Tools Needed For Programming Featuring Launch Smart Link C

[@mph5896]

Programming multiple car lines is a GIANT pain. You have to learn all of the quirks of each manufacture and spend a TON of time to set up initially. Then they keep changing things. I am set up to do Ford and GM.

[@jpedraza17]

Programming the New GM Stuff is such a pain by itself cant imagine more than 1 manufacturer

[@rob_kasper_4410]

​@Jesus Pedraza Funny, I'm a GM tech and I think everything else is a pain haha especially VW's Odis

[@jpedraza17]

@@rob_kasper_4410 Bruh. SPS sucks!

[@rob_kasper_4410]

@@jpedraza17 GDS2 and SPS are second nature to me now.

[@bryanbeane7328]

Just picked up the opis setup and got a Yukon transmission to put in so we’ll see how it does when I program the tcm vs my autel…….I always put the battery on a trickle charger the day before programming and when I do it put a jump box that is fully charged on the vehicle as well.

[@michaelwitmer7536]

You might think about the PowerMax battery maintainer it is actually a fordable

[@paulstrymecki5762]

Make sure you research partitioning you SSD if you’re going to be programming for multiple makes, that will save on having to buy multiple computers.

[@ericsnyder3290]

I am using windows 11, 64 bit. Pretty fast pc. Only issue I found is ford won’t auto update, I have to be the reminder on that day!!!! I have bought 3 laptops for this reason, 1 for import, 1 for domestic, 1 for euro. Haven’t had an issue. I did have an issue before when I had all software on one machine. Seems like Honda is the dude that don’t like others, had an issue with Honda and Ford on same PC.

[@johnn2557]

And I thought I spent a lot of $$$$$ when I bough my timing light and tach/dwell meter years ago!!! 😊

[@PhillyDee215]

I wouldn't mind making programming a career. I know a few guys that only does programming, just goes from shop to shop all day long. Easy day👨‍🔧

[@SALEEN961]

Autel doesn't support every manufacturer when it comes to programming, but they have great BMW coverage that allows you to program and code modules with their android based tablet. The best part is that you don't have create an account with the manufacturer or pay for an additional subscription. When it comes to domestics like Ford and GM, I like my windows laptop and a J-2534 because the manufacturer software is very user friendly and inexpensive. I have yet to find anything that works well and has a justifiable price for Jaguar/Land Rover and Porsche, I just don't program enough of these cars to justify the price of the good options I've found.

[@Mike-dn4ju]

I have the OEM tool for our lwb X308 Jags. One SC and one NA 4.0. Couldn’t own them without it. Old XP based toughbook running an original Jag version 118.5.

[@Mike-dn4ju]

Uses factory ford interface to Bosch modules.

[@cardo1111]

You have a nice laptop collection, those Panasonic Tough Books were pricey back in the day.

[@jasonlecreux1175]

If you don’t mind me asking, do you know what your shop’s average hour per RO? I’m unsure if it’s the fact I’m in a smaller community or possibly our advisors are unable to sell the work, but we are sitting around 0.7-1 hour on average per RO. It might be part of being in a rural area, but I see many shops online talking about getting multiple 7+ hour jobs regularly and getting closer to 2-3 average hours per RO. Might be an idea for a future video talking about it to give techs the thought to see if it’s worth working in a larger market or not, I know you have personal experience with the extra commute you do

[@georgef1176]

can I add the j box to the launch torque 5? I can't decide which launch to get... the launch torque link is $1700 or the torque 5 is $1999 I was gonna get the TopDon Phoenix Smart but the launch does far more to more manufactures.

[@bernardhoffman4586]

GM vehicles can now use Windows 11

[@mikekotarba5828]

Thanks mike

[@SS-U23]

Thank you

[@christopher6161]

A lot of shit like Techstream was originally designed to run on Windows XP 32bit.

[@jonaustin262]

Anyone know if a snap on Zeus can handle programming since win10 or would laptop still be best?

[@ahwee77329]

Zues is a joke. Get launch or Autel

[@flatratemaster]

the Snap On Tablet uses embedded win10 not a full windows install so no it is not able to do programming, as far as I know

[@k9under]

why can't we go back to ford model T with hand crank and forget all this crap.

[@speedy_pit_stop]

Because the government said so. I drive 70's cars and I'm happy with them.

[@michaelwitmer7536]

Hate to call you you out, but you are just uninformed because you don't do programming. Go to your friend at tool hut. Ask him about the Pheonix max. I just programmed a blank , from the dealer , pcm on a 14 nissan rougue. So, now a days, some scan tool manufacturers are amassing their own databases with calibrations. Hope this helps. Mike

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

You got lucky then because even the OEM dealer techs run the risk of bricking modules on 14-18 Nissan Rogues when programming pcm, bcm or even adding keys. The aftermarket scantools have gone along ways in programming modules and performing programmable module installation. I have been saved numerous times by the launch or autel when the j2534 software failed to do what I wanted. That being said there is higher chance of pushing the wrong button with the aftermarket tooling. I recently programmed a BMW power steering rack using the launch and there was 8 different calibration available to choose from for that rack. I had to do some research to find out which cal file was correct.

[@michaelwitmer7536]

@@ThePracticalMechanic Yes that is why I was working on it. a Car dealer bricked the BCM and PCM.Trying to add an aftermarket key. I was able to use a salvage yard BCM, but had to have a new PCM. Tried replacing the eeprom to a used unit, no go, If you get a P161E or F, the PCM is garbage. thanks for the reply

[@Ryan-rp7xo]

I think you missed the point of the video, the point is that to do programming over a large variety of vehicles has a large range of requirements. While you may be able to program one model you are likely to require different things for another model, this is even from one model from the same manufacturer as another model. And as he states at the end, programming is easy till it goes wrong then it suddenly isn't so easy

[@michaelwitmer7536]

@@Ryan-rp7xo ok