As an automotive enthusiast and someone who enjoys diagnosing car issues, I still find myself reaching for my old AutoTap scanner from time to time. Even though the company is no longer in business, this tool remains surprisingly useful for checking Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and monitoring vehicle parameters, especially on GM vehicles, but also providing basic OBD2 functionality on most post-1995 cars. AutoTap was truly a great piece of equipment in its day, and the customer service from John and his team was exceptional back in the day. It’s a shame they are no longer around.
However, when considering the current market, it’s understandable why AutoTap faced challenges. There are a few key factors that contributed to its decline:
Firstly, the most common reason people seek out OBD2 scanners is simply to understand why their check engine light is on and to read the DTC codes. For this basic need, many auto parts stores like Autozone offer free code scanning and even light resetting services. This readily available free service naturally reduces the incentive for many car owners to invest in their own diagnostic software like AutoTap.
Secondly, the market is now flooded with inexpensive basic code readers. These come in two primary forms: standalone handheld devices that plug directly into the OBD2 port, and smartphone apps that connect wirelessly to OBD2 adapters. These budget-friendly options, often priced at $20 or less, provide the same fundamental DTC reading capabilities as AutoTap, but at a fraction of the cost and with increased convenience thanks to wireless technology.
Thirdly, for serious car enthusiasts and those involved in performance tuning, advanced tuning packages like HPTuners often include their own comprehensive scan tools. While I personally always preferred AutoTap’s scanning capabilities over the scan tool included with my PowrTuner package due to its superior user interface and features, the reality is that most users deeply invested in PCM tuning will already have a scanning tool as part of their tuning suite. Convincing them to spend an extra $100-200 for a dedicated scanning tool, even a good one like AutoTap, becomes a difficult proposition.
For me, AutoTap occupies a nostalgic and practical space. It’s like that reliable old car you keep around – it might not be the flashiest or newest, but it’s dependable and gets the job done when you need it. The value of keeping my AutoTap scanner for occasional use and as a backup far outweighs any potential resale value. While it may be a niche tool in today’s market given the evolution of OBD2 diagnostics, for those who appreciate its capabilities, it remains a valuable piece of automotive diagnostic history.
