Professional_Tool_And_Equipment_News_October_2020 - 51

Snap-on

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

APOLLO-D9

The reviewer said this is one of the most
user-friendly scan tools he has used.
by Kayla Oschmann, Assistant Editor

THE REVIEW:

The Snap-on APOLLO-D9 is designed to provide technicians with a
diagnostic tool that helps them get the job done. It offers access to
Intelligent Diagnostics for filtered codes and vehicle specific data that's
constantly updated for quick and confident repairs. APOLLO-D9 features a four-way thumb pad for quick navigation, a 9" capacitive color
touchscreen display, and 5 GHz wireless compatibility. Its fast boot-up,
as well as one-touch code scan and clear, enables technicians to move
quickly from start to print. It also offers advanced graphing features and
OEM-level data, along with OEM-specific scanner coverage for over 49
Asian, domestic, and European makes and over 100 vehicle systems.
Circle 132 on card, or enter at
"e-inquiry" on VehicleServicePros.com

hen diagnosing a vehicle,
the quicker it is to set
up and complete a full
system scan for technicians, the better.
Tool reviewer Chad Austin, lead diagnostic technician at Austin Automotive
in Canon City, Colorado, was impressed
by how fast the Snap-on APOLLO-D9
scan tool functioned.
"[The APOLLO-D9 has] almost
instant boot-up and a much faster full
system scan compared to other brands
and previous versions from Snap-on,"
Austin says. "[The] automatic ID process
begins when the scan tool is connected to
the car, so there are less buttons to press
to get connected."
Austin uses the APOLLO-D9 in his
shop mainly for full system scans, engine
data PIDs, and reset procedures after a
repair has been performed. He also uses
it regularly for functional tests, reset
adaptions, reset maintenance reminders,
and looking up oil specifications.
The scan tool's ability to look up oil
specifications and service interval resets
is also ideal for lube technicians. This
makes it easy to ensure the proper fluids are being used, and that the customer
doesn't return with a maintenance light
still on, Austin notes.
When the scan tool arrived, it came in
a soft case with a power cable and OBDII cable. Austin didn't bother to look for

a manual (even though it was included).
The tool has a built-in help section and
embedded videos to help with setup
though, he adds.
For the most part, the scan tool is
ready to use right out of the box. There
are just a few features that require online
registration prior to use, such as FCA
secure gateway access and Snap-on's
cloud sharing site.
"I think it's one of the most user-friendly scan tools available," Austin notes.
"Even a new user should be able to figure
out the basics without any guidance."
Austin has used nearly all previous
Snap-on scan tools, whether in his own
shop or others'. He likes the new larger
9" screen and improved touch sensitivity that allows scrolling with a swipe of a
www.VehicleServicePros.com

OCTOBER 2020

finger instead of tapping buttons up and/
or down.
Along with how fast the scan tool
functions, its included Snap-on Cloud
is another favorite feature. Austin likes
how the scan tool automatically saves
full system scans to Snap-on's Cloud and
includes keywords to make it easier to
search for at a later time, if needed. It's
also easier to print and email from.
As far as a way to improve the
APOLLO-D9, Austin says a wireless
scan module such as the one found on
the Snap-on Zeus and Verus scan tools is
a good idea. However, he believes it isn't
really needed.
Overall, the Snap-on APOLLO-D9
was easy to use and its speed won this
diagnostic technician over.
PROFESSIONAL TOOL & EQUIPMENT NEWS

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