Above: Delphi’s BlueTech VCI in action Mark Ost, General Manager of Snap-on Diagnostics and Garage Equipment UK, said: “As vehicle manufacturers advance in technology with every new release, we need to make sure we are guiding the technician in the garage to deal with the complex systems they face every day.” He continued: “Over 100 years ago, the founders of Snap-on made it their mission to make five tools that did the job of 50, giving the technicians in the 1920s an efficient and cost-effective solution. Fast-forward to 2023, and nothing has changed; Snap-on is still about making the garage more efficient and giving the best cost-effective solution to the independent garage.” Commenting on the release of the Snap-on ZEUS+ diagnostic tool, Mark said: “The ZEUS+ features a streamlined design with a fully detached wireless 4channel scope for mobility, ample storage for capturing intermittent glitches, a 12” capacitive colour touchscreen, an 8-megapixel camera, as well as an integrated stylus with a flashlight built-in. ZEUS+ offers comprehensive verification and functionality testing, including advanced graphing features and OEM-level data. It also offers guided CTM/scope for verifying component failures. Snap-on Customer Care comes as standard with ZEUS+, as well as 24/7 online training and support, industry-focused national online training, flexible financing, and exclusive access to the Snap-on Cloud.” Mark added: “Snap-on knows we have the best solution, as we can offer something to the automotive industry nobody else can, and that is our Fast-Track Intelligent Diagnostics which is one of the advanced drivers on the new ZEUS+, offering the most simplified information to diagnose, repair and get the job done fast, first time.” Access As Delphi Technologies Aftermarket UK & Nordics Technical Services Manager Luke Garratt observed, the growing intricacy of modern cars means even common service and maintenance functions regularly necessitate a diagnostic procedure to gain access to the vehicle’s security gateway: “Access to a premium quality OBD diagnostic tool is now a must for any workshop. No matter what you’re doing, chances are you'll need to gain access to the ECU to erase a fault code or calibrate a new component and these operations can only be performed with a manufacturerauthorised diagnostic tool.” Commenting on how Delphi’s DS180 BlueTech vehicle communication interface (VCI) diagnostic tool can help, along with Delphi’s DS car and light commercial vehicle DIAGNOSTICS TOOLS www.aftermarketonline.net software, Luke said: “We’ve listened to garages and technicians and worked to incorporate everything they value and need in the BlueTech VCI, including Pass-Thru capability. This opens the door to services such as ECU programming that were previously the preserve of franchised dealers and their OE-specific tools. The BlueTech VCI delivers extremely fast scan times for an extensive range of diagnostic interrogations with multiple CAN channels, integrated Diagnostics over Internet Protocol (DoIP) and even CAN FD protocol, future-proofing workshops against the very latest automotive technologies. The new tool also has integrated/automated security gateway process that allows garages to seamlessly service security-protected vehicles whilst DTC-assist functionality provides technicians with guided diagnostic assistance.” To make sure users get the most from the kit, Delphi offers free e-learning diagnostic courses for software licence holders. Luke commented: “These systems are complex, so we aim to provide a complete solution to workshop technicians. The relationship doesn’t stop when they buy the diagnostic tool. It’s really the starting point and we’re seeing growing uptake over time on the Delphi Academy e-learning platform where technicians can check or improve their knowledge at any time.” Ongoing support Repairify Innovations Director Martin Pinnell-Brown observed: “As we move closer to having autonomous vehicles, the technology inside cars is continuously improving. To address this challenge, it's crucial for shops to have access to the right tools and services to perform diagnostics and calibrations in-house. “Many businesses are now requiring secure gateways to CHANGE WITH THE CHANGE As vehicles become more complex, having the right diagnostic tools has become more important than ever JUNE 2023 AFTERMARKET 39
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