Wrangler JK - If I wanted to perform my own maintenance/repairs, what would I need?
- Thread starter lysol
- Start date
I guess everything. Though there are already so many threads online where people are compiling tool lists so I don't want to beat that dead horse. There aren't many threads on sourcing a good repair manual. Since this is about doing my own work, what software tools do people use? AEV's ProCal can do some minor configurations, but what about other things?
I use Auto Enginuity. It is a little rough in the interface but you learn where things are eventually.
I really bought it for my Powerstroke, but bought the domestic service module, and it has bailed quite a few of my friends and neighbors out of diagnostic issues.
Other than that, basic tools, a second vehicle for parts chasing, and YouTube are about all you need for any home mechanic these days.
I really bought it for my Powerstroke, but bought the domestic service module, and it has bailed quite a few of my friends and neighbors out of diagnostic issues.
Other than that, basic tools, a second vehicle for parts chasing, and YouTube are about all you need for any home mechanic these days.
Unfortunately it takes more than screwdrivers and wrenches on today's vehicles. A good diagnostics computer has been required to find/fix the last two problems I have experienced on my JK. First problem was when my battery died causing the computer to "forget" the accelerator pedal, requiring the dealership to use a laptop on the CAM system to "re-learn" the accelerator pedal position. The symptom was after replacing the dead battery the engine would only idle no matter how far the accelerator pedal was pressed until it re-learned it. The second problem was anti-lock brake sensor failure, which causes failure of cruise control and the electronic stability control to quit working. On that problem I could have thrown new sensors on until the problem was found but fortunately a good friend has a Snap-On diagnostic computer and he located the failed sensor for me and it was it only cost me the $25 sensor and bought his 2 man shop burgers for lunch.
Those SnapOn systems are pretty pricey. I wonder how hard it is to get an entry level understanding of them and use one.
The cost of something like the Snap On system is why I got the Auto Enginuity software. Look into it. I think I was about 1200 including the laptop I bought to run it, and about 100 or 150 a year in maintenance and licensing fees. With 3 OBD II cars going on 10 years old, it easily pays for itself. I also run diagnostics on most of my friends and neighbors rigs...
The snap on interface is easier to learn though.
The snap on interface is easier to learn though.