Like many seasoned auto technicians, I’ve been a dedicated Snap-on scan tool user for over two decades. Starting back in the early 2000s, my trusty Solus Pro (version 7.2) has been a reliable companion, generally performing as expected for automotive diagnostics. However, recently I’ve encountered a growing frustration: consistent “no communication” errors across a range of vehicle makes and models. This issue isn’t isolated to obscure cars; it’s affecting common vehicles like BMW E36s, Renaults from 2004 onwards, and even Mercedes E-Class models.
In the past, occasional communication glitches were brushed off as anomalies. But over the last month, it feels like nearly every other car I attempt to diagnose with my Snap-on scan tool throws up a communication barrier. This prompted me to consider a software upgrade, hoping it would resolve these persistent connectivity issues. I opted for the latest software update, but the upgrade process itself proved challenging for my dealer. They even lent me a demo unit with a newer software version (reportedly 10.2) while my own unit was sent away for the update.
Unfortunately, even with the supposedly updated software (version 10.2 on the demo unit), the communication problems persist. Late-model Renaults remain particularly problematic, and the issue extends to other manufacturers and models as well. To eliminate potential external factors, I rigorously checked my leads and keys, confirming they are not the source of the problem. This leaves me questioning the value of proceeding with the software upgrade on my original Solus Pro. Perhaps the investment would be better directed towards acquiring a supplementary scan tool, possibly a Launch scanner, to broaden my diagnostic capabilities.
Interestingly, in a bid to troubleshoot and ensure the vehicle’s systems weren’t at fault, I invested in a budget-friendly Sealey OBD scan tool, costing around £50. Remarkably, this basic scan tool successfully communicated with all the vehicles that were giving my Snap-on Solus Pro communication errors. This comparison strongly suggests the issue lies within the Snap-on scan tool’s communication protocols with these specific vehicles, rather than a fault in the cars themselves.
Therefore, I’m reaching out to the community to see if other Snap-on scan tool users have experienced similar “no communication” problems, particularly with newer vehicles. Is this a known issue with recent software versions, or are there any adjustable settings within the Snap-on system that could potentially eradicate this increasingly time-consuming problem? Any insights or assistance from fellow technicians would be greatly appreciated, as I’m becoming increasingly frustrated with the time wasted attempting to establish a connection with vehicles that should be readily diagnosable with a professional scan tool.
