Best DIY scanner tool

[Ohmthis]

Hey everyone, I'm looking for the best(best bang for the buck) scanner. I'm a home mechanic that works on my own vehicles, friends, and family. I'm looking for something that can scan from 1997-close to present. Makes are Ford, Chevy, Toyota, Lexus, and Honda. I have seen the ones that do ABS and airbag, not so much interested, but would like real time if possible. As always budget is a concern looking to about $150-200. Thanks!!!

 

[bcradio]

You might find a really beat up used one for that $$, but as someone else said "you have champagne taste on a beer budget".

You could get a code reader for that though.

 

[Rebelphotog]

I use Torque on my Android phone with a $25 bluetooth OBDII adapter from Ebay. Works great. Lots of real time stats, data logging, GPS tracking, code reading, etc. Also has gimmicky stuff such as HP/Torque readings (both at the wheels and flywheel), 1/4mile and 0-60 times, allows you to GPS track while recording video of your drive and data logging simultaneously and will plot it to Google Maps.

It's not a Solus or anything, but does everything I need it to do. Works with everything I've tried it on so far.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

this was discussed last week or so. go back pages and you will see.

 

[Goobzilla]

I use Torque on my Android phone with a $25 bluetooth OBDII adapter from Ebay. Works great. Lots of real time stats, data logging, GPS tracking, code reading, etc. Also has gimmicky stuff such as HP/Torque readings (both at the wheels and flywheel), 1/4mile and 0-60 times, allows you to GPS track while recording video of your drive and data logging simultaneously and will plot it to Google Maps.

It's not a Solus or anything, but does everything I need it to do. Works with everything I've tried it on so far.

Yes, this is the way I've gone as well. Hard to beat.

 

[shockwave]

Best I can say is look for a used OTC nemisys they r great for general use scan abs airbags live data even obd1 vehicles with optional cables and has graphic values if u need anything more u need to atleast triple your budget for scanners with functional test like evap monitoring I have heard good things on auto inguinuity

 

[NiteWolf]

Check out scantool.net I use it with my laptop and iPhone/iPad. even with the basic software you can look at live data and i use dash command on my iDevice.

 

[Ohmthis]

this was discussed last week or so. go back pages and you will see.

I apologize, I should have looked a little more before posting. I did find an avenue though that might fit my needs, thank you!!! I can't use the app for the android as I have an iPhone, thanks though, I might look at putting it on my wife's tablet.

 

[pipsters]

I have Torque as well. It will pull codes and do some live data. But from my understanding if you want to truly diagnose the car you need some sort of "scope". It basically is a high powered multi-meter that you use to rapidly scan sensors and such. Basically this will actually allow you to pinpoint that a sensor is bad vs throwing a code and replacing stuff.

If I have that wrong someone please jump in.

I don't know of a cheaper DIY scope, they all seem to cost thousands.

 

[aaron h]

i like the torque app idea just bought it on itunes and checking ebay now. looks like compatability on japanese cars is slim but its my domestic vehicles that always need checked out anyways

 

[shocksandstrutz]

i have an equus/innova scanner, itll read the normal obd2 stuff and give the code and full description as well as pull transmission codes and such. cost somewhere around 135 i think and that included shipping, bought it last year, and ive used it a ton. hope you find what you are looking for, i know as a DIY guy that they help out a ton and save time from running to the autoparts store.

happy hunting

 

[Ohmthis]

i have an equus/innova scanner, itll read the normal obd2 stuff and give the code and full description as well as pull transmission codes and such. cost somewhere around 135 i think and that included shipping, bought it last year, and ive used it a ton. hope you find what you are looking for, i know as a DIY guy that they help out a ton and save time from running to the autoparts store.

happy hunting

thanks for this info, do you by chance have a model number? I've been looking at the autel AL519 and that seems to be close to what I'm looking for.

 

[shocksandstrutz]

its the Innova 3130b, just had to run out to the garage and check it out, IIRC this one does everything but OBD1 and ABS stuff.......now im not saying it does everything a snap on does, just for the price and what it can do for me works perfect

 

[Rebelphotog]

I apologize, I should have looked a little more before posting. I did find an avenue though that might fit my needs, thank you!!! I can't use the app for the android as I have an iPhone, thanks though, I might look at putting it on my wife's tablet.

They make similar apps for iPhones, but I'm not familiar with which are best. Maybe research that a little bit before you pull the trigger on anything and see if there's something that fits your needs for a reasonable price.

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

I got the obd2 wifi adapter that connects up to my iphone, forget the brand of it, but uses the Logworks app. Works pretty good, but with the app you can only see a handful of live data at a time.

 

[zakmartin]

Save another 100 bucks and get an Autel MD802. Nothing's better at that price range, and you get graphing, live data, SRS, ABS, ECU, make-specific scans (bi-directional in auto mode, not controllable), upgradable, built-in 4GB memory, color screen, etc. etc. The Autel tool makes the Innova look like a toy.

I also have the Scantool.net OBDLink S scan tool and use ScanXL Pro and OBDWiz Pro software and pretty much hate it. It uses an exceptionally generic interface and it's overpriced for what you get. There's all sorts of neat-o graphics, but in the end, it doesn't get the job done, and you have to lug around your laptop. You pay a premium to get the Pro software, and all it does is throw more useless generic ECU information in the mix. Totally not worth the money, and I regret buying it.

 

[Subyroo651]

Save another 100 bucks and get an Autel MD802. Nothing's better at that price range, and you get graphing, live data, SRS, ABS, ECU, make-specific scans (bi-directional in auto mode, not controllable), upgradable, built-in 4GB memory, color screen, etc. etc. The Autel tool makes the Innova look like a toy.

Your post got me searching for the MD802.. I noticed in other threads that there was some confusion between models..
Is this the one you got? AUTEL

This was the post:

MD802
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009WVIUUA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

AULMD802
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0090B7M2O/?tag=atomicindus08-20


I think there is a difference. One can give Enhanced data and other cant. Hence, the price difference.

 

[sk farmer]

its the Innova 3130b, just had to run out to the garage and check it out, IIRC this one does everything but OBD1 and ABS stuff.......now im not saying it does everything a snap on does, just for the price and what it can do for me works perfect

i just bought a 3130c. it came pre loaded with abs and fix assist that gives repair tips. i believe the abs can be loaded onto a 3130b if needed. i pad about 175 bucks for mine on sale locally.

 

[Subyroo651]

i just bought a 3130c. it came pre loaded with abs and fix assist that gives repair tips. i believe the abs can be loaded onto a 3130b if needed. i pad about 175 bucks for mine on sale locally.

Interesting.. I JUST picked up a Innova 3160B for $199.. I m rethinking it now and considering the Autel 802.

 

[bcradio]

Save another 100 bucks and get an Autel MD802. Nothing's better at that price range, and you get graphing, live data, SRS, ABS, ECU, make-specific scans (bi-directional in auto mode, not controllable), upgradable, built-in 4GB memory, color screen, etc. etc. The Autel tool makes the Innova look like a toy.

I don't think $325 for the MD802 is saving a hundred bucks off his $150 - $200 budget... more like spending an extra $125

 

[Subyroo651]

I don't think $325 for the MD802 is saving a hundred bucks off his $150 - $200 budget... more like spending an extra $125

I think he meant, save up another $100 to buy the Autel. But yea it is still out of the OP's price range.

 

[bcradio]

I think he meant, save up another $100 to buy the Autel. But yea it is still out of the OP's price range.

Good point... I didn't catch that. Either way, the MD802 looks like a nice unit to get.

 

[zakmartin]

I don't think $325 for the MD802 is saving a hundred bucks off his $150 - $200 budget... more like spending an extra $125

I got mine for $282 shipped on Amazon. Shop around. Prices vary.

 

[mister z]

I got mine for $282 shipped on Amazon. Shop around. Prices vary.

zakmartin,Thanks for the info . I'm not sure if this is supplied with cables when I looked on Autel website. They listed a 38 pin Benz & a 16 pin Jeep both of which I would need as optional . Thanks for any info.

 

[Subyroo651]

ZakMartin,
Can you take a gander at my post #17 ?
Thanks

 

[HandsomeDan]

I use Torque on my Android phone with a $25 bluetooth OBDII adapter from Ebay.

 

[zakmartin]

ZakMartin,
Can you take a gander at my post #17 ?
Thanks

As far as I know, there's only one MD802.

On Autel's website.

I haven't seen an enhanced version of the MD802. I bought mine in October, 2012 and it was selling for $282 shipped at that time (I'm an Amazon Prime member). The tool comes with a hard case, the standard OBDII connector, a 4 GB SD Card, and software to do updates with.

As far as adapters needed for certain models (as listed on the website):

· 20-pin Connector for 1996-2001 BMW vehicles
· 38-pin Connector for 1996-2000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles
· 14-pin Connector for 1996-1999 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles
· 16-pin CCD Adapter for 1996-2003 Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep vehicles

I haven't needed any of those, and I can't tell you how easy it would be to obtain them.

All I know is that this is the most useful, easy to use and best bang for your buck hand-held scan tool I've ever used. I've tried or owned Innova, OTC, Actron and Scantool.net tools and so far, the Autel is the only one I've been truly impressed with. Mind you, this is at a price point FAR below anything Snap-on or MAC makes.

I've used it on the following cars (and probably a few others I've forgotten):

1. 2008 Nissan 350Z
2. 2009 Nissan Rogue SL
3. 2003 Mercedes Benz C320
4. 1998 Volvo S60
5. 2011 Audi S5
6. 2005 Ford F-150
7. 2001 Chrysler PT-Cruiser (didn't need an adapter)
8. 2008 Kia Rondo
9. 2001 VW Jetta
10. 2002 Toyota Tacoma
11. 2012 Audi Q5
12. 2013 Subaru Outback

It's never had any problems with the handshake, I can hear it turning engine parts on and off when it's doing its auto check, it gives me make-specific data and not the generic stuff like my Innova did (it'll check all systems, including Bluetooth, fuel pump, EGR, etc. if that's what the make offers. The makes include the Big-3, all Asian and all European manufacturers, including Ferrari, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, etc.) My understanding is that its operating system borrows a lot from the Autel MaxiDAS DS708, which runs for about a thousand bucks, but is fully bi-directional, which the MD802 is not.

Like I said, for a few extra bucks, you get ten times the tool. It really is worth the extra hundred.

 

[Subyroo651]

That's an all-star post right there! I'll be ordering one soon I think.
Thanks a Million man

 

[KPSquared]

I'm planning on getting Auto Enginuity because it seems to be the gold standard for my Powerstroke. Will any of these Autel systems work on my my Ford? Injector buzz test, ICP and such?

 

[Ohmthis]

Been looking at the AUTEL 519. anyone use it and should it fit my needs?

 

[ImportTuner]

Here is my collectipn ...

 

[bpankratz]

Which one do you use the most? Which is the best?

 

[ImportTuner]

I like them all .. The Innova with the three LED's in the front can easy tell you if your vehicle is going to pass smog test or not, the Actron is probably the easiest to use with live data but no graphing, the Actron II was my first OBDII reader (1999) and is kinda obsolete, the Autel MD802 has the most features, and the Autel OLS301 is a scanner and can also reset oil service light, service mileage and service intervals for cars like BMW, Mercedes, MINI Cooper, etc.

 

[Ohmthis]

Trying to bump this and get one more question answered. I'm getting ready to pull the.trigger on an autel al519. Anyone have experience and maybe an opinion. Thanks!

 

[Subyroo651]

Trying to bump this and get one more question answered. I'm getting ready to pull the.trigger on an autel al519. Anyone have experience and maybe an opinion. Thanks!

Just looking at the specs, it looks to be well worth the $80 or so on Amazon..
I m waiting on my Autel to ship, so I don't have any hands on exp yet.

 

[Kenta]

For real-time monitoring I use an Ultra-Gauge. Its form factor is like a mini-GPS unit, you stick it to the windshield and monitor stats. For my car I'm constantly monitoring engine temps and air intake temps (car is supercharged). So for me it works out pretty well because I get to use it every day as a monitoring device, then move it from my car to another car on the rare occasions I need to pull a code. Youtube ultragauge to get an idea of what it looks like. So if you're interested in realtime monitoring and not pulling codes on a regular basis this might be useful.

My only gripe with Ultra Gauge is not the device but that I never got my rebate despite following their rebate process, which, a huge pain in the bottom. But, the device is only about $85 (device + bracket + shipping).

 

[Subyroo651]

Zakmartin,

One more question I had was how did it work on the 2013 Outback and what did you need it for? I have a 2013 Outback as well as a 2001 Impreza which will see the most use obviously. Also, did you update yours at all yet? The update system looks kind a hoaky.

 

[Subyroo651]

Bump for more responses.

 

[zakmartin]

Zakmartin,

One more question I had was how did it work on the 2013 Outback and what did you need it for? I have a 2013 Outback as well as a 2001 Impreza which will see the most use obviously. Also, did you update yours at all yet? The update system looks kind a hoaky.

Sorry about the long wait. I've been sick all week. My neighbor had a CEL in his older VW Diesel. He said that he checked the CEL at Autozone and they told him he needed to change his glow plugs but never re-set the ECU. His wife was getting sick of the CEL so he asked if I could re-set it. I said, "Sure." I also ran a full diagnosis (which took about 20 minutes, but this was an OLD car from the early days of OBD2) and everything checked out. Light was cleared and never came back.

He was impressed with the tool and asked if I'd do a scan on the 2013 Outback he just bought (it was about a week old). That scan just FLEW by; it only took about a minute. That's how I know that the 2013 Outback just loves this thing. I was actually surprised at how many systems the Autel did active make-specific tests on.

Regarding the update:
Nope, I haven't tried updating anything. I did register the unit with Autel though.

 

[Subyroo651]

Sorry about the long wait. I've been sick all week. My neighbor had a CEL in his older VW Diesel. He said that he checked the CEL at Autozone and they told him he needed to change his glow plugs but never re-set the ECU. His wife was getting sick of the CEL so he asked if I could re-set it. I said, "Sure." I also ran a full diagnosis (which took about 20 minutes, but this was an OLD car from the early days of OBD2) and everything checked out. Light was cleared and never came back.

He was impressed with the tool and asked if I'd do a scan on the 2013 Outback he just bought (it was about a week old). That scan just FLEW by; it only took about a minute. That's how I know that the 2013 Outback just loves this thing. I was actually surprised at how many systems the Autel did active make-specific tests on.

Regarding the update:
Nope, I haven't tried updating anything. I did register the unit with Autel though.

Thanks, in the days since - I received mine and tried it out on a few cars as well as my Outback. It really does see almost everything available on the car. I was able to update the unit and all the makes, some Euro makes take FOREVER to update(Benz,LandRover,Smart etc.). The software they supply is less than ideal but my IT skills helped in that regard. I also considered the MaxiCheck but after speaking with Autel, they explained that it is not a direct upgrade from the MD802. It does TPMS and other things but at the expense of covering so many modules. So I will keep my MD802 and dream up a "need" for the DS708.
All in all, I am very thankful for your advice and I m glad I didn't keep the 3160B.