22 September 2005

23September 2005

For more information on these Top 20 Toolsaward winners, visit the website addresseslisted or circle the appropriate numbers onthe Product Information Card in this issue:

AirSeptCompressor Turner Toolwww.airsept.comCircle #100

Automotive Test SolutionsEIgnitonwww.automotivetestsolutions.comCircle #101

Bright SolutionsRemote Entry Pro Testerwww.brightsol.comCircle #102

BG ProductsVW Diesel Air Intake & Exhaust Cleaning Systemwww.bgprod.comCircle #103

Central ToolsTorque Buddy www.centraltools.comCircle #104

G-5 ElectronicsT.I.P.S. Pro Tire Pressure Positioning Switch

Service Toolwww.g5electronics.comCircle #105

Hunter EngineeringCenteringCheck for Wheel Balancerswww.hunter.comCircle #106

Ingersoll-RandNitrogen Tire Filling Systemwww.irgaragesolutions.comCircle #107

MidtronicsinTELLECT EXP www.midtronics.comCircle #108

OTC DiagnosticsSolarity Diagnostic Systemwww.otctools.comCircle #109

Rotary LiftSmartLift Three-Stage Lift Armswww.rotarylift.comCircle #110

Sir ToolsST 9015 Radio Removal Toolwww.sirtools.comCircle #111

Snap-on DiagnosticsVantage PROwww.snapon.comCircle #112

Snap-on ToolsPentaGrip Screwdriverwww.snapon.comCircle #113

SP Tools/Schley ProductsHonda/Acura Trailing Arm Bushing Removal and

Installation Toolwww.sptool.comCircle #114

Stride ToolImperial 470-FH Triple Head Tube Benderwww.stridetool.comCircle #115

SymtechBCA 4 ISOColor Headlamp Alignment Systemwww.symtechcorp.netCircle #116

Thexton ManufacturingTerminal Release Tool Kitwww.thexton.comCircle #117

Tracer ProductsOPTIMAX Jrwww.tracerline.comCircle #118

WaekonRelay Box Test Extension Kitwww.waekon.comCircle #119

How to Get the Top 20

Each year the call goes out to theworld’s automotive tool design-ers, manufacturers and suppli-ers. The message is simple:Send us your latest “supertools”—tools that are truly new

and innovative. Show us something that makesus say: “Wow! We’ve never seen anything likethis before.” Besides knockout originality,there’s only one other criterion that must bemet for consideration: The product must have

been introduced between July 1, 2004 andJune 30, 2005.

MOTOR’s annual Top 20 Tools competition isnow in its 14th year. As in years past, we wereimpressed by the quality and ingenuity of theentries we received. We offer our sincerethanks to all companies that submitted candi-dates for consideration, and a special congratu-lations to each of this year’s winners. Now,without further ado and in random order, weproudly present the best of the best for 2005.

SUPERTECHS20 Super Tools for Today’s

SUPERTECHSBY THE EDITORS OF MOTOR

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24 September 2005

EIgnition by Automotive Test Solutions

The EIgnition analzyer can be hooked up quickly andeasily to all current ignition systems. Unlike most sec-ondary ignition analyzers, the EIgnition utilizes a paral-lel rather than an inductive pickup. This allows the userto collect precise cylinder ignition patterns and performengine kill functions on DIS and COP ignition systems.The unit will display three styles of waveforms via itsPC-based interface—primary, capacitive secondary ordirect secondary.

The EIgnition’s direct secondary waveform samplingmethod generates extremely accurate voltage readings.Ignition analyzers traditionally incorporate 8-bit proces-sors, so their degree of resolution is limited to the volt-age range divided by 256. The EIgnition analyzer isread by a 12-bit processor, so the degree of resolution isequal to the voltage range divided by 4096. Another ad-vantage of the direct sampling method is that a noisysystem or an open ignition will not reset the scope. Theanalyzer trigger is based on actual coil discharge, so sys-tem noise will not cause a triggering problem.

All scope traces and cylinder connections are color-coded, making it very easy to identify exactly which

cylinder has a fault. All eight cylinders are independentlyand continuously monitored, which enables the techni-cian to see any type of timing or crossfire problem. Mostignition analyzers use two channels—one to synchronizethe signal and the other to display the ignition signals.Timing errors or crossfire may be impossible to detect.The EIgnition can continuously graph all eight channelssimultaneously. No trigger is needed and no data ismissed. With direct monitoring, the ignition system canalso be loaded to simulate the vehicle under load. Thiscan be very helpful when diagnosing a vehicle with inter-mittent misfire. Individual cylinders can also be killed.

OPTIMAX Jr by Tracer Products

A good UV trace dye leak-detec-tion light must have two impor-tant qualities: It must be brighterthan anything else the technicianhas, and it must fit into tight un-derhood (and underbody) spaces.The OPTIMAX Jr “shines” inboth categories. It highlights tinydye traces from several feet away,not surprising because it uses anLED with the brightness of a 75-watt high-intensity bulb. Thepenlight housing is just 7 in. longand weighs only 5 oz. The LEDis rated at 100,000 hours (you’llretire before it does, although itsthree AA batteries will need peri-odic replacement). The light issold with fluorescence-enhancingsafety glasses or in a kit withtrace dyes and injectors for find-ing a/c and fluid leaks.

28 September 2005

VW Diesel Air Intake & Exhaust Cleaning System by BG Products

With sulfur-free diesel fuel be-coming available nationwidenext year, you can expect manydiesel passenger cars to jointhe VW models with the TDI(turbo direct injection) en-gines. So if you’ve ignored pas-senger car diesel service untilnow, it’s time for a closer look.

The No. 9250 diesel intakeand exhaust cleaning systemkit provides an example ofprofitable maintenance andrepair service you can per-form. Exhaust soot builds upin the EGR cooler, EGR valveand intake manifold, and evencokes the intake valves. Thiscould cause the turbo to stick, affecting engine perfor-mance. Expensive parts replacement had previouslybeen the only choice. Remove the EGR valve andfeeder tube for bench cleaning. Then the kit comes in-

to the picture. If there’s a real-ly thick soot buildup in themanifold, thread a specialauger from the kit through theEGR valve port to remove thebulk. Next, attach adapters tothe cooler and EGR port ofthe intake manifold. Follow aspecific engine-running proce-dure, using tanks of BG-sup-plied chemicals to clean themanifold, valves and cooler, of-ten even a stuck turbo.

Diesels have virtually nomanifold vacuum, so the intakemanifold adapter includes ashop air-powered venturi vacu-um to help draw cleaner

through to the valves. Although the kit’s adapters fit on-ly the VW diesel, new adapters will be introduced forthe DaimlerChrysler (Mercedes), Ford and GM dieselsnow sold in Europe, when they reach the U.S. market.

SmartLift Three-Stage Lift Arms by Rotary Lift

The Three-StageLift Arm option al-lows the service of awider range of vehi-cles on a singleSmartLift in-groundlift. These three-stage arms are theonly arms with theclevis (used tomount the arms tothe lift) on the side,instead of the rear.The design opensup the back of thearm, making it pos-sible for longer mid-dle and inner arms to slide through the shorter outerarm and retract out the back. This provides a greaterrange of extension and retraction than other lift arm de-signs, providing a broader range of vehicle pickuppoints.

The three-stagearm allows you tolift a wide range ofvehicles, includingthose with wider ve-hicle track widthsand lower profileslike the BMW Z4, ashort wheelbase likethe MINI Cooperor a long wheelbaselike a full-size pick-up or luxury car.The arms allow theuser to move quick-ly from one type ofvehicle to another,

without the need for adjustments or having to stop andrespot the vehicle. Independent shops that work on avariety of vehicles daily will find the Three-Stage LiftArms a productivity enhancement that offers a clear re-turn on investment.

30 September 2005

Nitrogen Tire Filling System by Ingersoll-Rand

The Nitrogen Tire Filling System utilizes membranetechnology to deliver dry, inert nitrogen gas for tirefilling. The system has no moving parts, is very quietand requires simple annual maintenance. It can beconnected to the existing compressed air supply andbe ready to generate nitrogen in minutes. Nitrogentire filling is a premium service that customers willembrace when its advantages are explained.

Improper tire inflation compromises a tire’s loadcapacity, decreases fuel economy and results in slug-gish performance and heat buildup. Heat buildupcan lead to catastrophic tire failure. Additionally, asoxygen leaks out through a tire’s rubber walls, it oxi-dizes the rubber compounds in the tire, causing thetire to deteriorate. Nitrogen is a clean, moisture-freegas that slows the tire aging process.

Nitrogen leaks through a tire’s rubber walls threetimes more slowly than oxygen. As a result, tiresfilled with nitrogen stay inflated longer, improvingtire wear, grip, control and safety. For tire repair cen-ters, using nitrogen tire-filling technology can savemoney and improve shop productivity, and demon-

strates to customers that their safety and the propermaintenance of their vehicles is a top priority.

Solarity Diagnostic System by OTC Diagnostics

Solarity is a four-channel color lab and ignitionscope that incorporates a full-function graphingmultimeter. The tool also includes InfoTech data-base software, which provides the user with on-the-spot repair diagnostics based on vehicle-specificsymptoms or component fault codes. InfoTech Soft-ware Subscriptions provide frequently updatedwiring and connector diagrams, test procedures,specifications, reference waveforms, vehicle systemtests and more via the Internet.

Solarity features a 4MHz sample rate on eachchannel, adjustable glitch capture, Repair-Trac VIN-specific tech tips from master techs andprimary/secondary ignition waveforms. A sunlight-readable 320x240 VGA color display is included andscreen data output can be printed on most standarddesktop printers. Future software updates will bemade via USB key, the Internet or compact flash.

As an ignition scope, Solarity allows the user toanalyze and record patterns from primary/secondaryand distributorless ignition systems and collect datafrom coil-on-plug systems, in raster, parade and su-

perimposed and single-cylinder modes. As a full-function digital multimeter, Solarity can measureand display volts, ohms, rpm, frequency and duty cy-cle. Multiple waveforms can be simultaneously dis-played for data comparisons and analysis.

32 September 2005

CenteringCheck for Wheel Balancers by Hunter Engineering

To properly repair vi-bration-related com-plaints, wheels mustbe centered whenmounted on balancers.Until recently, wheel-centering verificationhas not been offeredas a wheel balancerfeature. Center-ingCheck provides aquick test that verifiesthat a wheel is proper-ly center-mounted onthe balancer shaft.This eliminates guess-work and charts whenchoosing mounting accessories and flags setup errorson problematic wheels.

CenteringCheck compares two measurements intwo mounted positions taken from the same wheel. Ifthe setup measurements are the same, the wheel is

ready to be balanced.Depending on thetype of balancer, aweight or runoutmethod is used to per-form this procedure.If the two measure-ments match, thetechnician receives aPASS signal and thebalancing procedurecan proceed. If themeasurements differby a prescribedamount, the techni-cian receives a FAILsignal, which likely

means a different adapter or mounting should be cho-sen or the adapter and wheel mounting should becleaned and inspected.

CenteringCheck is included as a standard featureon Hunter GSP9700, DSP9600 and DSP9100 series

Compressor Turner Tool by AirSept

A/C techniciansfind there’s oftenthe need to turnthe compressorshaft to check forinternal damage,free it up after“false seizure” andcirculate oil priorto startup of a newcompressor. If theclutch hub is onewithout a hex-endor nut for a wrench,as is true on manyGeneral Motors/Delphi compres-sors, an ordinarywrench won’t work.Some shops havetried to make hex-end adapters by

combining fittings,but the shop-as-sembled combofitting often endsup being too longto fit into the limit-ed space in frontof most compres-sors. That’s theproblem solved bythis new compres-sor mini-tool. Itthreads into theend of the clutchhub and allows itto be turned in thedirection of nor-mal rotation, usingany 5⁄8-in. wrench.And when the jobis done, the toolunthreads easily.

34 September 2005

ST 9015 Radio Removal Tool by Sir Tools

The ST 9015 is like aSwiss Army knife for anti-theft radio removal on awide range of vehicles upto 2006 models, includingmany Mercedes, Porsche,BMW, Volkswagen andAudi models. Many Ford,Chevy, Saab and LandRover models are alsocovered. This tool elimi-nates the need for an as-sortment of individual re-moval tools for specificmodels.

Each half of the tool al-lows for an even pullingaction, crucial for newVolkswagen and Audimodels with four slits in the radio face. When not inuse, the two halves slide together and are held in placevia an interlocking channel. The tool then fits easily in

the palm of your hand or a pocket. The tool halves canalso be disassembled, allowing the addition of updatedkeys as new radio antitheft designs are introduced.

Torque Buddy by Central Tools

The Torque Buddy is a speciallyshaped wheel chock designed to re-strain a wheel of a vehicle on a lift.The uneven tightening of lug nuts(particularly with impact tools) is amajor cause of warpage to rotor andhub, and eventual braking prob-lems. And there’s merit to the ideathat the best way to tighten the lugnuts evenly would be with theweight of the vehicle off the tires.Okay, you can seat the lug nuts withan impact wrench, but if you wantto carefully finish torquing to specs,the vehicle has to be lowered to theground so one technician can do thejob. With Torque Buddy it’s still aone-technician job, but now the lugnuts can be tightened at all fourwheels, in stages from finger-tightto final specs, while the vehicle stillis on the lift.

Imperial 470-FH Triple Head Tube Bender by Stride Tool

The Imperial 470-FHTriple Head TubeBender features apatented Roto-Lokaction that allows thetool to bend tubing90°, rotate and lockinto a new positionthen bend the tubingup to another 90°.The Roto-Lok fea-ture permits reposi-tioning the lever armhandle when it ap-proaches parallel,eliminating handlecrossing for improvedcontrol. Its radiusforming grooves al-low it to make smooth, tight-radius bends of up to180°. These grooves allow the user to bend the tubingin the smallest radius possible to enable tighter turns

and minimize theamount of space tak-en by the bends. Thisfeature, combinedwith the tool’s com-pact design, is espe-cially useful in auto-motive applications,where space is oftenat a premium.

The tool includes atube alignment win-dow in the bend armthat makes bendingeasier and more pre-cise because the usercan sight exact pointson the forming shoeand tubing. The tool

can manipulate bends in soft copper, aluminum andthin-walled tubing in 3⁄16-, 1⁄4-, 5⁄16- and 3⁄8-in. diameters,without the need for additional adapters.

Remote Entry Pro by Bright Solutions

The remote has be-come so much a(nonattached) partof the modern carthat most motoristsare reluctant to usethe key if the remotedoesn’t unlock thedoor. Of course, theremote is a part ofthe antitheft system,so diagnosing prob-lems with it is im-portant.

For the indepen-dent shop withoutfactory specialtesters, the low-cost,easy-to-use RemoteEntry Pro keyless en-try tester should help isolate the problem to the re-mote or the on-board antitheft system, without first

trying the expensivestep of installing anew battery. Thetester works on bothRF (radio frequency)or IR (infrared)transmitters, lettingthe technician knowif the remote istransmitting a signal.Only if the remotefails to send a signalneed the techniciantry a new battery, tosee if it restores per-formance to a devicehe determinedwasn’t working. Ifthe tester shows theremote is transmit-

ting a signal, then the problem is apparently in the ve-hicle’s antitheft system.

35September 2005

36 September 2005

Terminal Release Tool Kit by Thexton Mfg.

All carmakers have specific tests for electrical con-nector integrity, and wiring manufacturers develop avariety of designs to pass them. The result is thatmany different connectors are used in production,and each carmaker has a specific tool kit for its deal-er shops. An independent technician can’t havethem all, but he also can’t rely on a couple of smallscrewdrivers to open all connectors, or he’s likely toaffect a connector in an unknown way. A problemmight result immediately or worse for the motorist,the terminals might make a marginal connectionthat could result in an electrical glitch down theroad.

The No. 493 Terminal Release Tool Kit containsseven tools to cover the most common applications:One tool is for Delphi male and female Weather-pack connectors, a second is for Amp Timer connec-tors (such as most fuel injector connectors) and athird is for Amp Timer connectors with a single tabas well as Delphi 56, 58 and 59 series connectors.There’s also a universal tool for connectors withmedium-to-large internal release tabs (such as Del-

phi Pack-Con), a tool for Delphi Metri-Pack Pull-Throughs, a semiuniversal tool for removing lockinginserts from many connectors and even a tool for thelatch sometimes found behind the locking insert(typically Amp and Deutch latch-types).

T.I.P.S. Pro Tire Pressure Positioning Switch Service Tool by G-5 Electronics

Tire pressure monitoring won’t be legally requiredacross the board until September 2007. But the di-rect-reading systems with sensors in the tires alreadyhave been installed on so many cars that aftermarketshops doing tire work have to deal with them. Eachof the many system makers has its owninitializer/tester, and a dealer technician may havetwo different tools.

However, the Tire Inflation Positioning Switch(T.I.P.S.) Pro is a universal microprocessor-con-trolled tool designed by G-5 Electronics and mar-keted exclusively by Spectrum Composites, Inc. Themost frequently needed service is reinitializing thesystem when tires are rotated or when a defectivesensor is replaced, exactly what T.I.P.S. refers to.T.I.P.S. Pro also enables a technician to check thesensors before tire replacement, so a faulty sensor isnot attributed to the work. During initialization, thetester produces an audible tone and flashes LEDs toconfirm that a sensor has been triggered (and thevehicle receiver may provide its own signal, such ashorn beeps). Although T.I.P.S. Pro works with all

electronic frequency and magnetic sensors usedpresently as original equipment, the tester is repro-grammable for any new protocols that appear, so itshould enjoy staying power as well.

PentaGrip Screwdriver by Snap-on Tools

As nuts, bolts and screws are buried deeperinto cars these days and the access anglesbecome tougher, new wrenches and screw-drivers are needed to reach them. The newPentaGrip Screwdriver should cover manyof the toughest-to-reach—both old and new,and probably some that are just on the draw-ing board.

The tool’s handle looks like an ordinarypistol-grip, but just push a button and it canbe adjusted and locked in 30° and 60° posi-tions. Using the molded-in PentaGrip forthe technician’s fingers transfers turningforce from the wrist to the arm. We triedthe tool and found we could apply moretorque to a screw by using the PentaGrip.And for working in very tight quarters, theend cap can be removed to use as a stub-handle screwdriver.

37September 2005Circle #23

38 September 2005

BCA 4 ISOColor Headlamp Alignment System by Symtech

Computerized headlampalignment systems withcolorized headlamp pat-tern capabilities have beenavailable to vehicle manu-facturers for some years,but at costs far exceedingthe needs or wishes ofeven the most advancedrepair facilities. The BCA4 ISOColor system emu-lates the advantages of themost sophisticated col-orized headlamp align-ment systems, but withoutthe need for costly elec-tronics, external powersources or excessive floorspace.

All lamps have a pre-scibed placement for thehighest intensity light. The

positioning of this high-in-tensity area during align-ment is critical to safe driv-ing. Headlamps also arealigned to precise points ata distance of 25 ft. TheBCA 4 ISOColor systemincorporates precisionfresnel optics with a focallength that allows for lampassessment within an areaof not much more than 2ft. The system identifiesthe lamp’s high-intensitybands through coloration.Intensity is graphically il-lustrated and defined. Therespective alignment pointsof placement are illustrat-ed on the aim screen, as-suring precision headlampadjustment.

Relay Box Test Extension Kit by Waekon

This kit is sure to re-mind technicians ofall the jury-rigged set-ups they’ve madeover the years to live-test circuits with re-lays that are pluggedinto a junction box.The usual time-con-suming approach:make “extension”jumpers by crimpingspade terminals toshort pieces of wire,remove the relayfrom the box andmake reconnectionswith the extensionjumpers. Of course,there still was the problem of reaching individual termi-nals on the small relay, which required careful use of athin probe or piercing tool for the jumpers.

This kit is the bet-ter answer. It comeswith a stack of exten-sion jumpers—twowith large spades, sixwith medium spadesand five with smallspades. And just asimportant, each ex-tension has a bare-wire center section,so the technician canprobe without wirepiercing. The centersections clip together,so you can keep thewires in order andeasily jumper acrossor make other tests.

And while shop-made jumpers tend to be misplaced,these extension jumpers come from a boxed kit, sothere’s a place to put them back until the next time.

39September 2005Circle #25

Circle #24

40 September 2005

Vantage PRO by Snap-on Diagnostics

The Vantage PRO is the first redesign of the originalVantage graphing multimeter. With the addition of atwo-channel lab and ignition scope, fast ARM processor,large sunlight-readable 5.7-in. backlit color display, itnow covers most vehicle makes from 1979 to 2003, in-cluding more than 45,000 unique vehicles. The high-speed lab scope gives technicians the power to view, an-alyze and capture intermittent signals. Its eight-megasamples-per-second speed and patented glitch dis-play technologies ensure accurate diagnosis of even fastCAN-bus signals. The Vantage PRO offers five indepen-dent channels that accept a variety of standard and op-tional test leads for accurate testing on a wide range ofvehicles, permitting specific readings from each channel.

The Vantage PRO guides the technician and providesinstruction on proper testing procedures and tips fromits internal troubleshooter database. The unit automati-cally configures itself to ensure optimal viewing of thewaveforms, reducing overall setup and testing time.The unit provides over 2 million vehicle-specific com-ponent tests. The meter and lab scope store more than1000 continuous screens of diagnostic data. The patent-

ed Peak Detect software ensures that the 262,000 datapoints stored for each channel are the most valuablereadings, making glitches more visible. Additional in-sights from ASE-certified and factory technicians em-bedded in the Vantage PRO include: no-start, ignition,current ramping, transmission and oxygen sensor diag-nostic strategies and training modules.

Honda/Acura Trailing Arm Bushing Removal and Installation Tool by SP Tools/Schley Products

The problem is familiar to Honda specialists:clunks and squeaks from the rear suspension ofCivics and Civic “derivative” models from 1988 toas late as 2001. The fix has been equally familiar:Remove each rear trailing arm (a job involving anumber of rear brake system disconnections), putthe arm in a press and R&R the bushing. Then re-install the arm, reconnect it and everything elsethat had to be loosened or removed. Almost twohours per side later, the job is done.

This new tool “destroys” the flat rate by allow-ing the job to be done on the car in about 15minutes per side. Just disconnect the bushingflanges, position the driver/installer against theold bushing and install a forcing screw tool overit. Turn the forcing screw to push out the oldbushing, then use a similar approach to installthe replacement. The tool kit, No. 65100, workson 1988-2000 Civics, 1988-91 CRXs, 1993-97Del Sols, 1997-2001 CRVs and 1994-2001 AcuraIntegras. It even may save the need for a rear-wheel alignment.

41September 2005

The inTELLECT EXP allows theuser to diagnose every part of a vehi-cle’s electrical system, from the bat-tery to the starter and alternator. Theunit combines the functions of an an-alyzer, digital multimeter and datamanagement tool. It incorporates dy-namic conductance technology,which combines additional test inputmeasurements and processing powerto deliver improved battery testingaccuracy. State-of-charge and batterytemperature compensation allow forbetter decisions on borderline batter-ies. Multiple signal processing identi-

fies battery defects, even at extremelylow voltage. During-charge test algo-rithms eliminate the need to chargeand retest.

Enhanced starter testing fully di-agnoses all parts of the starting sys-tem, including current draw, startingtime and circuit resistance. Alterna-tor diagnostics evaluate the spectralcontent of the alternator output volt-age at the battery, showing potentialproblems before the alternator fails.New conductance cable verificationallows simultaneous calculation ofvoltage drop across the positive andnegative sides of the circuit, plus to-tal voltage drop.

The analyzer incorporates com-plete multimeter functionality withscope mode. A secure digital (SD)memory card allows for future test

and feature upgrades, plus expandedtool functionality. A large backlitscreen and icon-based user interfacesimplfy diagnostics for both experi-

enced and novice techs. Test resultscan be printed to an IR printer forpresentation to customers and to ver-ify results.

Circle #26

Visit www.motor.com to downloada free copy of this article.

inTELLECT EXPby Midtronics