Tool Review: Autologic Diagnostics DrivePro diagnostic platform
The Autologic Diagnostics DrivePro provides customers with a multi-function diagnostic platform that combines Autologic’s diagnostic software with technical support from trained master technicians. Users can expect expert guidance and symptom-driven advice in real time, as well as direct communications with software engineers capable of providing software updates. DrivePro also boasts flash programming and code functionality, which allows users to code and program new parts directly via the onboard Autologic diagnostic software or Remote Flash Programming services via EAP.
The review
Diagnosing the “problem-cars” that come through the shop can be tricky and time-consuming. Throw in a scan tool with limited functionality and it becomes a roadblock.
Patrick Howard, shop owner of Fox Auto Care in Santa Ana, California, has used the Autologic Diagnostics DrivePro diagnostic platform at his shop for a month. He's found its capabilities and real-time technical support to be invaluable when diagnosing those “problem cars.”
One specific example of this was when a Mercedes ML came through the shop with an issue they’d never encountered in the field before.
“[It was] kind of a strange situation because there were no codes, but it was shifting erratically,” Howard explains.
The Fox Auto Care team called Autologic’s DrivePro tech support in for assistance. A trained master technician from Autologic dialed into the tool and then walked a Fox Auto Care technician through the procedure to relearn the transmissions.
“With their help we were able to drive it and relearn the shift adaptations and solve the customer’s problem in half a day,” Howard says.
The technical support can speak to the technician through the tool, but Howard said his technicians prefer having Autologic call on a phone so they can be looking at the live data on the tool along with the technician on the other end.
“Having the tech support only a phone call away and be able to support us and help us, and walk us through any diagnostics, is amazing,” Howard says.
As far as response time, Howard says in his experience the Autologic team usually reaches them within 15 minutes, with 30 minutes being their longest wait time.
Howard recommends this platform most for shops working on Volkswagen, Mercedes, BMW, Land Rover and other European vehicles.
"We do about 30 to 40 percent European stuff and it was a must-have,” Howard says. “I mean, our other scan tools just didn’t have the functionality that we needed to get the job done most of the time. We were doing a lot of external searching to find answers. The tech support is the huge selling feature with this tool. The guys care about solving the problems, they’re always there to help. I even had them call back to find out: Did we get it resolved? Did everything work out? They’re just good people.”
While the tool does have Domestic and Asian coverage, there are some limitations in comparison to its European functionality.
“What I'd really like to see is that tool being able to do OE-level diagnostic stuff, like it does with European, on the Domestic and Asian stuff,” Howard explains. “Being able to program Domestic and Asian through the tool would be fantastic.”
Initial setup of the tool is relatively simple, however because the tool is laid out differently than other popular tools Howard says there can be a learning curve.
“It’s just a matter of learning to navigate and figure out what all the functions are,” he says. “That’s why the tech support is so invaluable. [They] are there for any questions we have and to walk us through and show us.”
Overall, Howard’s four-bay, three-technician shop which services a decent percentage of European vehicles, found the DrivePro a must-have.
“It’s a great tool,” he says. “Everyone should have one.”
