Mount Auto Equip Services takes a look at these important tools for your workshop

The automotive industry has seen recent dramatic change, particularly over the last decade, creating new challenges in repairs to overcome as vehicles become more complex.
Mount Auto Equip Services explains the electronic system varies amongst vehicles and now requires advanced diagnostic tools and equipment to manage accessing security gateways, navigating faster communication protocols, higher voltage testing and the ability to act as a pass through device for J2534 protocol.
Some vehicle manufacturers are developing new methods of protection within their vehicles, securing diagnostic functions from being performed without permitted access.
Secure Gateway Modules is one method in protecting these vehicles, but inadvertently can make diagnostics more difficult to perform at the same time.
It is important that your current and future diagnostic tooling allows the ability to access the vehicle’s modules beyond the Security Gateway Module, even for basic service-related functions or the clearing of DTCs.
Quite often this can require an online connection for your diagnostic tool, an approved login whilst connected to a vehicle manufacturer’s online portal, and in some cases a paid account and registration of your tool’s serial number for approved access.
Along with SGW access, Mount Auto Equip Services says Diagnostics over Internet Protocol (DoIP) and Flexible Data Rate Controller Area Network (CAN FD) are newer vehicle communication protocols that any current workshop diagnostic tooling must be capable of managing in a stable manner.
Along with utilising the new standard of universal front-end Diagnostics, is combining J2534 pass through technology which is also supported internally by the more advanced diagnostic tools.
A universal J2534 interface works like a gateway between the vehicle ECU and the PC, translating messages sent from the PC into messages of the protocol being used in the vehicle ECU.
Mount Auto Equip Services explains that utilising OEM and aftermarket Windows based diagnostic programs via a high quality universal J2534 device, can greatly expand the depth and precision of your diagnostic techniques.
It states that switching back and forth from your primary universal diagnostic tool to OEM diagnostic software and flash programming files into vehicle modules will largely enhance your technical capabilities in the workshop, rather than outsourcing that final step, and in turn add to the bottom line.
High Voltage systems is another area that diagnostic tooling now needs to be capable.
The amount of information and functions accessible via the diagnostic link on hybrid and electric vehicles is enormous, and it is essential when problems arise, that the technician gets to see the entire picture when it comes to the HV system.
Mount Auto Equip Services says that current professional level, universal diagnostic tools leading the way that are incorporating these newer protocols and capabilities required include advanced devices such as the Zenith Z5 and Z7 Oceania models and the Bosch KTS 560 and 590 interfaces with Esi Tronic Evolution software.

For more information, please contact Mount Auto Equip Services on 02 9905 8055 or sales@maeservices.com.au or visit www.autoequipment.com.au