Ethos Scanner

[au5599]

I am looking into one of these. Now I know older software didnt do bi-directional controls. I emailed snapon Tech and they replied it cant do bi-directional testing.
I talked to someone who is selling his with 10.2 software and he claims it does. Even when you look up the 10.4 update for the Ethos on snapons website, it says it can do bi-directional testing and it can do ABS bleeding.

Does anyone who personally has this scanner with 10.2-11.2 software confirm it can or it for sure cant.

I had the modis a few years ago but didnt need it and didnt like paying the updates. The Ethos looks to be a great scanner.

[Bob's Garage]

Ethos a good scanner? Yes it is..

au,

I own a couple of Ethos (Ethii?). It is true they don't do bi-directional testing. It's not that they can't, it's just not in the cards right now because of marketing decisions.

Also, Ethos does not have Troubleshooter, which can be of help for quick info.

Also the screen is monochromatic, meaning is does not have color, so what?

Having said that, Ethos is an extremely fast scanner and can fire-up fast and get codes and data quickly. For this reason my service writer keeps one in his office for quickie code checks (feel good stuff to show a customer that we too can check codes free. Now, do you want those codes diagnosed?) because we don't have time to wait for a Verus to fire up and comm etc...

I recommend it because I have extensive experience with it and when I am under the gun and have to get something done quickly at the end of the day, like setting readiness 15 minutes before the emission test station closes, I grab an Ethos.
Solus Pro is quick also, but not as fast in my opinion.

I also like the way I can drive on hold the lightweight Ethos in my right hand and the thumb control is positioned perfectly.

Don't get me wrong, I have 2 Modis, a Solus Pro and 2 Verus and I love them all, and I use them all, I just think that the Ethos is underated and much more capable than most think. If Snap-on would unlock the bi-directional controls, it would be an even better tool.

One word of caution though. there are more than one version of processor, board, and RAM. If you get a used unit or a new unit that may have been on the shelf for a while, it may have the old board, which is not compatable with 10.2 and newer. If yours is brand new with 10.4 or 11.2 off of a Snap-on truck, then you should be fine. If yours is old with say, 9.4 or older, call the Snap-on tech line for cost to upgrade, software and hardware.

It could be cheaper to get new... I know a guy who was bragging about the great deal he got on an Ethos from e-bay, it has 7.4 on it. He will likely spend about a grand to get it up to snuff on top of the 600 bucks he spent on it. Isn't that what a new one goes for?

Every shop should have an Ethos, either a second tool or to replace the old "brick".

Good luck, Bob

[SnapOnKid]

Thanks for the heads up on the ethos and the old boards. kind of like the modis...

I bought a Launch creader 5 to pull codes fast but I am not really happy with it. I was thinking about a micro scan pro but I may look into the ethos instead

[Bob's Garage]

Launch


Kid Snap,

Kinda like Kid Rock, I like it...

How's it goin'? I see you have been posting your butt off.

Launch is coming on strong, but the C-reader is a cheapo, and the Diagun is kinda shaky. I have an X-431 but I only use it if I get something that Snap-on doesn't cover well. 2 graphs, thats it.

Launch has coverage, all they need is a scanner....

Bob

[SnapOnKid]

Kid Snap,

Kinda like Kid Rock, I like it...

How's it goin'? I see you have been posting your butt off.

Launch is coming on strong, but the C-reader is a cheapo, and the Diagun is kinda shaky. I have an X-431 but I only use it if I get something that Snap-on doesn't cover well. 2 graphs, thats it.

Launch has coverage, all they need is a scanner....

Bob

LOL... I managed to get my hands on a gen1 verus to use at the shop.

Launch has come along way with there coverage but the Demo I got of the Diag gun didn't go well... Dealer hasn't shown his face since. Not sure what they were thinking with that bulky adapter. The should have put a cable on it... Chinese Go figure... No original thought, they have to copy everything else...

[au5599]

Bob, here is why I asked the questions.

Software Bundle, 10.4 Upgrade, ETHOS
Stock#: EESP312K12

$439.00 Add To Cart

Checkout



Description:
•In-demand diagnostics coverage for 1993 to 2010 Vehicles plus 2010 New Model Year updates
•Access to over 11,500 Vehicle Systems
•10,000 New Data Parameters (PIDS)
•More than 7,700 New Trouble codes
•More than800 New Functional / Bi-directional Tests•More than 24,000 New or Enhanced Troubleshooter Tips all the way back to 1993
•2010 Domestic and Asian Model Year Updates for GM, Toyota, Lexus, Scion, Nissan, Infiniti and Subaru
•Optional New and Enhanced Euro Coverage for Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, MINI, Mercedes-Benz and NEW Land Rover coverage
•Previously factory-exclusive coverage for engine, ABS, airbag and hybrids such as GM Symptom Codes, Ford F250-F550 Diesel Driveability, Mazda ABS and Ford Ignition
•In-demand coverage for ABS, brake bleed, body control and TPMS
•Expanded transmission, alignment and hybrid system coverage
•ETHOS customers using Bundle 9.4 or older may be required to purchase a unit with 256MB or 1GB memory (EAK0291B05A)
•For more information please visit www1.snapon.com/diagnostics/us




Now I have also been looking at the Launch x431 diagun. they claim to have all info and acess like factory scanners. Tech 2 and nissan consult and so on.
But I am still wondering if they are any good really. But for $900.......I dont know.

[Bob's Garage]

Ethos with Troubleshooter and Functional tests, Hmmm

Bob, here is why I asked the questions.



•"More than800 New Functional / Bi-directional Tests•More than 24,000 New or Enhanced Troubleshooter Tips all the way back to 1993"

Hmmmm....

I have 11.2 on my Ethos, just to make sure, I will plug into something common to see if I have been missing bi-directional control on Ethos....

"Now I have also been looking at the Launch x431 diagun. they claim to have all info and acess like factory scanners. Tech 2 and nissan consult and so on.
But I am still wondering if they are any good really. But for $900.......I dont know."

I recommend you not waste your money. It does not work like a Tech2 or Consult2, rest assured. Supposedly Launch has got something big they are testing right now, probably a piece of China Junk like the rest...

Thanks, Bob

[au5599]

Funny thing is I just got back from my friends shop. He uses a genisys. But has been thinking of going back to a modis.
The Launch rep was there demoing the x431 and diagun. He was able to relearn the Idle air valve with the diagun but couldnt with his genisys. He couldnt even get abs brake bleeding for my suburban even though he has abs and everything up to 08.
He said overall he did like it BUT he did say it is a bit more challenging to get everything compared to oct and snapon. He is mostly looking for very well equipped info on Nissan, VW, etc.

[Skip]

I think the Ethos upgrade is a misprint. It looks like someone copied the upgrade from a SolusPro and pasted it in the Ethos list. I will check and get back to you. Not much difference between an Ethos with all of that and a SolusPro is there?

[Bob's Garage]

11.2

The 11.2 for Ethos description is misleading also... It speaks about Ethos and then right underneath, there is talk about all the capabilities of 11.2 never saying once that it does not apply to Ethos. Someone should get that fixed. I would hate to buy an Ethos thinking I could get all you see below; this was copied from the Snap on Ethos web page:


Product 360°ETHOS Software Bundle 11.2
EESP312K12
List Price $439.00USD

Add to Cart Compare

Master the Unknown
Snap-on spends time with technicians to understand what you are working on – that’s why we make sure each new software upgrade is significant in coverage and value. So, whether you need driveability, undercar, transmission, diesel, body control or just about any repair you can think of, Bundle 11.2 offers advanced technology to help you diagnose problems, find solutions and Master the Unknown.

Bundle 11.2 is about getting more answers faster, including over 126,000 new codes, data and tests. It offers more diagnostics power to vehicles technicians see in their shops most often with access to over 17,300 new systems and more than 1,100 new functional tests and relearns.

Want the most powerful diagnostics available today? Contact your Snap-on Representative or view the Bundle 11.2 Vehicle Application Guide here.

New Coverage Quick Links
New Vehicle Coverage
Get the most powerful diagnostics in the industry today with more in-demand coverage and simplified operation for Snap-on diagnostic tools.

Snap-on adds coverage for more than just new 2010 Ford, Chrysler, Acura, Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Mazda, plus 2010 coverage for over 30 other makes. Bundle 11.2 also delivers fast answers to tough questions with previously exclusive coverage never seen before outside of a factory tool:

Snap-on Exclusives/Factory Tool Capabilities
Hyundai, Kia and Mitsubishi PCM VIN Write
Ford CAN Cylinder Contribution Tests including 6.0L Diesel
GM Brake Pedal Pressure (BPP) Relearn
Factory Tool Capabilities
GM HO2S Heater Learn
GM Accelerator Pedal Pressure (APP) Learn, Idle Learn, Idle Air Control (IAC) Reset
GM Airbag/Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) Handshake
Plus, new Domestic and Asian functional tests, relearns and other coverage to simplify complex jobs:

Body Control for Acura and Honda Door Lock, Gauge and Light Modules
Enable Key FOB remotes with GM Program Key FOB
Codes, Data and Seat Calibration with Toyota and Infiniti Occupant Classification Module
Kia and Mitsubishi Immobilizer Systems
Added Tire Sensor Registration for Acura and Honda with TPMS Registration
Power Steering for Kia Steering Angle and Hyundai ASP Calibration
Nissan ECM Part Number Investigation
Enhanced Engine Tests for Mitsubishi and Toyota
Learn more about optional European ‘must have’ coverage:
Snap-on’s optional European software offers new critical systems coverage for 2000 to 2009 Volvo, plus significantly enhanced coverage for Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Mini, Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz – click here for details.

Get new features and coverage, plus all that from previous upgrades!
Each new release includes complete coverage from all previous upgrades. Purchase Bundle 11.2 and make your tool like new – click here to see what you are missing!


Cart Summary
1 items in cart
ETHOS DELUXE $1799.00
Item Total: $1799.00USD (before tax & shipping)

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[Bob's Garage]

Ethos 11.2

So I decided to drive my 2005 Mountaineer home tonight with the Ethos using 11.2.

NO Bi-directional control.

No Functional tests.

No Live misfire counters (because it is a functional test)

NO Troubleshooter.

NO Euro.

Spanish is an optional language...

Thanks, Bob

[au5599]

Thanks Bob. I am glad you were able to clear that up. It sucks that it dont do all that Snapon has listed. I almost bought it and would of been extermely mad that it doesnt do what they have listed.

[Bob's Garage]

Confusing listings on Ethos Software

Here's what I saw on 11.2 software for Ethos :

Ethos 11.2 a.jpg


Ethos 11.2 b .jpg

The way they run the Ethos 11.2 software into the overall 11.2 software, it is hard to believe it doesn't apply to Ethos.

[SnapOnKid]

Bob, the problem is you drive a Ford based product... If it was a chevy it would have worked.

Second off to AU5599 The Diag Gun is not all they claim it to be as bob mentioned.

Also you should know the Chinese are riping them selfs off. They are already knocking off there own products. What ever tool you Decide to buy, Get it through a reputable dealer/distributor so that the software functions properly and you have an actual warranty. I learned the hard way when I tried to save a few $$$ on a used Gm tech 2.

[DougMontgomery]

SnapOnKid,

Very good advise on Diagun. Was looking at ebay and saw a seller saying that Launch will send an email when there are updates for it. What baloney!...a true registered and purchased product will give you a login and PW to their site, you should go there daily to see what updates are available. Lauch does NOT send emails or update via email or CD.