Best OBDII scan tool for around $100

[nh_yota]

I have an older ScanGauge that I bought 10 years ago when I was going through my car electronics phase, and I use it a handful of times each year to read OBDII codes on other people's vehicles. It doesn't get used much because the CEL in my 2010 Tacoma has only lit up once in seven years (bad A/F sensor last year). Like many of you on GJ, I'm the guy people call when something goes wrong with anything so the ScanGauge resides in my truck tool box.

Given the advances made in diagnostic tools over the past 10 years and the fact that I just won a $100 Amex gift card at my office, I'm thinking about upgrading to something better. I don't care that much about real-time monitoring like you get with something like a ScanGauge because I've had one for years and really never use it except to read codes. I thought about a bluetooth one I could use with my iPhone but I'm not sure if they're actually any better than an Autel or Actron scanner.

Target is around $100 because I can chip in a few extra bucks if it's worth it.

What say ye?

 

[anndel]

I have the BlueDriver and tested it against an Actron CP9690, Autel MaxiDAS 708, Snap on Verus Pro and Autel 906TS on a vehicle I was troubleshooting and they all pointed to code P0336 crank position sensor. It was a little slower in communicating with the CAN system than the Snap On, Actron or both Autels but for $100 you can't beat it. There are cheaper sensors that use other software like Torque that most folks here like.

 

[aka Larry]

I also have an older ScanGauge, and I was going to suggest a BT dongle from Amazon to be used in conjunction with the Torque app, but IIRC, that app isn't available on the forbidden fruit platform.

 

[Michael_in_DE]

Get the best Autel you can. I would go used to stretch that $. these bluetooth thingys will be outdated in a few years as phone and connection electronics evolve.

A good version of a new autel would be the DIY version of the MD802.

 

[kctyphoon]

The units at HF are just rebranded from what I understand.. I bought their highest model before the tablets, and it does abs too. Think it's was about $110 on sale, and I think you might be able to use the coupons on them too, when they aren't - but I'd check on that.

This is one I bought, and full disclosure, I don't use it a lot at all.. but it does live data and abs.

https://t.harborfreight.com/automot...tics/can-obd-ii-scan-tool-with-abs-60796.html

You can find em on eBay for like $70. Used even less.. they have some lower models that are good too, may not do abs though..

 

[Ign]

Probably puts you in AL619 territory. It will, however, only pull ABS codes from the Big Three.

And I believe the HF unit is the same. One of the reviewers on HF.com even complains it'll only pull ABS codes from a limited number of makes.

I needed it to pull ABS codes on an '07 F150 so I got lucky I guess. I decided against the HF unit and got an actual Autel AL619 through a warehouse deal on Amazon for something like $88

 

[jonesg]

The units at HF are just rebranded from what I understand.. I bought their highest model before the tablets, and it does abs too. Think it's was about $110 on sale, and I think you might be able to use the coupons on them too, when they aren't - but I'd check on that.

This is one I bought, and full disclosure, I don't use it a lot at all.. but it does live data and abs.

https://t.harborfreight.com/automot...tics/can-obd-ii-scan-tool-with-abs-60796.html

You can find em on eBay for like $70. Used even less.. they have some lower models that are good too, may not do abs though..

The HF versions don't do SRS , I went with Autel MD802 instead.
I had an SRS code and needed an inspection sticker so had no choice.
THe HF look like Autel made them.

Selling my Autel for $150 as I have Vida on a laptop for my volvo now.

 

[Treeman]

Autel will be the best bang for the buck over Innova and Actron (Bosch).

Autel is based in China vs. Innova and Actron/Bosch being U.S. based. All units are made in China, regardless. Customer support seems to run hot/cold with all three based on review sites. All three answered my simple emails within 1 business day.

At your price point, you can probably get ABS and SRS capability above the generic global OBDII function. The original post suggests you only use OBDII code reading capability, so it might be a waste of money to upgrade to a unit that does live data, freeze frame, enhanced codes, etc..

I disagree with the poster above that says the MS619 only does ABS/SRS for the "Big Three". You can go to the Autel website, under Support/Knowledge Base and see the vehicle brand compatibility of each Autel model. Coverage varies for each vehicle brand and model year.

ALL of these code scanners at this price point lag 2 to 5 years behind in vehicle brand software updates for enhanced codes beyond generic OBDII. Actron has not updated theirs since 2013. Autel now offers free software updates for these units.

 

[emort007]

Before you make up your mind, take a few minutes to watch this:

They run a few $$ more than an autel 802, but can do MUCH more.

 

[chrismenke]

I also have an older ScanGauge, and I was going to suggest a BT dongle from Amazon to be used in conjunction with the Torque app, but IIRC, that app isn't available on the forbidden fruit platform.

Sure isn't...you've got to get the WiFi dongle and BluDriver or OBD Fusion. Damn lazy coders couldn't write the iOS BlueTooth interface.

 

[JohnDeere1]

I paid $100 for my Mac rebranded c-reader IV? Which is great and nice and compact I couldn't recommend it enough graphs live data ,srs,abs you name it can even look up trouble codes and repair troubleshooting. You can buy it for around $100 or less from Amazon it's made by Launch.