The OTC Encore diagnostic scan tool, No. 3893, helps technicians repair vehicles faster with its AutoDetect system. The system searches several on-tool and Internet databases, providing the most likely vehicle fix based on more than 30 million vehicle-specific and experience-based fixes. The benefits of AutoDetect, found only on the OTC Encore and Genisys Touch, include tapping into the Identifix database and various technician networks, and automatically incorporating Google searches to help technicians find and make a vehicle fix quickly. These searches are automatically performed by the tool, not the technician, to provide the right fix specific to vehicle make and model. Encore combines domestic, Asian and European vehicle coverage on an Android platform, quickly reading codes and providing the most likely fix. The tool also includes several training videos to guide a technician through repairs.
The Review
Matt Skundrich, owner of Mobile Advanced Diagnostics & Programming in South Orlando, Fla., recently reviewed the OTC Encore with Bravo 2.0. He found the tool to be an overall time-saver due to its quick boot-up time and the ability to switch modes quickly. He also found the tool’s navigation to be straightforward.
“It’s so easy, a caveman can do it,” says Skundrich. “I have multiple scanners, about 12 in total, and this is the first one I grab because it’s so simple to use and always has the features I need to complete the job.”
To set up the scan tool out of the box, it needs to be registered. Skundrich also says there may be an update or two that will download with use. The Encore came with instructions on how to charge the battery and where users can download the manual, if needed. Skundrich downloaded the manual, but because of the tool’s ease-of-use, he hasn’t yet found a need for it.
On a daily basis, Skundrich travels to shops and helps diagnose vehicles they may be struggling to repair, or if they have a “very random problem.” He says he finds the information in the tool is great and can fix the vehicle’s issue without having to use additional resources.
“If you have Identifix, you can load your login (information) into the tool and it will allow you to go straight into Identifix with the make/model car and code information.” He says this is the most beneficial use of the tool because he is able to fix the vehicle without having to walk away.
Skundrich most frequently uses the Encore on Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen makes. Specifically, he has used the tool to diagnose a misfire on a 2006 Nissan Sentra and a 2009 Mercury Mariner. In the case of the Mercury Mariner, the shop had already replaced the coil and plug on cylinder 6, but the vehicle was still misfiring. He used the tool to complete a relative compression a test, which showed cylinder 6 had low compression.
Skundrich has also used to tool to re-calibrate the steering angle sensor on a Nissan Xterra using the “repair trac” feature, which he says is the most powerful feature of the tool. “To give you an idea about the time I save, the other day I was working on a 2012 Nissan Xterra that had a code for a steering angle sensor. The top reported fix was to calibrate the sensor. Since the tool is already connected, it was all of three seconds to perform this function,” says Skundrich. “The code was corrected and I was off to another car. I never walked away from the car; this saves valuable time throughout my day.”
One of the companion features to the repair trac feature is the diagnostic information menu, which gives users the most common information shops look up. According to Skundrich, this includes: drive cycles, PCM pin out, TSB, tune-up specs, key programming, battery disconnect, oil light reset and more. “This saves me time, which saves me money because I don't need to go get my laptop to look this information up.”
Additional of the features that Skundrich likes are the all-code scan and system test. “Both of these get all codes,” he says. The system test also goes through all modes in OBD-II to see what has and has not run. The tool runs mode 06 to see if a code is about to set. Skundrich also likes that the tool can code injectors for Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge diesels and can program the VIN on Chrysler vehicles and more.
Prior to the Bravo 2.0 update, Skundrich purchased the Encore “because it was a great deal for what it did.” He adds that the first version had bugs and other issues. Because of this, he set the tool aside. “When I heard about the update to Bravo 2.0, I decided to pull out my tool. It seems OTC got on the ball and fixed all the bugs and issues along with improving the abilities of the tool.”
As a way to improve the tool, he would like to be able to initialize air bag modules. He also suggests seat calibrations and an all-code clear function be added in the menu, in addition to an improvement in the Auto-ID functionality. “The Auto-ID is not as strong as (some) other scan tools, but it works on most vehicles,” he says.
Even though Skundrich believes there is always room for improvement, he says, “The more I used it and compared it to others, I realized this was the best bang-for-the-buck scan tool I own.”
