Download TOP20 LEAD SPREAD:Pg_EDIT - MOTOR Information Systems

22
September 2011
Photoillustration: Harold A. Perry; images: Thinkstock
HIGH-FLYING
WINNERS OF
2011
BY
Y
THE
THE
EDITORS
DITORS
OF
OF
MOTOR
OTOR
E
ach year the call goes out to the world’s
automotive tool designers, manufacturers
and suppliers. The message is simple:
Send us your latest and greatest—tools
that are truly new and innovative. Show us
something that makes us say: “Wow!
We’ve never seen anything like this before!” Besides topflight originality, there’s only one other criterion that must
be met for consideration: The product must have been introduced between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011.
MOTOR’s annual Top 20 Tools competition is now in
its 20th year. As in years past, we were impressed by the
quality and ingenuity of the entries we received. We offer our sincere thanks to all companies that submitted
candidates for consideration, and a special congratulations to each of this year’s winners. Without further ado,
we proudly present the best of the best for 2011.
September 2011
23
Mongoose JLR
by Drew Technologies
The Mongoose JLR is the latest in the company’s line of “smart cables” that connect to
a vehicle’s OBD II plug and, via a USB terminal, to a PC. With a subscription to factory tech info and reprogramming per the
SAE J2534 protocol, the independent technician gets close to an even footing with the
dealership using the OE-specified tool.
What makes the Mongoose JLR especially
significant is the application to 1999 and later Jaguar and 2005 and later Land Rover,
two luxury vehicles that represent too low
volume for most independent shops to justify the OE scan tool. So with the inexpensive
new Mongoose and short-term online factory subscriptions when needed, the independent gets OE-level software (including
datastream, full DTC and guided diagnostics), plus access to reprogramming without
the major investment required for the factory tool. Drew Technologies provides
phone and e-mail tech support for the new
tool, as for the other Mongooses in its line.
uScope
by Automotive Electronics Services
The uScope is a single-channel
lab scope that fits in your pocket.
While the uScope may not be as
powerful as many other scopes, in
some ways it’s more powerful. Its
time/div can be set to 1μS. This is
more than fast enough for close
inspections of data lines. It’s also
ideal to see high-speed ignition
events such as a two-stroke secondary that has a burn time of
200μS. The scope also offers the
option to save the active setup as
a Default Start-up Setup. For example, you may wish to set up
the time, voltage and trigger for
your amp probe. Save it as the
uScope’s Default Start-up and leave it connected to
your amp probe. When you’re ready for amp testing, turn on your amp probe, turn on the uScope
and start testing.
The uScope comes with a secondary pickup, standard test leads with clips and gators and a USB ca-
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September 2011
ble. It’s also supplied with a microSD card that allows saving of waveforms as BMP and data files. Cable adapters are provided so the uScope can be used
with BNC and banana plug test leads. An AC filter
for checking alternator AC is also provided and a
10:1 probe is in the works.
ET8040 Diamond Grip Terminal Cleaners
by Mac Tools
Diamond Grip Terminal Cleaners
can be used to remove corrosion
from male and female automotive
connectors, due to the durable,
abrasive coating on the tips. These
coatings enhance connections, reduce diagnostic guesswork, increase the longevity of the connectors and, overall, the automotive
device. Each of the sizes in this
three-piece set has been precision-manufactured to fit the most
common connectors, so multiple
connector sizes and styles can be
serviced without having to purchase several different terminal
cleaners.
The cleaners are constructed of
stainless steel and feature a
spring hinge that allows cleaning
of multiple sides of a connection at once. The backs
of the terminal cleaners feature a bonus file area for
general filing or cleaning of parts and connectors.
Packaged in a high-quality holster, Diamond Grip
Terminal Cleaners are also marketed by Innovative
Products of America under Part No. 8040.
TA500 Smartach+ COP Multisystem Ignition Analyzer
by General Technologies
The TA500 Smartach+ COP Multisystem Ignition
Analyzer allows technicians to perform quick and reliable diagnostics of nonstarts, misfires, fouled up or
damaged spark plugs and/or spark plug wires by comparing digital readouts of the spark plug voltage and
spark burn time between cylinders on engines
equipped with coil-on-plug (C-O-P), coil-near-plug
(C-N-P), conventional distributor/ignition coil, DIS
(distributorless) or waste spark and magneto technologies. The TA500 requires no special adapters, cables or a scope and is equipped with a large digital
display that shows spark plug voltage, spark burn
time, rpm, as well as Min/Max readings in real time.
C-O-P and C-N-P systems can be difficult to diagnose because the waveforms generated on a scope can
be difficult to interpret. The TA500 solves this problem and reduces diagnostic time through its ability to
work on any type of ignition system. It answers the
two most important questions: Is there a spark? What
is the spark burn time for each cylinder? The digital
readouts of the spark plug voltage and spark burn
time can be compared between cylinders.
The tool is simple to use. Select the ignition sys-
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September 2011
tem—either Spark Plug Wire or Coil-on-Plug. Select the number of cylinders. Place the yellowtipped capacitive sensor on top of the spark plug
wire or ignition module. Read spark burn time,
spark kV and rpm in real time on the LCD display.
A protective rubber holster, padded case, 9-volt alkaline battery and user manual are provided.
VERDICT Diagnostic and Information System
by Snap-on Diagnostics
Multitasking rarely works as an
automotive diagnostic procedure, which is why so many
jobs require a sequence (scan,
then inspect, then scope, etc.),
often with a second technician
performing manual tests at different points around the vehicle. The new VERDICT system consists of three wireless
modules—a tablet computer, a
scanner and a two-channel
scope/meter. With the latter
two hooked up, the technician
can take meter readings, scan
for codes, check engine datastream and control onboard computer systems.
Because the VERDICT is wireless, the technician
can move around the car, performing manual inspections, wiggle tests, etc., while viewing data on
the tablet screen. The tablet has a 7-in. touch
screen, uses Windows, has Wi-Fi capability and an
internet browser. So the technician can go online to
get service information from aftermarket and factory technical websites while the scope is collecting
data or the scan module is operating. For technicians who find a touch screen “touchy” to use, the
tablet also responds to a stylus. The lithium-ion battery provides up to four hours of operation, or up to
eight hours of continuous use if the VERDICT is
equipped with an available extended-service battery.
650 200 Universal Bearing Ring Puller
by Mueller-Kueps
Removing the inner bearing
ring of a wheel hub bearing
from the spindle can be truly
challenging and labor-intensive. This universal bearing
ring puller offers an innovative solution—a revolutionary
gripping principle. The threeleg gripper features ultrasharp edges that fit all kinds
of bearings and sleeves between 40 and 60mm. Its
edges will clamp into the
.5mm radius of the ring to
provide equal gripping power
on each side, and avoid any
tilt. The easily adjustable
clamping chain keeps the
legs securely in place to prevent spreading during pulling
for maximum grip and power. The puller is packaged in
a sturdy plastic case.
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September 2011
3834EZ TPMS Tire Pressure Reset Tool with EZ-Sensor Programming
by OTC Tools
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) service/repair process has been growing more and more
complex, with competing sensor standards and complicated and time-consuming relearn procedures.
Choosing a TPMS tool that can reset the warning
light on most makes of vehicles is needed, since most
shops work on more than one type of car. The problem for the average auto repair shop is that it’s not
feasible to own every manufacturer-specific TPMS
auto specialty tool. And, each manufacturer-specific
tool is capable of resetting only that specific brand.
Incorporating the qualities of the original 3834
TPR tool, the 3834EZ can eliminate the need to perform relearn procedures when replacing OE TPMS
sensors by programming the universal EZ-sensor
from Schrader. There are approximately 150 SKUs
of tire sensors fitted to North American vehicles
equipped with TPMS. The EZ-sensor will replace
more than 90% of TPMS sensors currently stocked
by dealerships. The tool allows a technician to replace broken or damaged OE sensors without having
to struggle through complex relearn procedures.
The 3834EZ TPR tool features a bright graphic
display and simple navigation buttons that enable vehicle selection for fast activation—it automatically
adjusts activation output power to eliminate crossactivation of near sensors. The tool set features a
TPR hand-held tool, EZ-sensor Proximity boot, EZsensor software, carrying case, USB cable and user
manual. The kit also includes six months of updates
to add even more coverage. Technicians who already
own the 3834 TPR tool can easily upgrade with the
EZ-sensor Update Kit (3834EZ-01).
Digital DEF-Chek Fluid Tester
by Reichert Technologies
If you’ve seen the fuel fill on
late-model larger diesel passenger cars, SUVs and heavyduty trucks, you’ve surely noticed the smaller fluid fill adjacent to the primary cap. It’s the
access to the tank for “Diesel
Exhaust Fluid,” a urea solution
that’s injected into the exhaust
stream at required times to enhance the performance of a
special catalyst in converting
the NOX to nitrogen and water
from the tailpipe. The urea solution contains 67.5% water
(the remainder is urea), and if
there’s an excessive amount of
water, vehicle emissions will be excessive and the exhaust system injector may fail.
There have been reports of diluted urea solution
in Europe, so checking what’s in the tank or even a
container of fluid can protect a vehicle’s expensive
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September 2011
exhaust system. The Reichert DEF tester, like other
testers in the company’s line (coolant/battery electrolyte and brake fluid), is a form of refractometer.
Place a few drops of the fluid on the tester window
and a reading is displayed in a few seconds.
Click Lock A/C Security System
by AirSept
“No, the system’s never been touched since you last
worked on it.” Every shop has heard that line from
customers, and in some cases the motorist has genuinely forgotten that a “helpful neighbor” did tinker
underhood. One of the most common forms of such
service is adding refrigerant and/or oil, or some
“magic” additive, to the a/c system. Conventional re-
frigerant identifiers can pick up a spurious refrigerant, but other items are undetectable. So the technician’s only notification is a tamper indicator on each
service valve as the final step in a service procedure.
Heat-shrink covers are one approach, but it may be
difficult to install one properly in tight quarters.
The “Click Lock” is an alternative that technicians
are likely to find easier to use.
It’s a snap-together lock that also has a unique serial number
that can be listed on the repair
order. If it’s missing or if the repair order lists another number,
well, that does change the starting point for service.
Circle #21
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September 2011
HawkEye Elite Alignment System
by Hunter Engineering
The HawkEye Elite digital imaging sensors include
four high-resolution cameras that instantly update adjustment readings onscreen. Working with newly designed targets, HawkEye Elite sensors provide 3D
modeling of wheel position and orientation. Roll-forward compensation allows a technician to compensate
all four wheels and capture initial measurements in one
mium systems include the CodeLink electronic steering system reset device and a VIN bar code scanner as
standard features. The software supports the use of a
drive-on camera to assist with positioning the vehicle
on the lift, plus the TouchRemote feature, which lets a
technician operate the system remotely using an Apple
iPhone, iPod touch or iPad device.
quick motion. When equipped
with a Fully Integrated Alignment (FIA) lift, the system produces vehicle measurements in as
little as 90 seconds.
The HawkEye Elite QuickGrip adapters and three-dimensional targets accelerate service
with setup times in seconds instead of minutes. The system’s
clamping arms grip the tire tread
instead of the rim edge, removing
the worry of damaging expensive
rims from metal-to-metal contact.
Only a protective rubber ring at
the base of the adapter contacts
the rim. The entire adapter and
target assembly weighs only 6
lbs., making it easy to handle and
install. The target itself contains
no electronics and requires very
little maintenance. Additionally,
the assembly’s compact profile
easily fits between narrow lift
posts and in other tight constraints.
HawkEye Elite consoles include powerful Intel processors,
running Hunter’s latest patented
version of WinAlign alignment
software on a Windows 7 operating system. HawkEye Elite preCircle #22
September 2011
33
X-SonicClean
by LAUNCH Tech USA
Fuel injectors are often a diagnostic question mark,
and the cost of their replacement makes it important to ensure accuracy by cleaning them whenever
possible. There are various systems for on-car cleaning and testing, but the definitive test often has to
be in a fixture off the car, so the technician actually
can see if the spray patterns all look normal.
The new X-SonicClean has the capability for oncar cleaning, using required adapters from an included kit of 53. But if necessary, the fixture also
does off-vehicle testing, including volume and flow
measurement into graduated cylinders and visual inspection of the spray pattern. The fixture performs
both an operating pressure leakdown test and a
computerized test sequence that
simulates acceleration, deceleration and idle by subjecting the
injector to variable pulse width
and rpm. If an injector is suspect, the technician inserts it
into the X-SonicClean’s ultrasonic cleaner, which pulses the
injector and cleans the pintle
and screen of carbon deposits,
rust or any other debris. The
tester has an adjustable digital
fuel pressure control to cover
port fuel injection systems operating at up to 150 psi.
Circle #23
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September 2011
RFV 2000 3D Imaging Diagnostic Wheel Balancer
by Snap-on Equipment
The RFV 2000 3D Imaging Diagnostic Wheel Balancer is a fully automated wheel balancer. After
clamping the tire and lowering the hood, the machine does the rest. The balancer obtains a complete profile of the tire and wheel in one spin cycle.
The RFV 2000 incorporates “stripe-of-light” technology that provides measuring processes that elimi-
Camera imaging recognizes the wheel edge and
recommends the proper weight to apply—clip
weight or tape weight. Camera imaging provides
precise measurement of the actual inside weight
placement for both clip weight and tape weight locations for precise one-spin balance with no wasted
expensive wheel weights.
nate the need for mechanical
measuring devices. This allows
the automatic measurement of
radial, lateral tire and wheel
runout, calculation of first harmonic, and separation of wheel
and/or tire contribution to assembly runout in a single spin
cycle. This feature determines
if match mounting is worthwhile, and provides reference
points and instruction for best
match all in a single step.
Problem solving is the ultimate goal with three-dimensional data obtained from five
optical cameras included in the
unit. The RFV2000 provides a
3D scaled color display of the
tread/sidewall/wheel, along with
a graphical representation of
data to allow pinpoint location
of localized runout. A laser
maps the tread area, providing
a measure of nonskid depth.
Tire wheel assembly data can
be stored, and a color rendering
showing areas of fast wear can
be output for the customer.
This feature is utilized to document the need for alignment, or
to predict when tire replacement will be required.
Circle #24
September 2011
35
MotorVac Cool Smoke EVAP Leak Detection System
by UView Ultraviolet Systems
MotorVac’s new “cool
smoke” machine actually
produces a smokelike
mist that provides a new
level of safety compared
with conventional smoke
machines. When the
smoke is produced with
heat, the test procedure
is safe if the technician
also uses nitrogen to
minimize the danger of
explosive combustion
from evap system backpressure. However, the
MotorVac No. 500-0100
eliminates the need for
nitrogen, which a technician might skip, by forcing the oil through an
orifice at high pressure to produce the “smoke” without heat. This also has the advantage of instant operation (no warm-up required). The smoke solution con-
tains ultraviolet dye and the accessory kit includes a
50-watt light for UV leak detection. The machine also
provides for vacuum and pressure leak testing.
Circle #26
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September 2011
LOADpro Dynamic Test Leads
by Electronic Specialties
The LOADpro Dynamic Test Leads (Part No. 180)
allow you to load a circuit to see if current can flow.
The leads were designed specifically for finding
wiring faults in automotive, light truck and heavyduty vehicles and equipment and will work with almost any digital multimeter (DMM). By loading the
circuit, LOADpro makes a voltage drop test “on the
fly.” Just press the switch. This simple test finds
problems in corroded wires/connections and shorts
to ground.
If a vehicle component is inoperative, just unplug
the connector. Read voltage at the connector. If you
see 12 volts, press the LOADpro switch; if the voltage remains, the wiring is good—go on to something else. If the voltage drops, the circuit has high
resistance (i.e., corroded wiring or connections). If
you see no voltage initially, you have an open or
short to ground. LOADpro Dynamic Test Leads can
be left in place on your DMM, taking the place of
your conventional leads.
LOADpro Test Leads also feature SteadyPin
Probe Tips. Instead of a pointed probe, SteadyPin
tips have a small recess at the tip that allows the
probe to sit firmly on a male ECM or connector pin.
Traditional pointed probes may fail to give an effective connection and can create difficulties in completing manufacturer-specific voltmeter tests.
Circle
#27
September 2011
39
PH2 Validator Diagnostic Software
by PH2 Solutions
After OBD II repairs are complete,
your options for validating the repairs
are limited. After all stored DTCs and
readiness monitors have been cleared,
it can be difficult and time-consuming
to determine in real time whether the
readiness monitors will set. Perhaps
you return the vehicle to the customer
with the hope that the monitors will ultimately set. Unfortunately, that means
either a lot of driving for the shop or
perhaps a comeback if the Check Engine light comes back on.
The PH2 Validator diagnostic software program overcomes these difficulties by allowing you to validate
Check Engine light repairs on OBD II
domestic, Asian and European makes and models within a test drive of 10 miles or less. This saves technicians’
time and unnecessary test drive miles to set OBD II
readiness monitors.
The PH2 Validator promotes rapid setting of readiness monitors if the conditions are acceptable for
them to complete. If they’re not acceptable, it will assist in identifying what is restricting, delaying or suspending those monitors from completing. Knowing
why a monitor won’t set is a distinctive feature provided by the PH2 Validator that’s different from traditional diagnostic processes.
THE QUEST FOR NEXT YEAR
IS ALREADY UNDERWAY
Circle #28
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September 2011
For more information go to:
www.motormagazine.com
Nos. 11000 & 11000A Mobile Hydraulic Press Tools
by SP Tools/Schley Products
Due to the awkward dimensions of
many suspension components, using a
press to remove and replace bushings
can be time-consuming and frustrating.
The Part Nos. 11000 and 11000A complete hydraulic systems can be easily
moved into position to service vehicles
anywhere in the shop. This allows you to
save time by not removing components
and using a press. Suspension bushings,
wheel bearings and ball joints can be
quickly removed and replaced.
These systems come complete with all
the necessary equipment to allow bushing removal and replacement using hydraulic power. The main difference between the 11000 and 11000A is either a
hand pump or an air-actuated hydraulic pump powers
the system. The jack stand takes the pressure off the
technician trying to hold a heavy hydraulic cylinder and
positioning it to service bushings. The hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the jack stand with a uniquely designed ram clamp (Part No. 11050) that enables the hy-
draulic cylinder to be positioned to best service the
bushings. With options, the technician can upgrade to
servicing larger bushings with the company’s Part No.
11070 20-piece large cup set. Wheel bearings can be
serviced with the optional Part No. 11080 four-piece
puller rod set.
No. 69000 Dual Drive Stubby Metric Hex Bit Set
by Lisle
Tools that fit into tight spots
that otherwise would require
major disassembly are among
those that draw the biggest
cheers from technicians, and if
the tools are for general-purpose use rather than specific
makes and models, they’re
golden. These new dual stubby
metric hex bits fit into that category. They’re 10, 12, 14 and
17mm (the most popular sizes),
and you can buy them in a set
of the four (Kit No. 69000) or
individually. They’re made of
heat-treated alloy steel and the
hex size is stamped on each.
They have a 1⁄2-in. square drive
for use with an extension and/or
ratchet, but for really tight access, the drive end exterior is
hex-shaped for use with a box
or open-end wrench.
September 2011
41
No. 20560 ABS Sensor Pinpoint Tester
by Hickok/Waekon
Some ABS wheel-speed sensor
test data is available from a scan
tool, and in-depth information
from an oscilloscope. The Hickok
No. 20560 sensor data, however,
provides a simplified way to evaluate both the older (“passive”) and
newer (“active”) types, with most
faults indicated by LEDs on the
diagnostic unit. The tester kit also
includes 14 male/female and two
alligator clip-type flexible probes,
and a set of three test leads. All the
technician does is connect the
tester to the ABS sensor, hand-spin
the wheel and watch the diagnostic
unit. The rotation LEDs should
flash in sequence to indicate a
good signal. Other LEDs light according to the type of sensor and
indicate problems with the tone
ring and on the older, passive types,
with a short or open circuit.
No. 365 Detachable Jaw Clamp Meter
by Fluke
When Fluke’s No. 233
remote display multimeter was introduced last
year to an enthusiastic
response, it seems to
have become clear to the
company there was a real
need for greater ease-ofuse for its electrical meters. Because the new
No. 365 AC/DC clamp
meter, like the No. 233,
gains a new level of utility by sectioning the
tester. There’s a difference: The No. 233 multimeter allows the technician to position the display
separately from the meter body for easy readability,
whereas the No. 365 AC-DC clamp meter allows the
clamp jaw assembly to detach from the meter body
while remaining connected to it through a 3-ft.-long
wiring lead. This permits the technician to take the
jaws section alone into a tight-access area of the engine
42
September 2011
compartment and work them around packed wires.
The No. 365 with clamp jaws can measure up to 200
amps (AC or DC). The meter itself also includes test
positions for up to 600 volts Category III (AC and DC)
and resistance up to 6000 ohms (as well as continuity).
The meter body has a built-in flashlight, a convenience
if it’s necessary to identify wires in a dark area.
TOP 20 PP 38 39 40 41 42 43_Pg_EDIT_Top20 9/29/11 9:59 AM Page 6
E-Watchdog
by Automotive Test Solutions
It’s probably happened in every shop
that does reprogramming: Somehow
the critical battery charger that maintains the required voltage during the
procedure gets disconnected. Perhaps
it was an inadvertent error by a technician on another job, such as the need
to plug in another piece of equipment,
or tripping over the connected cable.
Whatever the cause, the shop loses the
ripple-free voltage to the common
12.6-volt requirement needed for reprogramming most makes, or the 14volt specification for modules in BMW,
Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz.
E-Watchdog is engineered to be used
with any suitable battery charger. If
there’s a voltage drop or interruption,
E-Watchdog sounds a loud warning
buzzer and turns on a warning lamp, so the technician can take immediate protective action. Although
some vehicle modules will survive a voltage drop or
loss during reprogramming, many will not, and that
could result in an expensive failure. Typically, even
for those modules that could be toast, the technician
has enough time following the alert to take necessary
steps to save a module from the trash bin.
How to Get the Top 20
For more information on these Top 20 Tools award winners, visit the websites listed here or
circle the appropriate numbers on the Product Information Page on page 72 of this issue.
AirSept
Fluke Corporation
Lisle
Reichert Technologies
www.airsept.com
Circle #101
www.fluke.com
Circle #106
www.lislecorp.com
Circle #112
www.ReichertAuto
Tech.com
Circle #117
Automotive Electronics
Services
www.gtc.ca
Circle #107
www.aeswave.com
Circle #102
Automotive Test Solutions
www.automotivetest
solutions.com
Circle #103
Drew Technologies
www.drewtech.com
Circle #104
General Technologies
Hickok/Waekon
www.hickok-inc.com
Circle #108
Hunter Engineering
www.hunter.com
Circle #109
Innovative Products
of America
www.ipatools.com
Circle #110
Snap-on Diagnostics
Mac Tools
www.mactools.com
Circle #113
www1.snapon.com/
diagnostics/us
Mueller-Kueps
www.mueller-kueps.com
Circle #114
www.snapon
equipment.com
Circle #118
OTC, an SPX brand
SP Tools/Schley
Products
Snap-on Equipment
www.otctools.com
Circle #115
www.sptool.com
Circle #119
Electronic Specialties
LAUNCH Tech USA
PH2 Solutions
UView Ultraviolet
Systems
www.esitest.com
Circle #105
www.launchtechusa.com
Circle #111
www.ph2solutions.com
Circle #116
www.motorvac.com
Circle #120
September 2011
43