22 September 2011 - MOTOR · PDF file22 September 2011 Photoillustration: ... The Mongoose JLR...

22 September 2011

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TOP20 LEAD SPREAD:Pg_EDIT_ 8/24/11 8:30 AM

Each year the call goes out to the world’sautomotive tool designers, manufacturersand suppliers. The message is simple:Send us your latest and greatest—toolsthat are truly new and innovative. Show ussomething that makes us say: “Wow!

We’ve never seen anything like this before!” Besides top-flight originality, there’s only one other criterion that mustbe met for consideration: The product must have been in-troduced between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011.

MOTOR’s annual Top 20 Tools competition is now inits 20th year. As in years past, we were impressed by thequality and ingenuity of the entries we received. We of-fer our sincere thanks to all companies that submittedcandidates for consideration, and a special congratula-tions to each of this year’s winners. Without further ado,we proudly present the best of the best for 2011.

HIGH-FLYING WINNERS OF 2011

HIGH-FLYING WINNERS OF 2011

23September 2011

BY THE EDITORS OF MOTORBY THE EDITORS OF MOTOR

TOP20 LEAD SPREAD:Pg_EDIT_ 8/24/11 8:30 AM

The Mongoose JLR is the latest in the com-pany’s line of “smart cables” that connect toa vehicle’s OBD II plug and, via a USB ter-minal, to a PC. With a subscription to facto-ry tech info and reprogramming per theSAE J2534 protocol, the independent tech-nician gets close to an even footing with thedealership using the OE-specified tool.What makes the Mongoose JLR especiallysignificant is the application to 1999 and lat-er Jaguar and 2005 and later Land Rover,two luxury vehicles that represent too lowvolume for most independent shops to justi-fy the OE scan tool. So with the inexpensivenew Mongoose and short-term online facto-ry subscriptions when needed, the indepen-dent gets OE-level software (includingdatastream, full DTC and guided diagnos-tics), plus access to reprogramming withoutthe major investment required for the fac-tory tool. Drew Technologies providesphone and e-mail tech support for the newtool, as for the other Mongooses in its line.

Mongoose JLRby Drew Technologies

The uScope is a single-channellab scope that fits in your pocket.While the uScope may not be aspowerful as many other scopes, insome ways it’s more powerful. Itstime/div can be set to 1µS. This ismore than fast enough for closeinspections of data lines. It’s alsoideal to see high-speed ignitionevents such as a two-stroke sec-ondary that has a burn time of200µS. The scope also offers theoption to save the active setup asa Default Start-up Setup. For ex-ample, you may wish to set upthe time, voltage and trigger foryour amp probe. Save it as theuScope’s Default Start-up and leave it connected toyour amp probe. When you’re ready for amp test-ing, turn on your amp probe, turn on the uScopeand start testing.

The uScope comes with a secondary pickup, stan-dard test leads with clips and gators and a USB ca-

ble. It’s also supplied with a microSD card that al-lows saving of waveforms as BMP and data files. Ca-ble adapters are provided so the uScope can be usedwith BNC and banana plug test leads. An AC filterfor checking alternator AC is also provided and a10:1 probe is in the works.

uScopeby Automotive Electronics Services

24 September 2011

TOP 20 PP 24 26 28 30:Pg_EDIT_Top20 8/24/11 9:05 AM Page 1

Diamond Grip Terminal Cleanerscan be used to remove corrosionfrom male and female automotiveconnectors, due to the durable,abrasive coating on the tips. Thesecoatings enhance connections, re-duce diagnostic guesswork, in-crease the longevity of the connec-tors and, overall, the automotivedevice. Each of the sizes in thisthree-piece set has been preci-sion-manufactured to fit the mostcommon connectors, so multipleconnector sizes and styles can beserviced without having to pur-chase several different terminalcleaners.

The cleaners are constructed ofstainless steel and feature aspring hinge that allows cleaningof multiple sides of a connection at once. The backsof the terminal cleaners feature a bonus file area forgeneral filing or cleaning of parts and connectors.

Packaged in a high-quality holster, Diamond GripTerminal Cleaners are also marketed by InnovativeProducts of America under Part No. 8040.

ET8040 Diamond Grip Terminal Cleanersby Mac Tools

The TA500 Smartach+ COP Multisystem IgnitionAnalyzer allows technicians to perform quick and re-liable diagnostics of nonstarts, misfires, fouled up ordamaged spark plugs and/or spark plug wires by com-paring digital readouts of the spark plug voltage andspark burn time between cylinders on enginesequipped with coil-on-plug (C-O-P), coil-near-plug(C-N-P), conventional distributor/ignition coil, DIS(distributorless) or waste spark and magneto tech-nologies. The TA500 requires no special adapters, ca-bles or a scope and is equipped with a large digitaldisplay that shows spark plug voltage, spark burntime, rpm, as well as Min/Max readings in real time.

C-O-P and C-N-P systems can be difficult to diag-nose because the waveforms generated on a scope canbe difficult to interpret. The TA500 solves this prob-lem and reduces diagnostic time through its ability towork on any type of ignition system. It answers thetwo most important questions: Is there a spark? Whatis the spark burn time for each cylinder? The digitalreadouts of the spark plug voltage and spark burntime can be compared between cylinders.

The tool is simple to use. Select the ignition sys-

tem—either Spark Plug Wire or Coil-on-Plug. Se-lect the number of cylinders. Place the yellow-tipped capacitive sensor on top of the spark plugwire 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 al-kaline battery and user manual are provided.

TA500 Smartach+ COP Multisystem Ignition Analyzerby General Technologies

26 September 2011


Multitasking rarely works as anautomotive diagnostic proce-dure, which is why so manyjobs require a sequence (scan,then inspect, then scope, etc.),often with a second technicianperforming manual tests at dif-ferent points around the vehi-cle. The new VERDICT sys-tem consists of three wirelessmodules—a tablet computer, ascanner and a two-channelscope/meter. With the lattertwo hooked up, the techniciancan take meter readings, scanfor codes, check engine datastream and control on-board computer systems.

Because the VERDICT is wireless, the techniciancan move around the car, performing manual in-spections, wiggle tests, etc., while viewing data onthe tablet screen. The tablet has a 7-in. touchscreen, uses Windows, has Wi-Fi capability and aninternet browser. So the technician can go online to

get service information from aftermarket and facto-ry technical websites while the scope is collectingdata or the scan module is operating. For techni-cians who find a touch screen “touchy” to use, thetablet also responds to a stylus. The lithium-ion bat-tery provides up to four hours of operation, or up toeight hours of continuous use if the VERDICT isequipped with an available extended-service battery.

VERDICT Diagnostic and Information Systemby Snap-on Diagnostics

Removing the inner bearingring of a wheel hub bearingfrom the spindle can be trulychallenging and labor-inten-sive. This universal bearingring puller offers an innova-tive solution—a revolutionarygripping principle. The three-leg gripper features ultra-sharp edges that fit all kindsof bearings and sleeves be-tween 40 and 60mm. Itsedges will clamp into the.5mm radius of the ring toprovide equal gripping poweron each side, and avoid anytilt. The easily adjustableclamping chain keeps thelegs securely in place to pre-vent spreading during pullingfor maximum grip and pow-er. The puller is packaged ina sturdy plastic case.

650 200 Universal Bearing Ring Pullerby Mueller-Kueps

28 September 2011


The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ser-vice/repair process has been growing more and morecomplex, with competing sensor standards and com-plicated and time-consuming relearn procedures.Choosing a TPMS tool that can reset the warninglight on most makes of vehicles is needed, since mostshops work on more than one type of car. The prob-lem for the average auto repair shop is that it’s notfeasible to own every manufacturer-specific TPMSauto specialty tool. And, each manufacturer-specifictool is capable of resetting only that specific brand.

Incorporating the qualities of the original 3834TPR tool, the 3834EZ can eliminate the need to per-form relearn procedures when replacing OE TPMSsensors by programming the universal EZ-sensorfrom Schrader. There are approximately 150 SKUsof tire sensors fitted to North American vehiclesequipped with TPMS. The EZ-sensor will replacemore than 90% of TPMS sensors currently stockedby dealerships. The tool allows a technician to re-place broken or damaged OE sensors without havingto struggle through complex relearn procedures.

The 3834EZ TPR tool features a bright graphic

display and simple navigation buttons that enable ve-hicle selection for fast activation—it automaticallyadjusts activation output power to eliminate cross-activation of near sensors. The tool set features aTPR hand-held tool, EZ-sensor Proximity boot, EZ-sensor software, carrying case, USB cable and usermanual. The kit also includes six months of updatesto add even more coverage. Technicians who alreadyown the 3834 TPR tool can easily upgrade with theEZ-sensor Update Kit (3834EZ-01).

3834EZ TPMS Tire Pressure Reset Tool with EZ-Sensor Programming by OTC Tools

If you’ve seen the fuel fill onlate-model larger diesel pas-senger cars, SUVs and heavy-duty trucks, you’ve surely no-ticed the smaller fluid fill adja-cent to the primary cap. It’s theaccess to the tank for “DieselExhaust Fluid,” a urea solutionthat’s injected into the exhauststream at required times to en-hance the performance of aspecial catalyst in convertingthe NOX to nitrogen and waterfrom the tailpipe. The urea so-lution contains 67.5% water(the remainder is urea), and ifthere’s an excessive amount ofwater, vehicle emissions will be excessive and the ex-haust system injector may fail.

There have been reports of diluted urea solutionin Europe, so checking what’s in the tank or even acontainer of fluid can protect a vehicle’s expensive

exhaust system. The Reichert DEF tester, like othertesters in the company’s line (coolant/battery elec-trolyte and brake fluid), is a form of refractometer.Place a few drops of the fluid on the tester windowand a reading is displayed in a few seconds.

Digital DEF-Chek Fluid Testerby Reichert Technologies

30 September 2011


“No, the system’s never been touched since you lastworked on it.” Every shop has heard that line fromcustomers, and in some cases the motorist has gen-uinely forgotten that a “helpful neighbor” did tinkerunderhood. One of the most common forms of suchservice is adding refrigerant and/or oil, or some“magic” additive, to the a/c system. Conventional re-

frigerant identifiers can pick up a spurious refriger-ant, but other items are undetectable. So the techni-cian’s only notification is a tamper indicator on eachservice valve as the final step in a service procedure.Heat-shrink covers are one approach, but it may bedifficult 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 al-so has a unique serial numberthat can be listed on the repairorder. If it’s missing or if the re-pair order lists another number,well, that does change the start-ing point for service.

Click Lock A/C Security Systemby AirSept

32 September 2011

Circle #21


The HawkEye Elite digital imaging sensors includefour high-resolution cameras that instantly update ad-justment readings onscreen. Working with newly de-signed targets, HawkEye Elite sensors provide 3Dmodeling of wheel position and orientation. Roll-for-ward compensation allows a technician to compensateall four wheels and capture initial measurements in one

quick motion. When equippedwith a Fully Integrated Align-ment (FIA) lift, the system pro-duces vehicle measurements in aslittle as 90 seconds.

The HawkEye Elite Quick-Grip adapters and three-dimen-sional targets accelerate servicewith setup times in seconds in-stead of minutes. The system’sclamping arms grip the tire treadinstead of the rim edge, removingthe worry of damaging expensiverims from metal-to-metal contact.Only a protective rubber ring atthe base of the adapter contactsthe rim. The entire adapter andtarget assembly weighs only 6lbs., making it easy to handle andinstall. The target itself containsno electronics and requires verylittle maintenance. Additionally,the assembly’s compact profileeasily fits between narrow liftposts and in other tight con-straints.

HawkEye Elite consoles in-clude powerful Intel processors,running Hunter’s latest patentedversion of WinAlign alignmentsoftware on a Windows 7 operat-ing system. HawkEye Elite pre-

mium systems include the CodeLink electronic steer-ing system reset device and a VIN bar code scanner asstandard features. The software supports the use of adrive-on camera to assist with positioning the vehicleon the lift, plus the TouchRemote feature, which lets atechnician operate the system remotely using an AppleiPhone, iPod touch or iPad device.

HawkEye Elite Alignment Systemby Hunter Engineering

33September 2011

Circle #22


Fuel injectors are often a diagnostic question mark,and the cost of their replacement makes it impor-tant to ensure accuracy by cleaning them wheneverpossible. There are various systems for on-car clean-ing and testing, but the definitive test often has tobe in a fixture off the car, so the technician actuallycan see if the spray patterns all look normal.

The new X-SonicClean has the capability for on-car cleaning, using required adapters from an in-cluded kit of 53. But if necessary, the fixture alsodoes off-vehicle testing, including volume and flowmeasurement into graduated cylinders and visual in-spection of the spray pattern. The fixture performsboth an operating pressure leakdown test and a

computerized test sequence thatsimulates acceleration, decelera-tion and idle by subjecting theinjector to variable pulse widthand rpm. If an injector is sus-pect, the technician inserts itinto the X-SonicClean’s ultra-sonic cleaner, which pulses theinjector and cleans the pintleand screen of carbon deposits,rust or any other debris. Thetester has an adjustable digitalfuel pressure control to coverport fuel injection systems op-erating at up to 150 psi.

X-SonicCleanby LAUNCH Tech USA

34 September 2011

Circle #23


The RFV 2000 3D Imaging Diagnostic Wheel Bal-ancer is a fully automated wheel balancer. Afterclamping the tire and lowering the hood, the ma-chine does the rest. The balancer obtains a com-plete profile of the tire and wheel in one spin cycle.The RFV 2000 incorporates “stripe-of-light” tech-nology that provides measuring processes that elimi-

nate the need for mechanicalmeasuring devices. This allowsthe automatic measurement ofradial, lateral tire and wheelrunout, calculation of first har-monic, and separation of wheeland/or tire contribution to as-sembly runout in a single spincycle. This feature determinesif match mounting is worth-while, and provides referencepoints and instruction for bestmatch all in a single step.

Problem solving is the ulti-mate goal with three-dimen-sional data obtained from fiveoptical cameras included in theunit. The RFV2000 provides a3D scaled color display of thetread/sidewall/wheel, along witha graphical representation ofdata to allow pinpoint locationof localized runout. A lasermaps the tread area, providinga measure of nonskid depth.Tire wheel assembly data canbe stored, and a color renderingshowing areas of fast wear canbe output for the customer.This feature is utilized to docu-ment the need for alignment, orto predict when tire replace-ment will be required.

Camera imaging recognizes the wheel edge andrecommends the proper weight to apply—clipweight or tape weight. Camera imaging providesprecise measurement of the actual inside weightplacement for both clip weight and tape weight lo-cations for precise one-spin balance with no wastedexpensive wheel weights.

RFV 2000 3D Imaging Diagnostic Wheel Balancerby Snap-on Equipment

35September 2011

Circle #24


MotorVac’s new “coolsmoke” machine actuallyproduces a smokelikemist that provides a newlevel of safety comparedwith conventional smokemachines. When thesmoke is produced withheat, the test procedureis safe if the technicianalso uses nitrogen tominimize the danger ofexplosive combustionfrom evap system back-pressure. However, theMotorVac No. 500-0100eliminates the need fornitrogen, which a techni-cian might skip, by forc-ing the oil through anorifice at high pressure to produce the “smoke” with-out heat. This also has the advantage of instant opera-tion (no warm-up required). The smoke solution con-

tains ultraviolet dye and the accessory kit includes a50-watt light for UV leak detection. The machine alsoprovides for vacuum and pressure leak testing.

MotorVac Cool Smoke EVAP Leak Detection Systemby UView Ultraviolet Systems

38 September 2011

Circle #26

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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 findingwiring faults in automotive, light truck and heavy-duty vehicles and equipment and will work with al-most any digital multimeter (DMM). By loading thecircuit, LOADpro makes a voltage drop test “on thefly.” Just press the switch. This simple test findsproblems in corroded wires/connections and shortsto ground.

If a vehicle component is inoperative, just unplugthe connector. Read voltage at the connector. If yousee 12 volts, press the LOADpro switch; if the volt-age remains, the wiring is good—go on to some-thing else. If the voltage drops, the circuit has highresistance (i.e., corroded wiring or connections). Ifyou see no voltage initially, you have an open orshort to ground. LOADpro Dynamic Test Leads canbe left in place on your DMM, taking the place ofyour conventional leads.

LOADpro Test Leads also feature SteadyPinProbe Tips. Instead of a pointed probe, SteadyPintips 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 effec-tive connection and can create difficulties in com-pleting manufacturer-specific voltmeter tests.

LOADpro Dynamic Test Leadsby Electronic Specialties

39September 2011

Circle#27


After OBD II repairs are complete,your options for validating the repairsare limited. After all stored DTCs andreadiness monitors have been cleared,it can be difficult and time-consumingto determine in real time whether thereadiness monitors will set. Perhapsyou return the vehicle to the customerwith the hope that the monitors will ul-timately set. Unfortunately, that meanseither a lot of driving for the shop orperhaps a comeback if the Check En-gine light comes back on.

The PH2 Validator diagnostic soft-ware program overcomes these diffi-culties by allowing you to validateCheck Engine light repairs on OBD IIdomestic, Asian and European makes and models with-in a test drive of 10 miles or less. This saves technicians’time and unnecessary test drive miles to set OBD IIreadiness monitors.

The PH2 Validator promotes rapid setting of readi-ness monitors if the conditions are acceptable for

them to complete. If they’re not acceptable, it will as-sist in identifying what is restricting, delaying or sus-pending those monitors from completing. Knowingwhy a monitor won’t set is a distinctive feature provid-ed by the PH2 Validator that’s different from tradi-tional diagnostic processes.

PH2 Validator Diagnostic Softwareby PH2 Solutions

40 September 2011

Circle #28For more information go to:www.motormagazine.com

THE QUEST FOR NEXT YEARIS ALREADY UNDERWAY


Due to the awkward dimensions ofmany suspension components, using apress to remove and replace bushingscan be time-consuming and frustrating.The Part Nos. 11000 and 11000A com-plete hydraulic systems can be easilymoved into position to service vehiclesanywhere in the shop. This allows you tosave time by not removing componentsand using a press. Suspension bushings,wheel bearings and ball joints can bequickly removed and replaced.

These systems come complete with allthe necessary equipment to allow bush-ing removal and replacement using hy-draulic power. The main difference be-tween the 11000 and 11000A is either ahand pump or an air-actuated hydraulic pump powersthe system. The jack stand takes the pressure off thetechnician trying to hold a heavy hydraulic cylinder andpositioning it to service bushings. The hydraulic cylin-der is coupled to the jack stand with a uniquely de-signed ram clamp (Part No. 11050) that enables the hy-

draulic cylinder to be positioned to best service thebushings. With options, the technician can upgrade toservicing larger bushings with the company’s Part No.11070 20-piece large cup set. Wheel bearings can beserviced with the optional Part No. 11080 four-piecepuller rod set.

Tools that fit into tight spotsthat otherwise would requiremajor disassembly are amongthose that draw the biggestcheers from technicians, and ifthe tools are for general-pur-pose use rather than specificmakes and models, they’regolden. These new dual stubbymetric hex bits fit into that cate-gory. They’re 10, 12, 14 and17mm (the most popular sizes),and you can buy them in a setof the four (Kit No. 69000) orindividually. They’re made ofheat-treated alloy steel and thehex size is stamped on each.They have a 1⁄2-in. square drivefor use with an extension and/orratchet, but for really tight ac-cess, the drive end exterior ishex-shaped for use with a boxor open-end wrench.

No. 69000 Dual Drive Stubby Metric Hex Bit Setby Lisle

Nos. 11000 & 11000A Mobile Hydraulic Press Toolsby SP Tools/Schley Products

41September 2011


Some ABS wheel-speed sensortest data is available from a scantool, and in-depth informationfrom an oscilloscope. The HickokNo. 20560 sensor data, however,provides a simplified way to evalu-ate both the older (“passive”) andnewer (“active”) types, with mostfaults indicated by LEDs on thediagnostic unit. The tester kit alsoincludes 14 male/female and twoalligator clip-type flexible probes,and a set of three test leads. All thetechnician does is connect thetester to the ABS sensor, hand-spinthe wheel and watch the diagnosticunit. The rotation LEDs shouldflash in sequence to indicate agood signal. Other LEDs light ac-cording to the type of sensor andindicate problems with the tonering and on the older, passive types,with a short or open circuit.

No. 20560 ABS Sensor Pinpoint Testerby Hickok/Waekon

When Fluke’s No. 233remote display multime-ter was introduced lastyear to an enthusiasticresponse, it seems tohave become clear to thecompany there was a realneed for greater ease-of-use for its electrical me-ters. Because the newNo. 365 AC/DC clampmeter, like the No. 233,gains a new level of utili-ty by sectioning thetester. There’s a differ-ence: The No. 233 mul-timeter allows the technician to position the displayseparately from the meter body for easy readability,whereas the No. 365 AC-DC clamp meter allows theclamp jaw assembly to detach from the meter bodywhile remaining connected to it through a 3-ft.-longwiring lead. This permits the technician to take thejaws section alone into a tight-access area of the engine

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 testpositions 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 convenienceif it’s necessary to identify wires in a dark area.

No. 365 Detachable Jaw Clamp Meterby Fluke

42 September 2011


It’s probably happened in every shopthat does reprogramming: Somehowthe critical battery charger that main-tains the required voltage during theprocedure gets disconnected. Perhapsit was an inadvertent error by a techni-cian on another job, such as the needto plug in another piece of equipment,or tripping over the connected cable.Whatever the cause, the shop loses theripple-free voltage to the common12.6-volt requirement needed for re-programming most makes, or the 14-volt specification for modules in BMW,Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz.

E-Watchdog is engineered to be usedwith any suitable battery charger. Ifthere’s a voltage drop or interruption, E-Watchdog sounds a loud warning buzzerand turns on a warning lamp, so the technician cantake immediate protective action. Although some ve-hicle modules will survive a voltage drop or loss dur-ing reprogramming, many will not, and that could re-

sult in an expensive failure. Typically, even for thosemodules that could be toast, the technician hasenough time following the alert to take necessarysteps to save a module from the trash bin.

AirSept www.airsept.comCircle #101

Automotive ElectronicsServiceswww.aeswave.comCircle #102

Automotive Test Solutionswww.automotivetestsolutions.comCircle #103

Drew Technologieswww.drewtech.comCircle #104

Electronic Specialtieswww.esitest.comCircle #105

Fluke Corporationwww.fluke.comCircle #106

General Technologieswww.gtc.caCircle #107

Hickok/Waekonwww.hickok-inc.comCircle #108

Hunter Engineeringwww.hunter.comCircle #109

Innovative Productsof Americawww.ipatools.comCircle #110

LAUNCH Tech USAwww.launchtechusa.comCircle #111

Lislewww.lislecorp.comCircle #112

Mac Toolswww.mactools.comCircle #113

Mueller-Kuepswww.mueller-kueps.comCircle #114

OTC, an SPX brandwww.otctools.comCircle #115

PH2 Solutionswww.ph2solutions.comCircle #116

Reichert Technologieswww.ReichertAutoTech.com Circle #117

Snap-on Diagnosticswww1.snapon.com/diagnostics/us

Snap-on Equipmentwww.snaponequipment.comCircle #118

SP Tools/SchleyProductswww.sptool.comCircle #119

UView UltravioletSystemswww.uview.comCircle #120

How to Get the Top 20For more information on these Top 20 Tools award winners, visit the websites listed here orcircle the appropriate numbers on the Product Information Page on page 72 of this issue.

E-Watchdogby Automotive Test Solutions

43September 2011


22 September 2011 - MOTOR · PDF file22 September 2011 Photoillustration: ... The Mongoose JLR...

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