AutoEnginuity OE-Level Software

[The Critic]

Since I work on mostly Asian imports, I am thinking about buying Autoenginuity's "Asian Bundle" OE-level software. This is what it includes:

Asian ScanTool Bundle #SP06 - Includes:
• USB OBD-II ScanTool (ST05)
• ProLine Interface (ST06)
• Enhanced Toyota Expansion
• Enhanced Honda Expansion
• Enhanced Nissan Expansion
• Enhanced Hyundai/Kia Expansion
• Enhanced Mazda Expansion
• Enhanced Subaru Expansion
• Enhanced Mitsubishi Expansion

http://www.autoenginuity.com/products-software.html

Price? $699.95 for hardware and software.

Of course, right now they don't have the ability to do TPMS ID registration or key programming, so I will have to wait until they have that capability before I make the purchase.

So, does anyone own any of the Autoenginuity products, especially the software with that is supposed to give you OE-level capabilities?

Thanks!

 

[Shadowdog500]

I dont have AutoEnginuity but I seriously looked into buying it a few weeks ago. The one bad thing I read when reading several reviews was that the basic model in not bi-directional and just gives you a readout, and that you need to get the pro model if you want it to be bi-directional. This could be totally bogus info that I picked up, but it may be worth looking into before you pull the trigger on the purchase.

Chris

 

[SouthCoastMudder]

I have AE with the upgraded Ford Package so I can run codes on my 6.0 Powerstroke when something happens, It is a pretty good software for the price and can do quite a few of the self diagnostics that the more expensive scanners and diagnostic tools can do but the layout isn't the easiest to work with. It also does a really great job of showing you ANY sensor values the vehicle would have.

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

Ive been looking for a while, Ive got the snap on MT2500, and its time for an upgrade, for the money, I didn't see anything that competes with the AE Product, I'm just looking for an excuse to pull the trigger and have not had it yet, but I'm hoping it comes soon!

Id be interested to hear from anyone else too, although this might not be the right forum for that topic... from what Ive read here, meat and potato diagnostics on this site belongs to a handful of us, clearly a minority. I was going to get the "big three" domestic package, I dont do any import work, I live in corn country (spelled domestic trucks/suvs).

 

[SouthCoastMudder]

If I were to do it again I would get at least the domestic package, it ***** not being able to do all the self diagnostics to the other brand vehicles....

 

[gary41276]

i have ae with ford software and it will do more than my mac mentor /genysis with 05 software on my 03 f250 6.0 it does some bidirectional. like the format and large screen to. also otc does have the prodigy for a laptop but its not cheap. you can download the software and check out ae without buying first.

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

Thats not a bad price,considering all the functions and data it shows.
What does the Bi-directional involve?

 

[srmofo]

One of the trainers at the seminars my company sends me to is always talking about them. He speaks highly of them. Personally though Ive never used one. I bought a genysis 2 years ago and wish I had purchased something thats more thorough. I just cant justify the price of a SO modus. It kinda ***** when you have to buy your own scanners and other test equipment. The genysis has some tests for some vehicles but not for others, it gets aggravating sometimes.

looks like its true about the bidirectional capabilities of the base unit

Factory scan tool options available (not included in base kit)
All generic scan tools can only access the powertrain, no matter what SAE Modes (J1979/J2190) they use for communication.

 

[nate379]

MT2500 has worked fine for me, though they newest stuff I have had to troubleshoot was still 6-7 years old.

 

[whaler2001]

I've looked into AE, but I work on everything.... and the package for everything is up there! I want all capabilities too.... hate to be hamstrung by the software. I just wish I could operate it real world before spending the cash.

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

On another forum I hang out on, when this question is asked about AE, the answer is mostly, "you have to have only OE scanners, that is the only way too go", and I'm thinking, you got to be rolling a serious amount of steel through a place to own a GM Tech 2, Chrysler DRBII, and a Rotunda IDS, oh, and thats just to get started, I don't even know what the asians use. We are talking at least 10k for those 3 used, getting a good deal on each. And then there are all the accessories for each, its mind blowing.

Then guys chime in on the Solus, Modis, Verus, and the OTC. Ive used the genisys, I had a really hard time using that tool, must of been laid out by a genius, because I sure couldn't get a handle on it. Least intuitive electronic device I ever touched. A good friend traded his MT2500 for that thing, he had it about 6 months and traded it in on a Solus. I'm still working on older garbage so my hand has not been forced yet. Ive used the Solus, but have not used it enough to form an opinion, seemed navigable.

I don't live in a IM240 area, but worked in Phoenix for a short spell couple years back and could see how and why you'd need some good tools, all we did was emissions, and the $$$ added up fast. Not the case around here, people drive them until they just wont move anymore, and then they just want you to fix whatever caused it to stop running, nothing else. Without emissions to deal with and fixing stuff that is dead, not real cutting edge technology needed. So I'm looking for an upgrade, but not at the price a good used truck.

 

[caper]

A heavy truck dealer I worked at purchased the AE software so they could scan light duty diesels like the power stroke and the duramax.They only had it for a few weeks before I moved to another shop.I used it on a few powerstrokes and it worked pretty good for what it was.Not OEM level diagnostics but not far off for way less money.I've been thinking about getting set up with it myself.Gives fairly well rounded coverage for a reasonable price.As long as your realistic about what your buying I think it's a good deal.Don't expect factory level diagnostics for a thousand bucks.You'll definitely get your moneys worth though.

 

[mdale]

i just ordered the pro-line bundle earlier this week and should have it monday. I got luck as they upped there price today. I 'll play with it and will let you all know what I think of it.

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

I pulled the trigger and bought the Domestic big three (now little three) bundle ($700).

Have only used it on 3 GMs, 03 Sierra, 05 Lesabre, 05 Yukon,... dont know that I have formed an opinion yet, but at least its as advertised. My MT2500 gave up the ghost in the middle of a "problem child" and was providing wildly erroneous info and would not even show codes! WTF ??? I jumped in a similar year GM car to what I was working on and was getting the same crazy numbers and no codes... I even went to unplugging sensors, and still no codes, although they where there.

So I had AE overnight me the scanner for the laptop (good customer service). I love the viewing area of the laptop, but is not as easy to jump in and out of a car with. But if you're dealing with a problem child and want to see lots of different sensors at the same time, I dont know how you could beat it. You can graph 4 sensors, full screen, in color at the same time, which is nice. I have not played with any of the bi-directional controls yet.

Thought I would update this thread, there is not much out on the internet on this tool....

 

[glasses97]

I have had the autoenginuity scanner for 2 years now. I just sent my old connectors back to autoenginuity to upgrade to the proline. I have the domestic bundle. It works alright but is not perfect by any means. I had a problem with a GMC sierra where it would not display the transfercase info properly, I was in contact with the factory and never did get a resolution. The other issue that I have encountered with autoenginuity is on a 2001 dodge caravan. I could not get a temperature reading for the transmission, it was just displaying wierd data. Lots of e-mails back and forth with the technical support. In the end I put a thermocouple down the dipstick tube to measure the temp. I don't know if those problems were ever resolved in the new versions of software. It is a great program for a diy'r and works on most things, most of the time. The latest problem that I had was that the connector would not display any enhanced data. The program displayed that the enhanced data was activated, it just did not return any. That problem came about after I flashed the connector with the lattest firm ware version.
I would buy another one if my were destroyed it has saved me quite a bit of money and allowed me to do jobs that I would not have been able to to otherwise. It is a good tool, but as I said in the beginning not perfect.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

I have the AE probundle (Domestic and Asian) and it has proven itself to be a scanner to fill in the gaps where the other aftermarket scanners end. The Enhanced Ford side is close to dealer level.
AE is quick to make corrections and get into depth on CAN vehicle bi-directional controls/actuations before snappy or OTC.
There Proline connector is now called the all-in-one (AIO) since they have done away with a stand-alone OBD2 connector.

The software takes sometime to get used to as there are all type of arrangements/options you can make on the graphing feature to take full advantage of its capabilities.

I also have the Modis and Genisys. Use the Genisys mostly for pulling quick codes and OBD2 monitoring system status; has not had software update in years; probably will not put anymore $ into it.
I use Modis mostly for its DSO capabilites and troubleshooter.

AE is my-go to scanner most of the time.

 

[nate379]

I had it for a while and I sold it. Was too much of a pain to fire up the laptop and then hook the thing up. My laptop is around 15 years old too so the batteries seemed to be always dead when I needed it.

Most of the time it was just to clear a check engine light or something of that nature and it was easier to drive down the road to Napa and use their scanner.

MT2500 or the fancy dancy Solus if you have the $$ is better.

 

[Stick]

For general use, the AE software is fine. However, don't expect full access to all PIDs and full bi-directional controls. Don't get me wrong, AE is fine, but it's no replacement for a true OE scan tool.

If you want a fair level of OE tooling and you work mostly on older model imports, you should be able to pick up a used Mastertech off of eBay for relatively cheap. That should get you coverage for Toyota through 2007, Honda through 2003, and Nissan through 2007, depending on what cards you pick up with the tool.

 

[bondsman]

I have the AE with the Ford enhanced bundle. I just work on my own stuff. Which happens to be alot of powerstrokes. It takes a few times to get used to it. On my 05 6.0l it will read damn near anything. Excellent tool. Beats the hell out of a code reader.

 

[bluthndr]

Sorry to drag up an old thread - curious if anyone has had more experience with the "Proline Bundle" and how it compares to Snap-On's line of diag tools.

I own a repair shop, and we have a Ford IDS, Solus, and code reader, and subscribe to a couple of info services, so the "troubleshooter" and service info in the tool(s) is of little to no value in my situation. I have owned/used OTC Genisys, MT2500, Solus, Modis, Verus, and Verdict. I am starting to see more VW stuff and my Solus will need an update soon - anyone that has used both (Snap-On and AE Proline) care to comment?

I am not sure if I would rather spend the money to up my Solus and add VW coverage, or jump into a new AE setup with all the bells and whistles???

In summary: is the AE Proline a comparable tool to Snap-On Solus/OTC Genisys, or is still a nicer version of a "home" owner/user that maybe does stuff for friends? Appreciate any responses.

 

[Denominator]

I sold my AE! They wan't a lot of money to do very little! I bought a EQUUS INNOVA C.A.N. OBD2 + ABS Scan Tool 3160

It does the same as AE and then some! It covers almost every car out there, and it is a one time investment. It dosn't need a computer, but you can plug it to a computer with a USB cable. It has C.A.N. and ABS.

It got to where I hated my AE, every time there was a problem with a new to me car, AE wanted more money to cover it! And the driveline coverage that comes with the AE, is restricted to the engine, and don't really cover the whole driveline. You wan't ABS, Transmission, Transfer, you guessed it, MORE money!

Stay away from AE, it's very limited and cost a lot of money before you can cover every car that is out there the way you often need it to be covered!

 

[bondsman]

If you are starting to mess with VW, get the VCDS from Ross Tech. That thing is amazing. It tells you everything, and I mean EVERYTHING. It will give codes for anything electrical. My son's 99 golf had a broken mirror and it threw a code for that specific mirror heater not working. Ross tech also has a wiki page that tells you what to check/replace for each code.

 

[bluthndr]

I sold my AE! They wan't a lot of money to do very little! I bought a EQUUS INNOVA C.A.N. OBD2 + ABS Scan Tool 3160

It does the same as AE and then some! It covers almost every car out there, and it is a one time investment. It dosn't need a computer, but you can plug it to a computer with a USB cable. It has C.A.N. and ABS.

It got to where I hated my AE, every time there was a problem with a new to me car, AE wanted more money to cover it! And the driveline coverage that comes with the AE, is restricted to the engine, and don't really cover the whole driveline. You wan't ABS, Transmission, Transfer, you guessed it, MORE money!

Stay away from AE, it's very limited and cost a lot of money before you can cover every car that is out there the way you often need it to be covered!

The "Proline" didn't have ABS or other modules? Wow. Got the impression it did. That Equus I don't think has bidirectional, which I really need/want to do what I do. I need manufacturer specific codes and PIDs, not just the OBD2 standard stuff - I am already equipped for that end of things... Thanks for the input!

 

[MattT]

The "Proline" didn't have ABS or other modules? Wow. Got the impression it did.

It sounds like Denominator started with the basic, generic OBD, AE then got tired of adding manufacturers piecemeal. Possibly combined with working on late model stuff which forced annual upgrades?

That or since he's in Norway maybe AE doesn't work well with EOBD

His review is so much worse than anything else I've read about AEs Pro, OEMish, coverage that I'm not taking it too seriously.

 

[Danglerb]

I bought the AE Ford bundle just before the holidays last year. First off I paid $360 incl tax and shipping for the bundle buying it from one of the cheap diesel online places (Riff Raff Diesel), so some serious coin can be saved by NOT buying it direct.

Software is locked to the OBDII thing and can be installed on as many computers as you want, so I dropped it off last week at my friends shop and let them try it out. They liked it, but decided to keep using a small stand alone for simple code resets, and the Snapon system they have for bigger stuff UNTIL they need the next upgrade and then they plan to switch to the AE.

Regards the very negative review above, I think they miss the point, sure keep your basic scanner like an Equus etc. for the quick and easy jobs, where the AE shines is doing dealer level diagnostics. Specifically for me nothing else close to the price will do the full Ford KOER KOEO tests.

 

[Denominator]

It sounds like Denominator started with the basic, generic OBD, AE then got tired of adding manufacturers piecemeal. Possibly combined with working on late model stuff which forced annual upgrades?

That or since he's in Norway maybe AE doesn't work well with EOBD

His review is so much worse than anything else I've read about AEs Pro, OEMish, coverage that I'm not taking it too seriously.

I work on american cars, nothing else. But I tested it with other makes and many different year models.
Yes I started with the basic generic kit, AE Pro-Line hardware.
Adding a new Enhanced Expansion every time you work on a new make cost a lot of money. It covers ABS, but only in the Enhanced Expansions.

In one of the new firmware updates it also got a lot harder to make it work on my different computers. Something about HID data conflict.

For me as a active DIY guy Equus does the job. "Professional OBD2 Generic Scan Tool for all 1996 and newer cars, light trucks, and SUVs – Domestic, Asian and European Import
Diagnoses ABS codes on most 1996 and newer GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles (And every european modell I have tested it with)
Retrieves OEM Enhanced and Transmission DTCs. Communicates with all OBD 2 protocols: C.A.N. (Controller Area Network), ISO 9141, J1850PWM, J1850VPW, KWP 2000 ISO 14230-4. Provides SAE enhanced Live Data - views, records, and plays back* live PCM data streams. Displays Freeze Frame Data. Retrieves OBD2 DTCs: Generic Codes and Manufacturer Specific Codes.
Comes with access to innova.com RepairSolutions which gives trouble code definitions, a full diagnostic report, probable causes, most likely fix to DTC’s, repair costs and more."

Yes my "review" might be much worse than anything else you have read, but I don't get the hype about the AE. Maybe it's me that don't know how to use it for what it's worth, but what's funny is that the Equus helped me fix problems with my S10 Blazer that I couldn't diagnose with my AE.

 

[kythri]

For general use, the AE software is fine. However, don't expect full access to all PIDs and full bi-directional controls. Don't get me wrong, AE is fine, but it's no replacement for a true OE scan tool.

If you want a fair level of OE tooling and you work mostly on older model imports, you should be able to pick up a used Mastertech off of eBay for relatively cheap. That should get you coverage for Toyota through 2007, Honda through 2003, and Nissan through 2007, depending on what cards you pick up with the tool.

Dunno if you're still around, but what does the AE software (assuming that the enhancement packages are purchased for it) NOT do that a OE scan tool will?

I've recently upgraded to the full domestic package (Ford, Chrysler, GM) and I can't claim any experience with other "high-end" scan tools, but AE is claiming the same level of support for everything the other tools do.

 

[wesalexleft]

Quick question for the AE Users. I've been looking at the Ford bundle to maintain and troubleshoot two mountaineers, 1997 and 2003. At 359.00 to 399.99 to read, diagnose, and test I didn't think it was too bad for the price versus functionality. I've been doing research, including here, but with this thread, now I'm not sure if I'd get everything I was expecting unless I get the pro-bundle. Does the Ford bundle only allow bi- directional capability? I'm looking to be able to troubleshoot CEL's, DTC's, as well as ABS, and systems such as park aid, ******, and program keys. Can the "Ford Only" bundle do these and more features? My other option was to go with the Equus 3160 and lose features to save $$.

 

[kythri]

The Ford bundle is supposed to be able to do all of that, and I've spoken with a number of Explorer owners (I have a '99) prior to plunking down the cash that have used it to program new PATS keys.

I would definitely say, if what you're looking to do is more than just OBD-II, you'll need the enhanced (Scan Tool + Ford package) bundle for your vehicle.

 

[Patrick Boyle]

What people need to keep in mind with AE, is that when you purchase it you need to buy at least one Enhanced package with it. Whether it be a single manufacturer, or a bundle of several like the Asian package. The base-line ProLine kit just gives you the hardware and generic OBD support for $250. If all you're looking for is basic ODB, you can spend a lot less money and get mostly the same thing.

Where it makes sense is getting the ProLine bundle, plus for example the GM expansion for a total of $480. Then you've got a scanner that can do 99% of what the Tech II can do (without the need for extra modules, etc.) for under $500.

 

[kythri]

You get a LOT more than just basic OBD code reading for the price of the ProLine kit.

Real-time monitoring of sensors, the "SpeedTracer" app, a LOT more. It was well worth the price.

The enhanced kits are also well worth the added cost...

 

[Patrick Boyle]

Some of the cheaper scanners from Actron and Innova give you live data as well. I also feel like the speedtracer app is a little gimmicky. Certainly not a replacement for a dyno, although I've never used it myself.

 

[Danglerb]

For $30 you can buy a basic ELM327 clone interface and use some free software, I don't see the "basic AE" setup as miles beyond that, and would only personally consider the AE with one of the pro bundles. For Ford I don't think anything else comes close to what the AE software does.

 

[Stick]

Dunno if you're still around, but what does the AE software (assuming that the enhancement packages are purchased for it) NOT do that a OE scan tool will?

I've recently upgraded to the full domestic package (Ford, Chrysler, GM) and I can't claim any experience with other "high-end" scan tools, but AE is claiming the same level of support for everything the other tools do.

They've gotten pretty serious in the last year about upping their level of domestic coverage. At this point off the top of my head, I can't think of much that is missing that you would need in day-to-day use. I know they've added stuff like a better power balance, injector buzz tests, and a whole bunch of stuff for the diesels. From what I hear, the graphing doesn't **** as much as it used to as well. The listed PID's are still a little funky, especially if you are used to using OE tools, but that's pretty minor unless you're coming from OE tools.

I'd say that they probably have 95%+ coverage for domestics, as long as you can get the vehicle to identify properly (which used to be a big problem). If you're interested in reprogramming, you'll still need a J-2534 box, as well as a subscription to the manufacturer's website. That's one nice thing about the IDS, you also get programming included with the price of the updates and use the same VCM interface.

 

[kythri]

What kind of programming are we talking here? I can change tire sizes and stuff, but I'm assuming you're talking something more?

Similar to flashing the ECU?

Edit: Apparently, I can't change tire sizes for non-diesel stuff - that's a "dealer-only" thing for gas engine passenger vehicles.

 

[wesalexleft]

Just to make sure I'm looking at the right package for a Ford line of products. I'm a little confused with the "pro-line" terminology as I don't see it mentioned in the "Ford Bundle" package. Same thing? Here is where I'm looking. If I'm breaking rules for the link I apologize. Not advertizing, just the first search result that isnt directly from the AE page where it's on sale for 359.00 all in with shipping included.

http://www.autorepairmanuals.biz/site/573683/product/SP03

 

[kythri]

USB PC ScanTool (ST06) <--- This is the ProLine connector.

That bundle would be the basic Scan Tool and the add-on Ford Enhancement. $450 if you buy it direct.

 

[Jeeper]

Cheaper if you buy here: http://www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-5133-autoenginuity-scan-tool-sp01sp03sp05sp06sp07.aspx


I bought mine (GM bundle) from them based on recommendation from this board.

 

[Jeeper]

Has anyone used the 10.0 software yet? I have the 9.1, trying to decide if I should upgrade. Should be free since mine is only a few months old.