EZ-Remote

Introducing CAS EZ-Remote!

EZ-Remote software from CAS and E-ZDS makes it possible to connect technicians with OEM software to run on any late model car or truck. EZ-Remote works with either a Zenith-5 or a Gscan3 allowing for multiple OEM software applications to work on scanning and reprogramming cars from any distance, whether it is across town or across the country.

"What if I only own one or two shops, would EZ-Remote help me?"

With the EZ-Remote you don't need to buy any OEM software or interface devices - all you need is a Z5 or Gscan3. Either tool may be used as a general scan tool but when OEM software is needed, they are also compatible with EZ-Remote. Simply schedule an on-line session with the CAS EZ-Remote operator and we will use OEM software operated by CAS to remote in and provide support. Simply pay a single session fee. To schedule a session call '83 EZ-Remote' (833-397-3668) M-F 8:30am-5:00pm EST

"I own 3 shops but only 1 OEM factory tool, can I be my own EZ-Remote operator?"

Yes! Previously, in order to do OEM diagnostics in a 2nd or 3rd shop, you would need to purchase another factory tool package or bring the vehicle to shop #1, transport the scan tool to another location, or hire a remote diagnostic provider. With an EZ-Remote subscription you can now just purchase Z-5's for locations 2 and 3 then use OEM software from Shop #1 to remote in for diagnostic tests with shops #2 and #3 – no driving vehicles or scan tools around. No 3rd party mobile diagnostic fees. No lost technician time! To order an EZ-Remote package contact your local CAS rep.

Here are the basic steps of how EZ-Remote works.

1)   A Service Tech will send a connection request via the scan tools keyboard to an EZ-Remote operator using either an E-ZDS manufactured Zenith-5 or Gscan-3.

2)   The Remote Operator will respond to the request by connecting to the on-site scan tool remotely and once connected to the scan tool, connect to the car through the vehicle’s data link connector.

3)   The Remote Operator will then launch the appropriate OEM software and perform a Pre-Scan, identifying any pre-existing issues.

4)   The technician can then troubleshoot any codes that show up and/or perform any needed services. If vehicle programming is required, the EZ-Remote operator can perform any necessary reprogramming.

5)   Once the repairs have concluded, a Post-Scan report can be generated and emailed to the shop.

EZ-Remote gives you the opportunity to access OEM scan tools on an as needed basis or create your own diagnostic network by centralizing your OEM scan tools through an EZ-Remote network based in one of your shop locations.

Cut costs without cutting corners.

Service more vehicles.

Spend less time.

It's that EZ.

For more information or to request a demonstration call your local CAS rep or contact the CAS offices at (508) 238-5855. On-line at www.oemtools.com

From The Field - FORD VCM3

"Do I really need a Ford VCM-3?"

As a CAS Field Rep I hear this question quite often. If you are a Light Duty shop that works on F Super Duty Series trucks or a shop doing work for the collision industry, then the answer would be “YES”. We are seeing a need on late 2019 and newer model F-350SD trucks for more stable communication & programming on these platforms. The VCM 3 is a much faster & more stable communication interface when using the Ford Diagnostic Repair System (FDRS); which is the required OE program for 4 Models in 2018, but blossoms to 18 Models in 2021 with the new CAN-FD network on some of those later models.

Are you a shop that works on Medium Duty Ford Trucks (F-650 & 750, LCF)? Then the answer is an absolute “YES”. No longer will you have to send out your customers Medium Duty Fords for Programming or diagnosing. With the New VCM 3 & the Ford 9-Pin Deutsch Adapter for your 16 Pin VCM-3 diagnostic cable you are now able to use the VCM 3 not only as a factory interface with IDS & FDRS but you now are able to use the Ford VCM-3 interface with Factory HD Truck Applications such as Cummins, Navistar Engine Diagnostics, Wabco, Bendix, etc. for those spec-built components of a Ford Medium Truck. It also adds the new Ford CAN-FD (Flex Data Rate CAN) Network Communication Capability for the New Ford Medium Duty Trucks Starting 2018.

Additionally, if you still have an original VCM-1 interface, then the answer is definitely a “YES”. Many shop owners are now finding out the hard way that they are having to upgrade due to many requirements/updates of Windows10 operating system. Also, the many issues being seen with Ford IDS 128.01 software release compatibility. So now is an absolute great time for VCM-1 owners to upgrade to an interface that will cut diagnostic/programming times and expand the IDS capabilities. Also be advised that if your VCM-1 should fail, it is no longer considered a repairable item and with the on-going electronic shortages you could find yourself without a working VCM for weeks if not months!

Finally, the VCM-3 has firmware updating capabilities for the foreseeable future with the F1 & F2 buttons on the unit. The VCM 3 gives a user a much faster and more stable communication interface with the vehicle you are working on when using the IDS or FDRS Software’s. Not to mention the much faster Ford CAN-FD Network access and use with the newer Ford EV’s, Cars & Trucks. In fact. it can take upwards of 5 minutes to establish communication with FDRS on a 2021 & up Ford Mach E Mustang with a VCM-2 and literally 1 minute with a VCM-3.

Refer A Friend Rewards

Even though they say friends shouldn't go into business together, there's nothing about friends helping one another in business itself!

The CAS Refer-a-Friend program rewards successful referrals in the form of a $100 American Express gift card which can be used anywhere. A referral tells us that you're not only pleased with the service we provide but that you trust CAS enough to be your recommended service provider.

For more information or to request a referral form, call your CAS rep or the CAS office at (508) 238-5855.

CAS is Hiring

CAS is looking to hire a Field Rep in the North Shore area of Boston.

This is the perfect job for someone who loves cars, technology, and computers but wants to focus on the sales aspect of the automotive industry rather than the hands-on technical or mechanical aspects of the industry. Benefits include:

• Company provided demo stock
• Generous compensation plan
• Health Insurance plan
• Retirement plan
• On going Technical Training
• An opportunity for income and personal growth

Click here to learn more information and fill out an application!

Tech Tip: Connection Issues

What did the car say to break up with the Ford IDS tool?

"It's not you, it's me..."

Very rarely will you find a problem with a scan tool itself, though that is not to say it never happens, it's simply uncommon. So how do you tell whether the problem is with the IDS tool or the vehicle itself?

The answer is simple - try another vehicle!

Switching from a factory scan tool to an aftermarket scan tool may allow you to connect through some backdoor method, but it does not fix the problem that prevented the factory scan tool from connecting in the first place.

For example, if you are working on a Ford vehicle and for some reason the Ford IDS scan tool is not connecting, try the same scan tool on another vehicle.

If the factory tool is able to connect to this next vehicle, then you now know the issue is with the original vehicle itself. This problem could be with power & grounds, communication wires, module failures or network issues, but it is not a problem with the IDS scan tool.

If the factory tool is still unable to connect on the new vehicle however, then you will want to contact CAS Tech Support as there may be a problem with your 'scan tool'. It may be an issue with a cable, hardware, VCM, software, or even a virus. Either way, now it's time to call CAS Tech Support and let them help you sort it out!

Contact CAS Tech Support at 1-877-263-4897, ext. #3 (M-F 8:30-5:00 EST)

CAS Company Meeting

For the first time since the pandemic began in 2020, CAS was able to host one of our two-day company meetings.

CAS distributed awards to the top salesmen, CAS Reps met with representatives from TEXA, Autoland, and DG Technologies for technical training sessions, then ended each day by celebrating our thanks for another profitable year.

In addition to welcoming 5 new members to our team, CAS saw Joseph Demuth off into retirement after 14 years as an Ohio field rep.

We wish him the best and are excited to see what the new year brings to us all.

Taking over Joe's territory will be Randy Freder.

Randy has been with CAS for about six months and is based near Solon, Ohio. Randy has been in the automotive industry for years, working with both AllData and Mitchell 1. Prior to AllData Randy sold Bear Diagnostic equipment.

Randy and Joe spent the last 3 months of 2022 touring the territory together to meet current clients and attend training sessions, ensuring a smooth transition.

Randy can be reached at RandyF@oemtools.com

TEXA: ADAS RCCS3

On Monday morning Chris and Joffrey from TEXA arrived to speak with and provide technical training to the CAS Reps on the newly released ADAS RCCS3.

TEXA's Radar and Camera Calibration System 3 is a state-of-the-art ADAS system that does not require static calibration targets which can take up significant footage in a garage. Wheels and handles make it both moveable and allow for absolute precision in its measurements.

After Joffrey’s presentation, Chris took the CAS reps down into the bays, as pictured below, where he walked them through the RCCS3 process on a AXONE Nemo 2 tablet equipped with IDC5 software a 2018 Mercedes Benz C 43.

TEXA's Radar and Camera Calibration System 3 is offered in two versions - Digital Monitor or Static Target. The RCCS3 monitor is a 75-inch screen, meeting the 1:1 proportion ratio in every manufacturer's specification without deforming or resizing images.

For more information on the RCCS3, explore the links below and call CAS toll free at 877-263-4897, or email us here.

Autoland iScan3

On Tuesday morning the CAS Reps received in-depth technical training on Autoland’s iScan3, as done by Autoland's Director of Business Development, Eric Edberg.

Eric’s demonstration put emphasis on Mercedes and BMW, as the iScan3 is one of the few aftermarket tools which allow for the re-programming of BMW controllers.

DG Technology

CAS was recently visited by Glen Eaton, the Senior Product Manager with DGTechnologies.

Glen reviewed for the CAS Diagnostic guys the latest interface offering from DGTechnologies, the DPA-XL. This new interface device was designed to work will all Heavy Duty OEM software applications by incorporation the RP-1210 design standard. The CAS reps found this an exciting addition to the product line up not only for its flexibility in working across multiple Heavy Duty applications but also because the interface kit included a HD Truck scan tool program ‘DGDiagnostics’.

This program allows for general scanning of most HD trucks allowing for code reading/clearing and data PID display. Shops can use this interface with any OEM HD app they may own and also use the DGDiagnostics app to scan the occasional HD truck they don’t have OEM software for.

All CAS field reps will have the DPA-XL device added to their demo stock, so shops interested in seeing the device in action can simply call their CAS rep for a demo.

Tech Tip: WiFi Performance

Most of the diagnostic tools today require some sort of internet access.

A common issue our Tech Support Department finds during troubleshooting sessions is a problem with the shop's Wi-Fi performance, specifically regarding download & upload speed. These internet/router performance specs are an important factor for applications like wiTech 2 or the BMW tool which require a constant, uninterrupted Wi-Fi connection. Slow speed and low bandwidth result in dropped communications and long, slow programming events.

You may click here to check your network's performance using Google's 'Speedtest'. When asked what the bare minimum for speed should be, generally 25Mbs upload and 25Mbs download should be considered the slowest acceptable speed where scan tools will work. As an example, when we recently checked our internet connect speeds, the CAS in-house network reported 297Mbs upload and 335Mbs download. Way beyond those 25/25 minimums !

We suggest that you check with your ISP to compare what you are paying for versus what 'Speedtest' is reporting. We also suggest ordering the highest available performance offered by your ISP when using it for business & diagnostics. Other factors which disrupt internet would be physical interference like walls or objects blocking the router signal. Recognizing and resolving these performance issues can significantly increase reliability of not only the functionality of your Wi-Fi based diagnostic tools but the rest of the wireless devices in your facility.

Any questions? Contact CAS Tech Support at 1-877-263-4897, ext. #3