Technician: Ken Elzinga
Shop: Hilltop Auto Service
Location: Byron Center, Mich.
Ken Elzinga owns Hilltop Auto Service, a general service shop in western Michigan with an emphasis on diagnostics, and has been working on vehicles for 36 years. He uses a variety of tools every day, including simple tools like his Snap-on pocket screwdriver and his Streamlight Stylus Pro pocket flashlight. Here are his favorites tools.
1. GM Tech 2 scan tool
Elzinga says this tool works very well on all GM vehicles model year 2012 and older, which make up a large portion of the cars he and his technicians work on.
2. Ford IDS OEM level diagnostic tool and software
"If you want to do it all on Fords and have the best diagnostic tool, then this is the tool to have," Elzinga says.
3. Pico Technology PicoScope Advanced Automotive Kit
"It is a great tool for looking at waveforms and diagnosing intermittent problems that a scan tool doesn't pinpoint," says Elzinga.
4. Snap-on MODIS Ultra multi-function tool
Elzinga says the MODIS Ultra is often the first scan tool he reaches for when performing diagnostics on a wide range of cars. "It boots up fast and is intuitive to use," he says. "I like the fact that I can quickly go back to a previous car to do follow-up testing."
5. Autel MaxiSYS MS908
Elzinga likes this "good all-around" scan tool. Because it has some functions and features that other scanners don't, "a couple of my guys use it as a first tool of choice," he says.
6. UView's AirLift coolant refill tool
"It is a great tool to ensure you don't get an air pocket in a cooling system," Elzinga says. He adds that the tool speeds up cooling system service when there isn't a lot of time to spend bleeding the air out of the system.
7. Power Probe IV
Elzinga has both the Power Probe IV and Power Probe III, and he says both are great tools when used properly. "It is very helpful to have power and ground in one tool to actuate relays, bulbs, etc."
8. Snap-on 18V 3/8" Cordless Impact
"It has a good, bright light on it that helps when working under a dash or in a trunk," Elzinga says. "It has good power and lasts a long time on a battery charge."
9. Fluke 233/A Digital Multimeter
Elzinga says he often hooks up this versatile meter and takes the detachable display with him while manipulating wires or components until he finds the problem.
10. Hunter HawkEye Elite Wheel Alignment System
This system, with sensors that clamp on to the tires, is fast and easy to use, Elzinga says.
