Matt Herold Consultant/Technical Information Specialist at Alldata
*****UPDATE***** THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE UPDATES SINCE THIS FIRST WRITTEN. I NEVER GOT A CHANCE TO GET INTO WHAT ALL WAS ADDED AND RECENTLY LEFT THAT SHOP, 07/09/18*****
I haven't had as much time I wanted with this tool before I wrote this, but here is a thus far update.
Isuzu truck - This tool does very well on. We can see in depth data, perform relearn functions, bi-directional functions, initiate slow and normal DPF/SCR regeneration.
Allison Transmissions - I have not had time to get into, other than it will connect, retrieve codes and datastream some.
Ford - It has okay coverage, not great. Probably all our shops should be equipped with the Ford factory tool, IDS. Ford seems to a common theme in anything commercial business.
Cummins engines - It works decent on. Doesn't have the depth functions our Factory Cummins tool does, Insite. It will pull codes, data stream, and initiate regen. For the shops that don't see many Cummins(which is probably few), it is a viable option.
Cat - We only have 1 Cat engine that I know of we service, but I was able to interface with it.
Meritor Wabco Brake Controllers - I don't recommend this tool at all for. The HPB systems are 80% of the trucks in our shop. The software on the scan tool is patchy. In other words it may or may not do what you need it to that day. We have the Wabco Toolbox software and it works very well. *****UPDATE***** THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE UPDATES SINCE THIS FIRST WRITTEN. THE WABCO SOFTWARE IS NOW PERFORMING CODE PULL/CLEAR AND BI-DIRECTIONAL FUNCTIONS ON THE HPB SYSTEMS*****
GM light duty/medium duty - One of the guys came to me and was blown away at the coverage it had on a GM light duty pickup. I haven't personally had a chance to interface it with a GM product yet.
The tool is loaded with software with everything from light duty vans to buses and class 8 trucks. To be perfectly frank, it does what I thought it would. It is very strong in some areas and is weak in others. There is no one tool fits all. A generic aftermarket scan tool of this nature should be in every shop. The OTC Genesis that is in our shop falls miserably short. For return on investment, you can't go wrong with this tool. Do be aware every application on the tool will need updating before use when new. With our internet connection it took about 7 hours.
This is a very user friendly tool, and is good for technicians stepping into diagnostics. I haven't had the time to demo the J-pro, https://www.noregon.com/fleet-service-kits/, It too seems very user freindly but doesn't have full coverage without OEM subscriptions. I'm told about the 14 day trial they do. I would love to do a side by side comparison when I get some time to do that.
I haven't had as much time I wanted with this tool before I wrote this, but here is a thus far update.
Isuzu truck - This tool does very well on. We can see in depth data, perform relearn functions, bi-directional functions, initiate slow and normal DPF/SCR regeneration.
Allison Transmissions - I have not had time to get into, other than it will connect, retrieve codes and datastream some.
Ford - It has okay coverage, not great. Probably all our shops should be equipped with the Ford factory tool, IDS. Ford seems to a common theme in anything commercial business.
Cummins engines - It works decent on. Doesn't have the depth functions our Factory Cummins tool does, Insite. It will pull codes, data stream, and initiate regen. For the shops that don't see many Cummins(which is probably few), it is a viable option.
Cat - We only have 1 Cat engine that I know of we service, but I was able to interface with it.
Meritor Wabco Brake Controllers - I don't recommend this tool at all for. The HPB systems are 80% of the trucks in our shop. The software on the scan tool is patchy. In other words it may or may not do what you need it to that day. We have the Wabco Toolbox software and it works very well. *****UPDATE***** THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE UPDATES SINCE THIS FIRST WRITTEN. THE WABCO SOFTWARE IS NOW PERFORMING CODE PULL/CLEAR AND BI-DIRECTIONAL FUNCTIONS ON THE HPB SYSTEMS*****
GM light duty/medium duty - One of the guys came to me and was blown away at the coverage it had on a GM light duty pickup. I haven't personally had a chance to interface it with a GM product yet.
The tool is loaded with software with everything from light duty vans to buses and class 8 trucks. To be perfectly frank, it does what I thought it would. It is very strong in some areas and is weak in others. There is no one tool fits all. A generic aftermarket scan tool of this nature should be in every shop. The OTC Genesis that is in our shop falls miserably short. For return on investment, you can't go wrong with this tool. Do be aware every application on the tool will need updating before use when new. With our internet connection it took about 7 hours.
This is a very user friendly tool, and is good for technicians stepping into diagnostics. I haven't had the time to demo the J-pro, https://www.noregon.com/fleet-service-kits/, It too seems very user freindly but doesn't have full coverage without OEM subscriptions. I'm told about the 14 day trial they do. I would love to do a side by side comparison when I get some time to do that.
Anyway, Yall have a great weekend, God bless,