Best home use auto scan tool

[TransAmFSAS]

Shopping around and there are wayyyy too many options of scan tools with no way of knowing their true quality. Looking for one to use on personal cars and friends and family here and there. Hope to get one that reads ABS and SRS/air bag too. What scan tools do you guys own and stand by?

 

[gearhead1]

I like to have one that doesn't just read codes, I want to be able to erase codes, get real time data while the engine is running (to troubleshoot intermittent faults) and has a wiggle test. I ended up getting an Actron CP9145 and have been happy with it. At the time I bought it, it was the best one they made that I could find. You can get something better for less money now, such as a CP 9580 or CP 9190 for roughly $300.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Autel MD802. It should read every module/system/error code on practically every car. Also can reset the Oil Change light and interface with electronic parking brakes. Make sure you buy an ALL SYSTEMS version (as those are the only version supported in the US). Any 4 system versions are grey market imports not supported by Autel USA and you can't update them. It also can do live data and printing from a PC

Here is one from an authorized retailer that will be the all systems version.
http://www.aeswave.com/MaxiDiag-Elite-MD802-OBDII-scan-tool-p9102.html

 

[creativecars]

Great question... I too have looked into this, but only enough to realize there is too much info for me to sift through.

For what its worth I have heard pretty good things about the scan tools from HF, at least for the price. Since this is for a diy garage it fits my bill, but I am still not sure which one would suite me best.
Thanks. Subscribed.

 

[lksdrinker]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005NLQAHS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Something like this one is what I recently switched over to. Its a wireless bluetooth unit that plugs into the car's OBD port. A free app is downloaded to a phone (called Torque) and then you can read/erase trouble codes as well as have a "digital dashboard" of sorts where you can monitor various specs in real time. I believe there is an upgraded pay version of the app but I'm not sure what added features that gets you.

The link I posted above is one of at least a few different bluetooth units that likely work on a variety of cars.

 

[internetdude]

This is the one I have, it reads ABS codes, I like that it has a screen big enough to do decent graphing.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008ZDYLC2/

 

[veks]

what's your budget?

this is what I use for home.
http://www.innova.com/en-US/Product/Detail/dca151c5-c7e3-4665-8e12-b5651403159e

 

[48RON54]

I have the innova equus 3020. It is a cheap simple machine. I think it was less than $100. It works well enough for me. It gives me the code, which I can then google to find most common causes of the issue. I only use mine once a month or so and I'm a hobbyist mechanic really. It's good enough for my use, but obviousely there are much better scanners if you want to invest more money. The one veks posted a link of made me drool LOL

 

[crucible]

I have Torque and like it very much, but it doesn't do ABS or transmission codes-my next one will.

 

[chadster1]

I got a Solus Ultra.

 

[Brownsfan]

I have an Innova Eqqus 3160. It does all that the OP needed. Does OBD1/2 CAN ARE and ABS. It was less than $200 2 years ago. The newer version is a little nicer and a little smaller.

 

[royesses]

The MaxiDiag Elite MD802 is what I was going to purchase, however the software/firmware update is $799 a year after the first year free. It does seem to be the most full featured non- bidirectional scanner on the market in the lower price range. Still thinking about it. I have the autoxray ezscan 4000 now, but it is of limited use and they don't support 64 bit windows for updates.

 

[bsaint]

I love my autoenginuity.

 

[TransAmFSAS]

what's your budget?

this is what I use for home.
http://www.innova.com/en-US/Product/Detail/dca151c5-c7e3-4665-8e12-b5651403159e

Originally I wanted to spend around $100. But on that budget couldn't find abs, srs, and live data. I am leaning toward the one in your link. Found it on amazon under 200. How would you rate the updates? Is there a charge for updating the unit?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QIUGVI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[LEVE]

For my "everyday use" I carry a Scanguage II in the car while the more sophisticated Hand Held Tester stays in the garage in a nice box.

Check it out:

Scagauge II

 

[Loscaldazar]

The MaxiDiag Elite MD802 is what I was going to purchase, however the software/firmware update is $799 a year after the first year free. It does seem to be the most full featured non- bidirectional scanner on the market in the lower price range. Still thinking about it. I have the autoxray ezscan 4000 now, but it is of limited use and they don't support 64 bit windows for updates.

The md802 update cost can't be $800 a year, it only costs $350 new?!?

 

[royesses]

The md802 update cost can't be $800 a year, it only costs $350 new?!?

That is a logical assumption. On the Autel web page it says $799 a year. You don't necessarily need every update and you can skip years. All previous updates are available when you skip years. Now I can't find the cost on their web page, perhaps that high cost is just for the DS708. I am seriously looking at the 802 elite.

 

[Askme42]

Wow. That's a lot of different answers.

 

[scratchedup]

Wow. That's a lot of different answers.

Thats the problem with www. and they are all correct!

 

[creativecars]

Wow. That's a lot of different answers.

The bottom line is there is no "perfect", "best" tool. If there was, there would be no need for a different brand or tool. Everyone would have that one and be done with it.

I would still like to know where the HF scan tools fall into the big picture.

 

[Conductor562]

I got a Solus Ultra.

Perfect for the home mechanic. What are they, $3800 + $300 a year to update?

 

[chadster1]

Perfect for the home mechanic. What are they, $3800 + $300 a year to update?

List price is normally $3895. Let's just say I got mine quite a bit cheaper than that.

 

[jd_1138]

I paid about $45 for an AGT OBD scanner that works great. Let's you read codes and then erase them so you can then see if they pop up again or not. After you obtain the code just plug in the OBD code and make/model into Google, and it will tell you what is wrong. It doesn't do air bags or ABS brakes though.

But really, don't overthink it. Even an el cheapo one is better than nothing, and you can always get a better one in the future and relegate the simpler one to your road box or something.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

This little OTC 3109N $81 scanner is what I recommend when asked by DIY'ers. It has live data, scans codes, plus shows readiness monitors and state emission status. It's small enough to fit in the glove box of a car. It has no internal batteries but on the flip side, has no means of saving screen or data.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C2FKPCY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I use one in the shop to pull quick codes and look at data stream before I bring out the big box scanner to get serious with the car.

It doesn't do SIR/AIRBAG nor ABS but is probably all the serious DIY'er needs.

 

[Loscaldazar]

If I was getting a cheap one, I'd get one of the harbor freight ones (http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=scan+tool). They are rebadged brand name scanners (Currently autel, they have been innova in the past, OTC, etc). With a 25% off coupon.... not a bad deal!

I also sent an email to autel to see how much it costs to update the MD802. Shouldn't have to pay more than double the retail value just to update it!

 

[firebox40dash5]

List price is normally $3895. Let's just say I got mine quite a bit cheaper than that.

We have one at work, bought with 2008 on it... $200 from the Matco guy, he took it in trade. Klunky, but hey... $200.

That MD802 caught my eye. But at 2x the cost of one to update it, why not just sell the old one and buy a new one when you need an update?

 

[Loscaldazar]

We have one at work, bought with 2008 on it... $200 from the Matco guy, he took it in trade. Klunky, but hey... $200.

That MD802 caught my eye. But at 2x the cost of one to update it, why not just sell the old one and buy a new one when you need an update?

That's why it makes so little sense to me. A new one comes with a free year of updates, so every two years why not sell yours for 50% or 25% off and buy a new one? Updates are only $30-$50 dollars a year that way.

 

[chadster1]

We have one at work, bought with 2008 on it... $200 from the Matco guy, he took it in trade. Klunky, but hey... $200.

2008, that has to be a Solus or Solus Pro. The Ultra is the 3rd generation, touch screen and no personality keys like the prior generations had.

I had a used one that I taken in on trade that I was planning on keeping but I ended up selling it for what a new one would actually cost me. I had sold probably 50 or more of the Ultra since it had came out, and made good money on them as well. I just could not see not keeping one for personal use. I have never been much of a mechanic but at least I will be able to diagnose any issues before I have to take something in to one of my old customers.

 

[firebox40dash5]

That's why it makes so little sense to me. A new one comes with a free year of updates, so every two years why not sell yours for 50% or 25% off and buy a new one? Updates are only $30-$50 dollars a year that way.

Honestly, unless you're at a dealer or brand specific shop, WGAF? We have the Solus, a Matco Pro Scan/OTC, and an X431. The Launch is the only one updated past 2008, we probably have 8 or 10 '08+ vehicles we work on. For home use, roll with it until you need to update... my newest vehicle is a decade old.

 

[royesses]

After months of back and forth I ordered the Autel md802DS from aeswave.com. It is very comprehensive. I put in a 32 gb SD card and backed up the original to it. Then registered the scanner and proceeded to download and install all updates to the 32 GB card. It took about 5 to 6 hours. Connected it on my 2002 GMC Yukon Denali and played. It gave me some body and chassis codes I didn't know about before. The truck does not have the CEL on so I can't really test against another scanner. It has so many levels of tests that at first it can be confusing. I am really liking it.

 

[madison069]

After months of back and forth I ordered the Autel md802DS from aeswave.com. It is very comprehensive. I put in a 32 gb SD card and backed up the original to it. Then registered the scanner and proceeded to download and install all updates to the 32 GB card. It took about 5 to 6 hours. Connected it on my 2002 GMC Yukon Denali and played. It gave me some body and chassis codes I didn't know about before. The truck does not have the CEL on so I can't really test against another scanner. It has so many levels of tests that at first it can be confusing. I am really liking it.

Just curious, what does it cost to update it after the free year is up?

 

[royesses]

Just curious, what does it cost to update it after the free year is up?

Autel hasn't decided yet. I'll let you know if/when I find out.

 

[HandsomeDan]

I bought a bluetooth OBD2 reader off of eBay for like $15 dollars and downloaded the free version of Torque for my android. Works great for me.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Originally I wanted to spend around $100. But on that budget couldn't find abs, srs, and live data. I am leaning toward the one in your link. Found it on amazon under 200.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QIUGVI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Only OBD2 codes are "standardized" and each auto company is allowed to add their own codes. Your reader may or may nor understand these codes.

There is no standardization of ABS, SRS, transmission or BCM codes, s there is no guarantee that your reader can deal with these modules on your car. Expensive "professional" scanner some how seem to cover these.

Another GJ thread with almost the same title started 2 years ago.

Looking for the best $200 scan tool


He bought an INNOVA 3160B

 

[veks]

Originally I wanted to spend around $100. But on that budget couldn't find abs, srs, and live data. I am leaning toward the one in your link. Found it on amazon under 200. How would you rate the updates? Is there a charge for updating the unit?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QIUGVI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I haven't had an update notification and I checked the website last week. No charge for updating.

 

[hackwelder]

I bought an Actron CP9125 and it works fine, correctly read a code for a bad O2 sensor and erased it OK once I installed a new sensor, also loaned it to a friend and it worked for him too (read a misfire code that turned out to be a bad plug)...VERY basic but only about $60 and good enough for what I do as an amateur mechanic, bought it based on good reviews at Amazon and elsewhere...

 

[internetdude]

FYI this is a handy site for looking up codes: http://www.obd-codes.com

 

[ovilla]

I use www.autotap.com. Let's me do data logging and create my own dashboard gauges so they match each car I'm working with. I can record and playback, as needed. I can even set thresholds and alarms for any gauge or sensor. I also bought the sensor troubleshooting guide to help me understand what each sensor does

 

[slyonedoofy]

I bought a bluetooth OBD2 reader off of eBay for like $15 dollars and downloaded the free version of Torque for my android. Works great for me.

I agree this is the best way to go for value. The Pro version of Torque Pro is only $4.99.

SO you spend $20-30 on a bluetooth dongle and 5 bucks on a program.

Hard to beat that price.

 

[Squ1d]

android only though from what I've heard. ***** for us in the iPhone chain-gang