Looking for good engine diagnostic equipment ....

[Por911T]

We are looking to buy some good engine diagnostic equipment . I realise this may not come cheap but we could really do with it . We are an independant van dealer in Glasgow and we are needing some pointers in a bid to sort the good from the bad .

All input / pointers / opinions appreciated

Thanks

Barry Clarkson
www.clarkson-commercials.co.uk

[stevieturbo]

Give these guys a shout too

http://www.ilexa.co.uk/forum/index.php

But you'd need to know what vehicles you need to work with. The wider the variety, the more difficult it will be for a one unit fits all.

And having the equipment is only half the battle. Many places that have some equipment have no clue how to actually use it other than for reading basic codes. So if that's the case, may as well just buy a cheap code reader.

Is there a competent tech at your place who will be able to use any expensive equipment ?

[maniac0796]

Remember that until 2006, EOBD wasn't a requirement on commercial vehicles. So if you've got vehicles from before then, you might not be able to access all the stuff you want to.

[stevieturbo]

maniac0796 said:

Remember that until 2006, EOBD wasn't a requirement on commercial vehicles. So if you've got vehicles from before then, you might not be able to access all the stuff you want to.

Most vehicles within the last 15 years or so have OBD of some form. Which proper diagnostic equipment can usually interact with to some degree. Often how well it interacts depends on how expensive that equipment is.

The modern generic EOBD/OBDII whatever you want to call it is just the basics, and why cheap code readers are so readily available. But they are of limited use only.

[Por911T]

Gents many thanks again - this is why forums are invaluable - most of the vans that we deal in around 2006 onwards and while we do deal in the odd older van dependant on age / condition / mileage . I agree that some diagnostic equipment will be over specced for what we need and in some cases im sure that the equipment may be under utilised because of lack of knowledge of the software . I'll try the company that you recommended and keep you posted ...

[stevieturbo]

You need to decide what the equipment is for. Just basic code reading, or more in depth diagnostics ?

Service lights, ABS, key programming, and for what vehicles.

Sadly there is no single solution. And even expensive ones that claim they are fantastic and do most things. In reality they do not.
Then factor in what upgrades may cost or are installed. Some units ask for a paid upgrade yearly. And after that year, the previous stuff no longer functions.
Very dodgy if you ask me. So make sure whatever system you get, doesnt cost a fortune to maintain, or lock you out of it when the year is up