Automotive ScanTools 2016

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Hey guys. I currently own an Innova 3160B which has done it's fair share of scanning vehicles over the last 3 or 4 years. Recently I bought a bluedriver Bluetooth scanner to use with my smartphone. While both of these scan tools are great, i'm looking for something slightly more capable. Working in garages I've been able to use OTC, Snap on, Innova, actron, autel and launch. While these are all great tools when I needed them, I know nothing of the brands or capabilities between tools. I was wondering if you could make a recommendation for something under 400$ for home use (home use meaning it won't get beat up in a shop, but I do have people whos cars I service). Live data and code reading are about all I can do right now, I don't know if I would get more in any other scan tools for that price? I plan to sell the two I have now if I will purchase another tool, no sense in having three!

 

[dankicksass]

Pick one from Launch Tech in your budget and you'll be pretty happy.

 

[454ragtop]

Take a look at the Autel MD 802 All System, think it's the most capable in this price range. Note for some strange reason there are 2 MD802's, get the All System. I picked one up on Ebay a couple months ago, working out good so far.

 

[Fedwrench]

PTEN (Professional Tool & Equipment News) published a 2015 scan tool guide that listed many levels of scan tools with tables listing what they could and couldn't do. That might be a decent starting point for reference.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I was looking at this one https://www.actron.com/content/elite-autoscanner-kit-enhanced-obd-i-and-obd-ii-scan-tool . And fedwrench, is this article online or in a paper magazine?

 

[theoldwizard1]

It is all about the software ! Do they update, how often and what does it cost.

Short of the truly "professional" units (> $900) which have hefty charges for keeping the software up-to-date, I can not find a brand that I could recommend. This is ESPECIALLY true if you want anti-lock brake and air bag coverage (all brands do not do well on older models (pre-2005 ?). You also want want that is capable of reading live data and MODE 6.

Actron CP9580 looks good, but the software only covers through 2013. Autel AL619 look pretty good, but there have been no updates.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

 

[WhiffySpark]

Those little hand scanners aren't the same as having live data on a full size scanner. But for the average diy person it won't matter because most dont understand what they are looking at

 

[dclassical]

Why would you have a scan tool without live data?? What can you do with that except know the status of the readiness monitors??

A code will give you a direction to look for a problem, it will not bring any solution by itself unless you are a parts changer.

 

[pelletman]

I've been happy with www.autoenginuity.com

 

[anndel]

Believe it or not, my friend owns a shop in Waipio-Gentry and he has a Snap On Verus D10 Pro and Autel Maxisys Pro. I showed him the Lemur Bluedriver so he bought one to test as he could not believe for $100 it offers so much more. It's not bidirectional like the Verus and Autel but it comes close in terms of reading codes and diagnosing issues even free repair advice which most charge. He's had it for 6 months now and still uses it then verifies the codes and repair with the Verus/Autel and so far the BlueDriver has been 100% correct.

 

[Git]

I recently bought the BlueDriver tool to specifically deal with an ABS code

Unfortunately it was not very helpful - it read one code but the suggested remedies ranged from replacing the abs module, the wheel sensors, check the ground, etc. Wasn't very helpful at all. I had a feeling it was the abs module (pretty common problem) and I bought a used one from eBay that solved the problem

Ended up sending the BlueDriver back under Amazon's 30 day return policy.

 

[shockwave]

I just picked up a Matco md85 which is very nice and easy to use does abs srs and 2 graphing and oil reset for 299 on special now

I believe it's a rebranded Innova 3160e

Honorable mention look at actron easy scan works well with android

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

the one I bought is highlighted in black

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Love the scan tool by the way. Got it for $220. $233 with tax here in CT. Does everything my two scan tools do plus more. Very impressed. Some things on it remind me of snap on units. Otc has basically a copy of this with the same features, bosch obd 1300 is the sam3 exact tool but just for O'Reilly. Launch tools were more expensive for less features. I can hope they continue to update it, is only been out 5 months, last update was mid February.

 

[Mechanico]

Is the Actron CP 9690 powered by the on board car battery? What do you do if the battery is dead on the car hook a battery charger to it?

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Is the Actron CP 9690 powered by the on board car battery? What do you do if the battery is dead on the car hook a battery charger to it?

If the car battery is dead, the codes aren't kept in the system so it's pointless anyways. You can use the CP9690 without plugging it in to review information from a vehicle previously plugged into, but the car will power it on via 12v at the OBDII port.

 

[Mechanico]

If the car battery is dead, the codes aren't kept in the system so it's pointless anyways. You can use the CP9690 without plugging it in to review information from a vehicle previously plugged into, but the car will power it on via 12v at the OBDII port.

I'm trying to decide whether to get the Actron CP 9690 or the Autel 802 right now. Or just use Blues Driver for a while until I can get a bi-directional scanner. Id love to have the model they are replacing the Autel 708 with. I think its the Autel 906.


With this Actron, if you have a mild skip with no check engine light, what kind of info will the CP 9690 offer towards resolving the issue?

It seems like this kind of thing gets into scope territory doesn't it?

 

[anndel]

I'm trying to decide whether to get the Actron CP 9690 or the Autel 802 right now. Or just use Blues Driver for a while until I can get a bi-directional scanner. Id love to have the model they are replacing the Autel 708 with. I think its the Autel 906.


With this Actron, if you have a mild skip with no check engine light, what kind of info will the CP 9690 offer towards resolving the issue?

It seems like this kind of thing gets into scope territory doesn't it?

The Autel 708 was discontinued and replaced by the 906 (maxisys). My wife's car had a senior moment where it ran rough for a 20-30 seconds, with no check engine light, ran fine and smooth after that burp. When I ran it through the Autel, Actron 9690 and BlueDriver, all came back with no codes. Short term and long term fuel trims, O2 sensors, fuel pressure checks all came back good.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I use my blue driver 99% of the time. Experience and knowing how to interpret live data will do so much more for you than being able to read a code or read those code connect suggestions.

 

[Perroflojo]

I recently bought a Foxwell NT510 and out of the box the scanner will not turn on when hook up to the computer or the car.

I bought it because of it's bi directional capabilities but was a total lemon. The software disc was only for windows vista, xp, or 7. I had to drag an old computer out of the closet to dawn load the software which actually work.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I recently bought a Foxwell NT510 and out of the box the scanner will not turn on when hook up to the computer or the car.

I bought it because of it's bi directional capabilities but was a total lemon. The software disc was only for windows vista, xp, or 7. I had to drag an old computer out of the closet to dawn load the software which actually work.

Have you verified that the obdii port has 12v?

 

[Perroflojo]

Have you verified that the obdii port has 12v?

I try it on 2 computers in the same location where I normally plug the mouse and nothing work.

I also did the same thing on the 2 different cars, plug it on the OB2 port and nothing work. Took my old cheap scanner from Harbor Freight and it work fine. This is when I gave up and return it.

 

[Mechanico]

The Autel 708 was discontinued and replaced by the 906 (maxisys). My wife's car had a senior moment where it ran rough for a 20-30 seconds, with no check engine light, ran fine and smooth after that burp. When I ran it through the Autel, Actron 9690 and BlueDriver, all came back with no codes. Short term and long term fuel trims, O2 sensors, fuel pressure checks all came back good.

I went ahead and got an Autel 802. I'm pretty impressed with it so far. Its 1000's times better than what I've had. LOL!

I'm sure it will do more for me as I learn it. It didn't finish the KOER test tonight on my 2000 Ford Windstar. For a minute it was looking pretty interesting. The engine revved about a minute then idled down and the test aborted shortly after.

I'm hoping it will give me live transmission data as well because I'm interested in working on more Transmissions after rebuilding the one in the Windstar successfully last year.

I couldn't update it yet ,my SD card reader in my PC is not communicating correctly.

 

[jerseykat1]

I work for Nissan and have an autel maxisys mini and it can do everything that the consult 3 plus can do except reprogramming and keys/nats.. It does have the nats option but I have not been able to get it to work. 2016 models are covered. I do need to update to get 2017 though and I have not priced that yet but I'm sure it's going to be pricey. My subscription just expired in November but prior to that I would get updates and bug fixes over the air every few weeks or so.

I highly recommend autel or a used snap-on verus. Only advantage that the snap on has is the built in trouble shooter and oscilloscope. But the autel has more complete coverage with dealer level functionality.

Actually the SO verus would be best for someone without a lot of diagnostic experience because it has guided component tests built in. Autel gives you more functionality but less hand holding.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[AndeiH]

What are the advantages of the higher priced scanners compared to the ones that cost around $1000?

 

[shockwave]

I have not really tried the newer autels but the launch has been great for coverage

I can say that you have to be patient with the high level scan tools the user interface is not always the best since it will do so much

Now comparing my souls ultra to my Maximus 2.0 both do most of what I need but the graphs are slower on snap on but the user interface is easy most of the time

Now cool things that I like with maximus is merging graphs which is nice for diagnosing issues which comes up a lot these days with misfire on using cheaper gas with high ethanol on all cars these days

 

[Mechanico]

I would love to have gotten the Snapon Verus Pro but they go from 3500 unupdated to 8500 bucks updated for a used on ebay and I just simply don't have that kind of money right now.

Just for the Oscilloscope a Verus Pro would be a joy to have.

I think the Verus Pro is the one where they also did away with the Keys for each manufactor ?

My next choice below a Snapon Verus Pro would have been the new this year Autel Maxisys MS906 which replaces the Autel 708. http://www.ebay.com/itm/2016-Autel-MaxiSys-MS906-OBD2-Scanner-Diagnostic-Tool-Upgraded-of-MaxiDas-DS708-/232153635827?cmd=ViewItem&hash=item360d6f5bf3:g:0bgAAOSwB09YKsvM

Anyway I'm happy with the Autel 802 for now. I'm sure it will do more than I fully understand right now. I'm not new to mechanicing I've just always had the parts houses scan my vehicles and then go back and research and fix it myself so it will be nice not to have to run down town for that now.

I'm just a DIY'er. My first mechanicing was keeping my dirt bikes in tip top shape. Kind of like Eric the Car guy. LOL! Those days are gone but now I'm repairing AC leaks and charging AC systems. I rebuilt my 2000 Ford Windstar transmission last year. Before that I put new head gaskets on it.

I threw a new head on my daughters Ford focus after it dropped a valve seat and trashed a #4 Piston. I put 4 new pistons with rings and one junkyard rod and all new rod bearings and it runs like a singer sewing machine.

What I need to do is pick up some extra change mechanicing on the weekends.

 

[theoldwizard1]

• Paying extra for OBD-I capability is a waste of money. (The capabilities builtin to the PCM varies WIDELY from car to car).
• If the manufacturer does not have, and continue to have, yearly updates, within a very few years, the tool will have greatly diminished value.
• The cost of adding more memory and a larger screen is trivial. Amazon is selling the Fire 7 for <$50. and the Fire 8 <$90. Why would anyone build hardware anymore ?

Blue Driver is the "right direction" to go, as long as they can keep improving the quality of their software and keep up with all of the various auto manufacturers updates for the various different modules.


Last, if you really want to do diagnostics, YOU HAVE TO HAVE WIRING DIAGRAMS ! There are a few source on line. They are not perfect, but no DIYer can afford the "paid" services. Oh, and these are not 100% correct all of the time.

 

[Mechanico]

I'm also excited to see what Blues Driver brings to the table in the future. I feel like we'll be able to do cylinder cut out tests with our cell phones one day and maybe they'll even get the big rigs in on it as well. If they don't someone will. Maybe even an oscilloscope? I've driven and been around big rigs and heavy equipment since I was born. LOL!

I just did a search and didn't realize that there is already a lot going on with Oscilloscope for cell phones. Google play is loaded with cell phone oscilloscopes but I don't know if they would be capable of auto diagnostic solutions. If not it won't be long I bet.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nfx.noscpro&hl=en

 

[Mechanico]

• Paying extra for OBD-I capability is a waste of money. (The capabilities builtin to the PCM varies WIDELY from car to car).
• If the manufacturer does not have, and continue to have, yearly updates, within a very few years, the tool will have greatly diminished value.
• The cost of adding more memory and a larger screen is trivial. Amazon is selling the Fire 7 for <$50. and the Fire 8 <$90. Why would anyone build hardware anymore ?

Blue Driver is the "right direction" to go, as long as they can keep improving the quality of their software and keep up with all of the various auto manufacturers updates for the various different modules.


Last, if you really want to do diagnostics, YOU HAVE TO HAVE WIRING DIAGRAMS ! There are a few source on line. They are not perfect, but no DIYer can afford the "paid" services. Oh, and these are not 100% correct all of the time.

What are going to do with a Fire 8 tablet? What kind of software and connectors will you use with it?

I agree with not buying hardware but you have to have diagnostic software that competes with the big names for that to be a viable solution.
And based on reviews I'm not convinced yet that equal software exists.

 

[mrjaw14]

I use my blue driver 99% of the time. Experience and knowing how to interpret live data will do so much more for you than being able to read a code or read those code connect suggestions.

I'm glad to hear of someone useing a BlueDriver. I know there are better scan tools out there, but I really want to build a DIY setup out of components that connect to tablets/phones. I'm wanting to also get a labscope, but so far Labnation is the only one I can find that will connect to a (Andriod) tablet. no dice for iOS. I am begging Pico Auto so come out with a labscope for tablets. I love their software.

What worries me is all this stuff is still geared to run on a laptop/computer. I know that form factor will be around for a long time, but tablets are so much more convenient to use, power, and carry around. I'm really wanting to avoid having to have a laptop just to use scan tools and lab scopes.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I'm glad to hear of someone useing a BlueDriver. I know there are better scan tools out there, but I really want to build a DIY setup out of components that connect to tablets/phones. I'm wanting to also get a labscope, but so far Labnation is the only one I can find that will connect to a (Andriod) tablet. no dice for iOS. I am begging Pico Auto so come out with a labscope for tablets. I love their software.

What worries me is all this stuff is still geared to run on a laptop/computer. I know that form factor will be around for a long time, but tablets are so much more convenient to use, power, and carry around. I'm really wanting to avoid having to have a laptop just to use scan tools and lab scopes.

You won't be unhappy with blue driver. And they continue to add vehicle support and features often. I almost wish I didn't buy my other two scan tools!

 

[WanderingSol07]

Depends on what you are after. I have HP Tuners scanner for about $350, you need to supply a laptop though. It can capture everything on the bus and do data logging. For more money it will upload tunes.

Tim.

 

[Derek420]

Anyone have either of the Macs? There is 3 models and cheaper one is $100 but has okay features and second best is like 200ish idk forgot but I have that version in lay away at the pawn shop it's $100 it has live data I believe and reads abs and srs I can't wait to get it but will be, after Christmas I got 6 kids.