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Autel MaxiCOM MK808 scan tool

Tech89

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Nov 9, 2013
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416
Thinking about purchasing the Autel MK808 scan tool for my own personal work at home and maybe some use at work to see what all it can do. Anyone have one?
How is it for output functions and data pids? I've heard the graphing on it isn't great, but honestly I'm not really that concered with that. Any problems you guys have experienced? I'm assuming from reading that is indeed a bi-directional scan tool, but I didn't see anywhere that it specifically said "bi-directional", but I did some pretty lite reading on it. I decided to come here right away to get some real reviews and experience from my favorite tool junkies [emoji23]. Thanks.

-Pat

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Kaervak

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Go for the MaxiDas DS808. I bought one last year and have used it quite a bit. It has bi-directional control capabilities. Unless you need the ability to program ECUs and whatnot, you won't need anything more.
 

fordnut85

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Sep 6, 2012
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The ds808 is gonna be about the best bang for your buck for a home gamer/ light professional. I've got the ds908, a verus and some factory tooling and the autel hangs with the best of them

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Tech89

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I'm a professional mechanic by day for a independent shop, but I have more and more sidework at my own place popping up. I do lots of mechanical, but that's mostly because I don't have a scan tool yet.

-Pat

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fordnut85

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I'm a professional mechanic by day for a independent shop, but I have more and more sidework at my own place popping up. I do lots of mechanical, but that's mostly because I don't have a scan tool yet.

-Pat

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The 908 would probly be a better option for you then but if your gonna drop the coin I would look at a modis edge, the scope will about double your capability.

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Fedwrench

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One thing to consider regardless of brand selected, is the cost and availability of updates. All aftermarket scan tools are a compromise compared to the factory tool. Good luck :beer:
 
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Tech89

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Nov 9, 2013
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how does the bi-directional functionality work? what exactly is it used for?
Bi-directional scan tools can run various self-tests such as opening and closing solenoids, energizing injectors, turning the cooling fan on and off, etc. Access most of the modules on a vehicle, display all or most of the PIDs for various systems including powertrain, body, suspension, ABS and airbags, and they can be used to perform relearn and initialization procedures, such as resetting the steering angle sensor after the wheels have been realigned, resetting idle speed, etc.

-Pat

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ItsNemo

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I've been tempted by the cheapy MD808 Pro...for mid 300's it has some service stuff (EPB, oil reset, steering angle, dpf, battery, etc) and scans all modules. Depending on what you actually need to do, this might cover most of it.
 

Tallpilot

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It doesn’t seem to get much love here but I like my Ethos tech. I paid $1,000 for it secondhand. It has received two updates since I bought it. They will stop eventually but not having to spend money on updates so far has been nice. It also includes Europe without additional cost although I try to avoid working on them. The only missing feature is the troubleshooter but I assume you have access to service data so don’t really need it.
 

Luciferi

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Mar 24, 2013
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I've been tempted by the cheapy MD808 Pro...for mid 300's it has some service stuff (EPB, oil reset, steering angle, dpf, battery, etc) and scans all modules. Depending on what you actually need to do, this might cover most of it.

I just bought this a few weeks ago. I was thinking about something better but the cost of the updates stopped me. I got it at aeswave for $229 before tax and shipping

I tried it out on my 2000 e46 and works ok. It reads the BMW specific codes. A bit slow and a lot of button presses to get anywhere. The bad part is there are no names for any modules so you have no idea what options are there. I figured out engine and transmission ones. I am sure there is a list out there but haven't looked yet. On the BMW specific side, the modules are labeled and shows the codes.

I haven't tried any of the service stuff yet.

It should work for me pretty well. I need it just to reset codes from unplugging things when doing wiring work.
 
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Tech89

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The only missing feature is the troubleshooter but I assume you have access to service data so don’t really need it.

Correct. A guy I work with has a Ethos. Nice tool for the money.

-Pat

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Two Door

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Houston, TX - USA
Re the bi-directional capabilities, I've found that isn't all or nothing. To avoid unpleasant surprises you need to contact the manufacturer in advance to find out exactly what it will do, on what vehicles. I just returned an OTC unit because while it had ABS bleed functionality, it didn't cover my specific vehicle, even though it was within a make and model range for which it was broadly claimed.

Also, if reading Amazon reviews - Note that many of the Autel product reviews are for more products than the one you thought you were reading about.
 
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BiggityBen

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May 1, 2018
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NJ
looking at the Autel DS808's, is there an update subscription that goes with it? trying to decipher total costs involved.

edit - for anyone wondering, it seems to be free for first year of purchase, and then $350 for every subsequent year.
 
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