Today's vehicles are becoming more and more dependent on
computer technology. Some vehicles use computers to control even
the simplest of circuits on the car. You may be surprised to
learn that on many models, when you press your horn button or
turn on your windshield wipers or head lamps, you are not
actually in control of these devices. Your input simply requests
that one of the many computers on the vehicle activates the
device. Because of this, we now need to be able to "talk" to
your car. To do this we use devices called "Scan tools" or
"Scanners."
"MODIS" (modular, diagnostic, information system) is a
scanner we use to communicate with many vehicles. It has the
ability to read and clear trouble codes, display computer sensor
and output data, it can also take control of many systems for
diagnostic purposes. It has the ability to capture an "in flight
recording" of your car's systems to help us determine the cause
of various problems. It also contains a four channel laboratory
oscilloscope, a vital tool for pinpoint testing of the many
sensors and output devices used today.
"Mastertech" is another scan tool/lab scope we use. It
functions are similar to Modis with the exception that it is the
same scan tool used by several car companies including older
General Motors Products, Honda and Toyota. We have recently
purchased calibration software that enables us to flash program
all Toyota, Lexus, Scion vehicles through model year 2007. Many
problems can be corrected by updating the computer software on
your car. Now we can perform this important service without a
visit to the dealership.
"Tech II Flash" is the newest addition to our tool
arsenal. It is the same scan tool used in every General Motors
Dealership and interfaces with every General Motors Product to
date including Hummer, Saturn and Saab. This scanner also has
the ability to update or "flash" the software on General Motors
Products. Similar to running a "Windows Update" on your PC,
flashing a car's computer is done to cure software related
problems that many vehicles experience. Fortunately, most of
these software updates are performed on the vehicle while it is
still under the factory warranty but should we find an need to
re-flash a car, we have that capability with the Tech II.
"Vantage" is not a scanner but a component test meter. It
utilizes a powerful graphing multimeter (gmm) and vehicle
specific data for efficient pinpoint testing of various vehicle
sensor and systems.
"Vantage Pro" is the next generation of "Vantage" meter
it boasts improved display properties, a two Channel laboratory
oscilloscope, graphing meter and vehicle specific data base.
Inductive current probes are devices that are relatively
new to the automotive repair field. They allow us to actually
measure the current flowing through any circuit without
physically opening the circuit wiring. This ability has changed
the way many problems are diagnosed and repaired. We currently
own three inductive current probes.
"Power Probe" is sort of like a high tech 12 volt test
light. It enables us to test basic 12volt electrical circuits
quickly and accurately. It can help us locate shorted or open
electrical circuits, test simple lighting circuits quickly, and
test relay and solenoid operation.
We employ many other resources and equipment not listed here.
Rest assured that we make every effort to be ready for any
diagnostic or repair challenge that comes our way. In the rare
event we encounter a concern that exceeds our current
capability, you will be the first to know. A great example of
this is welding: we do have a Mig welder, however our skills at
this craft are still in development. Therefore, most welding
work will be referred elsewhere (for the time being :-) ).
