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• Take on new tasks with software upgrade 

  Snap-on's new 14.2 software is designed to help workshops make the most of their diagnostic tools. Covering 98% of the new vehicle parc, the software upgrade for its range of hand-held scan tools contains over a million pieces of data. It includes up-to-date model coverage for the majority of manufacturers up to 2013, enabling independent garages to work on some of the newest vehicles on the road and avoid lost revenue by having to send a car to a franchised dealer for diagnostic-related problems to be solved. Examples of tasks you can now undertake with this include reprogramming the battery following replacement on the new F generation BMWs and locking the airbag on a Renault Megane III or Scenic III to carry out work on the body. New engines have also been added to the Component Test Meter (CTM) function, which now includes models from Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Land Rover, Renault and Volkswagen. Fresh content is available in the Troubleshooter Case Study section, which provides information to diagnose and repair complex problems and the Fast-Track Troubleshooter function receives enhanced updates for Fiat and Land Rover.

• New sensors 

  Blue Print's engine management range has nearly 1,050 part numbers for around 5,500 applications and includes camshaft position sensors, knock sensors, MAP sensors, oxygen sensors and many more. New additions include a camshaft position sensor for the Suzuki Jimny, Swift and Wagon, a throttle body for the Daewoo and Chevrolet Matiz, a knock sensor for the Toyota Auris, Prius, Yaris and other models as well as a crankshaft angle sensor for the Kia Rio 1.3i.

• Onwards and upwards 

  A new research and development facility opens in Coventry for XTool Europe to support its UK and European distributor network. The team of software engineers will use the new premises to develop its range of car and commercial diagnostic tools. Managing director Andrew Dimond says: "We wanted to create a static location that our software engineers could work from allowing a smoother work flow. Previously they would work from our Cheltenham office but it quickly became apparent we were out-growing our location. By having this facility in the Midlands, we now have much better coverage of the UK and now offer even more support to our customers".

• Remote diagnostics becomes a reality 

  The X-431 PRO 3 tool joins Launch UK and is a potential game-changer, offering real-time remote diagnostic checks using wireless, Bluetooth connectivity and 'Golo' telematics. This allows workshops to access real-time vehicle data, to perform real-time diagnostic checks remotely and provides the motorist with information and maintenance guidance via their smartphone. For motorists, Golo technology locates independent garages in their area and will record data concerning safety, anti-theft and driving behaviour. Dave Richards, Launch UK managing director, said: "The launch of Golo is another example of how the independent aftermarket can respond to the threat of vehicle telematics from vehicle manufacturers. "It is very exciting for the independent garage... Not only is Golo going to be a valuable tool for retaining customers in the independent aftermarket, but it will also create a social community among garages and drivers, strengthening the reputation of the independent aftermarket." Launch PRO 3 has a built-in social network service that allows workshops to connect to a virtual community and seek instant help with challenging faults. Technicians can access a comprehensive vehicle database and repair tips to improve workshop efficiency. The PRO 3 tool has various other features. These include the ability to recognise the diagnostic features of other tools in the X-431 series, reading and clearing DTCs, interpreting and reading a vehicle's data stream, also performing actuation tests. Workshop technicians can use the PRO 3 to diagnose faults on 90% of all European, Asian and American vehicle brands.

• The next generation of scopes 

  The PicoScope 4225 and 4425 are the new 2 and 4 channel automotive scopes which replace the long-serving PicoScope 4223 and 4423 and which provide a number of new features and upgraded performance for the same price as the older scopes. New features provide technicians with additional measurement capabilities and techniques. These capabilities allow the capture of more information and finer detail, over extended periods of time. 'ConnectDetect' is a new feature that confirms on-screen and on-device, that your probe has made connection to the circuit, ideal for hidden connectors. Read more about this in our TestBench on page 35. The BNC input channels are isolated from each other and from USB ground, allowing the technician to directly measure across components, carry out voltage drop tests, test reverse polarity motors and measure floating ground sensors using all inputs at the same time. The input range has been increased to ±200V, reducing the need for attenuation when testing injector circuits, for example. The new scopes can capture up to 400 million samples per second and can measure high speed CAN and FlexRay signals. The new generation scopes have eight times the memory of their predecessors. More samples can be taken and finer detail is revealed when zooming, with the additional benefit of more waveform buffers to review when looking for elusive, intermittent faults.

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