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April 15, 2014 02:00 AM

ASK PAM OAKES: Are new TPMS scanners really better?

Pam Oakes
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    Oakes

    A tool and dye rep came into my shop wanting me to trade in my TPMS scanner for his latest and greatest, new TPMS scanner. Can't I get the same information off my vehicle scanner?

    “I don't know—and, neither do you. Unfortunately, you did not tell me what type of vehicle scanner you have at the shop. Each make and model scanner can perform various tasks, including TPMS on some devices. What you need to do first is take inventory of your diagnostic equipment capabilities before buying more components.”

    I have been looking at the new jump box that (one of the tool suppliers) has for sale. The tool guy told me that he disconnected his buddy's truck battery, put the new jump box in its place, and was able to start the truck 18 times in a row. Can you do this, or is he blowing smoke and trying to make a sale?

    “Many battery jump boxes on the market can start a vehicle over and over. I know of one such box that can perform 45 starts on one charge. It's very feasible to perform this task, but I wouldn't do this science fair experiment on my vehicle. The jump box may be stout, but we don't know how well—in this case, the truck—the electrical components are after many years on the road, components exposed to the elements that have corrosion on power and ground connections (contributing resistance in the system).”

    ASE-certified technician Pam Oakes is the owner of Pam's Motor City Auto & Tire Center, an award-winning automotive service business in Fort Myers, Fla. She also is the author of the book series Car Care for the Clueless and hosts a weekly radio talk show by the same name on CBS Radio's The Sky and CoachMeRadio. And yes, she still “turns wrenches.”

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