Umclemrbig
MEMBER EMERITUS
Looking for something in the $250 range or so. I really don't need anything fancy as this is for my carry bag. I had a CRP123 and finally tossed it from sheer frustration. Any help would be appreciated.
Affordable Scanner
- Thread starter Umclemrbig
- Start date
FuzzyTiger
Well-known member
I use a iCarScan x431. Its a small bluetooth adapter and you use your cellphone. It has all the same capabilities as the full Launch package to my knowledge and works well enough.
I think the base adapter is about $250 with a few car makes included (you get to pick), and additional makes can be purchased for something like $70 each.
I think the base adapter is about $250 with a few car makes included (you get to pick), and additional makes can be purchased for something like $70 each.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
What is your intended use, on what brands, doing what diagnostic work?
What didn't you like about the CRP123?
You say this is for a carry bag - what "big guns" do you have at home base? How much capability do you need?
What didn't you like about the CRP123?
You say this is for a carry bag - what "big guns" do you have at home base? How much capability do you need?
OP
Umclemrbig
MEMBER EMERITUS
My dad has an Autel 960 I borrow at times. I couldnt get the CRP to update for nothing.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Autel 906 I assume? If I'm running without a full scan tool, I'll just take a solid OBDII code reader.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QLTYKDW/?tag=atomicindus08-20
DECODED MODE $6. It's $26 and has decoded mode $6 in list format. Live data, no graphing, but no batteries to die. For a road call to help a friend, all I need is "can I fix this on the side of the road" direction. Some fuel trims, monitor status, mode $6 test results, that's about all I'm messing with outside of home base. Do you need ABS, SRS, parking brake, oil resets, etc?
What are you trying to do with the tool? Drive to someones house and diag an intermittent wheel speed code? Or just know if the car can make it back to home base? The CRP series does basically zero hand holding, and IMO occupies a sort-of dead zone in the market. Above $100 but below say $800. Enough information to know you need more, but at the price point the manufacturer can't go all that wild. No bidirectional, but you can do without those if you'll work for it most of the time.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0744B55QV/?tag=atomicindus08-20
No bidirectional, but it's an Autel based tool. Nearly $500 bucks, but you know how to use it and maintain it. Likely "grey market" since it's sold on amazon, if that matters to you.
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Budget isn't something you get to choose.
Use dictates features, and features dictate price. If the price your intended usage dictates goes over the budget cap, you just need fewer features. You got to sit down and make a list of what you want, compare that against cost of units which can perform that, and see if they meet your budget constraint.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QLTYKDW/?tag=atomicindus08-20
DECODED MODE $6. It's $26 and has decoded mode $6 in list format. Live data, no graphing, but no batteries to die. For a road call to help a friend, all I need is "can I fix this on the side of the road" direction. Some fuel trims, monitor status, mode $6 test results, that's about all I'm messing with outside of home base. Do you need ABS, SRS, parking brake, oil resets, etc?
What are you trying to do with the tool? Drive to someones house and diag an intermittent wheel speed code? Or just know if the car can make it back to home base? The CRP series does basically zero hand holding, and IMO occupies a sort-of dead zone in the market. Above $100 but below say $800. Enough information to know you need more, but at the price point the manufacturer can't go all that wild. No bidirectional, but you can do without those if you'll work for it most of the time.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0744B55QV/?tag=atomicindus08-20
No bidirectional, but it's an Autel based tool. Nearly $500 bucks, but you know how to use it and maintain it. Likely "grey market" since it's sold on amazon, if that matters to you.
___________________________________________________________
Budget isn't something you get to choose.
Use dictates features, and features dictate price. If the price your intended usage dictates goes over the budget cap, you just need fewer features. You got to sit down and make a list of what you want, compare that against cost of units which can perform that, and see if they meet your budget constraint.
TonyJ
Well-known member
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Can the min/max scales for graphing be changed on the zurich? Or changes to timebase? That's my number one gripe with cheaper graphing tools - I can't set the scales. Even snap on can burn you with autoranging scales if you're not paying attention.
Just asking out of curiosity, I haven't ever used one.
Just asking out of curiosity, I haven't ever used one.
I suggest getting a Bluedriver
https://www.bluedriver.com/products/bluedriver-scan-tool
or the one I own and use and love is the OBDlink mx+
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JFRFJG6/?tag=atomicindus08-20
both are around the $100 mark and wireless.
https://www.bluedriver.com/products/bluedriver-scan-tool
or the one I own and use and love is the OBDlink mx+
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JFRFJG6/?tag=atomicindus08-20
both are around the $100 mark and wireless.
ajchien
Well-known member
This is the first I’ve heard of the iCarScan x431. $250 for the full Launch software package is a great deal for the DIY guy especially if you’re only dealing with a few car makes.
TonyJ
Well-known member
In the 13 the scales can’t be changed but are auto ranging but you mentioned the oil reset and all that it does do. It also has global odb2 and also manufacture specific odb2. Just got email from HF this morning and the 13 is $144 for Black Friday sale.
OP
Umclemrbig
MEMBER EMERITUS
I looked at this one and the reviews were not great. Thoughts?
OP
Umclemrbig
MEMBER EMERITUS
I have this one and it will do all the basics along with graphing and live data and srs, abs.
I looked at this one and the reviews were not great. Thoughts?
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FuzzyTiger
Well-known member
Yep. Comes with 6 makes I believe and has all the full features. Bidirectional control, airbags, and all of it. Pretty hard to beat that.
anndel
Well-known member
Bluedriver +1. A car had a P0300 and P0301 code and tested it against a Snap-on Verus and an Autol MS906TS. I caught the code an offered fixes via the free version of Identifix.
FuzzyTiger
Well-known member
How does identifix work? Is it just going to tell you that because you have code xyz, you should replace parts ABC or does it use the codes to develop a test plan for you to follow to reach a proper diagnosis?
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
If you choose to search by code:
First will be a series of lists, describing what parts where most often changed and some basic trouble shooting of the system. Usually it will list the codes most often also set with the code entered. Sometimes the outcome of most common part replaced or process performed will be different depending on what else set with the code.
After the basic test plan, it will show you TSBs, electrical diagrams, and R&R info for the more common parts. Below all that will be DTC set criteria and monitor info.
Whether the parts cannon is fired, or it's actually diagnosed, is up to the tech/shop doing the work. Just because a part is a common failure, doesn't mean it failed on this particular car obviously. It's nice for a silver bullet fix or if you're 100% new to troubleshooting you can rule out components individually based on frequency of failure. I used to do this with parts availability. With 3 possible suspect parts, we'll test the one most readily available. Places wouldn't stock it if it didn't fail. Works fairly well. You can do the same thing with the Dorman catalog. If dorman makes a replacement, it's a pattern failure, check it first. Big caveat to that is - NEVER buy the dorman part.
That was sort of my pre-identifix pattern failure system when I first learned diagnostic work.2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Wouldn't any $20 code reader have caught a P0300 and a P0301?
I feel your frustration. I have the Launch CRP129x I bought back in April. I have not used it a ton, but it's been frustrating for sure. Physically, I like it a lot. But the software just feels clunky and broken. Sometimes features don't work or it's slow to respond. But the most frustrating thing for me is;
#1. It seems every time there is an update, I have to reset it back to factory defaults. For some reason those updates seem to break something if they are not done on a "factory fresh install". Which leads to complaint number two...
#2. The auto VIN feature is just about worthless. It will spin the wheel like a damn slot machine and will actually show the correct VIN, but then asks me to put in the VIN manually. And it might ask several times when switching between features. Extremely annoying. Sometimes I can get it to work, but most of the time it won't.
Having said all that, I'm still searching for a reasonably priced alternative. I don't work in a shop anymore so I don't need a Snap On and let's be honest, the other tool trucks just rebrand. I also don't absolutely need bi-directional controls (maybe some day) or a built-in scope. But I can't seem to find anything that has a reasonable price wise vs. features. It seems you get a cheap code reader that might be able to show a few data PIDs from the engine or you have to pay tool truck prices.
I've been looking at getting an Autel MX808. It can be had for about $400, so it's generally over my budget and as such I have not pulled the trigger yet. But I wish I would of just spent a bit more and got the Autel over the Launch.
I don't have any personal experience with Autel, but from what I've seen, they make a better tool. I will likely sell the Launch as it's way past my return window, and put those funds towards the Autel. Sometimes hassle and frustration are just not worth the price.
Wrench97
Well-known member
If you don't want bidirectional control( but that is feature I would miss for a lot of trouble shooting) the Autel MaxiLink ML629 does Engine/trans/ABS/SRS/monitors and shows quite a bit of data.
Thanks for the tip. Did a bit of research and as long as it actually works, that Autel ML629 should be enough to get the job done. Keep It Simple Stupid.
I really only need the ability to pull codes from the engine, transmission, ABS and SRS. Add a bit of basic data PID's and system monitors, and I'm sold for the price.
Speaking of which, I sold my Launch CRP129x on Friday and just ordered the Autel ML629, it will be here by today (Sunday). There was a $25 off promo on Amazon, so total was about $110 with tax and prime shipping.
I've got a Launch millennium 90pro. I think of it as a glorified code reader. It does code reads on engine/abs/srs... oil resets, abs bleeding/brake resets, some EVAP controls on some cars. It's a real pain to use. Only has buttons, no touch screen. Has 2 modes, one does a quick code read but will miss codes. Other has the limited scanner functions and then live data/codes by module. And need to enter make, model, year, powertrain for the second mode
It got me out of a pinch when working at a different location and the old shop scanner went missing (Solus Pro updated to '11) and they didn't want to replace it. I needed something even if we did very little driveability/diagnostic work. At my current location we do more diag but nothing too heavy, shop has a Solus Edge and that's what I grab. I mostly just use the Launch at home, on occasion
It got me out of a pinch when working at a different location and the old shop scanner went missing (Solus Pro updated to '11) and they didn't want to replace it. I needed something even if we did very little driveability/diagnostic work. At my current location we do more diag but nothing too heavy, shop has a Solus Edge and that's what I grab. I mostly just use the Launch at home, on occasion
Autel md808pro is a good value around $230. It reads all modules and does basic service functions like throttle reset, battery, dpf, calipers, steering angle, and oil reset. I bought it mainly for for clearing out body and srs codes after having taken cars apart but surprisingly have used the reset features more than I had thought.
Just a heads up, I purchased the Autel ML629, but quickly returned it. Here is why (taken directly from my Amazon review) and a word of caution.
I've not had much luck with these damn Chinese scan tools, Launch and Autel specifically. I honestly don't know what is legitimate and what is a fake or counterfeit. I don't know what software these things are running and what damage (if any) it can cause.
I've read that both Launch and Autel pirate, hack and steal software. They are sold on Amazon but where or who they come from is unknown, even if sold/shipped by Amazon.
Their USA based support seems to be virtually non-existent and not helpful.
I don't know if the more expensive versions (MX808 or 906 for example) are better and have the bugs worked out, but I have very little confidence at this point. I also won't waste my time or money on cheaper tools or other unknown/generic brands. The OTC and Bosch readers seem to have a distinct lack of features/updates forcing the more expensive option. Brands like Actron seem to be more Chinese junk that claim to support everything under the sun, but do very little if any.
At this point, I may have to go with Snap On if I want anything beyond a quick code reader. We'll see next year around tax season... Matco and Mac both rebrand Autel and Launch, so those are not an option.
I've read that both Launch and Autel pirate, hack and steal software. They are sold on Amazon but where or who they come from is unknown, even if sold/shipped by Amazon.
Their USA based support seems to be virtually non-existent and not helpful.
I don't know if the more expensive versions (MX808 or 906 for example) are better and have the bugs worked out, but I have very little confidence at this point. I also won't waste my time or money on cheaper tools or other unknown/generic brands. The OTC and Bosch readers seem to have a distinct lack of features/updates forcing the more expensive option. Brands like Actron seem to be more Chinese junk that claim to support everything under the sun, but do very little if any.
At this point, I may have to go with Snap On if I want anything beyond a quick code reader. We'll see next year around tax season... Matco and Mac both rebrand Autel and Launch, so those are not an option.
Wrench97
Well-known member
It would help to know what year make and model vehicle you had the issues with. Certain years of Kia and Hyundai, older Toyotas and older Hondas seem to have issues with all scan tools and the emission inspection machine as far as taking forever to connect and read.
Fair enough. My primary vehicle is a 2011 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL. That is the vehicle I would have the most experience with/most time working on.
Other commonly tested vehicle would be a 2011 (or 2012) Ford Mustang 3.6L. However I did not use the Autel ML629 on the Ford this time around. After my experience with my Nissan, I could not trust it.
My previous tool I mentioned earlier in the thread, Launch CR129x had issues with both vehicles. Specifically difficulty with auto-VIN decode even after manually entering the VIN (see previous post).
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richfinn
Well-known member
For your Ford Mustang you could try FORSCAN (free to download and replicates Fords factory tool) you will need a good quality ELM327 interface
We don't get the Nissan Altima in the UK so a bit more tricky to recommend anything, you could look for a used G.I.T G-Scan that hasn't been updated if it's a 2011 car
G-Scan is a great tool on Japanese/Korean vehicles
Factory level tool for KIA/Hyundai until fairy recently
rustyjames
Well-known member
I have an even cheaper ELM327 and it picked those same codes up on my VW.
I bought my autels from aeswave, they are a legit dealer. I have had no problems with registering or updating.
Auto Vin reading seems to be hit or miss, sometimes works sometimes doesn’t. Certain cars are slower than others. I bet the cheaper the tool most likely the less processing power.
I have used a few different snap on scanners and while they are better than what I have, i could never justify the outlandish starting and update prices for how little I would use it.
Auto Vin reading seems to be hit or miss, sometimes works sometimes doesn’t. Certain cars are slower than others. I bet the cheaper the tool most likely the less processing power.
I have used a few different snap on scanners and while they are better than what I have, i could never justify the outlandish starting and update prices for how little I would use it.
engineer2
Well-known member
I know this is an older thread, but I need a better scanner for my fleet of Hondas. The Blue Driver is great for a quick check, but I need more advanced features, like EPB maintenance mode, ABS, VSA, TCS, EPS, SRS diagnostics and reset, in addition to the usual OBDII stuff.
And no, I can't spend $2000+. Budget might be up to $300-ish.
Used to own an Autel, but it turned out to be a counterfeit product I sent back for a refund.
I bought a Foxwell China scanner and while it works OK, it is impossible to update easily, and causes issues with my car's computer system like setting permanent DTCs when I started out with none.
And no, I can't spend $2000+. Budget might be up to $300-ish.
Used to own an Autel, but it turned out to be a counterfeit product I sent back for a refund.
I bought a Foxwell China scanner and while it works OK, it is impossible to update easily, and causes issues with my car's computer system like setting permanent DTCs when I started out with none.
richfinn
Well-known member
Good luck with that plan buddy!!!
Wrench97
Well-known member
The AUTEL MaxiCOM MK808BT will probably do 90% of what you want for about the $600 mark. be forewarned buy it from a legit seller and register the tool as soon as you get it(I've seen the counterfeits come from Amazon sellers) also none of the 3rd party tools including Snap On will do 100% of the OEM functions some do more then others, other tools have different tests available(that's why you see shops/techs with multiple scan tools). To get into TPMS is another bump up in model to about the $900 range.
The second choice is Launch X431 DIAGUN V+ for about $700 it has it's uses and is better in some areas on some vehicles but personally I would not want it to be my only scan tool. Same cautions apply as above reputable seller and register as soon as you get it.
macwhiz
Member
ThinkDiag. For $99 you get a dongle that works with your phone to be a virtual Diagun. (The software is clearly derived from Launch's Diagun, very similar interface.) There's subscription fees, either per-manufacturer or per-service-type, but if you aren't pro enough to be going with an Autel MaxiDiag or Snap-On Verus or the like, the "pay only for what you need" model will probably save you tons of money. And ThinkCar often runs a "full unlock" special for $120-$199/yr, which is a fraction of most tools' subscription fees.
It's a full bidirectional tool with special functions, actuator tests, manufacturer-specific PIDs, variant coding, the works. About all it doesn't seem to do is firmware updates, as it's not a J-box.
It seems to be the clear sweet spot for DIYers or beginner techs.
Sent from my iPad using Garage Journal
It's a full bidirectional tool with special functions, actuator tests, manufacturer-specific PIDs, variant coding, the works. About all it doesn't seem to do is firmware updates, as it's not a J-box.
It seems to be the clear sweet spot for DIYers or beginner techs.
Sent from my iPad using Garage Journal
sallywilliams.1107
Member
$250 is a good budget for home repair. But what is your car model?
This is what I have and it's awesome. Just a small bluetooth scanner that connects to your phone. You can check, research, and clear codes directly on your phone through the Torque app. Scanner itself is $12.99 and will easily fit in your pocket. No wires no hassle, just plug the thing in and pair with your phone. If you lose it or break it, its not that big of a deal since it's dirt cheap.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011NSX27A/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011NSX27A/?tag=atomicindus08-20