Autel Scanner Advice

[HomeTheaterMan]

I'm not a professional (any longer), but I have multiple cars and do pretty much all of my own work on them. I've reached the point where I need a good scan tool. My code reader just isn't cutting it, and I'm tired of having to borrow my friends Snap On. I need something that will work to activate TPMS sensors when I change them, can read TPMS sensor codes, etc. I'd also like bi-directional controls to use to help assist when trying to diagnose issues.

It looks like Autel has multiple models. I originally was looking at the MK808 series, but it seems like to get the features I want, I really need to spend the extra to get the MS906. The regular model seems to cover everything I want to do except for the TPMS sensors, which is pretty important. Although their site is a bit confusion as to if it will do anything with TPMS sensors. One site says it will activate them, just not program them. While their site makes it seem like it doesn't do anything. On their site it looks like I need to step up to the MS906TS which is $500 extra. My first thought was that I just would have to do it. Then I noticed you can get their handheld TPMS tool like the TS601 for $315. That's when I started wondering if I'd be better off to buy the standard MS906 scan tool, then but the separate TS601 TPMS tool. Having it as two tools seems like it has it's pro's and con's. I would come out about $185 cheaper, which seems like a bonus.

Are there any reasons I want it built into the scan tool? Are there any other advantages to the MS906TS that I'm missing?

What do you all think? Go for the two separate tools? Or spend the extra and just get the MS906TS? Or is there an even better option out there? I'm not stuck on Autel, it's just that most of my searches lead me to them. I'm open to any other brand suggestions as well.

 

[signcrafter]

I have the 906bt and havent played around with any of the tpms stuff on it because I already had an autel 508 tpms tool. I like having the separate tools and using the smaller 508 to relearn and program the sensors. Would not want to hold the 906ts to each tire to relearn the positions. Think you can get a 508 with 8 new sensors for around 300 bucks. I would go the two separate tools, I'm happy with them both.

 

[qqzj]

The most stupid thing that Autel does is to make their models so confusing. They should take a class in marketing and product development.

 

[Sumboodie]

I just ignore the Tire PMS on my car. Piece of tape over the light

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

The most stupid thing that Autel does is to make their models so confusing. They should take a class in marketing and product development.

I couldn't agree more. It's very confusing trying to figure out which model does what. Then the reviews on Amazon often seem to suggest that what Autel told them it would do, isn't even accurate.

 

[ZRX61]

I wouldn't spend $500 to ****** about with TPMS gubbins when you can pick up a doodad to read tire pressure for $2 at Autozone...

 

[70staged]

Be careful with tpms. Some autel tpms will only program autel tpms and no other brand. Not sure which model that one was

 

[ckeboss]

You have to understand the difference between "programming" tpms and registering.

Most bidirectional scan tool will register TPMS, you must enter in the ID of the sensor. You will need a tool to read the ID from the sensor, of physically inspect the sensor to find the ID code printed on it.

"Programming" the tpms sensor is only ever done on aftermarket sensors, as they often come "blank". This allows you to program in your own ID, which allows "cloning" of sensors. This just means you can use the ID of your old sensor you are replacing, so you do not have to re-register a new ID with the car.

 

[signcrafter]

I couldn't agree more. It's very confusing trying to figure out which model does what. Then the reviews on Amazon often seem to suggest that what Autel told them it would do, isn't even accurate.

This is true but at the same time its nice that autel offers so many options so you can base it off tour needs and budget. Just have to do your homework to see which one works best for you.

I wouldn't spend $500 to ****** about with TPMS gubbins when you can pick up a doodad to read tire pressure for $2 at Autozone...

Kinda of like saying why fix a leak in the tire when you can keep adding air for free.

Be careful with tpms. Some autel tpms will only program autel tpms and no other brand. Not sure which model that one was

Most aftermarket tpms tools will only program their own sensors. The nice thing about autel is they make a one sensor fits all sensor. You can program for 315 or 433. And you can switch the valve stem from rubber to metal to match the vehicle.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

I have the Launch icarscan. It's the full launch software with bidirectional controls. Works off your android or idevice. You can get them for about $200-300. The only limitation and difference is that they are limited to the number of brands they work for. Mine came with 8 and I purchased additional brands for something like $70 for 2 if I recall correctly.

I've never run into a function it didn't support on a car.

 

[ItsNemo]

TS501 or TS508 do everything the TS601 does when it comes to TPMS (the 601 adds reading regular engine codes and such), so don't bother with the higher one.

I have a TS501 and MD808 Pro....good pair for reasonably little when it comes to just getting sensor values, basic maintenance (like EPB), and whatnot.

 

[Showkey]

To Add to that model confusion, Autel and other tools the updates and cost are variable by where they are purchased.

 

[tarmy]

I have the 808 and that thing is awesome. It has paid for itself many times over on figuring out issues with bad coils on two different Chevy trucks of mine that went bad and other various things…

mine came with a 3 year update package.

 

[KnurledNut]

All this talk about TPMS reminded me of this video...

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

You have to understand the difference between "programming" tpms and registering.

Most bidirectional scan tool will register TPMS, you must enter in the ID of the sensor. You will need a tool to read the ID from the sensor, of physically inspect the sensor to find the ID code printed on it.

"Programming" the tpms sensor is only ever done on aftermarket sensors, as they often come "blank". This allows you to program in your own ID, which allows "cloning" of sensors. This just means you can use the ID of your old sensor you are replacing, so you do not have to re-register a new ID with the car.

I understand the difference between programming and registering, I'm just not really clear on which Autel scanners do what. Autel makes it sound like some of them don't do anything TPMS related, while other sites make it sound like they do. I don't really think I need "programming" capability as it seems like most aftermarket sensors are pre programmed and you just have to register the ID of them.

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

Thanks for the advice guys. I had an individual on here message me about having a TS508 for sale. So I decided to pick that up and plan to go with a separate scan tool. It sounds like the two unit setup is preferred. Now I just have to decide which scan tool to go with. I'm leaning heavily towards the MS906.

 

[kbeefy]

I had the autel Elite, Snap On Verus Pro, and an Autel stand alone TPMS.
I loved the Autel TPMS. Was great and worked very well, complimenting the other scan tools.
IIRC it was $200 or less.
I would get another if I needed it.

 

[anndel]

I have the Maxisys 906TS and got it as a major scan tool in my tool box. TPMS was the icing on the cake that helped my decision. 4 years old and the touchscreen died where you can't even select an icon. I read that's a common issues with Autels.

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

I have the Maxisys 906TS and got it as a major scan tool in my tool box. TPMS was the icing on the cake that helped my decision. 4 years old and the touchscreen died where you can't even select an icon. I read that's a common issues with Autels.

That's really disappointing to hear. I'm glad you told me though. After you mentioned this, I Googled it and am seeing a bunch of complaints. This is quite an expensive tool if it only lasts 4 years.

Is there a better option out there without spending 6-8x the price on something like a Snap On?

 

[setfocus]

Guess I'll resurrect this post. Instead of making a new one

It's looking like I need to buy a scanner.

At the company I work for, each location should have a shop scanner. I guess it went missing before I was transfered to my current location. I've been making due with a launch millennium 90 pro code reader with live data and some spotty reset functions. We're supposed to be getting a new shop scanner but I've yet to see one, 5 months later.

To make matters worse my code reader decided to quit working today. We don't do much diagnostic work but cars have gotten to point where you almost need a scanner for basic work.

I'm looking into getting an Autel. Trying to figure out which model to get and if there is a good/reliable online dealer I should buy from.

I was thinking of the MaxiPro MP808.

Found a good price here. Is this website legit?

Autel MaxiPRO MP808 Same Functions as Autel MP808K/MS906/DS708 | MP808Kit(Same as DS808k)

Autel Scanner MaxiPRO MP808 (Limited-Time: 2 Years Free Update) OBD2 Diagnostic Scan Tool with Bi-directional Control, Key Fob Programming, ABS bleeding brake, Reset Functions including Oil Reset, EPB, SAS, DPF, BMS, ABS, SRS, TPMSIncredible compatibility and ease of use make it a top choice for...

www.autelmaxisys.com

Says it basically does everything an MS906 does. I need good data releans, resets, bidirectional controls. I don't need TPMS, or ecu coding. Was also looking at the DS808. Anyone used either of these?

 

[setfocus]

Bump

Think I got the code reader working again after updating it. May hold off on the autel scanner and see if we get a shop scanner that I've been told we're on the list for

 

[70staged]

There is a Facebook page for Autel scanners. Over there, they have an authorized dealer named Peter. He will iv you a good deal and walk you thru what would be best for you.

 

[CGarage]

Really happy with my Innova 5160RS.....