Scan tool with no/minimal annual fees

[daithi]

Looking for a new scan tool for work. We have a Snapon solus that's about 10 years old, has been fine up until now but obviously it does nothing for newer vehicles.

Most of our work vehicles are domestic pickups - f250s up to 2019 , f550s up to 2012, Chevy 4500 passenger bus up to 2019 etc etc.

Want to be able to read/clear codes and do some bidirectional stuff for diag - turn on/off evap solenoids that kind of thing. Don't need to do spare keys or tpms.

Looking for a new tool. Can get the Autel MS906-Max for about $2200 CAD locally (about $1500 USD). Was about to order one but then I noticed they have pretty hefty annual subscription fees - and it seems like most other units are a similar story.

What is lost by letting the sub lapse? Is it simply that you don't get next year's 2026 or 2027 vehicles added to the database? Or does the whole tool turn into a paperweight? Or is it something in the middle?

Open to a tablet style, handheld, laptop app... Ideally not smartphone.

 

[badmatt]

Im in the same market.. Looking at an OTOfix D1 Pro and the new GW bi directional unit.

Same price range... both look feature rich for the money.

Edit: GW unit comes with 3 years of free updates as well.

 

[Jeepster04]

I have an Autel 808 and it still works fine, but I cannot access 2018 and up Chryslers since they require that gateway or whatever... Of course you cant get updates for new vehicles.

I think the subscription is just $90 a year for it but Ive not renewed it.

 

[signcrafter]

For the most part you can keep using it, I have a couple autels that are out of subscription. The issue that is going to come more into play is the secure gateway that you need an up to date scan tool with current subscription and also the auto auth subscription.

 

[daithi]

Im in the same market.. Looking at an OTOfix D1 Pro and the new GW bi directional unit.

Same price range... both look feature rich for the money.

Edit: GW unit comes with 3 years of free updates as well.

That GW is pretty affordable... Considering it's 1/3 the price of the Autel, could buy one today, another in 2029, another in 2033 which would be updated until 2036...
If they're still making them at that point.

It also says "AUTOAUTH ready" and "FCA secure gateway access ready" so I wonder if they're being sneaky and there's extra charges in there somewhere.

I have an Autel 808 and it still works fine, but I cannot access 2018 and up Chryslers since they require that gateway or whatever... Of course you cant get updates for new vehicles.

I think the subscription is just $90 a year for it but Ive not renewed it.

For the most part you can keep using it, I have a couple autels that are out of subscription. The issue that is going to come more into play is the secure gateway that you need an up to date scan tool with current subscription and also the auto auth subscription.

Place I work is weird about payments... No company credit card, only pre-approved suppliers. I could find a part or tool in town for $100 and the same thing online for $50 and we'd buy the $100 because we have an account there. I'd like to say it's because we support local but in reality is their archaic mindset about credit cards being scary. That's why I'm really hoping to find one without annual fees - there's a good chance I won't be able to update it anyway.
The secure gateway thing is not something I've had to deal with before. I'm a heavy duty tech, not automotive. I like working on 40yr old dozers and skidders that run 12v for lights and no other electronics

 

[signcrafter]

That GW is pretty affordable... Considering it's 1/3 the price of the Autel, could buy one today, another in 2029, another in 2033 which would be updated until 2036...
If they're still making them at that point.

It also says "AUTOAUTH ready" and "FCA secure gateway access ready" so I wonder if they're being sneaky and there's extra charges in there somewhere.





Place I work is weird about payments... No company credit card, only pre-approved suppliers. I could find a part or tool in town for $100 and the same thing online for $50 and we'd buy the $100 because we have an account there. I'd like to say it's because we support local but in reality is their archaic mindset about credit cards being scary. That's why I'm really hoping to find one without annual fees - there's a good chance I won't be able to update it anyway.
The secure gateway thing is not something I've had to deal with before. I'm a heavy duty tech, not automotive. I like working on 40yr old dozers and skidders that run 12v for lights and no other electronics

By saying "autoauth ready and face gateway ready" they mean they are compatible with them. You still will need a subscription to those in addition to your scan tool that is up to date with subscriptions.

As far as subscriptions I do kind of like you said and just get a new scan tool every so many years. Usually about every 5 years for me because I don't work on brand new vehicles. If I buy a new scan tool it usually comes with 2 years free updates, so if I buy one today I'm updated until 11/25/2027. Most new cars come with a 3 year warranty so I don't do much on brand new cars for at least another 3 years.

But that is changing with the autoauth requirement and if I want to work on say a 2019 chrysler/fiat/dodge/ram vehicle I would need to get a new scan tool, or update mine, and subscription to autoauth. I believe GM and ford are following the same path but I don't know for sure which manufacturers or what years they started exactly. If you work on these vehicles that will require this you just have to pass the cost along. Diagnostic fees will need to go up to recover those costs. As one youtuber likes to say, "I didn't buy it and I didn't break it, I'm just here to fix it".

 

[nicks78camaro]

By saying "autoauth ready and face gateway ready" they mean they are compatible with them. You still will need a subscription to those in addition to your scan tool that is up to date with subscriptions.

As far as subscriptions I do kind of like you said and just get a new scan tool every so many years. Usually about every 5 years for me because I don't work on brand new vehicles. If I buy a new scan tool it usually comes with 2 years free updates, so if I buy one today I'm updated until 11/25/2027. Most new cars come with a 3 year warranty so I don't do much on brand new cars for at least another 3 years.

But that is changing with the autoauth requirement and if I want to work on say a 2019 chrysler/fiat/dodge/ram vehicle I would need to get a new scan tool, or update mine, and subscription to autoauth. I believe GM and ford are following the same path but I don't know for sure which manufacturers or what years they started exactly. If you work on these vehicles that will require this you just have to pass the cost along. Diagnostic fees will need to go up to recover those costs. As one youtuber likes to say, "I didn't buy it and I didn't break it, I'm just here to fix it".

Same with Nissan and VAG, both have gateways on newer stuff now. More subscriptions

 

[zimman]

Looking for a new scan tool for work. We have a Snapon solus that's about 10 years old, has been fine up until now but obviously it does nothing for newer vehicles.

Most of our work vehicles are domestic pickups - f250s up to 2019 , f550s up to 2012, Chevy 4500 passenger bus up to 2019 etc etc.

Want to be able to read/clear codes and do some bidirectional stuff for diag - turn on/off evap solenoids that kind of thing. Don't need to do spare keys or tpms.

Looking for a new tool. Can get the Autel MS906-Max for about $2200 CAD locally (about $1500 USD). Was about to order one but then I noticed they have pretty hefty annual subscription fees - and it seems like most other units are a similar story.

What is lost by letting the sub lapse? Is it simply that you don't get next year's 2026 or 2027 vehicles added to the database? Or does the whole tool turn into a paperweight? Or is it something in the middle?

Open to a tablet style, handheld, laptop app... Ideally not smartphone.

Alldata is $209 a month for a shop. I'm not a fan of tools with subscriptions and rather go less on the tool and get more information and guidance. Everyone has a laptop at their station.
Zim

 

[rayik]

Gearwrench GWSMARTBT

 

[daithi]

Alldata is $209 a month for a shop. I'm not a fan of tools with subscriptions and rather go less on the tool and get more information and guidance. Everyone has a laptop at their station.
Zim

We pay for AllData annually... by cheque. I think it's around $2200 CAD a year so about $1500 USD. That took years to get them agree to. Honestly we don't use it to its full capacity.
We only have one laptop for the shop... There again as I mentioned we're not a commercial/automotive shop so it has never been an issue only having one. Been looking at ForScan which would work for our Fords but obviously not for the Chevys.

Gearwrench GWSMARTBT

If I was buying for myself that's probably what I would go with but we don't want each employee pairing to their own phones. Maybe could invest in a cheap Android tablet to pair with it.

 

[mikedodge]

Get a tablet to pair it with.
Having a decent scan tool and paying the fees to make it work is one more thing built into diagnostic fees and crazy high hourly rates being charged these days.

 

[richfinn]

2019 is almost seven years ago, scan tool batteries start to go bad pretty soon after the two years of free updates run out, just buy a new one every two years, you don't need anything fancy for what you are doing.

FORscan is a great idea or watch Ivan's video

 

[pbon]

I wish Gearwrench listed the vehicle coverage. I have a Launch x-431 Pad V that cost about $2k and requires a $400 per year subscription. I would consider getting rid of it if the GWSMART07 had enough features.

​

 

[lund]

Dumb question: i am just a home DIY giy that does 100% of my own repairs on a subaru (2014) and a Toyota (2000) and some help on honda cars of friends. I just use an OBS-II BlueTooth apapter with the Torque App (very low 1x cost). So i spent a grand total of $20 ish.

What am i missing out from this setup? I read fault codes, use google and youtube for more info, and clear codes etc. Mostly enough for what i do. Would i get more readings from a dedicated scan tool? The BlueTooth adapter is ofter painful to pair (5× tries on setup typical)

 

[richfinn]

$500, free updates for life (or at least as long as the tablet battery survives), gets good reviews.

Official Thinkscan 689BT Bidirectional Scanner – Lifetime Free Updates

THINKCAR Thinkscan 689BT Wireless Scanner - OE-Level Diagnostics & ECU Coding. Official Store with CAN FD/DoIP, FCA AutoAuth. Authentic & Full Warranty.

mythinkcar.com

 

[richfinn]

Dumb question: i am just a home DIY giy that does 100% of my own repairs on a subaru (2014) and a Toyota (2000) and some help on honda cars of friends. I just use an OBS-II BlueTooth apapter with the Torque App (very low 1x cost). So i spent a grand total of $20 ish.

What am i missing out from this setup? I read fault codes, use google and youtube for more info, and clear codes etc. Mostly enough for what i do. Would i get more readings from a dedicated scan tool? The BlueTooth adapter is ofter painful to pair (5× tries on setup typical)

Yep lots more functionality from a bidirectional scan tool like actuator tests (output testing) special functions (resets/service lights/keys), works on latest protocols etc etc.

See above tool, perfect pricing for home mechanics

 

[signcrafter]

Dumb question: i am just a home DIY giy that does 100% of my own repairs on a subaru (2014) and a Toyota (2000) and some help on honda cars of friends. I just use an OBS-II BlueTooth apapter with the Torque App (very low 1x cost). So i spent a grand total of $20 ish.

What am i missing out from this setup? I read fault codes, use google and youtube for more info, and clear codes etc. Mostly enough for what i do. Would i get more readings from a dedicated scan tool? The BlueTooth adapter is ofter painful to pair (5× tries on setup typical)

Not sure what all yours can or can't do but some of the stuff the higher end ones do is bi directional controls and resets and relearns. Evap codes are common so you need to smoke test the evap system and do a purge/seal test to be able to seal the system and check for leaks. If you clean the throttle body you need to do an idle relearn. If you have to replace a brake line you might need to do an ABS auto bleed using scan tool. TPMS is another common thing to deal with but I have a dedicated tool for that. If you have fuel pressure issues you can command pump on and off and read fuel pressures and watch bleed down. Steering angle resets are common on newer vehicles with electronic power steering. Some vehicles with electronic parking brakes need scan tool to put in service mode or retract parking brake in order to do a brake job.

Another thing is the newer vehicles that have a gateway, does yours allow you to get a subscription to autoauth and talk to newer vehicles with gateways?

 

[OccupantRJ]

Yep lots more functionality from a bidirectional scan tool like actuator tests (output testing) special functions (resets/service lights/keys), works on latest protocols etc etc.

See above tool, perfect pricing for home mechanics

Shows me $460 this morning for black Friday, so even better.

 

[tiredoldironworker]

Research Innova 7111, it's impressive and bluetooth capable and free lifetime upgrades, Autoauth capable. It's the best scan tool I've ever had and I have 2 autel bluetooths. Just don't want to pay for the updates anymore.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Anyone else have input on the Innova 7111 scanner?

 

[rayik]

If I was buying for myself that's probably what I would go with but we don't want each employee pairing to their own phones. Maybe could invest in a cheap Android tablet to pair with it.

Sorry. Missed that that this was for work

 

[Wrench97]

Autel sub gets you updates(newer models and fixes and additional functions if available for existing) and extends the warranty.

 

[f121]

$500, free updates for life (or at least as long as the tablet battery survives), gets good reviews.

Official Thinkscan 689BT Bidirectional Scanner – Lifetime Free Updates

THINKCAR Thinkscan 689BT Wireless Scanner - OE-Level Diagnostics & ECU Coding. Official Store with CAN FD/DoIP, FCA AutoAuth. Authentic & Full Warranty.

mythinkcar.com

Have you tried one of these?

 

[Ramblin Man]

I am not richfinn, but I have that ThinkScan 689BT scantool. It is a good scan tool. It has some functions that my Snap ON's do not have. And there are some things Snap On does better, like graphing.

I recommend this tool, not as O.E. equivelant, but as an aftermarket scantool.

Have you tried one of these?

 

[cgrutt]

Dumb question: i am just a home DIY giy that does 100% of my own repairs on a subaru (2014) and a Toyota (2000) and some help on honda cars of friends. I just use an OBS-II BlueTooth apapter with the Torque App (very low 1x cost). So i spent a grand total of $20 ish.

What am i missing out from this setup? I read fault codes, use google and youtube for more info, and clear codes etc. Mostly enough for what i do. Would i get more readings from a dedicated scan tool? The BlueTooth adapter is ofter painful to pair (5× tries on setup typical)

Aside from the bidirectional stuff which is often very helpful in diagnosing problem (for example activating a EVAP solenoid or the fuel pump to see if its working or not before diving deeper) you often get access to other modules within vehicle becides the PCM. A few things I was able to do with my Autel that I don't think a simple code reader would enable you to do. Diagnose and recalibrate airbag issues. Disable no longer supported systems in older vehicles for example the "Telehelp" system in my wife's vehicle. Replaced ABS brake module in my F150 with a used unit and recoded with my truck's VIN and other configuration data. They sometimes even provide access to factory level menus and functions for your specific vehicle. For example was able to turn off the Bosch ABS system and make it safe to replace high pressure component in wife's vehicle. You get access to many different systems within vehicle besides the engine. Windows and door locks, headlights, radio etc all are usually controlled by their own module these days.

 

[zimman]

Dumb question: i am just a home DIY giy that does 100% of my own repairs on a subaru (2014) and a Toyota (2000) and some help on honda cars of friends. I just use an OBS-II BlueTooth apapter with the Torque App (very low 1x cost). So i spent a grand total of $20 ish.

What am i missing out from this setup? I read fault codes, use google and youtube for more info, and clear codes etc. Mostly enough for what i do. Would i get more readings from a dedicated scan tool? The BlueTooth adapter is ofter painful to pair (5× tries on setup typical)

I tell my customers this is the way to go. Just a simple code reader, some internet and education. Prepare yourself fo the visit to the shop or dealership. Fooling around with systems that may endanger others like the wife and kids is just crazy. Master ASE folks devote a lifetime to learning the trade, going to schools and mastering their craft. "Harry the Homeowner" shouldn't be jacking around with Mom's seatbelts. LMAO.
Zim

 

[richfinn]

Have you tried one of these?

No, but I definitely would if I was a home gamer, I've watched T E Videos (YouTube) using it a fair bit on Honda and it looks like really good value if you can live with a smaller 8" screen.

I've decided the best value for me is to just buy a new 10" screen Launch X431 tool every two years, they add so many new features it's just not worth the updates over the $500 a year it costs me to have the latest model.

I watch another guy on YouTube called "Advanced Level Diagnostics" and he is using the newer version of what I've got that looks pretty good for a $1000 scantool (it can do EV stuff).

2026 LAUNCH X431 PRO3S+ Elite All-in-One Bidirectional Scan Tool with Smartlink C J2534 Programming,OEM Topology Map,50+Service – launch-tool.com

www.launch-tool.com

That's capable for $1000

 

[kbeefy]

The scantool will continue to function without the subscription/updates.
I last updated mine in 2021, I doubt I'll ever work on anything newer. I don't mess with FCA/gateway stuff.

 

[DemoFly]

I'm currently paying for autoauth with an autel that I didn't renew the subscription on. The sub is just for updates for newly released cars. When the time comes I'll pay the $125 annual and bake it in.

 

[f121]

No, but I definitely would if I was a home gamer, I've watched T E Videos (YouTube) using it a fair bit on Honda and it looks like really good value if you can live with a smaller 8" screen.

I've decided the best value for me is to just buy a new 10" screen Launch X431 tool every two years, they add so many new features it's just not worth the updates over the $500 a year it costs me to have the latest model.

I watch another guy on YouTube called "Advanced Level Diagnostics" and he is using the newer version of what I've got that looks pretty good for a $1000 scantool (it can do EV stuff).

2026 LAUNCH X431 PRO3S+ Elite All-in-One Bidirectional Scan Tool with Smartlink C J2534 Programming,OEM Topology Map,50+Service – launch-tool.com

www.launch-tool.com

That's capable for $1000

The X431 seems crazy value, the base models are around £400, seems pretty much disposable at that price.

 

[tak1313]

I think the subscription is just $90 a year for it but Ive not renewed it.

I have the DS808 from the Cretaceous period of scanners. Being DIY, I only got an update because we got a new-to-us RAV recently because there's really not much to "update" if it's for a vehicle already covered - in my case, it was a 2010 Prius and 2013 Taco. The Rav is 2022.

I don't remember exactly how much the update package was, but it was somewhere around $250 for one year.

It's a different calculation if you're a pro, however, that is consistently dealing with different cars old and new.

 

[Jeepster04]

Speaking of subscriptions, Autel has them on sale. Looks like I was wrong, mine is $140 (on sale!), not $90.

Software Updates

Stay current with the latest Autel software and maximize the performance of your diagnostic tool with the Autel Total Care Program (TCP). The Autel TCP goes beyond basic updates — it gives you ongoing access to new features, enhanced functions, and expanded vehicle coverage as they’re released...

www.auteltool.us

 

[richfinn]

The X431 seems crazy value, the base models are around £400, seems pretty much disposable at that price.

Definitely a consumable tool for me nowadays

 

[daithi]

The scantool will continue to function without the subscription/updates.
I last updated mine in 2021, I doubt I'll ever work on anything newer. I don't mess with FCA/gateway stuff.

What tool do you have? Can you do any bidirectional functions eg open/close an EVAP solenoid, turn on fuel pump etc?

I'm currently paying for autoauth with an autel that I didn't renew the subscription on. The sub is just for updates for newly released cars. When the time comes I'll pay the $125 annual and bake it in.

How much is autoauth and where do you buy it? From autel or somewhere else?

 

[Skellyii]

Speaking of subscriptions, Autel has them on sale. Looks like I was wrong, mine is $140 (on sale!), not $90.

Software Updates

Stay current with the latest Autel software and maximize the performance of your diagnostic tool with the Autel Total Care Program (TCP). The Autel TCP goes beyond basic updates — it gives you ongoing access to new features, enhanced functions, and expanded vehicle coverage as they’re released...

www.auteltool.us

Yes, unfortunately the Autel sub prices have gone up in the last year or so. Even at the sale price, the update for mine is more today than at the same time last year.

 

[kbeefy]

What tool do you have? Can you do any bidirectional functions eg open/close an EVAP solenoid, turn on fuel pump etc?

I have a Snap On Verus Pro D10. It can handle bi-directional stuff and most anything else you would want to do short of a dealer level machine.

I wouldn't recommend this one for a business as it's pretty old and doesn't really have support anymore, but a newer used snap on unit doesn't really do any more than it and would be fine. I have had an Autel before and wouldn't hesitate to recommend one of those, and I hear good things about the Launch and TopDon units.

 

[Wrench97]

What tool do you have? Can you do any bidirectional functions eg open/close an EVAP solenoid, turn on fuel pump etc?



How much is autoauth and where do you buy it? From autel or somewhere else?

Contact - AutoAuth

CONTACT I have questions about using the AutoAuth service at webapp.autoauth.com Please check the FAQ below or use our Answer Bot for quick assistance, found in the bottom right corner of each page. For support by phone, call 888-830-AUTH between the hours of 3:30am-8pm EST Mon-Fri. For support...

info.autoauth.com

But it requires up to date software(within 2 years I believe) on the tool.

 

[tiredoldironworker]

I'll say it again. Innova 7111. Research it! It ain't the best but it works.

 

[Jeffrey D]

Just ordered the Innova 7111. Coworker connected his to my truck and I was impressed with how user friendly it is. I debated the Autel mk900, but paying for updates was the deal breaker.

 

[allinon72]

I've been researching these for a few weeks...there are near unlimited brands and different features. I've never been so confused for so long on what direction to go on a purchase. I'm about to pull the trigger on an Otofix D1, I like that it runs Autel software. Just wish it did topography though. Stupid enough for me to spend $500 let alone double that on one that does topo. When I first started looking I was in the $200 range.