Monthly Content Summary

Hello Reader!

We're adding to our team and your key to joining us is below. Also, in this issue we are reminding users of our remote programming services.

While you don't always need to replace a tool, sometimes you should consider the benefits doing so.

Our tech tip this month is about software issues and it's #3 on our list of most common phone calls we receive.

Newsletter Index

⚙️Start the Year with a New Career

⚙️Remote Support is available

⚙️Why update your VCI?

⚙️Backroom Special - DRB3 Kit

⚙️2025 C.A.S. Catalog Link

⚙️Tech Tip - Software Issues

AutoBody News featuring Connected Automotive Systems.

Babcox Publishing w/ CAS discussing the benefits of using OEM Scan Tools

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! Start the Year with a New Career !

We are hiring! And adding to our Tech Support Group to better serve you!

Tech Support Specialist (Full-Time) - Easton, MA

Join our team as a Tech Support Specialist and help address customers' technical issues with their factory scan tools.

This role is ideal for those who have experience in automotive diagnostics and enjoy troubleshooting!
If you are a seasoned Tech who's getting to the point where the physical demands are getting to you, but you want to stay in the industry, this may be for you!
The position is based in our offices in Easton, Massachusetts with extensive phone and on-line time helping other techs resolve tool issues.

[Click here to apply now]

Remote Support may be in your bays now!

Attention to all CAS shops owning either an iScan-3 or iScan-NX or Zenith Z5 or Zenith Z7. Did you know CAS offers remote programming assistance? CAS is authorized through Autoland Scientech to use their SOD (Support On Demand) portal so we can offer remote programming via your iScan. GM, Ford, Stellantis, Honda, Toyota, Subaru and others can all be remotely programmed using the OEM apps running in our offices.

Likewise, if your shop currently has a E-ZDS Zenith-5 or Zenith-7 you can also call on CAS to do remote programming via E-ZDS' EZ-Remote application that again CAS is an authorized user of.

To take advantage of these services simply visit our website www.OEMTools.com and click on the 'EZ-Remote' flashing button at the top of the home screen. It's quick, easy and less expensive than those national providers or the local franchise dealer! In a pinch you can also call in to our remote hotline @ 833-397-3668. M-F 8:30am until 4:30PM EST...

Should you update your GM, Ford or Chrysler VCI ?

The three most popular OEM scan tools we have deployed over the last several years are GM's GDS, Ford's IDS and the Chrysler wi-Tech system. Each OEM uses their own proprietary interface device. And each OEM has over the years updated their interface device as technology and on-board software has evolved. A question we hear quite often is: "Do I need to update my VCI?" This question frequently comes up when your CAS rep is writing up a subscription renewal order for the next year. So, here's a breakdown of reasons to consider if you should update your current VCI.

FORD: The current model interface for IDS is the VCM-3. Prior to the VCM-3 Ford initially released a VCM-1, then a VCM-2. So, if you are running with something older than VCM-3, why update?

VCM-3 is required to scan certain later model Ford vehicles, including late model F-150's. The IDS software actually prompts you to connect a VCM-3 if you're still using a VCM-1 or 2.
VCM-1 and VCM-2 are no longer being repaired. So, if the device fails, you are out of luck and now in a panic mode to get a VCM-3.
VCM-3 adds capability to being able to start scanning the F-650/750 series.
With the 9 pin adapter available and a VCM-3 you can also use this hardware to scan the other OEM HD systems on 'Spec Built' trucks. Systems like Allison, Wabco, Bendix can be scanned if you add the OEM HD apps.

General Motors: The current interface with GM is the MDI-2. Prior to MDI-2 there was the MDI (1). If your GM interface is not an MDI-2 you will find:

GM vehicles that are Global B and may be running FD CAN protocols require an MDI-2. Like Fords' IDS, the GDS2 software will prompt you that these vehicles require the use of the newer MDI-2. Otherwise, you are 'dead in the bay'.
MDI-1's can still be repaired but that service may end soon.

Stellantis (aka: Chrysler); The wiTech interface has gone through 5 versions, MicroPod, MicroPod (secured version), MicroPod-2. MDP and now MDP Plus. The most current interface with these guys is the MDP Plus. This interface was very recently released, and because of this most recent release almost all CAS shops are running with the either an MDP or a MicroPod-2. Consider this point when deciding if you need to update:

Beginning in 2022, the Jeep Gand Cherokee L requires the use of the MDP or MDP Plus Interface.
Beginning with model year 2023 all Stellantis vehicles require an MDP/MDP Plus. The wiTech software will display a pop-up message of this requirement. No MDP=No scanning of vehicle!

We recommend when doing your annual subscription renewals that you ask your CAS rep to add any interface devices that make sense for your operation based on the VCI's you own and the vehicles you are servicing. If you currently have a Balanced Billing 0% interest payment plan running you can also ask your rep to add the cost of a new interface now, instead of waiting until renewal time.

To get a hold of your CAS rep, call him direct or call our 1-800-263-4897 and hit #1 for sales, or visit our web site and fill in a contact request form. Click here to jump to the form.

Backroom Monthly Special: DRB-3 Refurb Kit

GOING. . GOING. . ( Almost ) GONE!

A DRB3 Refurb Kit ?: It seemed crazy at first, offering a refurb kit for the old Chrysler factory tool but we keep getting inquiries from shops asking for a DRB-III, often times because their DRB3 is broken. Calls from both independent shops and franchised dealerships along with DIY's that own a classic Chrysler.

Years ago, repair service on the DRB-III was discontinued, at that time CAS contacted the DRB-3 repair department and was able to purchase all their inventory of repair parts, hundreds of parts. And over the years we have been offering repairs on this tool when no one else would. But stock is dwindling down, and we thought we would offer a 'Refurb' kit that contains all the common components that a tired DRB-3 could use to be kept in service. Things like the final and latest DLC cable, a new keyboard, a new screen overlay, new cooling fan, and even the dust filter for the fan are all part of this kit.

We only have 2 of these bundled kits still available.

When they are sold, there will be no more!

You can purchase one of these kits and do the refurb work yourself, or you can buy a kit and ship your DRB-3 into our repair department and we'll install all the parts. Take my word for it, with years of experience the CAS repair guys are experts at doing this work.

PS: If you are a Chrysler car collector, adding this tool to your classic vehicle inventory will also add value to the car when you eventually decide to sell it. Including the OEM scan tool with the car is a great idea!

BUY NOW

! CAS Catalog Available !

Click here to download a PDF version of our recently released scan tool catalog

Tech Tip - Software Issues - 587 calls logged

Our third Tech Tip in our top 5 Tech Tip calls is about Software Issues.

"Software Issues" can mean many things and when a shop is using a scan tool, OEM level or otherwise, it can be both time consuming and frustrating when issues arise!

As the saying goes; "The roof only leaks when it's raining" and software issues only seem to pop up when I'm scanning...So how do you prevent "software issues"? We can tell you the number one thing to do, is don't skip doing updates. We know, you pull in a vehicle, launch the OEM software and it pops up a message saying; "Software update available". No time for that, got cars to get done, so hit cancel and press on. Eventually pretty much all OEM apps will lock you out if you get too far behind in doing updates. Remember, you are using the OEM's software and they expect the dealer techs to be using and update their software every day. In an aftermarket shop that frequency of use may not be the same, so updates are released and updates don't happen!

In some shops they assign one individual that is responsible for keeping the scan tools updated. Doesn't have to be a technician, it can be someone at the front desk. In other cases, a certain day of the week is scheduled to turn on all scan tools and check for updates. This practice can save the tech in the bays valuable time when it's time to get things done!

Either way, if you run into a 'software issue' and need our help, call CAS Tech Support at 1-877-263-4897 extension #3. We are here to help.

In our next Newsletter we're going to continue our series with topic # 4 of our top 5 Tech Tip calls logged - Cannot establish communications with vehicle