I am purchasing a 2007 year vintage MODIS from my Snap-on dealer for a very good price, however the battery that it comes with is done. I plan on sending that battery off to be rebuilt, but would like to have a back-up. I was going to buy one through my dealer, however he told me that Snap-on is trying to locate one for him, but it's not looking good. I've looked on Ebay and no joy. This will be my home scope, so it's not an emergency.
Does anyone know where I might have luck in finding this elusive little beast?
It is my opinion that the MODIS batteries are JUNK. I've went through a couple of them. Each lasting less than a year. I got used to dragging a cord around, when I was using a MODIS.
I would check with Interstate Batteries.
"Knowledge is a weapon. Arm yourself, well, before going to do battle."
"Understanding a question is half an answer." I have learned more by being wrong, than I have by being right.
I'd be willing to bet before long you won't be able to get updates for that Modis tool either as if you think about it if they're not supplying parts the life cycle has to be bearing it's end and if you do daily diagnostics on late model vehicles you'll be money ahead to find one slightly used or you can buy a Solus Edge and go with a separate oscilloscope and probably be money ahead. I traded my Solus Edge for the Modis Edge back around March. Snap on was buying a bunch of scan tools back to push the newer stuff out the door. Hope this helps.
Regarding your battery I'd check flea bay and find a good used one and have it rebuilt/replaced by Batteries Plus as well and then you'll have a 2nd one.
I don't know if the old modis has the same features as the newer modis or even solus edge for that matter but definitely check them out.
Sometimes techs jump at opportunities to replace or purchase a "deal" that the snap on guy is offering but most of those dealers will offer that same deal a few days to a week later if they want the sale as the techs, mechanics, DIY guys like me are their meal ticket and they know if they want to sell it they'll have to come down on pricing if they haven't sold it.
A few ways to deal with dealers regarding pricing tools by the dealer but knowing how long they've been doing it and watching their financial behavior with your and other techs will tell you a lot so you can barter and come away with a good deal that you feel comfortable with.
I owned my solus for 8 months before I decided to trade up.
One line I use at times is "if I put $xxxx amount of dollars down today and make my payments xxxx amount weekly or monthly what type of deal can I get.
I use the same theory when negotiating multiple items such as recently when I bought 2 electronic torque wrenches. I asked what the price was then asked what type of deal I could get if I bought both.
After that I still played that I wanted them and asked if I bought one and paid for it that day and made payments on the others what type of pricing I'd get and in the end I bought one outright and paid the other one off over 2 months only making 1 payment per month as I'm not a shop account so I rarely see my guy especially since softball started which I've been busy coaching since spring.
This is good as well as I've just about got my $2500 bill paid off, 0% interest and not snap on financing either.
MY bill was almost 5k at one point but being I don't work in a shop snap on won't finance me as they say the financing is for guys in shops and dealerships and those working. Mine is sorts pa a hobby and DIY stuff since I'm on disability and my physical abilities are limited.
Regarding the lithium battery if you don't get the voltage correct then you'll fry the tool and have a expensive doorstop.
At work I have a Solus Edge and Vantage Ultra, both up-to-date. I have a subscription on the Solus, so it will always be up-to-date.
At home I have this Modis, just for the scope(don't need updates), and an Ethos Pro with 17.2. The Modis and Ethos I got for a song, into both for $800.
I also have access to AlldataPro and Mitchell wherever I have internet access.
According to an instructor in the field, this vintage Modis has more functions than the newer ones. He said Snap-on dumbed them down, took away certain items. Since I haven't verified this myself, a grain of salt should be taken.
I like my old Modis. It may be out of date but still has a very competent four channel scope. Good luck on a battery. The ONLY one I've seen in the last six months was a bad one on Ebay that sold for $70. If you send your battery off to MTO to be rebuilt it will come back with better cells in it than Snap On ever used.
I just purchased a used modis edge through eBay. If battery is weak will scope function with unit plugged in to A/C adapter? I am DYI am would appreciate any feedback. Thanks
When scoping on a vehicle as often as not I just use the 12 volt wires to power my Modis directly off the battery. Or when in the car, a lighter plug adapter. I found a cheap wiring set on eBay that does both. I think it also fits the Vantage and Verus too.
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