Another MT2500 softwae question,sorry.

[Guest]

Hi everyone,
New guy to the forum here, and I must say that I'm very happy too have found this forum.
I'm retired from the R&D engineering section of a large manufacturer.
So,to help pass the time, I've taken up restoring 90-97 Miata's. I also mess around with some other vehicles, if I think I can make a buck off them. I'm sure most understand.
Anyway, I needed a scanner, but I didn't need the top dog on the block, since I never work on anything newer than an 04. So I found this 2500 thinking it would be just fine for the vehicles I'm working on. I've used one in the past.
Well, first problem is it doesn't cover any OBD1 Asian.lol I know,why you by it then stupid. Right....I did say I was retired didn't I? Okay, I'm old, and not in the game anymore, and have misplaced one of my orr's, if you know what I mean.lol

I haven't received the scanner yet, and I do have the option of returning it.
At this point, I'm looking for information about the global software.
I'm told that the software the scanner does have is the global, and that it covers all makes from 96 - 08. And there's no need for any trouble shooting software when using this global cartridge. I'm not sure I understand what that means exactly.
Does the global work the same as if the scanner had the primary, and the fast track trouble shooter cartridge installed?
What is the global cartridge able to preform?
Am I in deep doo?

Thanks for any help,and darn nice to be here.

[jrorl63]

You will probably be looking for/interested in a MT2500 with Programmable Black Cartridges if you want to work on vehicles as new as 2004. Prior to 2004 the MT2500 had individual red cartridges (both primary and troubleshooter) with different primary cartridges for domestic, asian, european, global obd II, and separate troubleshooter cartridges for driveability, transmission, abs. The vehicle coverage on the red cartridges covered 1980 - 2001 model year vehicles. In 2004 Snap-on released two black programmable cartridges that consolidated all the software that was contained in all of the various red cartridges. These cartridges were software updateable twice per year (for a fee) until April 2009, and provided vehicle coverage from 1980 - 2008. Both the Mt2500 and cartridges have been discontinued, and newer tools such as Ethos, Solus Pro, MODIS, and VERUS are available.
Global OBDII software does not provide for manufacturer specific codes and data, and is essentially emission related.

[Guest]

Thanks for the fast reply.
So...in the long run,I'd be better off returning the 2500, then try to find a newer model. I've check around for the software that's needed to bring the 2500 close to what I need, and its pretty expensive.

Is the Solus EESC310 a good choice? Does it have trouble shooting for OBD1 and OBDll for Asian and domestic models thruogh 2004?

Once again, thanks for the help.

[jrorl63]

Yes the Solus is a much better unit, especially with current software. The Solus Pro replaced the Solus to improve the customer's experience (rechargeable battery, brighter display), but provides the same diagnostic results. If you do acquire a Solus or Solus Pro, take advantage of the free online interactive training.

[Guest]

Thank you,
The model I'm looking at isn't the PRO, and only has the 7.2 software.
Asking price is around a $1000.,is this a fair price?
What accessories should it have,or came with it standard? (just so I know if its all there)
If I understand this correctly,the Solus does not need any software cartridges, and has all the software needed for OBD1 and OBDll, imports and domestic, ABS, Transmission, BCM, and trouble shooting on board. Plug and play on just about any system controled by most vehicles on board computer? No other software needed?
Is this correct?
Seems like a lot of software in such a small package. But I guess these days, a small computer like that would only be half full at best.

Is there a hard drive in the Solus?
How is the information stored? Chances of it crashing?

Sorry to be such a pia,but the Solus is all new to me, and I'm just trying to understand what I'm getting myself into. I'd like to avoid another mistake like my last one that I made,if at all possible.lol

Like I said, I just need a scanner for my own use,I don't need the latest that NASA is using. As well, I really only want to buy a scanner once. I doubt I'll ever work on anything newer than an 04. So, what's the vote? Is this old solus the Scanner for me?

Thank you very much for all the help. I never could have figured this all out if I hadn't found this site. Trust me, I search for days trying to find the answers to the questions about the 2500. It seemed to take a few minutes to get an answer for the questions from here.
Great,just great.

Cheers.

[hefaus]

Solus

Thank you,
The model I'm looking at isn't the PRO, and only has the 7.2 software.
Asking price is around a $1000.,is this a fair price?
What accessories should it have,or came with it standard? (just so I know if its all there)
If I understand this correctly,the Solus does not need any software cartridges, and has all the software needed for OBD1 and OBDll, imports and domestic, ABS, Transmission, BCM, and trouble shooting on board. Plug and play on just about any system controled by most vehicles on board computer? No other software needed?
Is this correct?
Seems like a lot of software in such a small package. But I guess these days, a small computer like that would only be half full at best.

Is there a hard drive in the Solus?
How is the information stored? Chances of it crashing?

Sorry to be such a pia,but the Solus is all new to me, and I'm just trying to understand what I'm getting myself into. I'd like to avoid another mistake like my last one that I made,if at all possible.lol

Like I said, I just need a scanner for my own use,I don't need the latest that NASA is using. As well, I really only want to buy a scanner once. I doubt I'll ever work on anything newer than an 04. So, what's the vote? Is this old solus the Scanner for me?

Thank you very much for all the help. I never could have figured this all out if I hadn't found this site. Trust me, I search for days trying to find the answers to the questions about the 2500. It seemed to take a few minutes to get an answer for the questions from here.
Great,just great.

Cheers.

Hi The Solus is a very good scanner. Type out below in your search bar and you will come across an application guide says 7.2 but i think its 7.4 hope this helps you out some

snap on application guide 7.2

[Guest]

Thank you.
You must be correct about it being 7.4, because there does not seem to be a 7.2. Hmmm... wonder why the seller listed it as 7.2, guess I'll have to ask about that.
Anyway, I checked the SO sight,and there is no mention of any OBD1 coverage in this scanner. Is it a given that it has OBD1, or doesn't the 310 have that software?
I also noticed a bunch of CDs were needed. How do they come into play in this scanner? Is there a CD ROM in it?

Again, thank you for putting up with me,and my lack of knowledge of scanners.

Edit. I looked at a picture of the scanners display, and is does show that the bundle is 7.2. There are no CDs included. Should I walk away from this scanner?

[hefaus]

Cd

Thank you.
You must be correct about it being 7.4, because there does not seem to be a 7.2. Hmmm... wonder why the seller listed it as 7.2, guess I'll have to ask about that.
Anyway, I checked the SO sight,and there is no mention of any OBD1 coverage in this scanner. Is it a given that it has OBD1, or doesn't the 310 have that software?
I also noticed a bunch of CDs were needed. How do they come into play in this scanner? Is there a CD ROM in it?

Again, thank you for putting up with me,and my lack of knowledge of scanners.

Edit. I looked at a picture of the scanners display, and is does show that the bundle is 7.2. There are no CDs included. Should I walk away from this scanner?

Hi The Cd were something that was used back then. They were loaded into your computer. Now you can find any info on the snap on site (Shop stream connect) which is also free. There was also a users manual in CD form.That also can be downloaded from the Snap On site also free. There you will find trouble shooter and fast track reference that will help you. I had a solus 7.4 and it came with all obd1 and obd11 as well as the necessary keys that were required for the obd11 when needed. I can not remember what keys they were now but i still have them if ever needed. You can also get that Solus updated to the latest version as well which is now10.2. As long as the scanner isn't fried it should be ok. Ask a snap on dealer in your area if they have a Solus hanging around.You may just luck in. At least you will have an idea of a good price then. Check out this site http://diagnostics.snapon.com/cc Have fun. Enjoy

[Guest]

Thank you.
I did ask the local dealer and he didn't have, or know of any for sale. I don't think there's a whole lot of scanners here on Maui, so the pickings are slim to none.
There's one Solus PRO 8.4 for sale,but the seller wants $2500, and the dealer seemed to think it wasn't worth that for some reason. I didn't understand why, but he said it was only worth a 1000. Wish he'd convince the seller of that.lol
Anyway I'm not looking to spend a whole bunch on what for the most part is a hobby scanner.
I'll think about the 310, I'm just concerned it doesn't have all the software I need since it has this 7.2 version that no one seems to know anything about.

Well I'm off,
Once again, thank you for all the help and support.

PS, I just put a request into SO for information on the 7.2, so I'll see what happens. Cheers.