“Taking Advantage” Of A Vintage Snap-On Vantage (and Vantage PRO) Diagnostic Tools

[mrrsm]

Right... The risk is of course axiomatic with any Electronic Circuit Board is to accidentally create a *Spark* that can generate an EMP (Electro-Magnetic-Pulse) expanding-collapsing Field and damage the delicate chips mounted on the Card.

You really Can't be TOO Careful Here... so this should always be the SOP for any Snap-On Gear...especially if pulling the CF Cards out of the Snap-On Vantage Pro, Modis and Verus Gear... to POWER DOWN BEFORE PULLING ANYTHING OUT ...OR PLUGGING ANYTHING IN... :>)

 

[Wayned]

Right... The risk is of course axiomatic with any Electronic Circuit Board is to accidentally create a *Spark* that can generate an EMP (Electro-Magnetic-Pulse) expanding-collapsing Field and damage the delicate chips mounted on the Card.

You really Can't be TOO Careful Here... so this should always be the SOP for any Snap-On Gear...especially if pulling the CF Cards out of the Snap-On Vantage Pro, Modis and Verus Gear... to POWER DOWN BEFORE PULLING ANYTHING OUT ...OR PLUGGING ANYTHING IN... :>)

I received the broken MT2400 today that I had ordered for the additional accessories that my first machine did not have. I took it apart to see if I could see anything obvious, but I didn't. I cleaned all of the contacts but still no luck. The plastic part of the screen had shifted out of place because the foam part that surrounds it had fallen apart. I took some strips of toolbox liner that I had and put them in there to take up the space and it worked.
I then tried putting the 4.0 card in my working machine and it wouldn't power on. I put my 1.1 card in the new machine that I just received, and it turned on and worked so the 4.0 card is bad.

I had put an offer on the 4.0 card that is on eBay but they never responded so I just used the buy it now option and bought it today so I could use the KV module with the 2400. Hopefully it works like the listing says. I had read that the 1.0-3.0 cards never fail but that the 4.0 ones and above do so it might be true. I'm hoping to find a 3.0 card at some point for it's supposed reliability and can be used with the KV module. I now have two of the KV modules as well.

 

[Wayned]

Here is where I saw that you are not supposed to put an older memory card into a machine that has been upgraded. It's on a card in this Ebay listing.

Snap-On Tools Memory Card EETM301B for Vantage MT2400 - Ver 2.1 U1 5C77 U2 4593 | eBay

Ver2.1 U1 5C77 U2 4593.

www.ebay.com

 

[mrrsm]

Well... In addition to trying not to tout the use of Diagnostic Devices that I have not actually purchased and used first hand, it is axiomatic that I likewise try to provide advice about them with as much accuracy as possible from the Manufacturers Official Documentation.

Listed below are excerpts from the Snap-On Vantage MT2400 Graphing Multi-Meters as Edition #2 and the later Edition #5. Please note that they bear consistency in both when informing the User about the "Memory Card with PROM" Chips" (Programmable Read Only Memory) and their installation and expected performance:

Edition #2:




Edition #5:




This implies that the User has no means of interacting with their versions would be possible and this would also imply that there would be no issues with inserting one card over another. To put it with the compliment of being blunt:

The most salient point about the information you are recounting from eBay ...is MISSING from BOTH Snap-On Official MT2400 Graphing Multi-Meter Documentations Versions: There is NO Mention of NOT installing these Older Cards whatsoever after making the transition to the different iterations of either of their Cards and no mention of there being any physical differences between the Base Hardware which appears unchanged for the entire history of the Snap-On Vantage Product Line.

Please balance whatever "Ad Hoc" information you might receive from eBay Vendors (or elsewhere ...as Internet Forum output) who may have ulterior motives leaning more towards "Making The Sale" as opposed to providing accurate information. If nothing else, these Manual Photos will allow you to add the most accurate (however rare) data to your lexicon of What To Believe ...about these Amazing Machines.

"My Knowledge of the Snap-On Vantage and Vantage Pro Series of Graphing Multi-Meters may not be profound.... But I DID stay at a Holiday Inn Last Night..." :>)



PS... Here is another example of "Rumor Control" being exacted on behalf of Snap-On Vantage Pro Owners that is equally topical and of similar value for being able to "Clear The Air" of incorrect information:

https://productforum.autorepairdata...antage-pro-user-forum/11191-to-upgrade-or-not

 

[Wayned]

Yes, the owner's manuals that came with my machines, a 1st edition and a 4th edition say basically the same thing that both of the manuals you posted say. The only caveat that I would say is that neither on them mention anything about upgrading the machines with higher version cards than what came with the machine. My first machine has a 1.1 card in it which is obviously an upgrade of a 1.0 card. I have seen a couple of 2.1 and 2.2 version cards on Ebay which may have been upgraded cards as well.

I'm new to these machines so I have no idea if what was posted in that link I used in my post above or some of the same wording I have read on different websites are accurate or not.

Hopefully the 4.0 card that I just bought works and I won't have to worry about it.

 

[mrrsm]

Definitely Hoping for a Functional Snap-On OEM 4.0 PROM-RAM Card that allows for the added use of the KV Clip On-Plug-In Module... Best Of Luck!

 

[Wayned]

Definitely Hoping for a Functional Snap-On OEM 4.0 PROM-RAM Card that allows for the added use of the KV Clip On-Plug-In Module... Best Of Luck!

Thanks, I hope so too. Just curious, I saw that there are different clip-on attachments to various different coil setups to use with the KV module. I do not have any of them. Is this module useless without them? I just have the two cables that came with my second MT2400. One is for the RPM and I'm not sure about the other. It looks like it clips on to a cable as well.

 

[mrrsm]

No... There are optional Tools besides the Clip-On KV Coil and Ignition Pick Up. The others would included an Inductive Chrome Clamp that grabs any of the Ignition Wires leading to the Spark Plugs (Mostly used to confirm Actions on the #1 Cylinder where a Secondary Coil is Firing Very High KV and thus... having an intermediate 10:1 or even Hantek 20:1 High Voltage Attenuation in between will protect the KV Unit and the Base Unit.

You can also use a Flat Pick Up Unit that can lay over the tops COP (Coil Over Plugs) and grab the Ignition Wave Forms thusly. The others would be the Low and High Amperage Clamps like the Hantek Models CC-65 Low Amp Clamp and the Hantek Model CC-650 High Amp Clamp.

They work by passively sensing the Internal Voltages via the Magnetic Fields they create. Then they convert them into Milli-Volts such as: 1 Amp = 1 Milli-Volt and then display them as Voltage Over Time on the Adjusted Screen. Amp Clamps do not require the use of any Attenuators.

The Scalers involved here are the variable Ranges of Voltages and the Time Bases chosen for their capture and display. THAT is where the "Secret Sauce" of having a decent skill set comes in handy when setting up What appears Where on the X and Y Axis.

Remember that the ONLY thing that any Oscilloscope does is display Voltage Over Time on an X/Y Scale on Screen. The early model Vantage Diagnostic Tools do have a relatively Low Sample Rate when compared to say... The Vantage Pro, The Autel Model# MP408... or "The King Of Automotive Scopes" ...like my MICSIG... But they can admirably perform Basic Oscilloscope Diagnostics. Observe James Danner at work using his Solus Scan Tool along with the Scope Features of BOTH his Vantage ...AND... his Vantage Pro Diagnostic "O" Scope Features (Yup... He is Paul "Scanner" Danner's Brother):

For a more comprehensive overview on the subject of Oscilloscopes and the improvements they bring to the Auto Diagnostic Gaming Mesa...Visit THIS Link:

How To Use PICO #2204A & HANTEK #1008C Oscilloscopes

You don't need a Huge Bag of Coins in order to obtain and use an Oscilloscope for performing In-Depth Wave Form Analysis in Automotive Applications on everything from Problematic Electronic Fuel Injection to obtaining accurate Compression Tests to Diagnose Internal Engine Conditions. HANTEK...

gmtnation.com

 

[Wayned]

I received the 4.0 memory card from Ebay today. Turned out to be a fail. Got a message that said it was configuring for Version 4.0 and then after about a minute the same screen said, "Memory Card CRC Data Error-U2" and that screen stayed up until the machine automatically shut off.

I tried putting it in my other 2400 that originally had the 1.1 memory card in it, and it gave me the same screen and messages so it wouldn't work in either one.

The seller is refunding me the cost of it and I shipped it back out to them.

 

[mrrsm]

Dammit... Well if it is any consolation, that Graphing DMM will still allow for up to 16 Hours of Parasitic Amperage Monitoring Time and provide you with Dual Graphing capabilities on a Fresh Pair of "D" Cell Batteries.

The Guided Components information for Early Model Vehicles is still worth having when encountering legacy vehicles. You are still not completely out of options since there are a few other vendors selling the 2.0 Version PROM-RAM Cards... But I am not certain that you will be anxious to investigate a Dual DMM that has been out of general automotive circulation for so long.

I wish there was more definitive information that once the Updated PROM-RAM Cards get inserted that they *Park* and BIOS Chip Update on the Base System Logic Board and the problem stems from that. I was pulling for you and hoping that your "Next Level" interest might be in the realm of the Snap-On Vantage Pro, which is a stellar improvement in all aspects and finished the Snap-On Update Regimen around late 2015 to early 2016. Mine registers in at 15.4 and is a truly sterling performer, too.

Regardless of this dismay, you are still very fortunate to possess and use a truly standout Original Performer in the pantheon of Professional Grade Automotive Diagnostic Tools. Lurking on eBay relentlessly has proven worth its while to be so dogged and determined to acquire such tools whenever the best and unusual deals come around. I hope fortune favors you in time in this regard.

Snap-On Vantage Cards for sale | eBay

Get the best deals for Snap-On Vantage Cards at eBay.com. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items!

www.ebay.com

 

[Wayned]

Yes, I was disappointed that it didn't work. I would think that if the ebay 4.0 card was good, it would have been able to update in my 1.1 memory card machine. It should have also worked in the machine that already was a 4.0 machine unless putting the 1.1 card in it screwed something up for using a 4.0 card again.
As luck would have it, I found a 3.0 card on ebay and bought that one. I have read that the 3.0 cards and less don't have issues like the 4.0 and up so we will see.

I might invest in a Vantage Pro at some point but we will see if this 3.0 card works. Thanks again for your input.

 

[Wayned]

Just another quick update. I received the 3.0 card today and it did not work in either of my 2400's. Machines would not turn on with either. Returns were only good through today so I'm not sure if they will give me my money back for it or not.
I also bought another 2400 for parts that was very cheap on Ebay. It was just the machine and it did not work and it had a 4.0 card in it. I tried that card in both of my 2400's and it wouldn't power up either of them either.
I guess I'm not going to be able to use the KV modules I have and will just be using the 2400 with my 1.1 card as is which is the only card that I have that works. I think I'm done trying to buy any more cards off of Ebay.

 

[mrrsm]

As per the last dialogue with @Wayned and the need for an updated RAM-ROM Snap-On Vantage Card... THIS eBay Offer at right around a "Bean" ($100.00) will put any of the Older Base Snap-On Vantage Units "Back In Business" with up to the Year 1981 - 2000 Era Vehicles for "Guided Component Diagnostic Assistance" and... as one of these images confirms... what @Wayned was specifically concerned about NOT re-installing the Older Cards..After.. Installing the Later Versions of them is completely correct:

Offered on eBay on 06/09/2025:

Pardon Our Interruption...

Please Remember THIS.... This Tool Will NEVER lose its Basic and Advanced Diagnostics Features as long as Grass is Green...Skies are Blue...and "D" Cell Batteries are available to YOU!

 

[mrrsm]

Considering that THIS Parasitic Draw Video on a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is only 9 Months Old... It Goes To Show the Pure, Permanent Value of having the Snap-On Vantage Pro Graphing Multi-Meter is STILL getting the jobs done under situations of extreme discomfort and difficulty that basically takes Eric "O" to Task and to School on a problem involving the Concept of a Latching Relay and all that this Friggin' Lil' Part entailed.

There are still a few Snap-On Vantage and Vantage Pro Graphing Digital Multi-Meters knocking around over on eBay for those still interested in knowing -=WHY=- this style of VISUAL Diagnostic Tool will NEVER go out of fashion in the Automotive Repair Industry:

 

[mrrsm]

Because of the Universal Diagnostic VALUE of having the Snap-On Vantage Pro Graphing Multi-Meter is that IT is just so much MORE than you can imagine ....IF...You can find a Working Kit over on eBay... SO... NEVER STOP LOOKING FOR THEM...

These Videos will give Two Pro Users (One being Paul "Scanner" Danner) emphasizing this Device's Utility...especially when investigating Parasitic Drains using a Low Amp Clamp via a Wire Loop in the involved Circuit Fuse Location. Eric "O" from SMA (South Main Auto) uses THIS Tool...TO THIS DAY!

MAYBE... All that THIS One Needs ...is a Battery and-or a Ubiquitous Snap-On Power Supply to WORK! (The Snap-On Solus Batteries are Identical to the Snap-On Vantage Pro ....and they are still available on eBay)

Snap On Vantage Pro EETM303 #2 | eBay

Used . Good condition . No battery and no right side cover . When plugged in screen is blue and stays blue . You get scan tool only . As is . Look very closely at all the pictures for a Full Description and True Condition of the item . Use the Zoom - In Image. What you see is what you will...

www.ebay.com

 

[KubotaTime]

Is there any place you guys know of to get a MT 2400 Version 5 manual pdf? I see excerpts here an there but never the whole thing. likely because its a scanned document.

 

[mrrsm]

Welcome to GMT Nation...

I took THAT Image of my own Snap-On 5th Gen Reference Manual while it was laid out atop the Vantage Carry Case. The problem with creating any PDF of this or any Proprietary Manual is that Snap-On maintains a Death Grip on their published materials... even on their Legacy Gear like the original Snap-On Vantage Device. Perhaps you can tell me what data you require and I can take a photo of a specific page on the subject and post it back here:

Currently, eBay carries a single copy of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th Generation - Editions of the Snap-On Vantage Graphing Multi-Meter User Manuals at modest prices for such rare publications. However, I could not locate the 5th Edition (Form ZEETM300E Printed on 05/02 in the USA) anywhere; neither via a general internet search, nor at "The Internet Archive" linked below:

Internet Archive: Digital Library of Free & Borrowable Texts, Movies, Music & Wayback Machine

archive.org

 

[KubotaTime]

Welcome to GMT Nation...

I took THAT Image of my own Snap-On 5th Gen Reference Manual while it was laid out atop the Vantage Carry Case. The problem with creating any PDF of this or any Proprietary Manual is that Snap-On maintains a Death Grip on their published materials... even on their Legacy Gear like the original Snap-On Vantage Device. Perhaps you can tell me what data you require and I can take a photo of a specific page on the subject and post it back here:

Currently, eBay carries a single copy of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th Generation - Editions of the Snap-On Vantage Graphing Multi-Meter User Manuals at modest prices for such rare publications. However, I could not locate the 5th Edition (Form ZEETM300E Printed on 05/02 in the USA) anywhere; neither via a general internet search, nor at "The Internet Archive" linked below:

Internet Archive: Digital Library of Free & Borrowable Texts, Movies, Music & Wayback Machine

archive.org

Thank you Mr.RSM!

Yes, I looked there too on archive.org too. I also found the same thing with Ebay. It made me suspicious as to why there were no manuals available except those on ebay for higher price than I would like to pay.

Honestly I don't know what pages I want or will need. I just wanted the user manual to look it over.

I purchased an MT 2400 a little while back and always like to have the reference material so I know what I might be able to do, and especially what not to do with it.

 

[mrrsm]

Well... If you managed to get yours hands on a Snap-On MT-2400 Graphing Multi-Meter with the 5Th Edition Insert RAM-ROM Card...the "Guided Component" Tests will be good to go for a very wide range of vehicles right up to the Year 2002.

But even without those abilities, the sheer utility of this Tool will well and truly support a wide range of Diagnostics that Eric "O" over at SMA (South Main Auto) and Paul "Scanner" Danner both having a ton of historical Diagnostic Videos using both the Vantage and the Vantage Pro that you can Watch, Download and Digest for 'What Goes Where and Why?' depending upon the Electrical issues at hand.

If it were me... I'd still be tempted to purchase -=BOTH=- the 4th AND the 6th Editions available on eBay because the essential Hardware will NOT Change on the MT-2400 Unit, no matter WHICH RAM-ROM Card is plugged in ...and having the Physical Booklet with roughly 47 Pages of Instructions therein will be very handy to you.

Besides that... if you get or already have the Snap-On KV "Back Pack" Unit...that thing opens up a whole new world for COP and EFI Diagnostics with the addition of that device!

If you have a specific diagnosis that you want to do and need any help with the Probe-Leads Hook Ups and Procedures, by all means, you can either start a Fresh Thread (always recommended by the Admins and Mods at GMT Nation) or come back to this Thread and post the issues.

I will always be willing to help ...As Long as Grass is Green...and Skies are Blue....and assuming that I am NOT taking a "Dirt Nap" any time soon (pushing 77 YOA...and NOT Pushing Up any Daisies... so far)

 

[mrrsm]

...and while we are on this subject... Eric "O" from SMA up in Avoca, NY shows a Very Deep Dive into an Electrical Anomaly involving a Chevrolet Aero Case Study where the use of a Graphing Multi-Meter proves its value in being able to SEE Odd "Voltage Over Time" events while trying to solve a real mystery with the Fuse on the Left Low Beam (DRL) Blowing at certain times... and being able to finally solve such a difficult mystery. The Snap-On Vantage Pro at play in this Video is given a REAL Work-Out ...but comes through in the end with the Visual Goods that the average DMM cannot deliver to help solve the problem:

...juxtaposed against The OG Snap-On Vantage MT-2400 ...Plus using a Snap-On Low Amp Clamp being employed by him in a trying solve a Mysterious Parasitic Draw on a Full Sized GM Truck caused by the IPC suffering from "The Invasion of The Tin Whiskers":

 

[DanSedona]

...and while we are on this subject... Eric "O" from SMA up in Avoca, NY shows a Very Deep Dive into an Electrical Anomaly involving a Chevrolet Aero Case Study where the use of a Graphing Multi-Meter proves its value in being able to SEE Odd "Voltage Over Time" events while trying to solve a real mystery with the Fuse on the Left Low Beam (DRL) Blowing at certain times... and being able to finally solve such a difficult mystery. The Snap-On Vantage Pro at play in this Video is given a REAL Work-Out ...but comes through in the end with the Visual Goods that the average DMM cannot deliver to help solve the problem:

...juxtaposed against The OG Snap-On Vantage MT-2400 ...Plus using a Snap-On Low Amp Clamp being employed by him in a trying solve a Mysterious Parasitic Draw on a Full Sized GM Truck caused by the IPC suffering from "The Invasion of The Tin Whiskers":

I stumbled across your "Vantage" info - I bought mine new when I had my shop, these tools are invaluable ! I have KV / low amp probe & many Xtra cables etc. I did sell some of the coil adapters - I believe it's updated to V6.0 - amazing tool ! Helped me sort through / eliminate good & bad suspects - mine failed to turn on once and I had to solder the wire for the "D" batteries feed and had a battery leak inside - I was panicked at first but it works great

 

[mrrsm]

Welcome to GMT Nation Dan...It is -=NICE=- to get remote verification from someone with your 60 Years of Auto Repair Experience... Backing Up the idea.that THESE Kinds of Diagnostic Tools ...Never Go Out Of Style...

 

[DanSedona]

Welcome to GMT Nation Dan...It is -=NICE=- to get remote verification from someone with your 60 Years of Auto Repair Experience... Backing Up the idea.that THESE Kinds of Diagnostic Tools ...Never Go Out Of Style...

I get calls pretty regularly on electrical gremlins and my Vantage is going into the car in most trips - don't know how much longer but I keep trying ! Thx, Dan

 

[mrrsm]

You can also use it right here, Dan ... if you feel like contributing. Quite often... I will "Plug In" a Member's Vehicle while reading about their concerns... just to investigate their issues using the Snap-On Guided Component Tests that THEY can perform vicariously, once they know WHERE to LOOK for and WHAT to LOOK For and HOW to TEST For Problems... :>)

PS... Just did another one early this morning ...right here at GMT Nation.

 

[DanSedona]

You can also use it right here if you feel like contributing. Quite often... I will "Plug In" a Member's Vehicle while reading about their concerns... just to investigate their issues using the Snap-On Guided Component Tests that THEY can perform vicariously, once they know WHERE to LOOK for and WHAT to LOOK and HOW to TEST For Problems... :>)

PS... Just did another one early this morning ...right here at GMT Nation.

That's great, I bookmarked the site / your probably faster than me @ this point - I need time, Covid got me & decided to move in , that little red box helps more than ever- HA ! There's times I can't get the word off the tip of my tongue and it's extremely frustrating ! First thing people need to do is check basics, which is not what happens - when I get a call they or 2 others couldn't get it to run or run right ? By then, anything is possible and it takes awhile to backtrack where they got into, especially if it is relatively older and you're dealing with brittle wires / connectors / weak grounds - I'm no genius by any stretch but I learned from others & my mistakes to not assume - awesome to help people out, good to hear / always a right tool for the job

 

[mrrsm]

I guess my only excuse for NOT Posting the 2013 Version of the Snap-On Vantage Pro User's Manual earlier in this Thread is that (a) I just assumed that like mine... The Full Kit would come with a Hard Copy version somewhere inside the Blow-Molded Case ...and (b) I did NOT think that it was an available resource as a PDF...ANYWHERE... Until I actually LOOKED for it.

Regardless, the Attached 116 Page Vantage Pro Manual PDF will be well worth Downloading for Folks still on the hunt to get their own unit via eBay and ....anyone with the desire to learn more will benefit... as well as Lucky Owners who may NOT have this Manual in Hard Copy Format in their Vantage Pro Kit!

Presently, there are only a few Snap-On Vantage Pro Graphing Multi-Meters out there (at the moment... but THAT circumstance on eBay changes DAILY) and the price is right around $750.00 ...

Snap-On Vantage Pro EETM303 Auto Diagnostics Tool Scanner. Lots Of Acc. | eBay

Lots Of Acc. Local pickup available. See pictures for more details. User manual and quick start guide. EETM306A04 - 98-2000 2.7,3.2,3.5 liter. EETM306A13 - 98-2001 Lexus 1uzfe 2uzfe. EETM306A14 - Chrysler, Jeep, Lexus, Toyota.

www.ebay.com

so if you want to find out WHY? they carry so much weight among Automotive Diagnosticians...THIS PDF will more than suffice with full, technical explanations to encourage You to KEEP LOOKING:

 

[mrrsm]

While investigating the Media and PDF Training Resources available online from ATSG... via THIS Link:

Resources - ATSG

* ATSG is a technical support service specifically for the Automatic Transmission Industry. We offer a Technical Hotline, Books, Software, Bulletins, Wiring Diagrams, Seminars, and Technical Courses to the Automatic Transmission Professional.

atsg.com

I found THIS Gem of a Training Video that hearkens back to the 1980s to early 2000s use of the Grand-Daddy of Snap-On Graphing Multi-Meters being used by a Professional Transmission Repair Tech as follows in this Video. Trust me Folks... These Diagnostic Snap-On Vantage Tools Will NEVER Go Out Of STYLE!:

And while we're on the subject of GM Transmissions, since the Snap-On Modis Scan Tool possesses the identical Graphing Digital Multi-Meter Features and 4 Channel Oscilloscope that matches that of the Snap-On Vantage-Pro.

THIS Video will serve as instructive of BOTH Devices and stresses that events OUTSIDE of the 4L60E Transmission involving Increased Resistance and Voltage DROPPING can trigger certain Solenoid Codes that the PCM can interpret incorrectly due to Poor Grounds, Damaged or Corroded Wiring.

PS... Recently, I picked up another Snap-On Modis Scanner off of eBay for only $325.00 that I'll feature covering in the MODIS Thread in greater detail.