ANOTHER bi-directional scan tool thread.

[BolognaBlake]

Hello all.

I'm a home-gamer, I work in the automotive industry, but not a tech. Lately I've been taking on a lot of work on the week ends and I need a new scan tool.

I have an old Modis, an old OTC Genysis, and a Verdict, which is my most up to date. I was putting a turbo on a 2018 Ford Edge and my Verdict didn't cover it. Fortunately my Chinese VCM clone saved the day, but it left me wanting a new scan tool.

I don't think it's worth it to me to be a new tool from Snap-On. I'm thinking of going with a Autel Maxisys 906. I'd like to stay under $1500. Is there any reason to consider a Launch or Thinktool? What else am I missing?

ALSO, does anybody have experience with the TPMS capable MS906? I have a Bartec 500 that I'm using now, but maybe it would be nice to have something all in one?

Thanks!

 

[signcrafter]

I picked up the autel 906bt a few months back now and really like it. When I was looking it seemed to be the best bang for the buck hands down.

As far as tpms goes I already had the autel 508(think that's the model) stand alone tpms tool. I did a quick check and didnt see how the 906ts triggers the sensors. If you have to carry the whole tablet around to each tire to trigger sensors that may be a pain. The 508 works good to just tap the valve stem and go quickly.

 

[dnschmidt]

I have this Launch and I like it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072FHLYRY/?tag=atomicindus08-20 Only problem is that it's only supported from China but I haven't found that to be a problem. My friend Ivan, from Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics, clued me onto it. He recently has been given a Thinktool Pro which he's very happy with. The Thinktool sort of bothers me as it's an exact clone of the Launch. Apparently, the Chinese have moved on from copying us to copying each other. With either of these selections I don't think you're going to get much in the way of domestic support but unless you go with what use to be called Drew Technologies (they've got a new name now) and pay $10,000 for their scan tool domestic support sort of ***** anyway.

 

[Flared Base]

I think I just went through what you are going through. I wanted something comprehensive and bidirectional but as a home gamer, couldn't justify spending too much. It gets really confusing because there are so many different models and sub models that are all slightly different. After kind of going in circles for some time, I started getting the impression that the Launch units seemed to be very comprehensive and seemed to have very good support and many upgrades available. When Prime day came around, I saw that they had a LAUNCH X431 PRO3S+V2.0 for about $575 off according to camelcamelcamel.com As it was a limited time offer I pulled the trigger even though it was difficult to tell exactly how it was different from the other X431 models even on Launch's own website. It just came this week so I'll probably play around with it this weekend. Reading the instructions, it looks like it will read all modules, display and record multiple data streams, allow remote diagnostics, ect. However, there are some things that I don't see. For example, ECU coding is mentioned in the Amazon listing but not in the Launch instructions. Perhaps this particular vendor upgraded the until?

I wish I had more feedback than I liked the Launch units and that Prime Day had some big discounts. The Launch unit that I got seems very comparable to the Maxisys 906 you are looking at except it is wireless.

 

[BolognaBlake]

Thanks guys.

The Autels are pretty straight forward. I see JBtools has the MS906BT for I think $1199. I see the MK906BT for around the same price. It looks the same but red? Processor, ram, and rom are the same.

The Launches are pretty confusing, but I do see a lot of people using the Diagun. I know Ivan was using one for a while.

 

[qqzj]

Nice tool! Hopefully price drops to $500 range when I really need it.

 

[AJHD]

This is by no means an endorsement of Snap On or advising that you buy one, I'm just sharing my experience. Your mileage may very.

But, I finally gave up earlier this year and bought a used Snap On Solus Edge from my dealer. Clean, no damage, new cable, new charger, new bag, etc. Came with the 2020 update and he recently gave a free 2021 update.

Anyway... I've not used the more expensive Launch and Autel versions, but the versions I have used beyond just a code reader have been nothing but frustrating. The software has been terrible and constantly gave me issues. The warranty and support for these China brands is vague at best. I don't know how their update systems work. They have been accused of stealing software in the past and from my knowledge they don't get software/data from the manufactures.

I just couldn't justify spending $1,000+ on a question mark.

 

[joel63]

What do you need it for, domestic or import?
Sounds as if your dealer sold you a good setup.
Either way I think you should be set.

 

[BolognaBlake]

This is by no means an endorsement of Snap On or advising that you buy one, I'm just sharing my experience. Your mileage may very.

But, I finally gave up earlier this year and bought a used Snap On Solus Edge from my dealer. Clean, no damage, new cable, new charger, new bag, etc. Came with the 2020 update and he recently gave a free 2021 update.

Anyway... I've not used the more expensive Launch and Autel versions, but the versions I have used beyond just a code reader have been nothing but frustrating. The software has been terrible and constantly gave me issues. The warranty and support for these China brands is vague at best. I don't know how their update systems work. They have been accused of stealing software in the past and from my knowledge they don't get software/data from the manufactures.

I just couldn't justify spending $1,000+ on a question mark.

I would consider the same. I have a dealer I text when I need something. He hasn't had any used scanners lately. I've been happy with my Snap-On Verdict with the exception of the cost of updates.

I'd like to venture out to another brand, because I've run into issues with coverage on some European stuff with Snap On. I was working on a no start on a newer Volkswagen Passat diesel and several functional tests wouldn't work and it didn't really make sense the way data was categorized. But that's also a me problem because I don't work on much euro junk other than pre-obd Mercedes.

What I would really like is one of the new Bosch scanner. But they are out of my budget.

I think I've narrowed it down to the MS906BT or LAUNCH X431 PRO3S+.

I'm definitely not getting rid of the Verdict because it's great for domestic work, and I've the learned you really need like three scan tools at any given time.

 

[BolognaBlake]

I think I just went through what you are going through. I wanted something comprehensive and bidirectional but as a home gamer, couldn't justify spending too much. It gets really confusing because there are so many different models and sub models that are all slightly different. After kind of going in circles for some time, I started getting the impression that the Launch units seemed to be very comprehensive and seemed to have very good support and many upgrades available. When Prime day came around, I saw that they had a LAUNCH X431 PRO3S+V2.0 for about $575 off according to camelcamelcamel.com As it was a limited time offer I pulled the trigger even though it was difficult to tell exactly how it was different from the other X431 models even on Launch's own website. It just came this week so I'll probably play around with it this weekend. Reading the instructions, it looks like it will read all modules, display and record multiple data streams, allow remote diagnostics, ect. However, there are some things that I don't see. For example, ECU coding is mentioned in the Amazon listing but not in the Launch instructions. Perhaps this particular vendor upgraded the until?

I wish I had more feedback than I liked the Launch units and that Prime Day had some big discounts. The Launch unit that I got seems very comparable to the Maxisys 906 you are looking at except it is wireless.

What was the price at that time if you don't mind me asking?

 

[AJHD]

I would consider the same. I have a dealer I text when I need something. He hasn't had any used scanners lately. I've been happy with my Snap-On Verdict with the exception of the cost of updates.

I'd like to venture out to another brand, because I've run into issues with coverage on some European stuff with Snap On. I was working on a no start on a newer Volkswagen Passat diesel and several functional tests wouldn't work and it didn't really make sense the way data was categorized. But that's also a me problem because I don't work on much euro junk other than pre-obd Mercedes.

What I would really like is one of the new Bosch scanner. But they are out of my budget.

I think I've narrowed it down to the MS906BT or LAUNCH X431 PRO3S+.

I'm definitely not getting rid of the Verdict because it's great for domestic work, and I've the learned you really need like three scan tools at any given time.

I was looking into Bosch as well. Their lower end scan tools didn't seem to offer much or be worth their asking price. The higher end tools were too expensive. I didn't really find anything in the middle. Same for OTC.

I would like to pick up another scan tool at some point in the future, likely also the Autel MS906 or the Launch X431, but right now the money just isn't there. I'm also not working in a shop these days and it's been difficult enough to justify the cost of the Solus Edge (I still think about it every day).

But I've also learned there really is not a "one tool does everything" and you need more than 1 if you're doing this for a living. I've watched every video from guys like Eric O', Flat Rate Master and Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics. They constantly use 2 or 3 or more scan tools because one of them has the feature they need or works better/works at all with the vehicle they are working on.

For now, the Solus Edge and a basic code reader (w/ some data PID's) is enough to get the job done. Don't get me started on having to buy an automotive oscilloscope.

 

[Wrench97]

I was looking into Bosch as well. Their lower end scan tools didn't seem to offer much or be worth their asking price. The higher end tools were too expensive. I didn't really find anything in the middle. Same for OTC.

I would like to pick up another scan tool at some point in the future, likely also the Autel MS906 or the Launch X431, but right now the money just isn't there. I'm also not working in a shop these days and it's been difficult enough to justify the cost of the Solus Edge (I still think about it every day).

But I've also learned there really is not a "one tool does everything" and you need more than 1 if you're doing this for a living. I've watched every video from guys like Eric O', Flat Rate Master and Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics. They constantly use 2 or 3 or more scan tools because one of them has the feature they need or works better/works at all with the vehicle they are working on.

For now, the Solus Edge and a basic code reader (w/ some data PID's) is enough to get the job done. Don't get me started on having to buy an automotive oscilloscope.

Bosh owns OTC so those tools are going to the same in different packaging, for the longest time OTC was Matco's supplier for scan tools(not sure if that remains the same today). The Solus Edge is a decent tool from Snappy but your right the upgrade cost is high, The shop has a up to date Solus, I have a Verus Edge that's out of date only good to 17's, played with a launch for bit and found it to be pretty buggy/deficient, The shop just bought the new Bosh ADS 625 I have played with it a little bit, but nowhere near enough to know what I like or do not like, the subscription depending on where you buy it runs $925 to $1250 a year for update and continued service coverage.
We had a Autel MS906Bt that worked well and did most of what I wanted it to do as far as Key Fobs and TPMS but the boss (ahem) took it for a ride on a roof one day........................well since he bought it I guess he gets to break it.....

 

[Flared Base]

What was the price at that time if you don't mind me asking?

I paid $715 ($771 with tax in CA). Today the listing I bought it from lists the price at $1,192.

Amazon.com: LAUNCH X431 PRO3S+ Bi-Directional Scan Tool,31+ Reset Service OE-Level Full System Diagnostic Scanner,Key Program,ECU Coding,AutoAuth for FCA SGW 2 Years Free Update: Automotive

Buy LAUNCH X431 PRO3S+ Bi-Directional Scan Tool, 31+ Reset Service OE-Level Full System Diagnostic Scanner, Key Program, ECU Coding, AutoAuth for FCA SGW 2 Years Free Update: Code Readers & Scan Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[BolognaBlake]

I paid $715 ($771 with tax in CA). Today the listing I bought it from lists the price at $1,192.

Amazon.com: LAUNCH X431 PRO3S+ Bi-Directional Scan Tool,31+ Reset Service OE-Level Full System Diagnostic Scanner,Key Program,ECU Coding,AutoAuth for FCA SGW 2 Years Free Update: Automotive

Buy LAUNCH X431 PRO3S+ Bi-Directional Scan Tool, 31+ Reset Service OE-Level Full System Diagnostic Scanner, Key Program, ECU Coding, AutoAuth for FCA SGW 2 Years Free Update: Code Readers & Scan Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Man, that was a good price

 

[BolognaBlake]

Bosh owns OTC so those tools are going to the same in different packaging, for the longest time OTC was Matco's supplier for scan tools(not sure if that remains the same today). The Solus Edge is a decent tool from Snappy but your right the upgrade cost is high, The shop has a up to date Solus, I have a Verus Edge that's out of date only good to 17's, played with a launch for bit and found it to be pretty buggy/deficient, The shop just bought the new Bosh ADS 625 I have played with it a little bit, but nowhere near enough to know what I like or do not like, the subscription depending on where you buy it runs $925 to $1250 a year for update and continued service coverage.
We had a Autel MS906Bt that worked well and did most of what I wanted it to do as far as Key Fobs and TPMS but the boss (ahem) took it for a ride on a roof one day........................well since he bought it I guess he gets to break it.....

I think the Matco's are made by Launch now. I know the MaxFlex is. The screen became unresponsive on my buddies and it was sent to Launch to get fixed. When he got it back all makes and models were unlocked for some reason.

 

[Flared Base]

Man, that was a good price

Yeah, that's why I pulled the trigger a bit quicker than I would have normally. My research was basically in line with what others were saying like one tool will not do everything. The Launch tools sound like they are fairly comprehensive and the updates free for two years and then reasonable after that seem like there is a good chance this should stay useful for a while.

 

[AJHD]

Bosh owns OTC so those tools are going to the same in different packaging, for the longest time OTC was Matco's supplier for scan tools(not sure if that remains the same today). The Solus Edge is a decent tool from Snappy but your right the upgrade cost is high, The shop has a up to date Solus, I have a Verus Edge that's out of date only good to 17's, played with a launch for bit and found it to be pretty buggy/deficient, The shop just bought the new Bosh ADS 625 I have played with it a little bit, but nowhere near enough to know what I like or do not like, the subscription depending on where you buy it runs $925 to $1250 a year for update and continued service coverage.
We had a Autel MS906Bt that worked well and did most of what I wanted it to do as far as Key Fobs and TPMS but the boss (ahem) took it for a ride on a roof one day........................well since he bought it I guess he gets to break it.....

I didn't know Bosch owned OTC, but I guess no surprise when I think about it.
I personally don't care much about being able to program key fobs or TPMS. I also don't care about Bluetooth.
Those features are just extra cost for me. But I understand they are useful for some.

I think the Matco's are made by Launch now. I know the MaxFlex is. The screen became unresponsive on my buddies and it was sent to Launch to get fixed. When he got it back all makes and models were unlocked for some reason.

As far as I know, you're correct. Matco is currently using Launch for their scan tools, and I think MAC is using Bosch/OTC.
I'm not sure if there are additional features on the Matco/MAC versions maybe not found on the normal consumer models.
Snap On is the only one with their own in-house scan tools and software.

This is just me, but having to ship something to Launch if I'm having it serviced/warrantied on the truck and having purchased it on the truck, would piss me off. But do your research and know what you're buying is all I can say.

 

[BolognaBlake]

This is just me, but having to ship something to Launch if I'm having it serviced/warrantied on the truck and having purchased it on the truck, would piss me off. But do your research and know what you're buying is all I can say.

It *****, but at least buying off the truck you generally can get a loaner while it's out.

 

[dnschmidt]

I'm missing something here. What's the difference between the truck guy sending it to Launch or you sending it to Launch. Either way it has to be shipped to Launch. As complicated as these scan tools are it's not like the tool truck guy rebuilding a broken ratchet and handing it right back to you.