The automotive repair landscape has dramatically changed, especially for collision repair professionals. Modern vehicles are increasingly complex, packed with advanced electronics and safety systems. This evolution has made diagnostic scanning not just a recommended practice, but a critical element in ensuring proper and safe collision repairs. Leading vehicle manufacturers like Fiat Chrysler, GM, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota have emphasized the necessity of pre- and post-repair diagnostic scans, making the Collision Repair Scan Tool an indispensable piece of equipment for any forward-thinking body shop.
For John Mosley, owner of Clinton Body Shop, this industry shift was clear. Inspired by OEM position statements on diagnostic scanning, he invested significantly in scan tools and equipment. Mosley highlights a crucial point: “You should repair the car as closely as you possibly can to the OEM repair recommendations. Knowing that almost every manufacturer is recommending scans now, I don’t see how a shop can think that they’ve repaired the car properly if they haven’t scanned it.” This perspective underscores the fundamental shift in collision repair standards.
However, navigating the market to select the ideal collision repair scan tool for your specific shop needs can be challenging. The array of options, each with varying features and capabilities, can be overwhelming. Different tool manufacturers present information in diverse formats, catering to general service shops, advanced mechanical facilities, and specialized collision repair centers that often require detailed scan reports for insurance approvals before commencing any repair work. Therefore, thorough research is paramount before committing to a particular scan tool. Consider seeking advice from fellow shop owners in your locality regarding their experiences with different tools. Furthermore, explore the possibility of requesting loaner tools from your distributors to test drive a couple of options. A strategic approach involves identifying a collision repair scan tool that is not only affordable but also comprehensively addresses your shop’s diagnostic requirements. Investing in multiple units to ensure easy accessibility for technicians across different bays can significantly enhance efficiency.
Pre and Post Diagnostic Scan Tools for Collision Repair
The Evolution of Diagnostic Scanning in Auto Repair
Diagnostic scanning is far from a novel concept in automotive repair. The introduction of OBD II systems in 1996 marked the beginning of standardized onboard diagnostics. Initially conceived to monitor emission-related systems, the scope of diagnostic scanning has expanded considerably over time. In mechanical repair, accessing the OBD II port has become routine for diagnostics. For collision repair, scanning has evolved into an essential procedure to verify the correct operation of the intricate electronics and safety systems prevalent in today’s advanced vehicles, both before and after repairs.
Modern vehicles boast unprecedented levels of technology and electronic integration. Pre- and post-repair scans are crucial for identifying any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) present, even when warning lights (MILs) are not illuminated on the dashboard. Mosley’s shops operate under a straightforward guideline: “Anything that’s hit hard, we’re doing a pre- and post-repair scan.” For vehicles sustaining minor damage, post-repair scans are, at a minimum, standard practice. Clinton Body Shop incorporates the cost of pre- and post-repair scans into their service, charging a combined hour of labor. While Mosley acknowledges that scanning is not a primary profit driver, he considers the investment in collision repair scan tool technology as fundamentally about upholding repair integrity and prioritizing customer safety, rather than pure financial gain.
The core value of a collision repair scan tool lies in its ability to facilitate the pre- and post-scan process effectively. While profitability is always a business consideration, ensuring customer safety remains paramount. Therefore, optimizing your investment in scan tools involves selecting tools that offer speed and accuracy in performing these essential diagnostic procedures.
Beyond the MIL: Uncovering Hidden Diagnostic Trouble Codes
Mosley’s experience with incorporating scanning into his body shop operations has solidified his belief in its critical importance. The primary reason is that scanning is the only definitive method to detect all DTCs stored within a vehicle’s systems before repairs commence and to confirm the absence of any residual DTCs after the repair process is completed.
This is particularly vital for newer vehicles, which are essentially becoming sophisticated computers on wheels – intricate networks of control modules, sensors, actuators, and wiring enabling advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and numerous other safety and convenience features. The sheer volume of technology in contemporary vehicles means that the number of available MILs is insufficient to represent all potential DTCs triggered by a collision or even the repair procedure itself.
Matthew McDonnell, owner of Big Sky Collision Center, adopted vehicle scanning in early 2015 and meticulously tracked repair orders to assess the actual necessity of diagnostic scans on every vehicle. His findings were revealing. Out of 216 scanned vehicles, only 14% exhibiting DTCs also had corresponding MILs illuminated. Furthermore, approximately half of these MILs were unrelated to collision damage, indicating issues like tire-pressure alerts or routine maintenance reminders.
McDonnell’s data starkly illustrates the inadequacy of relying solely on MILs for repair planning. “That means you’re going to be right 7 percent of the time,” McDonnell stated. “That’s not good. That’s very unsafe.” This highlights the critical need for comprehensive diagnostic scanning using a dedicated collision repair scan tool to ensure accurate and safe repairs.
Enhancing Repair Planning and Quality Control with Scan Tools
The significance of pre- and post-repair scanning becomes even more pronounced when dealing with the latest vehicle models entering body shops. Consider a scenario where a pre-repair scan on a newer vehicle reveals 11 DTCs, yet a subsequent post-repair scan indicates 41 DTCs. This dramatic increase demonstrates how repair processes themselves can inadvertently trigger additional fault codes. Analyzing detailed scan reports allows shops to differentiate between collision-induced faults and issues stemming from potentially disconnected or improperly recalibrated electronics post-repair.
McDonnell observed that seemingly basic actions, such as removing a door handle, disconnecting the battery, or even moving a vehicle within the shop to the paint area, could trigger DTCs. To optimize efficiency, shops can consider utilizing a secondary, more affordable collision repair scan tool for quickly checking for these accidentally triggered DTCs during the repair stages. This frees up the more advanced and comprehensive scan tool for complex diagnostic tasks, streamlining overall shop operations.
By precisely identifying vehicle issues through pre-repair scans and verifying their resolution via post-repair scans, Big Sky Collision Center has integrated scanning as a core component of their repair planning and quality control protocols. According to McDonnell, “Quality has gone through the roof. And customer comebacks don’t exist anymore.” In an era of increasingly digital and electronic vehicles, McDonnell believes, “the car is speaking to us more than it ever has.” When vehicles communicate through DTCs, both Mosley and McDonnell agree on the vital importance of listening. Adhering to OEM recommendations for pre- and post-repair scans and making scanning a standard practice in blueprinting, estimating, and quality control processes is no longer optional – it’s essential for modern collision repair businesses aiming for excellence in repair quality and customer satisfaction.
