2017 | Auto Code Reader/Scanner

[jahn]

I'm not a mechanic...

I'm looking for a DIY/Auto owner reader or scanner for basic information at a sub $100.00 cost.

What would you recommend?

 

[uncwstudent]

If you have a smart phone, I would look at just buying the Torque App ($5) and buying a decent Bluetooth dongle off of Amazon. Torque has a ton of features for very little money and I've had a lot of success with it.

 

[jahn]

Thanks unc.... I'm the only one in the world that has a Windows phone and no one does apps. I may have to use the wife's iphone and give it a try

 

[royesses]

Go to harbor freight web page. print out the 25% coupon and choose one of the scanners they sell made by Autel.

Roy

 

[Tallpilot]

Go to harbor freight web page. print out the 25% coupon and choose one of the scanners they sell made by Autel.

Roy

This is good advice; also look at Google shopping to compare prices.

AL319: good basic OBDII scanner with live data (~$30)
AL519: good basic OBDII scanner with live data and graphing (~$50)
AL619: good basic OBDII scanner with live data and graphing plus SRS/ABS (~$100)
MD802: good basic OBDII scanner with live data and graphing plus all module scan (~$200)

If you just want to read codes the 319 will do it ridiculously cheap and will even show live PIDs. If you want to be able to graph data which can help with troubleshooting (O2 sensors at WOT, etc) then get the 519 for a few dollars more.

You mentioned $100 as a budget so the 619 is a great buy because it will also do Airbag and ABS codes which you will eventually run into. For another $100 the MD802 will let you scan all the modules which can be helpful for transmission codes, etc. It really depends on how new the cars you are working with are. The newer the car the more modules it has, all things being equal.

 

[unslow1]

I picked up the 802 DIY model for $81 last week on an Amazon flash sale shipped.

Currently $109.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N0QQZY7/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[FlushingDIYer]

Thanks unc.... I'm the only one in the world that has a Windows phone and no one does apps. I may have to use the wife's iphone and give it a try

I was with you for four years, man. Windows phone is by far the best interface out there. I loved it. I held onto the Lumia 830 for over two years. Beautiful phone! But that was probably because I was a Nokia fanboy the way I'm an SK fanboy now!

I might go for something like this if I were you. Under $40 shipped. https://www.amazon.com/Autel-AutoLink-AL319-Scan-Tool/dp/B007XE8C74/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1499096477&sr=8-3&keywords=autel+scanner

Though, depending on the car you drive, you might get limited access to vehicle-specific codes...

I keep one of these the armrest of our old Volvo. Just used it yesterday on an older Rav4 and on a Jeep. (Though, it's never worked right on my parents' 09 Accord...) For under $20, there's no reason not to have one of these.
https://www.amazon.com/Autel-MaxiScan-MS300-Diagnostic-Vehicles/dp/B001LHVOVK/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1499096477&sr=8-12&keywords=autel+scanner

 

[jahn]

Unslow, I'm waiting on that deal again. I picked up a Autel AL319 for about $40 on Amazon which worked for my current needs. Thanks guys.

 

[JohnDeere1]

Bought my Mac rebranded launch creader iv for $100 off ebay and it does it all odb,can,srs,abs life graphing and has memory what more could you want.

 

[Tallpilot]

Unslow, I'm waiting on that deal again. I picked up a Autel AL319 for about $40 on Amazon which worked for my current needs. Thanks guys.

I think this is good advice. You will get a fairly powerful tool and if you are only working on one or two different makes this is probably the best choice out there for ~$100.

The AL319 is actually quite capable on its own. I used it exclusively until I got a 619. Now I keep it in the lady's car.

 

[Treeman]

I,too, just bought the DIAGLINK scan tool last week (DIY version of MD802) during the lightning deal for $87. It is VERY powerful and must be the best value going these days.

Here's some general observations:
- All scanners in this price range lag 2-3 years regarding enhanced vehicle coverage (above the global OBDII). Bosch/Actron is still only good up to 2013. INNOVA, Autel, and Launch are at 2015 +/-(a few brands/models are less).

- Its imperative one realizes that beyond one vehicle brand, you buy additional brand software for $10 each with the DIAGLINK model we are discussing here.

-Amazon seller "Motorzone" is very responsive to answer questions and will tell you when the next lightning deal will be. http://www.deals-amazon.shop/Autel-...ansmission-EPB-Oil-Service-Reset-N/B06XYC28HH

- You need to register the scanner, download the updated DIAGLINK PC suite, then download your specific vehicle brand software. Even I could do it with modest computer skills.

Very awesome scanner. It scans ALL electronic systems....ABS, SRS, HVAC, ******, and on and on.


EDIT: OP, I see that you live in Hell. I've been there and back, LOL. And, I work near Pinckney on occassion at DNR facilities.

 

[turnthewrench]

I'm the only one in the world that has a Windows phone...

You're not. Car Scanner Pro is in the Windows Store. It's basically a ported Torque to Windows. For $2.99 is a steal -- Or, you can download the free version (don't know the differences)

Works fine with Windows 10 Pro and this...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NLQAHS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Congratulations on your Autel.