Autel scan tool updating questions

[GophersGarage]

Hi Guys, I have a MS906bt and its subscription is going to expire next month.

Should I do a final update or do you think it will screw up my scan tool?

 

[torqueman2002]

I have the Autel MS908 MaxiSys. My build date is 2018-08-29.

The last time I updated it was just before the subscription expired.

I have used it on mainly 2004 - 2019 GM vehicles.

I've had no issues.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

You should be able to do updates on the tool wirelessly at any time. There isnt an update as a single item, they release updates all the time. A single 1 year subscription will give you dozens and dozens of updates across brands over a years time.

I will update my tool anytime there are relevant updates available. I dont bother with brands not sold in the us.

 

[signcrafter]

Hi Guys, I have a MS906bt and its subscription is going to expire next month.

Should I do a final update or do you think it will screw up my scan tool?

I am in the same boat. My 906bt expires next month also. You should be able to do any updates up until your subscription expires and then it should work as is, just no more updates. I've been reading the autel group on facebook and some say they have had issues after their subscription runs out. Some suggest turning wifi off before subscription runs out. Not sure how true it is but just something I've read.

 

[qqzj]

May I hijack the thread a bit? I often saw South Main Auto on YouTube using an Autel unit that also can be used as a oscilloscope. Anyone knows which model he uses? Thanks.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

May I hijack the thread a bit? I often saw South Main Auto on YouTube using an Autel unit that also can be used as a oscilloscope. Anyone knows which model he uses? Thanks.

919 models have a scope built into the wireless module.

I'd just buy a pico.

 

[qqzj]

Thanks. But darn it. This is something that cannot be justified by my needs. Back to looking at Pico. Those aren't cheap either if I want more than 2 channels.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Thanks. But darn it. This is something that cannot be justified by my needs. Back to looking at Pico. Those aren't cheap either if I want more than 2 channels.

Depends on if you want an automotive scope, or are able to be careful with a generic scope. Non auto models just have a lower peak input, no guided tests or premade probes.

You can get a signal generator on a lot of the basic scopes. 2 channels will diagnose a lot. I've said before I dont see the requirement for more than 2 channels for basic home use. Even most cars I'm using 1 or 2 channels. More is nice, you can learn and document more. But when theres dollars on the line I need to capture what I need, and anything else is just extra work.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I think you can get a basic picoscope, non automotive, with 2 channels and a signal generator for under 300 bucks. Still need attenuators, leads, current clamp, and accessories blah blah blah.

 

[GophersGarage]

I am in the same boat. My 906bt expires next month also. You should be able to do any updates up until your subscription expires and then it should work as is, just no more updates. I've been reading the autel group on facebook and some say they have had issues after their subscription runs out. Some suggest turning wifi off before subscription runs out. Not sure how true it is but just something I've read.

Yes I am able to update till the 1 year mark. I was just worried if Autel might add in some glitch into the update to make you want to get a upgrade unit or pay the update.

Perfect example is Iphone they have updates on older phones and makes the battery or software not work right to get you to buy replacement.

 

[GophersGarage]

I have the Autel MS908 MaxiSys. My build date is 2018-08-29.

The last time I updated it was just before the subscription expired.

I have used it on mainly 2004 - 2019 GM vehicles.

I've had no issues.

Good to know. I am the same idea I just need it for my cars I don't need every little update.

 

[vssjim]

Good to know. I am the same idea I just need it for my cars I don't need every little update.

They have never pulled any funny stuff like that ever with me I have had Autel tools for ten years at least and never had any deal like turning off your tool etc.. They don't even charge more to update tool because of a time laps like a US white and red truck would do. Just pay the fee and every thing they have will load up and be up to date.

 

[torqueman2002]

BTW - I am a retired GM Powertrain Service Engineer. I've used all of GM's scan tools and GM GDS2.

I don't do any J2534 pass-through programming, otherwise the Autel MS908 MaxiSys has been every bit as functional as the GM tools.

 

[kbeefy]

I had the Autel Elite, never updated it after the initial subscription expired. No problems.

I will say they several of the updates added non-north america models and options that cluttered up the interface quite a bit. I liked it better before the updates.

 

[pbon]

My understanding is that the updates and active subscription are critical only if you want to do online coding or programming. I have an Autel MS906BT and am thinking about returning it and buying a Launch x431 Pad V that costs 2x as much but does more coding and also does programming. Launch has its own server for programming for some euro brands so you don’t also need a subscription from those car makers. Autel just has BMW and Mercedes in its own server so if you want to do engine ECU stuff on other brands you have to subscribe to the car maker’s service.

Subscription costs for the MS906BT or fancier level Autel or Launch tools are expensive at about $500 per year after the initial year or 2 you get with the tool purchase. It’s a lot but if you want to work on newer cars with computer modules that fail you need a minimum of something like the MS906BT.

 

[GophersGarage]

.

 

[pbon]

Good idea to delete the brands you will never come across to save memory space. I am in the US and won’t ever work on or even see some of the brands the tool covers.

 

[kelpaso1]

Yes I am able to update till the 1 year mark. I was just worried if Autel might add in some glitch into the update to make you want to get a upgrade unit or pay the update.

Perfect example is Iphone they have updates on older phones and makes the battery or software not work right to get you to buy replacement.

What proof do have of this?

 

[humpty]

They did update the older phones to slow them down to conserve the aging batteries. Pissed a lot of people off and they got into some trouble.

Batterygate

 

[AA/FC]

What proof do have of this?

It's well known all over the internet that Apple was sued for slowing down their phones on purpose to help sell new phones. Apple agreed to pay 113 million to settle the lawsuit. Just google it....