New buisness owner alldata subscription

The local Mac Tools guy let me demo his new MDT10, which is a redressed version of the Bosch ADS 625:

www.mactools.com/en-us/Diagnostics-and-T...200/MDT-10-Scan-Tool

I've been very excited to get a hold of one of these since they came out. Thoughts so far:

Pros:

- It fills in the gaps of the Snappy coverage, just like I wanted it to. On my '08 Ford Escape, the Bosch offers a BIG list of bidirectional functions that are nowhere to be found on the Modis. Generator voltage command, EVAP purge/seal, commanded air/fuel ratio, SAS relearn. More data PIDs are there, too, like rear fuel trim and spark duration.

- Enhanced OBD/Global OBD functionality is fantastic. Every Mode $06 MID and TID I've looked at is (pretty) accurately decoded.

- Battery life is surprisingly good. I've kept it running for several hours at a time with no need to recharge. Of course, it's brand new, so who knows how that'll play out over the life of the tool.

- The Automated System Test is a nice function for record keeping purposes. Hit one button, and the tool automatically scans all modules for codes, grabs the VIN, current PCM calibration, checks emissions monitors and all Mode $05/$06 data. All saved data is listed by date and vehicle in an easy to use menu.



- The big screen is nice. The touchscreen takes a bit more force to register a tap than I'm used to, but I feel that's likely intentional to prevent unintended tapping.

- The VCI is a bit heavy and awkward, but works well. DLC light and voltmeter are built in. It can also connect via USB to your laptop to function as a J2534 box (with drivers available from Bosch). Works flawlessly with FORScan.

Cons:

- Graphing data is not fantastic. No adjustments can be made for time scaling, which could make glitch capturing a chore. The data buffer is very small compared to Snap-On, so you have to be a bit choosy about when and what you record.

- Saved data cannot be exported or shared off the tool. Viewable on the tool only. Not a dealbreaker, but disappointing.

- That same Automated System Test takes FOREVER to run. :lol: Even on CAN enabled vehicles, it's not a quick process. In real world terms, you could pull the car in your bay and start the test. Hop out, check the cabin filter, check lights, set the lift, pop the hood for a visual, and BS with your neighbor. When you come back, the test might be done.

- The tool can't be put to sleep, and the screen can't be turned off. It's either fully on, or it's off. This really seems like a missing feature? I get that the tool is intended to live on the charging stand when not in use, but it'd still be nice to switch the screen off to save power.

More to come. Price tag for this one is $5000, so I'm gonna put it to the test before I pull the trigger. Any thoughts/comments/questions you have are welcomed.

I'm interested to hear more of your experience with it.
My impression was that it is a very capable tool that's hard to squeeze the functions out of...
I spent 40 minutes on an Acura with an ABS light and got absolutely no where. I plugged in the Solus and the car was fixed in a matter of minutes.
I felt the same with a friend's Mercedes C class. Sure, it had functions the snap on couldn't touch, but without Mercedes level factory training I didn't know WTF they were. And if I did have factory level training, I'd have factory level tooling!
Just my experience. I really wanted to fall in love with that tool, but it just wasn't meant to be...

Noah wrote: My impression was that it is a very capable tool that's hard to squeeze the functions out of...

...

Just my experience. I really wanted to fall in love with that tool, but it just wasn't meant to be...

I didn't know you had tried it! :ohmy: Glad to hear your experience wasn't perfect, either. To be fair to the tool, I think you and I (and most of the membership around here) are gonna ask more of the tool than the average shop/technician. More thoughts:

Pros:

- On board wiring diagrams are fantastic. I didn't think I'd care for this feature much? Since the shop has Mitchell and IDFix subscriptions, accessible on my laptop. But they really come in handy. AND they're accessible away from the car, as long as you have internet access.

- Did I mention the voltmeter on the DLC cable? Seriously, I didn't know how much I wanted this feature. SNAP-ON, ARE YOU LISTENING?

Cons

- Getting live data out of a Honda Element today was slooooooow. It also likes to throw random PIDs in, even though the car doesn't support them. Did the same thing to my Escape. Didn't really bother me, but a rookie would get thrown off track.

For the same money, I can update the Modis Ultra, get an Autoland for the BMW and Mercs, a Launch Diagun VI for functionality, and still come out ahead.

So much of the extra features require wifi when nearly everything is built into the snap on stuff.
I'm sure that's no problem for many shops, but it is a limitation not the less

Tyler wrote:

Andy_ wrote: I didn't see this mentioned, but can it do any output controls, like vent/purge solenoid, etc? If not, it's still worth it's weight in gold, just curious.

I'm still a bit unsure on that, TBH. :blush: I know it'll do KOEO and KOER tests, which run all the outputs when commanded to. But individual outputs, I don't think so?

I'm unsure because when you select scan data PIDs, there's an option for 'Control', with a relevant list of outputs. But it doesn't work. Can't tell if it's a bug, or I'm not doing it right.

Speaking of scan data, the graphing data isn't amazing. The graphing data is under the Oscilloscope tab. Definitely a bit misleading...

I know it's been over a month, but maybe it's still a mystery!

I spent more time than I should have on a vehicle trying to figure this out myself. I ran out of time to see if any of it worked but there is actually another button on the bottom of the screen, next to the PID options button that's always grayed out that you have to hit. It should come up as 'Control' when hovered over. It'll bring up a menu with the outputs you selected in the other menu that you can either control on/off or duty cycle. Only had a couple minutes but while I was able to find the menu, couldn't get any outputs to actually work. The Forscan forums say the module needs to be put into a diagnostic mode in order to use output commands, which is news to me and am unsure if the Forscan software does that automatically when an output command is sent.

Another step in the right direction. Maybe someone will solve the final piece of the puzzle.

I've been meaning to play with that functionality more. :blush: I've also got a new ELM327 adapter to try out, so I'll let you know what I find!

Finally got the bidirectional control to work. :lol: Donut, you were right on with the 'Control' button. I never would have gotten there without your suggestion.

For everyone else, the button we're talking about is this one:



But before you click it, you have to first load up the data PID's you want to watch, AND which controls you want to use. I went with the VCT system as an example because the commands will reflect in the data nicely.

Choosing the data to watch:



Then picking out the output control:



Then hit Play at the lower left, then Control, and you get the menu to run the outputs. The first picture shows the VCT control working perfectly.

There's other fun stuff, too, like the Commanded Equivalnce Ratio function. This gives you direct control of the air/fuel ratio, much like the Toyota and Nissan functional tests. I have a Modis Ultra at 19.4 - this test is nowhere on it.

Only had a couple minutes but while I was able to find the menu, couldn't get any outputs to actually work. The Forscan forums say the module needs to be put into a diagnostic mode in order to use output commands, which is news to me and am unsure if the Forscan software does that automatically when an output command is sent.

From my experience, I think this has more to do with the test you're choosing and when you try to run it? For giggles I tried the All Injectors Disabled test for relative compression purposes. It works, but only if you start the test KOEO. :silly: If you try it with the engine running, nothing happens.

There's other limitations that I found while playing around. With the VCT command, if I had the slider at -13 degrees (which is possible for this engine) and moved it to +25 degrees (which is impossible on this engine), the test quit and just went back to open loop.

I recently heard about FORScan on Diag.net and downloaded it last week. I am shocked how much it can do, in the limited time I have used it so far. It honestly seems like one of those things that seems too good to be true. It's amazing!

Tyler wrote: Finally got the bidirectional control to work. :lol: Donut, you were right on with the 'Control' button. I never would have gotten there without your suggestion.

Glad to be of service! Although it was a little tricky to parse through the instructions since the developer's first language does not appear to be English.

From my experience, I think this has more to do with the test you're choosing and when you try to run it? For giggles I tried the All Injectors Disabled test for relative compression purposes. It works, but only if you start the test KOEO. :silly: If you try it with the engine running, nothing happens.

I'm like 90% sure I was just doing something wrong. Just to see if it worked I commanded the purge solenoid on at around a 50% duty cycle but couldn't hear/feel anything. But by that point my time to play with it was over, had to give the car back empty handed. One day I'll get another Ford product to test it out on!

That's pretty cool with the commanded equivalence ratio. Can definitely see some uses for that in the future. And I'm not too surprised that the Modis, or any other 3rd party scanner for that matter, wouldn't have that output control. Their software designers probably don't even know what that is and fewer techs will know how to use it unfortunately.

The thing I love most about FORScan is you don't have to have memorized or written down measuring block channel numbers like with VCDS, which is a functionality on the Modis that is very frustrating when working with VW/Audi. The (comparatively) cheap Launch X-431 gives you the option for a full PID list or channel selection and a full list of every channel and a description; Something else Snap-On should take note of if they plan to still charge a kings ransom for their scanners.

Donut wrote: Glad to be of service! Although it was a little tricky to parse through the instructions since the developer's first language does not appear to be English.

Agreed, there's definitely a learning curve involved. But for this price, worth it!

Since my BAFX ELM 327 adapter will only do HS-CAN, I went looking for a better adapter that'll do MS-CAN as well. There's tutorials out there on how to add your own switch? But I'm lazy. :silly:

Picked up the OBDLink MX+ , and it works perfectly with FORScan. Can't say it's any faster? But the functionality is there.

HI ANDY : YES YOUR RIGHT WHAT YOU SAID .HOW EVER SNAPON YOU HAVE TO PAY $50 A YR FOR GATEWAY ACCESS. THIS SHOULDBE INCLUDED INTHE UPDATES. AS FAR AS AUTEL GOES THERE BEST AND FASTEST SCANNER IS THE ELITE.YOU WILL STILL NEED THE 12-8 CABLE UNTIL BOTH COMPANYS INCLUDE IT IN THE UPDATE PRICE.

I recently bought this Autel MaxiCOM MK808 OBD2 Scanner bestobd2scanners.com/autel/maxicom-mk808-review/ and so far this scanner is the best one I have used so far. I'll add more details to my opinion an review after I have used it some more.

As far i know most dealer diagnostic software supports pass thru so one scanner and all the software should be all you need, peeps correct me if im wrong.

About 6 months ago, I purchased a Delphi DS150e clone which I thought would be a good buy, seeing that I had two different vehicles. At first, it worked very well, used it twice on the Jetta v5, and tried once on the Mercedes W210 with the 38 pin connector. I could read connet to any of he modules on the Mercedes, even with the proper 16-38pin connector. As for the scanner, that was the last time it worked.

About a month ago, I purchased the iCarsoft MB V1.0, which is a vehicle specific scanner, to save costs I think. And I can honestly say, Im very happy with it. Plugged it into my W210 using the proper 16-38pin connector, and immediately picked up a P0100 error code. I can do live date, reset service lights etc. Build quality is great, comes supplied with a handy carry bag and a usb cable. I tried this unit on a 2004 C240 without problems. Im not super adept with the use of it, yet, so cannot comment on what exactly it is capable of doing. The website does mention a whole list of tests that can be done with this unit.

There are other vehicle specific models available as well. So far Im a happy chappy, its done what I wanted it to do.

I am thinking about purchasing a new diagnostic scanner for my business and have been looking into the alltel ultra and the alltel 908s pro. I was wondering if there were any suggestions on the type of computer for diagnostics that gives the widest range and capabilities... I really like the alltell ultra seems to have the best bang for your buck. My main focus is being able to program and code ecms after replacement with vin mileage and flashing OEM programming if necessary which they both seem to be capable of. I would also like to be able to program keys and fobs however I don't want to breach locksmithing or get into locksmithing and am concerned if I go with the alltel 608 that I will end up border lining on having to get license for locksmithing. So have seriously been thinking about staying with diagnostics type scanners only. Any feedback or information you guys could give me would be great it's an expensive purchase and I want to try to my make the right choice. I have a saying by to try which I really hate because you don't really know what things are totally capable of or which one you like the best and tell you have purchased it and decide you don't like it but are then stuck with it. I hate wasting money so I've turned to this new channel and forum that I have found while researching the capabilities of the scanner that I'm looking at which I really like the in-depth information that scanner provides and have looked into signing up for his paid channel for furthering my understanding and abilities while using my diagnostics tools and knowledge. Without rambling on forever thanks again for any information. BTW I have looked into other scanners as well as the snap-on matco and a few other more top of the line tools but like everyone I do have a limit and need to keep it somewhat in the medium price range even though I'm trying to get the best I can for what i can afford...

Wyeth Re Delphi not working a ripp-off clones get the software shutdown when on line. Con't blame them the official "puka" Delphi package is far from cheap, quality costs.
I agree the iCarSoft one make tools are good value especially for BMW, Jaguar, Land-Rover, Mercedes & Porche.

Magic Mike: It is a really pita that scantool manufacturers never give a full rundown on exactly what a scantool will access on a particular vehicle , even more annoying is when you click on a module or function and get the "This Feature is Under Development" message.

Tyler wrote: Picked up the OBDLink MX+ , and it works perfectly with FORScan. Can't say it's any faster? But the functionality is there.

The phone app that comes with it is pretty good for the price too. OE codes and PIDs for Toyota, Ford/Mazda and 2006+ Nissan. GM only has OE codes not PIDs but seems to work, a little too well if anything :lol: Also supposed to have Honda and Hyundia/Kia OE codes but I haven't tried it on either.

It's also compatible with several third party apps. I don't have android so the only one I've tried is Car Scanner Pro. Being able to switch PIDs while you're graphing is worth the $3.

I purchased the launch x431 v+ from amazon. $1200ish.

I don't do this for a living.

diagnosed my friends savanna 1500 2013 air bag system.

works well with my ford 250 2007
I think I was able to deactivate injectors.
nothing wrong with this truck

worked well on my honda odyssey 2007. used to fix tpms issues

just worked to learn an optical sensor on a 2003 workhorse p43 step van 6.5l diesel.
it was also able to deactivate injectors.

overall very happy but have little to compare it to.
cheers

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Anyone out there heard of or tried or reviewed the Zurich Pro scanner sold through Harbor Freight? It's a smidge over $1000. Seems to have a substantial amount of abilities for a scan tool of that price. Many features the mid to high end professional scanners have. Seems to be a really good full blown scanner for DIYers who are on a tight budget. Would like some fees back if possible.
Thanks.