Snap-on launches free APOLLO D-8 training modules online
Published: 28 October, 2020
Snap-on has released a series of free online training modules to help technicians make the most of the new APOLLO-D8 scan tool.
A spokesman for Snap-on observed: “The videos provide an in-depth look at how to make the most of APOLLO-D8 and get the best out of its various features, including Intelligent Diagnostics which saves users time by guiding them directly to the fix and eliminating guesswork.
“Broken down into different subjects and categories, the videos consist of advice and screenshots along with comment and guidance from Snap-on’s team of diagnostic experts. They are geared towards helping APOLLO-D8 users make their investment work best for them.
“These videos are based on real case studies and show how to apply diagnostics to specific vehicles and applications through short demonstrations of diagnostic tools to solve common problems.”
The full range of APOLLO-D8 training modules covers: Controls and Basic Setup Instructions; Vehicle Identification and Code Operations; Intelligent Diagnostics; Scanner Data PID View; Scanner Data Graphing View; Functional Tests; Fast-Track Troubleshooter; Global OBD-II; Quick Lookups; Previous Vehicles and Saved Data; Vehicle System Scan.
The training modules are accompanied by Snap-on’s series of Diagnostic Quick Tips features.
See the full list of APOLLO-D8 training and quick tips videos go to: https://www.snapon.com/diagnostics/uk/Training-and-Support/Training-and-Support-Knowledge-Base.htm?FB_Values=F13961_C28_A847!F13961_C31_A2!F13963_C28_A847!F13963_C31_A2!F13964_C28_A847&pfDocID=189583&searchInType=Training&utm_source=APOLLO-D8%20training%20release&utm_medium=Trade%20Media
- Snap-on launches new APOLLO-D8 diagnostic scan tool
The APOLLO-D8 is the latest scan tool to be added to the Intelligent Diagnostics family. The device includes SureTrack expert information which delivers top repairs and real fixes for the specific vehicle, as well as DTCs, providing access to information from thousands of garages that have solved the same problem. It also offers Smart Data, which automatically configures the display to show vehicle data PIDs relevant to the fault code, and quick access to functional tests and resets. Accessing the Intelligent Diagnostic functions on the Snap-on APOLLO-D8 requires a software agreement, which will keep the tool updated with the latest information and functionality available.
diagnostics.snapon.co.uk/apollod8
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- Do you profit from Diagnostics?
Let’s face it, it’s a problem. It’s a problem that has existed for too many years. In fact, the solution to this day eludes so many intelligent garage owners. It’s the perennial problem. What is this enigma? What’s one of the most common questions I hear on our front-of-house training courses? Quite simply the question I’ve been hearing for decades is this: “How do we charge for diagnostics?”
To add insult to injury the cause of this problem is another question. It’s a question your front of house team will hear every single day from your prospective clients. It goes a little like this: “How much does it cost to…” turn a MIL light out, diagnose my DPF fault, solve a lack of power, diagnose a non-start, etc. It’s endless, the question keeps on coming and you definitely need to answer it. Why is answering this so important to your business? Let’s take a look.
While we’re talking about questions I’ve got one for you. Do you charge for all of your diagnostic time? If not, How much income do you lose to time not charged? If the answer immediately sprang to your lips then well done for having a monitoring system in place. If not then you might be surprised by the size of the problem.
I’ll err on the side of caution with my estimate but, if you have a workshop with four technicians and two of them lost half an hour a day to non-charged ‘diagnosis time’ (assuming your labour rate was £65 per hour) then that would be costing you £14,950 a year.
As a side note, it blows my mind to think how much revenue has been lost to this problem over the years across our industry.
Now, I’m sure if we’re honest with each other and we documented all the ways that this time disappears from your bottom line then you’d agree the problem is probably larger.
The BIG question is would you like to fix it? Of course you would, and here’s how.
Before we get to the answer let’s consider what our endgame is. From my point of view it’s simply this; The solution needs to be fair. Fair to the garage owner, fair to the customer and fair to the technician. What does ‘fair’ look like? I’d consider fair to be:
- JLM Academy launches with DPF Doctor founder Darren Darling at the helm
The JLM Academy officially opened its doors on Saturday (20 July). The brainchild of Darren Darling, founder of The DPF Doctor Network, the new Academy is fielding a top-drawer roster of industry trainers, including Darren and Andy Savva, a.k.a The Garage Inspector.
- Systems and scopes
James Dillon runs a successful workshop in Bridgwater, specialising in diagnostic work and also runs frequent Saturday courses as well as five-day Diagnostic Bootcamps. One-day practical training is provided on direct petrol injection, EEproms coding & programming, advanced oscilloscopes, CAN Bus networking, ESP & ABS training, common rail diesel, SRS & airbag and electrical fault finding - this last one takes place on Saturday 24th. February and March dates are currently being determined. The five-day bootcamp covers electrical fault-finding, oscilloscope diagnostics, engine management, common rail and CAN and IN-vehicle networking and is cheaper that taking the individual courses. The next one takes place Monday 2nd March to Friday 6th March.
