may2023 - 22

COVER STORY
Photo: Ed & Maria Lee
Launch Tech USA
The X431FIX by Motor is one of Launch
Tech's newest feature upgrades for their
X-431 scan tool lineup. The repair
information database can be opened on
the scan tool and offers users access to
repair diagrams, electrical schematics,
images, and more.
" The goal of implementing this feature
is for accessibility and time productivity, "
says Haresh Gobin, product
development manager for Launch Tech
USA. " Now the technician does not need
to leave the vehicle while formulating
their diagnostic work plan and identifying
issues. They have access to all
the repair and OEM specifications in
the X431FIX on their X-431 scan tool. "
A few other recent updates for
the X-431 lineup include ADAS calibration
software and target upgrades,
immobilizer diagnostic functions, and
a streamlined interface for oscilloscope
waveform analysis, Gobin lists.
Ed and Maria Lee have been running their Mac Tools tool truck for six years now.
This update enables technicians to run
these tests on or off the vehicle.
" This new technology allows one
to see information and perform bidirectional
tests that we could never do
before by simply seeing the information
shared along the data bus communications
lines found within the typical
OBD-II connector, " Forro says.
Additionally, by being able to run
these tests, technicians will have the
ability to routinely perform calibrations
on high-voltage batteries which could
help in prolonging battery life.
Bosch
" One function mobile tool dealers
should be aware of is internet connectivity
and how it can extend the life
of scan tools - ultimately saving shop
owners and technicians money in the
long run, " explains Scott McKinney,
senior product manager for Bosch
Automotive Aftermarket. " Internet
connectivity allows tool and equipment
manufacturers to share updates
with technicians digitally and can store
information on specific vehicles via a
cloud connection. "
By utilizing a cloud connection,
shops won't need to store any vehicle
data, which could lead to improved performance
and efficiency of the scan tool,
McKinney notes.
Just as Maria notes above, McKinney
agrees that paying attention to software
renewals and updates is crucial.
Knowing the latest added coverage of
the scan tools you stock could be the
difference between making or losing a
sale. Your customers never know what
vehicle might end up in their bay, but
you can help reassure them with a scan
tool that provides them with access to
the most up-to-date information on
their customers' vehicles.
22 Professional Distributor I May 2023 I VehicleServicePros.com
ANY QUESTIONS?
When selling a tool as complex as a scan
tool you're bound to get some questions.
Most customers aren't going to know
exactly what they want and/or need for
their shop. The best place to start is by
breaking down what vehicles they have
coming into their bays.
Vehicle workflow analytics
Gobin recommends taking a look at the
shop's vehicle workflow analytics-what
type of services and repairs are they
performing? What is the skill level of
their technicians? Do they perform any
specialty work? Are they working on
domestic, European, or Asian vehicles
or is it a bit of each?
He also advises thinking about more
advanced diagnostics such as module
replacement, reflashing/reprogramming,
and ADAS calibrations. It's
important to take into consideration
whether these repairs are taking place
in-house or are being outsourced.
http://www.VehicleServicePros.com
may2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of may2023
