Snap-on’s Killer New Code Scanner
By Chuck Cage
We have a little cheapie code scanner — actually a couple of them — around the Toolmonger shop, but we aspire to one day pick up a serious unit, like Snap-on’s Ethos. It’s the real deal, not only handling the standard OBDII codes, but reading pretty much anything a post 1980 car can send.
It features a 4.7″ black and white display — high vis for the shop, as opposed to fancy color that’s hard to read in bright light — the ability to display up to four parameters graphically, and a vehicle power adapter so you don’t have to sweat batteries or find an outlet.
Besides the basic 1996+ OBD communication (including all nine modes of OBDII), Snap-on also offers vehicle-specific communication software that lets you read systems beyond the engine, like transmission, transfer case, ABS, airbag, body, occupant classification modules, and so on. Currently they offer a version for 1983-2005 Chryslers, 1981-2005 Fords, 1980-2005 GMs, and 1983-2005 Asian imports.
The deluxe kit goes for $1,695. That may seem like a lot, but when you consider that it pretty much does the job of that $10,000 big-ass unit you see at the dealer, it’s a deal — and a small price to pay for a shop that intends to work on modern cars.
The ETHOS Scanner System, Deluxe Kit [Snap-on]
May 16th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
That’s a lot of money for something you will only use occasionally and that most auto parts stores will do for free.
May 16th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
I agree, rent one.
By the time this paid for itself, it will be obsolete & you will need to buy another - it only claims compatibility with models to 2005 & no mention of Europeans.
May 16th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
For $1000 bucks it better wind your watch & scratch your back! If you’ve gotta have one, Actron makes a decent code scanner that doesn’t require a 2nd mortgage.
May 18th, 2007 at 7:12 am
I’d rather get a CarChip (http://www.davisnet.com/drive/products/carchip_products.asp) for much less and get logging of information while I drive as well.
February 22nd, 2008 at 4:20 pm
I like to buy 1, is it still available?
Her in Holland we like to work with Snap-On tools so can i get one still?
March 7th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Save your money, you can buy a better scan tool from MAC tools, the Taskmaster, for $1200.00 and it does all the same plus more. It’s made by OTC and completly upgradable.
March 7th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Agree with Jeff..the Taskmaster is far superior and priced much better. Your only problem is finding a Mac dealer that will stay in business long enough to provide you any service.