Shops, Barns, Varmints, and Trucks - updating diagnostic scanner

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updating diagnostic scanner

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Forum Name: Shops, Barns, Varmints, and Trucks
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URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=163173
Printed Date: 23 Mar 2026 at 2:52am
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Topic: updating diagnostic scanner

Posted By: HudCo
Subject: updating diagnostic scanner
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2019 at 10:56am

looking to get a new scanner have been useing otc so thinking about the otc evolve , but also thinking about the snap on , or the autel, with lab scope . think they are all within 500$ of each other, product support is a big thing for me really leaning towards the otc because we use identifix for data and i think its kind of otc or snapon based . wondering what some of you guys use

Replies:

Posted By: Dakota Dave
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2019 at 7:01pm

I use a GM tech2. But I don't work on anybody else's stuff and don't own one newer than 2014. I have 3 1995 gm products with OBD 1.5 and nothing else works on them.

Posted By: fixer1958
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2019 at 9:08am

I use an Autel, Snap on 'Zeus' (very over rated on a lot of things, $12K pretty) and Tech 2 for older GM. Use Alldata, Mitchell and Identifix for reference.

Posted By: Hockeyman
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2019 at 9:16am

I use a cheap WIFI OBDII adapter that I can connect to with an app on my Iphone...

Posted By: HudCo
Date Posted: 01 Aug 2019 at 10:18am

we use identifix , fixer 1958 do you like the autel does it have a lab scope?

Posted By: fixer1958
Date Posted: 01 Aug 2019 at 10:55am

You can get one with it. I use the snapon for a lab scope. Has a PC moniter with the cabinet.

The Autel is fine, has given me bogus data a few times. That is why it is nice to have 2 scanners. Snap on has a hard time connecting to the vehicle at times. Doesn't have to be anything out of the ordinary either. They both have there give and take.

All around the Autel is the go to scanner for me.

Posted By: HudCo
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2019 at 9:29am

what mod. autel ? . another shop i do bissnes with was telling me the cornwell truck has the autel

Posted By: fixer1958
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2019 at 10:40am

The one I have says 'MaxiSys' on it.

I think we got it at Napa.

I know Cornwell has them but I haven't taken to him about it.

Posted By: kalliellison
Date Posted: 05 Feb 2026 at 8:55pm

Hockeyman wrote:

I use a cheap WIFI OBDII adapter that I can connect to with an app on my Iphone...

Updating the diagnostic scanner is always a solid move to keep your equipment running smoothly. It’s interesting to see the different options out there. By the way, for anyone dealing with manuals or repair documents, https://comfax.com/" rel="nofollow - fax is a fantastic tool to send faxes and documents directly from your phone—super convenient when you need to share specs or updates with a mechanic quickly, without all the hassle of traditional fax machines!

thanks for the information!

Posted By: HudCo
Date Posted: 15 Feb 2026 at 10:01pm

ever tryd looking at wire schematic on the dumb little smart phone screen , bad enought when its printed out and the pages are all put together side by side

Posted By: DMiller
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2026 at 6:21am

HudCo wrote:

looking to get a new scanner have been useing otc so thinking about the otc evolve , but also thinking about the snap on , or the autel, with lab scope . think they are all within 500$ of each other, product support is a big thing for me really leaning towards the otc because we use identifix for data and i think its kind of otc or snapon based . wondering what some of you guys use

Wrote on this a while ago.

Local garages, I even as work on my own OLD Stuff take newer to locals. The New Scanners come with an additive Scam. Manufacturers are requiring a Subscription to Access the Auto Electronics or to attain appropriate updates. The small LED or Interface to phone units will not any longer work to Clear Codes either without said MONTHLY Subscriptions. The Snap On and OTC units have a required Monthly Subscription to READ Data streams. From the HD and AG end, the Laptops Systems are also going to Monthly Subscriptions.