Bi-directional scam tools for the home user

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Once upon a time I had access to snap on and genisys scan tools. I don't work in a shop anymore and now work out of my driveway. I'm looking for a bi- directional scan tool that won't cost me a million dollars. Tpms, key programming, actuate important things...

 

[General Geoff]

https://www.harborfreight.com/zr-pro-professional-automotive-scanner-64576.html

Pricey but not unbelievably-so. Worth it if you still work on cars for a living, or even if it's just a passion and you do a lot of diagnostics on later model cars.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=438363

Recent discussion on the topic. Learning Fobs, and actual programing can be two different things. Most scan tools will not include a TPMS triggering device, but will allow live data and communication with the TPMS module.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

https://www.harborfreight.com/zr-pro-professional-automotive-scanner-64576.html

Pricey but not unbelievably-so. Worth it if you still work on cars for a living, or even if it's just a passion and you do a lot of diagnostics on later model cars.

Looks like an autel. Any more info? I'm intrigued...

 

[Yarpo]

Looks like an autel. Any more info? I'm intrigued...

Just buy an Autel instead.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Is the 906ts sufficient or do I need to look at an upper model?

 

[richfinn]

Once upon a time I had access to snap on and genisys scan tools. I don't work in a shop anymore and now work out of my driveway. I'm looking for a bi- directional scan tool that won't cost me a million dollars. Tpms, key programming, actuate important things...

Any specific vehicle brands?

If your looking for all makes look carefully at Autel and Launch and pick the version that matches what you need the most

 

[VinceG]

Matco MaxMe subscription based one is what I use. of course its made buy launch.

 

[kythri]

Did Ford and Autel ever settle their tiff? The Autel scanner that displays Ford part numbers for it's suggested fixes sounds nice.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

BI-Directional Scam Tool?

I guess it allows you to transfer your money back from the Nigerian Princes bank account.

I just noticed that [emoji1787]

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Next question. Which autel will allow me bidirectional scanning with Chevy, Nissan, Ford, Chrysler, Honda and maybe a few others? And will I need to take out a small loan? I was thinking 2k or less.

 

[signcrafter]

Next question. Which autel will allow me bidirectional scanning with Chevy, Nissan, Ford, Chrysler, Honda and maybe a few others? And will I need to take out a small loan? I was thinking 2k or less.

I haven't kept up with the newer autels, I bought mine about 5 years ago now. But 2 grand will get you a good scan tool from a number of makers. Can even look for a used snap on if you wanted at that price range. Most scan tools 800 and up will be decent and the more you spend the more it will do usually. You will have to look into which one is best for you but you should have no problem finding something for under 2 grand that will do what you want. There are lots of scan tool videos on youtube comparing different models.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I've been out of the scan tool game for a while. I know a lot of people will recommend snap on and I don't mind that, but I'd like to obviously get the most bang for my buck. I'm not looking to spend 2,000 but if it was three difference between a great tool at 2,000 and a somewhat crippled tool at 1,500, I'd pay the extra 500.

 

[Showkey]

Bi directional has two or more levels:

1. Able to send commands to modules and complete some diagnostic tests. Can be found for $1000 or less.

2. Able to update modules with factory software update or fixes, translates to far more $$$$$. Relearn or teach in new parts as per manufacturers requirement. Usually needs a subscription and often not updated to the latest versions.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I'm only looking to communicate and actuate with bi- directional.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

So an autel 906 family, launch x431 family, or any snapon unit.

 

[dagofast]

https://www.harborfreight.com/zr-pro-professional-automotive-scanner-64576.html

Pricey but not unbelievably-so. Worth it if you still work on cars for a living, or even if it's just a passion and you do a lot of diagnostics on later model cars.

I do like the fact that the Zurich comes with every manufacturer loaded up and ready to go. The free updates for a year is also nice. The $499 additional year update fee is steep, being half again the cost of the unit, but HF states the unit will keep working with the last software update loaded. So you could just keep using it until you buy a newer vehicle and then update the software when you need to. I have zero idea who makes it for them, but it seems impressive for the price.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I guess it's down to Zurich, autel 906ts & launch x-431 torque. Opinions on features

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

And also, if I decide to go with autel, who sells it whos trustworthy? I see Amazon has it for $1,475 but if it's not a US scan tool it's not worth it

 

[gtjunk]

I would go with the Autel over HF, not hating on them, but HF has a history of not really supporting their badged products with parts/support whereas that's Autel's primary market.

 

[pbon]

Doesn’t autel charge a subscription fee? Does the software become inactive after a year or can you continue using it if older software works for your needs?

 

[dagofast]

I've seen higher scanner prices and higher software upgrade prices from Autel direct. The biggest concern I'd have with Autel is buying a discounted unit from another source that results in Autel refusing to support it.

That said, what is the maximum life cycle of any brand of phone/tablet based device these days? I can see maybe 5-7 years at the most before the batteries are shot, the operating software is unsupported and the memory & processor will not be able to be upgraded.

 

[tym]

Scam tools? For a moment I thought we were talking about people at work!

 

[signcrafter]

Doesn’t autel charge a subscription fee? Does the software become inactive after a year or can you continue using it if older software works for your needs?

Autel doesn't charge a subscription fee. They do charge for updates after the one year of free ones runs out. If you don't update it you can still use it on vehicles with model year up to when your scanner was updated to. I bought mine in 2015 and haven't updated it since my year was up and still use mine everyday. Last time I checked I think they wanted 600 bucks for the update and I paid less then a grand for my scanner. I don't work on many brand new vehicles so I don't have a need to update at this time. I figure in a year or two mine will be about 6 years old so I will just buy a new scanner at that time. Figure spend 1000-1500 on a new scanner instead of 600 on an update on an old scan tool. Also I will look into a different brand since I already have an autel. Not because I'm not happy with my autel but because some scan tools work better then others on different vehicles, so if I have an autel and I get a launch or something I should have more coverage then just two autels. Unless the new autels at the time when I'm looking have way better coverage then the other options in that price range. Then I will just get another autel.