Been a tech (formerly called mechanic) for 45 years. Like you I've seen a lot of changes. Worked flat rate for many years, made good money as well. I'm now SEMI retired because people won't let me alone. I could still work 7 days a week if I didn't turn off my phone. Anyway just another old timer saying thanks and Happy Holidays to you and yours! Keep up the good work...
Hi Scotty my name is Steve, I am an auto tech and have been for a long time. Even though I have become disabled my love for getting grease under my fingernails hasn't stopped me from working in my garage on my own cars (2 classic, 2 GM special edition vehicles and 2 daily drives). LOL, plus I still have a handful of loyal customers that I fix their cars for them at my home to help them by saving them a lot of money over the local repair shops and making sure they have a car to get to work.(even if it mean getting done at 1am Monday morning. Yep, had to do that a few times.) No matter how long you work on cars you never seem to learn everything and I love watching your videos because I do learn new things now and then and reminds me of old tricks that I forgot about. A good scan tool would be a greatly welcomed piece of equipment if I were to win. Thanks again for all the time you put into making these videos for all of us. Please don't stop any time soon. A fellow gearhead, Steve
I've gotten more use out of $70 no name scan tool than I could have imagined. It's literally saved my thousands of dollars in diagnoses fees and giving me codes that I could fix myself. Even today it's amazing how many things you can fix at home with less than $1,000 in equipment.
could you tell me which scan tool should I buy to diagnose battery light flashes on and off for a minute or two maybe 2x a week and battery is at 13.3 v and car runs great other than sporadic flashing batt light
⬇️ Things used in this video: 1. Cheap Scan Tool: amzn.to/2BERfUT 2. Medium Scan Tool: amzn.to/2Sl7Vbk 3. Expensive Scan Tool: amzn.to/2rUctJU 4. Common Sense 5. 4k Camera: amzn.to/2HkjavH 6. Camera Microphone: amzn.to/2Evn167 7. Camera Tripod: amzn.to/2Jwog8S 8. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2uUZ3lo ⬇️Scotty’s Top DIY Tools: 1. Bluetooth Scan Tool: amzn.to/2nfvmaD 2. Cheap Scan Tool: amzn.to/2D8Tvae 3. Professional Socket Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg 4. Wrench Set: amzn.to/2kmBaOU 5. No Charging Required Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/2CthnUU 6. Battery Pack Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/2nrc6qR 🛠Check out the tools I use and highly recommend ► goo.gl/rwYt2y 🔥Scotty Shirts and Merch ► goo.gl/pTAeca Subscribe and hit the notification bell! ► goo.gl/CFismN Scotty on Social: Facebook ► facebook.com/scottymechanic/ Instagram ► instagram.com/scotty_the_mechanic/ Twitter ► twitter.com/Scottymechanic?lang=en
Scotty you're the best. Im more then a diy but less then a professional mechanic. I do pre buy inspections and use your information all the time. Keep up the good work
A serious question - engine oil, so many, which one is right? In my case - Norway, cold (to -30C), and occasionaly, warm (to +35C). My car is a diesel. So... 0W30? Or 0W20 - and then change to 10W40 in the spring? So many oils, so many numbers, so little want to ruin my car.
Hey Scotty here's a story for you. When I was 16 years old my grades were good enough for me to get into' Duel Enrollment at the local community college in Daytona Beach. Back then it was D.B.C.C. now it's Daytona State. I started the ASE Mechanical Classes, Tune up and emissions and I forget the 2nd course taught that semester. Even back in 1999/2000 my instructor a Mr. Draper said. "If you want to turn wrenches being a mechanic is not for you. Everything in these damn things are computerized." He went on saying you have to be a techie to work on a modern car and that was 18 years ago! The school had a dealer grade scanner that I forget the price, but it blew my mind! Ended up becoming a professional butcher as I found out, working on other's cars just wasn't fun like I had hoped it would be. God bless, Merry Christmas, and keep being Awesome Mr. Kilmer!
@@@valpanig - Loved working on cars with my Dad when I was a teen, very different working on property that's not yours! I gripe at work, but I do really enjoy the job as their is always different things to do each day keeps it varied. I just wish more Mechanics were like Scotty here, thank you for the response and Happy Holidays.
@@@hamsterama- Simple, needed a job and went from working fast food to working a seafood counter. Got good evaluations, full time, 401k all before 21 years old and was moved to the meat department. Was still trying to decide what I wanted to do with my life, then my part time job ended up being a full time career. Never expected to be doing this as a living but that's where the cards fell LMFAO.
@@vulpixgrant Hah, well, as long as you enjoy your job and it has good benefits, that's all that matters! Also, butchering is a job that will never get outsourced overseas or replaced by technology!
I bought the launch X431 pro mini v.3 and it does have more stuff than I will ever need, the nicest feature is that you can actuate solenoids, injectors and much more for diagnosing issues. I don’t think I save money by fixing my vehicles but I do enjoy it.
Saying NO in business will make you more money then saying YES WE CAN every day. Stick with what you do good and make money. No one can be a do it all mechanic. That's why attorneys and doctors specialize.
Hey scotty I really enjoy watching your videos.Honestly you have saved me time and money wish there's more mechanics like you.I have a 2009 handycaped accessible van that randomly dies and won't start for days can't afford to take it to the shop and pay for the scan if I could find the problem I can fix it myself. Keep up the good work your a good man GOD BLESS YOU
I really appreciate you trying to help hundreds of thousands even millions of people Scotty! Over the years I've learned so much and you've given me the confidence to work on my own cars! I could really use one of those scan tools! Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and your family!!
That makes sense. Make sure to get the right scan tool for your vehicle. With the features you need without spending too much money on features that you will never use.
At 60 I said to myself no more lying on the ground working on my cars anymore, Leased a new one, after lease up, back on the ground working on my Celica, it's just more fun and it keeps me outa the bars. Thanks Scotty
Scotty why modern cars don't just show you the code and fault on the screen? , why they just show check engine light and then you have to get a second party scanner to figure it out?
s3xyScorp It's got nothing to do with the mechanic, they don't make cars. It's the manufacturers that do it so they can force people to their dealers and they sell the data to consolidators that in turn sell it to Snap On, Autel etc. That's why a good comprehensive scan tool is 4 or 5k.
When I asked Actron about the CP9670 about supporting 2018 vehicles: "Only a generic scan would be possible on a 2018 vehicle. The tool has manufacturer specific coverages up to 2013 model year. A Professional scan tool would be required to have manufacturer specific coverages for a 2018 vehicle at this time."
@@DylanL69 I have an Actron CP9580 (not the A), the last & final update was in 2012, I bought it in 2011. Manufactures tend to discontinue models along with the updates.
Most of the Chinese based cheap scan tools have lifetime updates like my Autel. It is constantly getting new updates to add newer vehicles and functions. It uses a digital firmware based system so most of the programing is on a SD card that it came with and you can use your own bigger cards to hold more data and saved tests and graphs. I would think the tool he'll give away should be similar no matter who makes it. You need to make sure whatever you buy will include lifetime updates now as cars change so fast. My old 9640b claimed to get updates too but last one was about 2012.
Good advice Mr. Scotty you make feel like a professional already, never had nor see anyone explain life of machanic to the small man . God bless and keep you safe always. Thank you for what you do for us all.
As a novice, I wonder what is stopping the diy community from compiling a wiki-like database that a generic scan tool can refer to for continuously updated information and upgrades
Non Disclosure Agreements. People really SHOULD be advocating that car computers and software be OPEN and Standardized in order to facilitate repairs AND VALIDATE repairs. What if dealer just SAID he updated the software? How would you VERIFY that????
Yes, I was thinking that it must be possible to make a device using arduino or raspberry pi to connect to a laptop where open source software could do the analysis, if the required APIs were available.
I work for chrysler, they have a security gateway module on 2018 and above vehicles because of cars were getting hacked into. So even if you have the information on how to fix a fca vehicle, you couldn’t even access the codes in the first place
Thank you Scotty for all your informational videos. You’ve helped so many people save time, money, and frustration. Your definitely helping the auto repair industries name and reputation with customers. There’s so many shops that take advantage of the customers. Your videos and Podcasts give the customers of the auto repair industry knowledge and information which is so valuable, so they don’t fall victims to those auto repair shops & owners causing the industry to have a bad reputation. Your truly making a difference with everything you do and have done. Thank You Scotty!!!
I just put a Scangauge II in our 2009 RAV4. It can read transmission fluid temperature. So now it's easy to service a sealed transmission in our daughter's 2011 Sienna. Or just to check the fluid level in our 2009 RAV4 it's helpful cause it's suppose to be in the hot area on the dipstick when the transaxle is 158° to 176°F.
I think you should make a yearly video with the best scan tool for the previous year. That way, mechanics can check which scan tools are the best bang for the buck, for all price ranges. As you said, some people and businesses only do general work, others to very specialized work, others businesses do everything by having a person or two for each little thing.
That's a good question - many RU-vidrs have their own branded products(like the EEVBlog 121GW Multimeter and uCurrent) so Scotty should collab with one with those scan tool manufacturers to make the Scanny Kilmer scan tool.
@@Jizzio Scotty: Good news, I know what's wrong: A bad air shock suspension system. Bad News, Unless you find an after market Air Shock suspension system it'll cost you $1000 a piece... I warned you.
Nice video Scotty. I've kept up with the maintenance on my 04' Monte Carlo ss by watching alot of your videos, especially the preventative maintenance. Scan tool is my next goal.
None of my vehicles have an on board computer anyway. However I fail to see why there are not more open source databases and software to convert a laptop to an OBD2 scanner that can be upgraded over time. Manufacturers should not be allowed to sell cars unless the diagnostic commands are open source as the ob2 protocols.
That top end one is a laptop running Windows 10, just with either a bluetooth or wireless interface for the vehicle, probably a few that are manufacturer specific for some vehicles, and general for almost every other one.
That makes sense. Make sure to get the right scan tool for your vehicle. With the features you need without spending too much money on features that you will never
Scotty thank you. I do not need your videos as I live in Thailand and you do not talk about harvesters or tractors. Yet I love your videos very much. I wish you the best in 2019 and thank you again. I wish for you and your wife the best in 2019!
@@cajunjamis9001 First a very merry Christmas to you and all around you. I love where I am living. A short answer is I avoid tourist areas though they are not bad. From a computer engineer to a operator of a tractor and rice harvester is a happy one. I lived in Canada and Switzerland then quit my job an moved to Thailand. It is great here the people are wonderful the catch is you need to adapt to the heat. Tell me about you? If you can and thank you.
Thanks for the info Scotty ... I’m think in investing in one I have lots of family members with issues with there vehicles... this will b great so it can help me out to help them out..thanks
Thanks for taking the time to produce these videos. When I was younger I went to my friends for advice on car repair and maintenance but after awhile, I realized they didn't know much more than I did. Good to have a seasoned pro speaking the truth.
Since I've seen Scotty Kilmer first time I knew that Chuck Norris was overrated! My go-to car DIY channel. Actually, I was looking for a scan tool for my Toyota with a budget of $100. Scotty's giveaway would be a perfect Christmas gift. Regards.
I got one based on Scotty's review. It gets the job done and it is nice that it can do emissions checks too. It even recommends solutions; it helped me solve a cam actuator issue. My Dad likes to use it a lot though, so I may need another, ha. Pricey though at $100. If you don't already have a scanner and plan to work on your car as a hobby, I'd recommend it. I also like that since it's based on an App in your phone, you don't have to worry about your software getting old or missing updates.
Hi Scotty, hope you are well. I cannot understand why you would have haters, as you're videos are excellent and helpful mate. I'm an old school Panel Beater (aged 49:), who does his own mechanical repairs. I'm in the North West of Scotland, and have a 2004 Vauxhall Astra envoy van, 1.7cdti 80hp Isuzu engine. I don't have a scan tool, and it's a nuisance when the engine light comes on, or I have codes etc. I have to go to a buddy with one, who isn't to hot on it either. I've been studying it hard, and looking at reviews and scanners, and am looking for a scan tool that I can do as much as possible myself, on my own vehicle and family memebers. I've just put a timing belt, waterpump, clutch etc into her, so can do all myself, save the scan tool. I was looking at the Foxwell with ABS,SRS capability and the Autel of similar type. What would you suggest mate; you're opinion would be greatly appreciated. Keep up the videos; they're a tremendous asset. John.
I was at my in laws for Christmas and my brother in law introduced me to your channel. I love your energy and your wisdom! Thanks for teaching us so much about cats and the entire industry. God Bless and have a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!
I was feeling the same way... Thinking what about the BluDriver one? Its $100 compared to the $20 one I have... There must be something better about it, no?
tires are super profitable i got access to a tire machine and balancer for personal use and can do them quite quickly as i use to work at a tire shop before i got into mechanics not to mention once your in there sell brakes if it needs it, it's the best. (but you have to get the volume)
Just take your car to your local car parts store and they will scan your car for free. I bought a $69 car scanner at Harbor Freight years ago and it is just fine for what my needs are. A $4000 scanner for a do-it-yourselfer is ridiculous. I've spent less on a used car.
I've seen these only twice. It's such an expensive tool. If you don't own your own shop and do work on multiple cars a day, you'll never make your money back on this. If you like top of the line stuff no matter the price, this may be for you.
Hey scotty, thank you for sharing your knowledge about cars. I've seen many of your videos and thanks to them I've been able to work on my truck and help out others when they get into sticky situations.
I started small and cheap, with a basic $50 reader, then an even cheaper but better live data reader, and freeze frame reader, to a bidirectional reader to a very expensive Snap-on Verus Pro. There will ALWAYS be limitations... I'm just limiting the limitations so I can service more vehicles and more issues. THEY ALL have their purpose.
This is the perfect youtube site. I never miss a video and although I can't remember everything he says I can always go back and check his archives. Thanks, Scotty
I love u man! U make me feel at ease because a lot of things auto mechanical are foreign to a lot of people like me because auto mechanics are so specific of education and I wanna not be afraid to understand what is going on with my vehicle! You explain it easily. You reduce the “Scare Factor” in the average car owner.thanks man!
Good information. I just purchased a bluedriver. I love that thing. It does a lot fot for only 99$ I always check live data short term long term fuel trim. that data will usually let yo u know if there's a problem or a problem going to happen.
My brother is a mechanic and this past year he's been teaching me quite a bit while fixing my own car as things go bad on it. Hoping someday him and I can start our own shop with family and friends! A scan tool would probably make our process of trouble shooting vehicles much easier. Lol Thanks for the advice and I hope you had a great holiday.
Thanks Scotty, You really nailed it with this one.!! I've been needing to upgrade my cheap 12 year old OBD for a while now. Something else though...It'd be really great if there was some sort of scan tool for pre OBD '96 vehicles. We have a 1991 Mazda MPV that the wife and I like and keep around for moving, taking the dogs to the lake, etc.. Unfortunately, it stalled out a few days ago, cranks over fine but refuses to start. So I'm back to the the old process of elimination method. Swap out relays, check fuel, check spark etc. etc. Anyhow, keep up the good work mate!
I recently subscribed to your channel and love your videos.I have also been in the game as long as you however in the heavy truck aspect.Wanted to look into a scope and found your incite invaluable for my own personal vehicles.Your enthusiasm is inspirational.I will check out your recommendations.Take care and thanks for posting.
Hey scotty as always awesome video thank you! Been a diesel Technician for 5 years now and have been doing a lot of my own repairs. Your videos have helped in more ways than one thank you!!
I've been trying anting one and finally bought a scan tool. I got a Bluedriver. I'm using It to check If the codes have recently been cleared by a car owner when I want to buy a car.
Thanks for the video Scotty. Agree with you completely. I have a snap on modis, Solus, autel maxisys eltite, every all j2534 software you can obtain. Including vag tools, micropod, Honda tools. I have not come across a job a dealer could compete that I couldn't. But there is very limited support. A lot of times I have to sift through bugs and odd connections to get software to operate as intended. So far I haven't run into problems. I would like to get my hands on what high end 'domestic' dealers are using to compare with how I carry out diag and programming. I would bet in some ways theirs is better, and in some ways mine is.
I really enjoy your videos. I have a cheap scan tool that has saved me many times on my 2003 Dakota. I know that soon I'll need a better one to fix some worse problems that are coming. Thanks again!
Good to see a video on scan tools. I was considering a bi-directional scan tool, but price is an issue when it may not be a practical investment. You also need to be able to decipher the information that the scan tool reveals. A good DIYer will probably benefit from a more advanced scan tool, but you are 100% correct about the pros & cons. I have a 2011 Honda CRV & so far (8 years & counting) I have not needed my inexpensive Actron scan tool.
At dealership prices it doesn't take long to recover even a thousand dollar scan tool. On even owning just one car out of warranty. My xtool d7 is awesome. Dealer wanted 100 bucks just to redo a Key fob. That's insane!
Right,. I got an Autel MP808TS, it does immo, bi-directional, and tpms programing and it was only $900. By the time I made spare keys for both my vehicles it paid for itself. Now it's basically a awesome free scan tool.
Great video, helped a lot for a guy that is in the market for a scan tool. I have been looking at the expense ones now I don't think I need to go that route. Thanks, keep up the good work.
