How to Use The Snap-On MODIS

How to Use The Snap-On MODIS - Runs on all Phones & Tablets
By Mandy Concepcion


With the ever increasing electronic content in today’s vehicles, the scan tool has become the tool of choice to look into the ECM or module functions. The scanner is the only window into what the different modules are doing. One thing’s to use an oscilloscope or GMM, but to know what the computer is actually interpreting, your only choice is this piece of equipment.

This book is different than other book on the MODIS. This book actually teaches you how to use the equipment and interpret the PID datastream. This book also borrows from some of our other publications, but geared towards the Modis. We also expose the use of other diagnostic equipment and how to use them together. In today’s automotive repair shop the technician has to be able to use the equipment and draw relational characteristics between the signal. It is from these relations that the tech arrives to the true repair. It’s not just using the Modis. It’s using the Modis and see if the scope and multi-meter readings also support the repair conclusion.

Snap-On has over the years developed into a leader in diagnostic equipment. With that in mind, lets learn to use the MODIS to its fullest and become a profitable, top technician. Remember, learning to use your equipment will also teach you a great deal of diagnostics.

About ASE Certification

We at Automotive Diagnostics and Publishing promote the ASE Certification program and encourage all beginning and advanced technicians alike to participate and get certified. We are not directly affiliated with ASE. ASE Automotive Technician Certifications are recognized throughout the United States by almost all county and state agencies as meeting the requirements to be considered an automotive technician. Many organizations and repair facilities nationwide have ASE Certification as mandatory for their technicians as part of their business model.

It’s one thing to just show up for work; it is quite another to take control of your career, and get recognition for the knowledge and skills you’ve developed over the years. That’s what ASE certification is all about: helping you tell customers, employers, and other people about what you know. After all, being an automotive technician is not just turning wrenches. Your years of hard work show that you’ve gone the extra mile, and put in the time and effort to learn your trade. Your ASE certification patch is proof of it. Get certified now."

We are not directly affiliated with ASE. The Tech-2 is a registered trademark of Vetronix Corp. and GM The DRB III & Starscan are a registered trademark of DaimlerChrysler The NGS is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Co. Any other proprietary name used in this book was done purely for explanatory purposes.

Table of Contents

Basic Features

Modular Diagnostic System

BUTTON ARRANGEMENT DESCRIPTION

UPDATING THE MODIS SCANNER

GRAPHING THE PIDs

SAVING YOUR SCREEN SNAP-SHOTS AND BULDING YOUR OWN LIBRARY

A WORD ABOUT THE BATTERY CARE and MAINTENANCE

GENERAL SCANNER FUNCTION & PID ANALYSIS

THEORY OF OPERATION BEHIND THE DIFFERENT PARAMETERS (PIDs)

OBD I and OBD II, and general PID analysis

FUEL DELIVERY FAULT DETECTION

TEST 1 – Misfire detection strategy (EGR, ignition and mechanical misfires)

TEST 2 – A/F RATIO FAULTS

TEST 3 – CLOGGED EXHAUST

The MODIS Troubleshooter

GRAPHING THE PIDs

THE SNAP-SHOT FEATURE

OBD-2 Operability

Using the MODIS in conjunction with other types of equipment (Test-Light, Amp-Probes, GMM, DVOM, Oscilloscope)