Advice required on diagnostic software

[Saddlelion]

Hi i am currently in the process of starting up a garage and was looking for some simple yet effective diagnostic software to use with my laptop usb odb cables i have a good knowledge of computers and have used several scanners and odb readers in the workplace but wondered whether anybody had any ideas of some good simple to use software all advice would be greatly appreciated thanks eddie.

[Etienne51]

I had some friends in a similar situation. First we bought some interfaces not only for scanning but also programming several brands: Opcom, VAG, BMW ... We are looking now for a system all brands e.g. Bosch KTS.
Bosch Diagnostics - KTS 340

[kidcit]

i see treads for ecusafe software but i donk know wher you download it alot of the links dont seem to work ?

[Dzltec]

My advice is to use Factory level software. Hardware is a different story. We have genuine tech 2, ford ids, bosch kts 520 and ultrascan and still fall short. And we are only doing diesels. You need to decide what vehicle you will be working on. Good luck.

Andy

[garryreed]

like the other posts say ... you can go on on with tools as im sure your aware

what i would do if i was you would be to spend as much as you can afford on a good multi scanner and then at least for a start you will have some coverage for most vehicles then as you progress and can afford it buy manufacturer specific

[Larue]

There are few questions what to think about :
1. What do You want to do with that tool,
2.How much money You can spend on tool
and go from there....just not to China...
If You want to do proper job, You need proper tools. Otherwise its just kicked out money.
And try to keep in mind - no one tool can not do all jobs.

[rrob311]

I would buy a couple decent Toughbook style laptops and a J2534 interface that does all cars. This will at least allow you to reprogram everything and run a lot of the dealer level software. There are a few good basic obd programs out there that give you good generic data. Nonetheless you should be able to do a lot with a laptop that is setup right.

[Klmauto]

Try autoenginutiy.com , used them for more than 5 years with good result.

[gachet]

Thanks for you help

[taufiktechnician]

I would recommeded carbrain C168 for beginners, its a cheap sollution and has a wide vehicle coverage, but in advance you can use X431 scanner wich have a lot of better feature and function, but it cost more money...
wish you luck with the new garage...

[carclima]

Hi i am currently in the process of starting up a garage and was looking for some simple yet effective diagnostic software to use with my laptop usb odb cables i have a good knowledge of computers and have used several scanners and odb readers in the workplace but wondered whether anybody had any ideas of some good simple to use software all advice would be greatly appreciated thanks eddie.

my recomendation is Bosch..mostl european manufacturer use bosch in car..so first UNIVERSAL diagnostic system should be bosch and ESItronic sw..in one packet you will have a whole database with guided diagnostic/description/schematic and lot usefull info.about hardware my vote is for KTS 540 wirelles modul..can..

also important is kts 540 run wirelles from any Pc/laptop..you can have sw in garage Pc and laptop..simply unplug USB stick from Pc to Laptop and you are ready to go
take atention this is UNIVERSAL tool cover a lot of system easy to update/keygen...and when you specialize one brand then buy aditional clone tool for this manufacturer..


so IF european car is youre primary target bosch is apsolutly unbeatible..for asian market you should look for Nexteech...US market some other tool....look in youre workshop log what car is mostly in workshop ?

[cqae]

well as as ben said, there is no one fits all, I have bosch, launch, carmen, snap on, vagcom, opcom, and I still fall short regularly, but if I had to choose I would probably gor for launch as the most versatile. Bosch is great but does not do any codeing at all

[affinitymax]

the general consesus with most garages in my area is the x431. i didnt like the bosch kts system i found it limited, but it depends on what you want it for i dare say that there will be certain makes more popular than others in your area. what i mean is theres no point in buying merc or bmw interface if you dont do them

[OMBRE]

Recently I use CDIF/2 - very cheap and good universal tool. It is polish product in English and German language as well.
It has an oscilloscope, signal generator and something like Control Unit, where you can connect actuators to test them.
It has free for charge helpline.
I use VCDS and OP-COM too.

[OMBRE]

https://www.cdif2.com/index.php

sorry for second post. Could someone put it together?