The MAHLE TechPRO Diagnostic Scan Tool’s vehicle communication interface (VCI) and software can be used with a technician’s current Windows-based desktop, laptop or tablet. The TechPRO ergonomically engineered VCI has a bright LED light for high visibility and confirmation that the VCI is connected and communicating. Other useful functions include always on data recording, cylinder balance tests, compression testing and misfire graphing. TechPRO’s key feature is the ability to decode a VIN in one second with one click.
The review
Barry Hoyland, owner of Vehicle Service Solutions of California, complimented the MAHLE TechPRO for its ability to provide quick access to repair information and says it is well-suited for technicians looking for a scan tool for general fault code diagnosis.
Hoyland often tests multiple scan tools on the same vehicles to allow him to compare them to one another and, in the case of the TechPRO, he was left impressed by a number of its features: the tool’s quick boot-up time, the ability to gain a wireless connection to the vehicle via a Bluetooth adapter, the tool’s graphing features and the frequency with which updates were available that allowed Hoyland access to additional vehicle diagnostic capabilities.
“This tool is very easy to set up, easy to use, and updates are pretty much available whenever MAHLE releases new information,” says Hoyland. “All you have to do is access the Internet and it will download the info.”
When he received the TechPRO, Hoyland found it was packed complete with a quick start guide, the necessary cables, storage pouch and the VCI.
“The quick start guide directed you on how to both launch and register the tool, as well as navigate to various features,” says Hoyland.
Hoyland employed the TechPRO for general scan diagnostics, oxygen sensor graphing and bi-directional controls of various modules on the following vehicles: 2012 Cadillac SRX, 2011 GMC Sierra, 2008 Ford Explorer, 2007 Mazda Tribute and a 2012 Toyota Camry. He found “the VIN decoder is a positive, and the direct link to get repair information is nice.” He also says he appreciates the fact that the TechPRO interfaces with MAHLE’s ArcticPRO air conditioning (A/C) service units.
TechPRO also includes a Custom List feature. This feature allows users to look at a user-defined custom list to select and evaluate common PIDs such as oxygen sensor and fuel trim information at the same time for easy evaluation, says Hoyland.
Hoyland also used the Vehicle Wide DTC function, a quick-scan feature to query all the modules on the CAN bus and report back their status, including any detected trouble codes.
For an improvement, Hoyland suggests a power supply to power the VCI for updates.
Hoyland summed up his thoughts on the TechPRO by saying he appreciates that the tool updates regularly and can be used with Microsoft Windows 7, 8 or 10.
“It keeps capabilities up to date and allows fixes, if necessary,” he adds.
