OEM Scan Tools

Bringing Diagnostic Scanning Services & Technology to Your Shop

Having the Right Tool is Essential

As automotive computer systems increase in complexity, OEM scan tools are the best option to run diagnostic tests and access the data needed to service a vehicle. OEM software and comprehensive multi-brand diagnostic applications connect directly to the vehicle and are operated by a skilled team of expert diagnosticians.

Each tool on the market has different capabilities, and we can help you understand each one's strengths and weaknesses to make the best decision for your shop.

How We
Assist You

Factory & quality aftermarket scan tool products
Ready-to-go scan tool kits
Programming
Installation of scan tools onto your laptop or tablet (if properly configured)
Mobile on-site services, where applicable
Training in the use of all tools purchased from us

WHY CHOOSE US

Factory Scan Tools

GM's Tech 1 handheld was in brief use but was quickly replaced by the Tech 2, which provided coverage until 2013. GM has now discontinued production of the Tech 2 and is using a Tech 2 Emulator. The Tech 2 Emulator software can be installed on a laptop and use the MDI 2 to interface with vehicles.

GM’s latest scan tool is the GDS 2. Coverage begins as early as 2010 and is laptop or tablet-based. GDS 2 covers all vehicles from 2014 to the present and uses the GM MDI 2 interface device to connect the vehicle to the laptop. GDS 2 Medium Duty covers GM medium-duty trucks (typically vehicles over a 3500 rating). As a prerequisite, a GDS 2 Light Duty subscription is required.

Ford’s First major factory tool was the NGS Star Tester, and it received updates to cover up to 2009 with the CAN VIM Module. It was superseded by the release of the dealer WDS. The WDS with the VCM 1 was the first release of what is now known as Ford IDS and is the current factory diagnostic tool when used with its successor FDRS for certain models 2018 and up. The Ford IDS with FDRS is the current Ford factory tool for diagnostics using the VCM interface device. The Ford IDS covers vehicles from 1996 thru current.

The VCM has evolved three times. While the VCM in all its forms still works with the IDS currently, the VCM 1 is reaching its limitation and is unable to be used on many newer vehicles and will not work with FDRS. The current VCM 3 works with both software. It includes the option for a 6/9 pin adapter for medium-duty Fords.

Currently, between Ford IDS and FDRS, coverage is 1996 thru current and includes F-450 and F-550 truck coverage. The F-650, F-750, and Low Cab Forward (LCF) are covered with the special J1708/J1939 (6/9 pin) cable. The Ford IDS can be purchased at MI Automotive Solutions as a kit with a laptop or tablet.

FCA Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Chrysler Dodge, and Jeep diagnostics started in the 1990s with the DRB 3 and used add-on Multiplexers for select Mitsubishi and Mercedes Benz-based Chryslers. This was used until 2008. Since the DRB 3, Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep have used a few tools. Starscan/Starmobile was discontinued and superseded by WiTech 1. WiTech one was used until the current WiTech 2.0, which was released in 2013/2014 and is currently using the Mopar Diagnostic Pod (MDP). WiTech 2.0 will give you full diagnostics for some vehicles starting with the 2004 model year.

A Tech Authority subscription is required for programming, along with a Vehicles Reprogramming Subscription (VRS Pass). Tech Authority is also required to work on and unlock Security Gateway vehicles. Starting with the 2017MY, Chrysler started the Security Gateway Module (SGW). Without a Tech Authority Subscription, reading codes and data is the only capability. Tech Authority is recommended in a full-year subscription; however, it can be purchased in 3-day passes. VRS Passes can be purchased as needed.

Honda Diagnostics is done from the Honda HDS Software. This software operates on a laptop or tablet with Windows 10. Honda has had multiple interface devices for this software, starting with GNA600, followed by the Honda Interface Module (HIM), and currently using the DST-i.

Current setup is the HDS on a laptop or tablet in conjunction with the Honda DST-i device to connect to the car. One thing to note is that an approved J2534 Device is an option for connecting HDS to Honda Vehicles as well.

Toyota's First factory tool was the Mastertech for pre-2001 vehicles. This tool is no longer produced. Toyota's Diagnostic software Techstream Lite covers 2001 and up vehicles and can be used on 1996 and newer vehicles. Techstream Lite includes programming and service information.

Software will run on a properly configured Windows 10 laptop or tablet. The factory interface device is the VCI TS3- ETH. Toyota will also work in full function with a correctly validated J2534 device. Note: The new Toyota Supra may require a special cable.

Nissan’s first major scan tool was the Consult 2 handheld tool from the late 80s to early ’90s and was replaced with the release of the Consult 3 diagnostic software that was laptop-based with a Nissan VI 2 interface to connect to Nissan vehicles for diagnostics and programming.

This tool was the factory tool from the late 2000s until the release of the Consult 3 Plus in 2010. The Consult 3 Plus is backward compatible and used the VCI 2 as the interface device, which is still usable today. The VI 2 was Superseded by the VI 3, which was released around 2021.

Nissan does support J2534 through 2 different programs: the first, and still available for pre-2018, is NERS for Powertrain programming only.

Nissan Consult 3 Plus R2R is the second and is for 2018 and up programming and diagnostics. This also supports programming only on 1999 and Newer Nissan vehicles.

Nissan's current factory tool is the Consult 3 Plus with the new VI 3. This is backward compatible; however, going forward is required for some vehicles starting in 2022/2023. Nissan GTR does require a specific Consult 3 Plus subscription for diagnosis and programming.

Options:

Nissan Consult 3 Plus Standard Kit
Nissan Consult 3 Plus w/ Nissan GTR Kit
Nissan Consult 3 Plus R2R Kit

VW/Audi’s ODIS is the Factory Software and interfaces with their own VAG 6154 interface device. This is laptop-based and needs to be loaded onto a properly configured laptop. Subscription access is per manufacturer.

Audi/VW does have a registration process that can take up to 2 weeks. Security access requires LSID/VSP credentials during the registration process. Ross-Tech does produce a factory alternative that does not have ODIS registration requirements.

BMW OEM diagnostic software is called ISTA and has two versions. One is an onsite server base that is not common in the aftermarket. However, the second is ISTA Online Service System (O.S.S), which includes in its subscription ISTA, ISTA-P, AIR, and TSB’s.

BMW’s ISTA OSS works with the factory ICOM interface device as well as a J2534 Device. The BMW ICOM comes in three parts: A, B, and C.

The advantage of the ICOM over the J2534 Box is that it is able to connect directly to the Fiber Optic Network found on most BMWs today.

J2534 talks about these modules in a more indirect way. If module programming is a must, the ICOM is the way to go. Note: BMW Key/immobilizer codes are only available in the state of California.

Mercedes Benz factory scan tool is the Xentry Kit 4 and is its own entire kit. This Kit Consists of their own Xentry Diagnosis Pad with VCI and comes with a 4-year subscription to their Xentry Diagnosis software.

The only other option is the Xentry Flash Kit, which is the J-2534 software and gives you full diagnosis coverage on 2018 and up Mercedes Benz Vehicles. Prior to 2018, it gives access to programming only. Pre-2018 programming is consistent with emission-related modules (i.e. ECM & TCM modules).

Super Car

Super Cars scan tools are a bit unknown. However, they are available from MI Automotive Solutions. Please feel free to contact us for more information.