Automotive Diagnostics Scanners info

[Razorhunter]

Looking to buy either a Launch X431 or a TOPDON Phoenix type scanner.
I know buying Launch products on Amazon is a big no-no. If you buy the legit Launch from LaunchTechUSA, you have to go through a dealer. ALL of which are either the tool trucks (MAC, Matco or Cornwell) in which case the price is inflated, not to mention it’s difficult to determine the model numbers due to took truck re-branding. I got on Marco’s site to find a dealer today and their dealer search is totally disfunctional. TOTALLY. Same for MAC basically. I live 30min south of Atlanta and even used an Atlanta zip code and still no dealers were found.
So basically I have no idea what’s going on with Mac/Matco.
Should I just go with TOPDON? I hear their customer service is great.
Trying to buy a legit bidirectional scan tool for all cars but primarily diesel 2500/3500’s.

 

[Schurkey]

Looking to buy either a Launch X431 or a TOPDON Phoenix type scanner...

...Trying to buy a legit bidirectional scan tool for all cars but primarily diesel 2500/3500’s.

What year vehicles? How new?

 

[mreisner]

Oops, delete

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I bought a Phoenix plus 2 via Amazon, no issues with updates or autoauth. On sale for $911 right now.

https://www.amazon.com/Diagnostic-TOPDON-Bidirectional-Advanced-Maintenance/dp/B091BQNR3S?tag=atomicindus08-20

AESwave is a Launch distributor, but they also have Topdon which is Launch software as far as I can tell. I do zero diesel work FWIW.

 

[njride]

Try aeswave if you want to buy one with us tech support without a tool truck.
I got my x431 years ago off Amazon but if I was a pro I'd want to buy from a dealer. Haven't had any problems yet.

 

[xjfish]

I bought a Phoenix plus 2 via Amazon, no issues with updates or autoauth. On sale for $911 right now.

https://www.amazon.com/Diagnostic-TOPDON-Bidirectional-Advanced-Maintenance/dp/B091BQNR3S?tag=atomicindus08-20

AESwave is a Launch distributor, but they also have Topdon which is Launch software as far as I can tell. I do zero diesel work FWIW.

How do you like your Phoenix Plus 2? How does it compare to similar Launch or Autel units?

 

[richfinn]

There are a couple of types of scantools from the Launch/Topdon family beyond the cheaper DIY stuff

In the $1000 range you are buying a wireless VCI global unit (I would absolutely buy from Amazon, they are all exactly the same no matter your location). These tools are basically bidirectional scan tools with special functions like battery matching/DPF regeneration/brake servicing built into a convenience menu.

In the £2500-$3500 range you are looking at a more specific "regional" tool which can only be officially sold by authorized distributors in your part of the World (this is where you need to really buy from a legit seller). Generally these tools are capable of programming and other more intricate functions which may require tech support.

Check out "Pine Hollow Diagnostics" Ivan regularly updates on the best Amazon deals

 

[littlebean]

@ richfinn - for UK based peeps, any thoughts on basic scanner -I'm thinking for fords from 05 throught to 12 currently?

 

[AJHD]

AESwave is a Launch distributor, but they also have Topdon which is Launch software as far as I can tell. I do zero diesel work FWIW.

AESWave is also an Autel distributor.

Speaking of which, @Razorhunter I don't know what features or capabilities you need, but the Autel MX808 is on sale for $250 from AESWave.

MaxiCheck mx808 Scan Tool

Autel MaxiCheck MX808 combines the MaxiDIAG MD802 and the MaxiCHECK Pro into one tool

www.aeswave.com

That's the best price I've ever seen. They normally retail for $400 and I've seen them on sale for $300.
I don't trust buying something like this from Amazon personally, but last I looked even Amazon was around the $400 mark.

Anyway, I just ordered one. I've been thinking of the Icon T7, but I'd rather have an Autel to be honest.
I don't work in a shop these days, so the MX808 should do everything I need it to do. Can't wait to get it.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

How do you like your Phoenix Plus 2? How does it compare to similar Launch or Autel units?

It should be comparable to launch as I believe it's just Launch software. It's a very capable tool, I have and older 906, a Phoenix lite 2, and a Zeus. All have their pros and cons, I'm very happy with the Plus 2. For what it costs I'd certainly buy it again, but ALL scan tools have holes, problems, etc.

A big thing these days is CANFD/ DOIP/ etc. New protocols that older gen tools need adapters to communicate with. Or simply cannot.

If you don't see those cars it's whatever. If you do and need enhanced data, you need the adapters or a VCI that talks on the newer protocols. There was a big release of tools maybe 18 or 24 months ago from all the brands, new VCI protocol being a big part of that.

 

[AJHD]

It should be comparable to launch as I believe it's just Launch software. It's a very capable tool, I have and older 906, a Phoenix lite 2, and a Zeus. All have their pros and cons, I'm very happy with the Plus 2. For what it costs I'd certainly buy it again, but ALL scan tools have holes, problems, etc.

A big thing these days is CANFD/ DOIP/ etc. New protocols that older gen tools need adapters to communicate with. Or simply cannot.

If you don't see those cars it's whatever. If you do and need enhanced data, you need the adapters or a VCI that talks on the newer protocols. There was a big release of tools maybe 18 or 24 months ago from all the brands, new VCI protocol being a big part of that.

What model years and brands should I avoid when the time comes to buy a new/newer vehicle?

Currently don't have any need for all the new comm protocols, FCA/autoauth, whatever else. But I don't want to get stuck with a vehicle I can't even "communicate with" without further investment, if it can be avoided.

It's been years since I worked in a shop. None of this stuff existed back then. My Solus Edge was more than I actually needed (eventually sold it).

 

[2ndGearRubber]

What model years and brands should I avoid when the time comes to buy a new/newer vehicle?

Currently don't have any need for all the new comm protocols, FCA/autoauth, whatever else. But I don't want to get stuck with a vehicle I can't even "communicate with" without further investment, if it can be avoided.

It's been years since I worked in a shop. None of this stuff existed back then. My Solus Edge was more than I actually needed (eventually sold it).

Outside of Volvo youre talking 2021 and newer mostly.

IMO you need to read the tool features per tool. Aeswave has some info in the scan tool descriptions about year rollout on domestics.

IDK if any Japanese brands use it yet.

 

[richfinn]

@ richfinn - for UK based peeps, any thoughts on basic scanner -I'm thinking for fords from 05 throught to 12 currently?

If it's for Ford just download FORscan onto a windows based laptop/tablet and buy a good quality VCI that they recommend.

Download FORScan

If you want an all brands scantool get a LAUNCH or a TOPDON

I use an X-431 pro 3 S + V2.0 alongside my company issued tool (which is DOIP/SGW enabled and made by Wurth)

 

[Razorhunter]

Hey guys sorry I was not seeing the email notifications to these replies.
I am now leaning toward a TOPDON Phoenix Lite 3 but haven’t had time to call TOPDON yet.
Can anyone tell me if this unit will work with Isuzu and Chevy 4500 box trucks? I would assume so. Constantly needing to do regens on these trucks and hoping this scanner will fully work to do any diagnostics on them.
Primary use is for older 2500/3500 diesel trucks like 2000-2015 year models but I do have buddies with newer diesel trucks as well so I do prefer the CANFD capability if the need ever arose.
Any comments on the TopDon Phoenix Lite 3 or where to buy one are appreciated. I was considering ordering it from JB Tools unless anyone here has good reason not to?

 

[BrandonV]

A big thing these days is CANFD/ DOIP/ etc. New protocols that older gen tools need adapters to communicate with. Or simply cannot.

Pretty much why the Autel MX808 is on sale right now. Picked up a MX900 and it works great with DoIP/CAN FD.

Stinks you have to pay to do the whole FCA Secure Gateway but it works well.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Hey guys sorry I was not seeing the email notifications to these replies.
I am now leaning toward a TOPDON Phoenix Lite 3 but haven’t had time to call TOPDON yet.
Can anyone tell me if this unit will work with Isuzu and Chevy 4500 box trucks? I would assume so. Constantly needing to do regens on these trucks and hoping this scanner will fully work to do any diagnostics on them.
Primary use is for older 2500/3500 diesel trucks like 2000-2015 year models but I do have buddies with newer diesel trucks as well so I do prefer the CANFD capability if the need ever arose.
Any comments on the TopDon Phoenix Lite 3 or where to buy one are appreciated. I was considering ordering it from JB Tools unless anyone here has good reason not to?

I have purchased a few scan tools, lots of test leads, and a Pico from AESwave. I'd recommend them for anything diagnostic related.

A Lite 3 is actually more expensive than the Plus 2 I linked earlier in the thread, if both are bought on Amazon.

 

[Razorhunter]

Well the Lite 3 is $719 at most authorized TOPDON dealers including AES Wave. TopDon is certainly not giving any deals on their website but I’ll check their Amazon store to compare.
I’m not even sure they’re making the Plus 2 anymore. Possibly I missed it on the TopDon site though.
In the end, I’m sure most all of these higher end “Serious DIY” models will suffice for me but I did want to get as much bang for my buck as I can, with as many features as I can. You never know when a buddy will roll up in his brand new 2025 model vehicle and need some diagnostics done. That’s really why I wanted to go ahead and get CANFD capability. Thanks for your comments in this thread Sir. I appreciate it.

 

[Razorhunter]

Correction, they are still showing the Plus 2. I guess it’s costing more due to the larger 10” screen as it doesn’t appear to vary too much as far as capability but I’ll have to do more reading on the two models. Thanks

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Correction, they are still showing the Plus 2. I guess it’s costing more due to the larger 10” screen as it doesn’t appear to vary too much as far as capability but I’ll have to do more reading on the two models. Thanks

Capability should be identical, just more hardware features and IIRC topology isn't available on the lite 3.

 

[AJHD]

Pretty much why the Autel MX808 is on sale right now. Picked up a MX900 and it works great with DoIP/CAN FD.

Stinks you have to pay to do the whole FCA Secure Gateway but it works well.

Thankfully not an issue for me. At least not currently. I should look into whatever comm adapters I would need in the meantime though.

I'm sure my future reality is buying a newer and more expensive scan tool. But that's a problem for some other day.

 

[BrandonV]

Thankfully not an issue for me. At least not currently. I should look into whatever comm adapters I would need in the meantime though.

I'm sure my future reality is buying a newer and more expensive scan tool. But that's a problem for some other day.

Thankfully, it looks like it's just Ford and GM for now, unless anyone knows of other vehicles (sure they're coming). The nice thing about these scanners for DIY work is that you usually only need one year of updates to cover most projects. Most DIYers aren't working on 2025 model-year cars anyway.

One nice thing about the MX900 is it's night and day faster than the MX808 unit.

 

[Razorhunter]

Capability should be identical, just more hardware features and IIRC topology isn't available on the lite 3.

Topology is definitely included on the Lite 3. I consider that feature a must have.