Snap-On Modis info?

[BDaugherty]

I just bought a Snap-On Modis from the pawn shop down the road. It came in a giant case with OBDII and and bunch of import adapters, a LOT of keys, scope/meter leads, 120V and 12V power supplies, and a couple manuals. It has version 6. 4 software which shows good thru 2006. I gave $450 for it.



Now for the thousand dollar question: what does it take to update it and how important is it?



I got a lot of keys, but which ones are the most common for domestic vehicles?



I mostly work on medium and heavy trucks, farm and construction equipment, and diesel pickups. I have a lot of software on my laptop for the heavier trucks, but I needed a good scanner for the pickups and the odd SUV or car that I work on. I've been borrowing an older snap-on "brick" from a friend, but I just needed to buy a better tool myself. If anyone has any real world advice for me with this tool, let me know.

 

[Dl5treez]

http://www1.snapon.com/diagnostics/us/FAQ/MODISGeneral.htm

 

[Wayne M.]

I've used one once, a long time ago. I was impressed with it. Your intended use is right on. I think it's worth a lot more than what you paid. Just for the scope utility to look at sensors and such is priceless. I think I would have it updated to current by Snap-on. It won't be cheap to do, but it'll be good for a while after that. You can definitely make some money with it...

 

[BDaugherty]

Thanks Wayne. Since I bought it I have talked to more people and done more checking. Initially I wanted the old style "brick", but I since found out that it can only be updated through 2006. My modis is current through 2006 model years and it looks like the list price for the 2012 update is 1200 bucks. Still not cheap, but still cheaper than any I've seen for sale with or without recent updates.



I had a chance to hook it to my 2003 dodge and test it out. You can test all the lights, windows, etc through the body computer as well as command the abs for brake bleeding and of course view all the engine, clutch fan, and a/c data as well as turn off fuel injectors. I'm pretty happy with it.

Now if I could just get Volvo Vcads and Allison programs working on my laptop, I would pretty much have everything covered.

 

[Wayne M.]

I ran this by a coworker that has a little shop of his own. Said you stole it. Very much worth updating. It's my understanding that the brick can't handle newer CANBUS.
My place buys the oem scanner for the vehicle we handle. We have a DRB, tech II, and Ford IDS and Vcads in a laptop. IDS and Vcads are very similar. I don't know if modus handles Vcads but its worth a look.

 

[BDaugherty]

i know snap on offers a heavy duty package for it, but i'm not sure how good it would be for the cost. i guess I would have to try it. it would be convenient, but it would still be tough to compare to Cat et, cummins insite, or international master diagnostic on the lap top... plus there would be more adapters. . still if I ever get the chance I will look into it for sure.
thanks for telling me I got a great deal. i've come across them before, but didn't want to chance anything hot. coming from the pawn shop, it has a receipt and paperwork that cleared the sheriff's dept. I will probably wait until summer to update. that way I have time to save up and I can get the 2013 update.