LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. — Snap-on Inc. has developed a tool dubbed the "Pass Thru Assistant" that helps expand automotive repair and collision technicians' capabilities to program emission-related electronic control units (ECUs) on any SAE J2534-compliant vehicle.
Snap-on claims the Pass Thru Assistant was developed as a true turnkey remote solution that can be used by any technician or shop, regardless of experience, to carry out what it calls a "complex and time-consuming" task employing software provided directly by the vehicle makers.
Being able to complete this work in-house enables auto repair shops to finish the programming job correctly, which can lead to increases profits and customer satisfaction, Snap-on said.
The Pass Thru Assistant reprograms domestic, Asian and European vehicles, covering brands such BMW, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda/Acura, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Toyota/Lexus/Scion.
The PTA kit contains a Windows tablet PC, J2534 device, 4G modem and a 90-amp battery maintainer capable of handling European amperage requirements.
The tool meets SAE J2534 reprogramming standards, which are required for every auto sold in the U.S. since 2004.
The J2534 system enables each vehicle manufacturer to control the programming sequence for ECUs in their vehicles, but allows a single set of programming hardware and vehicle interface to be used to program modules for all vehicle manufacturers.
To learn more information about Snap-on, visit diagnostics.snapon.com or talk to a Snap-on franchisee or other Snap-on sales representative.