Diagnostic software

[Tony]

  Tony,
  Thanks for redirecting my question, I wasn't aware of this posting option. I didn't realize my question was open-ended, I just wanted to know what types of software the professional use. I can't justify buying expensive software just for several uses a year.
 Thanks for the interest and discussions.

No problem. The diagnostic software question is a tough one.
What it amounts to, is what all do you want it to do and how much are you willing to pay.

You can go as cheap as one that will read codes from $69-up, to a full blown scanner with ABS, SRS and OBD1 & OBD2 scan capabilities that can run into the thousands of dollars. So answering the question can be a tough one to do.

Some guys use the Snap-On Solus, OTC Genysis, OTC Nemysis, OTC Pegysis, Snap-On brick (MT2500) or the factory OEM scan tools.
There are a list of others, but those seem to be the most common ones that I am aware of.

[Ford_Dude]

I will toss in my 2 cents.
The snap on brick is no longer supported. Or so my local rep tells me. The Ethos is their new entry level scan tool. Can't complain about it so far.

Ford_Dude

[Tony]

You're right, the MT2500 is no longer supported, but it is still a viable option for the DIYer, as it is found at a fairly reasonable price on ebay sometimes.
If a DIYer isn't looking to do later than 2006 vehicles, it will work for them alright. Even after 2006, it will still do basic scaning.