Questions and Answers

Scan Tools And Suspension Testing Q. Hello Sir, top of the day to you. I'm asking your opinion on diagnostic equipment. Which diagnostic kit do you recommend for testing all vehicles, including truck and heavy equipment? Taking into consideration, most economical and at the same time very reliable for all or most testing. I'd also like your recommendation for suspension testing. Is there any special training needed to conduct these diagnostics in both cases? Thanks in advance, sincerely, Shawn

A. One thing you have to keep in mind Shawn is that there is no one tool that will do everything. And the more a tool does, the more it will cost.

In my shop I use the Snap-on MODIS Modular Diagnostic Information System that has a lab and ignition scope. It does a lot. I can do a lot of testing with it and actually watch what the sensors are doing. But this unit is about $7200.00. Snap-on offers another OBD-II unit that is very good for about $800.00. It's not as sophisticated or has the scopes, but it is a good, all around unit that does a good job.

What you should do is sit down and make a list of what you need and what features you will need. Then you will have a basis of comparison when shopping around. And look for a unit that is expandable and upgradeable. This is very important because every year something new comes out and the tool you buy has to be able to keep pace.

I don't know if there is any truck and heavy equipment software and adapters available for the Snap-on tools, but I'm sure there is in their industrial catalogs. As with anything, there is a learning curve and the more you use the tool, the better you will get with it. Just remember when all else fails, read the directions. In addition, Snap-on will help with all the technical support you will need.

As for suspension testing, if you can get into a training course that some of the alignment machine manufacturers offer, that would be the best way to go. I know that Moog, a leading manufacturer of front end and suspension parts, used to offer training classes, but I don't know if they still do.