Henry Ford is slack-jawed, thinking "What...the... ." ·

[@Weatherman40312]

theoriginalbillholt LOL!!

[@mckav2358]

Just come across this discussion. Absolutey fascinating

[@stephenzies8867]

Thank You Both For Your Time

[@kenough90]

He kinda looks like Turbo Yoda

[@mcvithuz]

Turboooo Yodddaaaaaaaaaaaa ahhhhhhhhhh I think it's the beard

[@alanack67]

Dear Santa....

[@siriusjones6719]

11:58 Eric's comment about OBDII...truer words have never been spoken in the automotive field. Amen CarGuy, Amen!!

[@mr.charley1507]

Amazing Video! My New hero, Scanner Danner! You go!

[@billysimons28]

I am a professional mechanic and since I work on older cars I don't use scan tools I just use a multimeter

[@frankdenardo8684]

I use a scan tool for all cars from the 1980's to the present.

[@randabuffer6562]

Scan tools speed everything up, going threw the whole car with a multimeter is kind of slow way to do it.

[@motorcity429]

Snap on scanner cost more then most of the older cars that need to be scanned

[@autodiyfix7462]

Helpful, I finished watching this video,it's the best perfect video that tell people how to chose scanner tools. Four point I learned it: 1.what is the difference between high price scanner and low price scanner. 2.OBD1 VS OBD2 3.What scanner you want to purchase depends on what data you want to see. 4.Test two types of tool: $10k scanner and under $200 scanner. Hope you guys got it.

[@thestudioofhopecorporation3356]

You kinda missed the jump off point...You have OBD2 scanners that can only read and erase codes that cost around $80 today, and you have pro scanners that dealerships use that cost around $780.00 to $3,000 or if you dont like keeping your money, you can spend $10,000 for the Snap-on version of the $780 scanner (a J2534 compliant scan tool) that will reprogram, keys, BCM's, TCM's and any other module that your manufacturer has made accessible through the On-Board Diagnostic port.

[@NAEazyhoonn]

Such a good video. Thanks Eric and SD

[@bumponlog]

$10,000? You're paying for a pos tablet in a snap on case that will be outdated in no time at all. And it's probably just running on windows or something. You could buy the best most rugged touch screen laptop and the interfaces to connect to your car for way less than half that could you not? What a rip off.

[@TheAed38]

You could buy a supercomputer for $10k. At that price this sounds like corporate money laundering.

[@thestudioofhopecorporation3356]

A j box does pass through for a hell of a lot less and you spend your money on manufacturers software updates...

[@leoguy1609]

$10,000 scan tool and $1500 to repair each time you send it in for service.

[@ralfvalcourt9187]

+Leo Guy Low Grade PC and pi.. poor bi-directional functions for $10,000 What a deal LOL. Snap-On Hand Tools set the standard for all tools but they really should drop out of the diagnostics market.

[@TheAed38]

When you need to hire a mechanic to fix your scan tool so that you can fix your car, which costs less than the scan tool, you're doing it wrong.

[@williamkh76]

Thank you Eric for your video's, they help me out a lot.

[@darthvincor]

Awesome. I am actually thinking of getting a scanner. Looking forward to watching it.

[@100nortonfan]

A very Useless presentation. Anyone watching your videos is not going to pay for an expensive scanner -- such as the one described that took up most of the time on this video. Your viewers would benefit more from scan tools available for, say, under $200 -- and, even that, is a high number as most would not have the tools or knowledge or facilities to perform the needed repairs. Your other videos have been excellent, for the most part. Keep up the good work!

[@tcb548]

MADE MONEY IN TWO MINUTES? Did you not tell the customer it was just water on the connectors? The issue isn't finding the problem with someone's car using a scan tool, the problem is finding a mechanic who will inform the customer that he just had to dry off connectors and not charge for a rebuilt transmission. 90% of mechanics today take advantage of customers.

[@richardostrowski6420]

Paul Danner services auto repair shops that do not have either the techs or equipment to properly diagnose a vehicle. He goes to their shop to help them fix their problem child. He charges the shop for his time and knowledge and it is up to the shop to deal with the customer with the broken vehicle. There are honest mechanics/technicians out there. The consumer needs to be educated just like the tech does.

[@roblinehan5758]

Sounds like you have no idea how diag time is billed. You charge by the job. It might be booked at one hour, so whether it takes you 15 seconds or 46 days you get paid for one hour.. Chances are it was not as simple as drying the computer off. Water probably damaged the computer, wiring or connector... Something like that can realistically only be billed a certain amount of time. People like you really piss me off, just the same as the techs that like to rip people off. Where'd you find the 90% statistic? Probably made it up...

[@dtnel]

Rob Linehan Or as some call it " flat rate time" which is allowed billable time in the industry that falls under the code of ethics by most shops as they have to bill flat rate to keep their doors open. if they gave everyone a deal because it was a "easy" fix then worthy shops would be hard to find. Just for me to have a dealer hook up to the car and read the code was $74 with tax and the diagnosis they gave me was incorrect because they change parts till they find the problem as they told me a part was bad so I swapped it and still had the issue. went back to dealer and called them out on that then they said they would've kept working on it until they resolved the code problem when they told me that the sensor was bad to begin with and apparently it wasn't because I even swapped the sensor from one side to the other after replacing it and still have the same code on the same side that I originally had the issue with and yes I did verify that the part numbers were the same left side vs. right side and the replacement one as well. I asked the dealer what they would have did then and they said they would have kept working on it. I asked him would you have kept charging me since you didn't have a correct diagnosis to begin with as you stated you had and he said we would have had to bill me for the time to which I responded then you didn't do a proper diagnosis to begin with. I asked them if they would be willing to right their wrong and the service writers said only if they could charge for the time to which I responded I will figure it out myself then. went home got a multimeter unplug the battery got the wiring diagram and found a broken wire. I wonder how come the tech couldn't have found that to begin with given they had it in there an hour and the tech even told me that he verified it as being a bad sensor by swapping it out initially which I think is crap because that would mean I have 3 bad sensors which isn't the case.

[@michaelbarbuto]

RNW... i'm not sure where you come up with the percentage of 90%. I've been working in diagnosing vehicles for almost 35 years professionally and what I have found in this industry is not necessarily dishonesty but more incompetency. I personally spend probably hundreds of hours per year in education and keeping up with the technology that is coming and what is already out there. I've had people tell me that they were upset because I charge them $300 to replace a fuse. Well it wasn't the fuse that I was charging them for, it was the time it took to find the short in the electrical system to be able to figure out why the fuse was blowing. The same would be if there was water in a connection. It's the time that it takes to figure it out. When a client comes into my shop with an electrical or drivability issue I tell them that I need three hours worth of authorized time in order to figure out what the problem is. I also tell them that if it does not take three hours of diagnostic time, I will not charge them for that time. But, if it takes longer than that period of time, I will call them and inform them that we need more authorization to do further diagnostics. The bottom line is that we need to charge for our time because time is money. There is no flat rate time for electrical or drivability diagnostics. With flat rate time, as in labor guide time to install a water pump that is what we charge. If the book time or flat rate time calls for two hours to install a water pump and we get it done in five minutes, we still charge the two hour time. But, if the same job takes us seven hours to perform the job, we still only charge for two hours. Why should a good and efficient technician be penalized for being good and efficient? This is how we make our money. It's not ripping people off or taking advantage of anybody, it's called being successful and making a lot of money for our efforts and compensating us for all of the equipment that we need to buy and all we spend on extra time after hours learning and furthering our knowledge.

[@michaelbarbuto]

OldSchoolTechCorner there is a stigma in this industry as far as mechanics ago. It used to be that your father or your neighbor can repair your car in their driveway. Not so these days. There is also this myth that a trouble code that your local parts store may retrieve from your engines module or transmission module, is a diagnosis. It is not a diagnosis at all. People think that because it has a trouble code of P0341, it means that the camshaft sensor needs to be replaced. I get this all the time. A customer calls and asks how much it is to replace my camshaft sensor. I then ask them why they think that the camshaft sensor needs to be replaced. Always, they say that AutoZone diagnosed it for me and that's what they said it needs. I will never install a customer's part due to a trouble code that somebody has pulled from their computer. Then they get upset with me because I tell them the price on diagnosing the problem and they ask why I'm charging them when AutoZone diagnoses it for free. This happens every day, possibly several times a day. Also, I will never install a part on a customer's vehicle that even the dealership has diagnosed. I don't trust anybody's diagnosis but mine. Reason being, is that if the other person that supposedly diagnosed the vehicle correctly, and they are incorrect, i'm the one that's going to be considered the bad guy. Not the original diagnostic person. Further, we get these people that want to diagnose their own problems so they go and buy a $49.99 scan tool/code reader and suddenly they think they are a technician. If you could do the job that we do as professionals with a $49.99 scan tool/code reader, then why would I have spent over $40,000 in scanning and diagnostic equipment? I don't want to spend that much money on scan tools, lab scopes, pressure transducers, amp probe's, etc., etc., etc. but that is what's needed to do the job properly and get it right the first time. As true technicians we don't just throw parts at cars in hopes that it will be repaired. Well, enough of "war and peace", with this diatribe. Any true technician reading any of these comments knows exactly what I'm speaking of. I think that the public needs to be more aware of the complexities and inner workings, data correspondence between different modules, then what the information out there allows.

[@davidhansen4471]

very enlightning scaner daner and eric thank you very much

[@fredflintstone8048]

I agree with Paul. You have no where to go but up in knowledge. As you get experience and begin to understand the meaning of the PIDs and understand how they work, having more information is definitely better than having less, and then perhaps having to look at spending more money to get a better system. At that point the money you've already spent is essentially a loss that could have been better used on a more advanced system.

[@BlitzK]

C;mon. How can this guy be a "scanner" guy, but he ONLY knows about snapon and you only talk about one brand? You dont even mention ELM bluetooth and Torque Pro or the long list of other scanners out there. Bleh. I like your videos Eric, but this one failed to hit the mark for me.

[@ishada1]

I think you missed the point. The snap on stuff is dare I say industry standard. As an auto tech student we are being trained off on the snap on. I'm sure there are other high end scanners out there but I don't think torque pro can calibrate the passenger seat weight sensor for the SRS. Just as an example.

[@silvertranc]

The point is, what do you want to get out of your scanner?

[@bobbillings]

the ones you mention are low cost generic global scanner which are basically great for reading and clearing codes. but if you have never used a professional one like current snap on scanners on cars made since 2010, you would not believe the amount of systems and information you can access, tests to run etc. and it will make the torque app look like a novelty.

[@hogass83]

Torque pro and ELM are not scan tools. Snap On is on top, it's what I use. Matco is ok. Autel is a thief. Launch is ok. OTC, MAC are way behind. Bluetooth apps are the same global half ass crap as that actron.

[@BoringMinecraftDude]

hogass83 autel is awesome for imports though. I've had the verus d10 fall flat on its face compared to the maxidas when used on toyotas and nissans and such.

[@bwinms1]

Thanks guys. This was great!

[@Henry-cy2kk]

Fantastic video for a guy that is in the market for a scan tool, that guy has two thumbs and that guy is me… Thank you so much guys

[@DelFam2011]

2022- this video needs a revisit

[@KD5VSV]

Great video, this has helped me understand scan tools a lot better now.

[@jf5016]

Great video, Eric! Thanks!

[@mikeycurtis7861]

Yo Paul! I'm literally just letting KZbin just scroll through on its own, and heard this video playing... Not even kidding.. I'm in the middle of making a new wiring harness for my 92 D21! Always wondered why the back of the dash has pin outs for a CEL but there's no wires for it. Never knew that about obd0 vs OBD1. Man I'm always learning something from ya. Thanks!

[@robertfranks5845]

1994 Ford T Bird V8 in Cali had OBD II compliant ECM. That MT 2500 was the high end at the end of the 90s, earlier 2000s. Awesome tool.

[@johns2975]

Ericthecarguy and scannerdanner,. best cobination ever :)

[@MM0SDK]

Brilliant talk on the troubleshooter, with a humble attitude. I seen this mentioned in one of Danners vids which I was surprised at. A very useful feature it seems. I bet i have a good idea what's next from OBD2... all new vehicles, permanently connected to the internet via mobile data (like our 4G), so any updates needed from the factory can be done on the fly, without having to recall the vehicle, just sent from the manufacture server. Permanent link to GPS and mobile data.

[@jehfchuaquico4330]

This is a very very informative video! I thank God for that and of course to you guys awesome!!

[@MorganOliff]

Woa. Lots of memories in that old red brick box! Especially the old pre-OBD under hood connectors. Some of them required you to run a separate jumper to ground. Ha!

[@FamousByFamily]

i actually went into my local repco store(australian auto spares and accessories store - retail) and asked them if they stocked Actron scanners and they pulled out this trade catalog and showed me a G-scan thing that they said was top of the line and cost a fortune. i then asked if it worked with OBD 1 (for my 1994 GM sedan) to which they had no clue. i then said forget it i just wanted a basic OBD 1 scanner and not to bother. ON THE OTHERHAND THIS VIDEO HAS EDUCATED ME MORE THAN I NEED TO GO GET A SECOND HAND OBD 1 OFF EBAY. Eric you saved the day yet again! many thanks.

[@richardmartin1884]

Have been watching you for a while and have turned to you when I want to know how to do something right, you are very knowledgeable present your videos in a clear and precise manner, have learned a lot and have enjoyed watching. Keep it up and stay dirty, Richard

[@limplin7]

Thank you for this so helpful video! The best video about scanners

[@alexberrios3552]

Thank you eric and thank you scanner Danner for the information your information has helped me a lot and which scanner to buy

[@hugovazcam]

Awesome video, Very helpful! Gracias Eric!!

[@pyro8818ak47]

Eric the car guy, you should expand this series with scanner danner you guys both put out some awesome points and i got a generic scanner similar to yours that i like but im upgrading when i get my loan check for my business but im happy to see how thorough you guy did go into the systems for scanning and finding problems... Been a viewer and subber for a long time, keep up the good stuff Eric,. just remember you can never know TOO MUCH

[@loganeugenes991]

Damn good video! Time well spent watching this one bonus was "Scanner Danner". Learned Bi-directional.

[@TheMechanicman30]

I am a Ford Senior Master Technician at a dealership here in the northeast. Recently I was on the market for a high end scan tool for myself to exclusively use at the shop. Our shop tool is the manufacturer scan tool, IDS software and VCM hardware running through a Toughbook. I was tired of the shop tool constantly breaking or being used. My budget was $12,000. I am a huge fan of Snap-on and most of what I own including my toolbox, I purchased from them. I did plenty of research before I made my final decision. I ended up going with an Acer touch screen laptop running I5 and windows 7. I bought the Ford VCM 2 with wireless connectivity. The IDS software is free to download from Rotunda. I also purchased the VMM to unlock other features such as scope and injector flow tests. The whole deal ran me about $9,000. This was very close to what the Snap-on Verus costs, which I was seriously considering as well. Why didn't I purchase the Verus then? It has almost all features of the factory scan tool PLUS it can be used for many different car lines, right? Well there is one huge and I mean huge factor that the Verus can not do. Reprogram modules. I would say that on Ford's models that are 5 years old or newer, 50% of the TSB's are a simple reprogram of a module or modules. Just last week I had a 2013 Fusion towed in with a no crank no start. A simple BCM and RTM reprogramming was the fix. The new complexity and module reliability in these cars are critical and many problems are just software errors. Only the factory scan tool can reprogram and that is huge!