Latest opinions on scanner

[smz]

Have read so much on obd2 scanner opinions my head is spinning. Most info is last year or more. Any experiences with newest equipment or is it still nothing comes close to oem?
Looking to scan srs, abs, and more if possible. Under $500. Foxwell 510 seems interesting but depends on what opinions you read.
Starting to think about just getting minimum to do srs and then throw away when new tool comes out. Thanks for any help

 

[JMQ4]

Maybe not what you’re looking for function wise, but I have the BlueDriver module for iOS and think it is fantastic for what I have used it for. That said, I’ve never needed to scan ABS, etc., and I think that functionality depends on car model, etc. I do like the feature that suggests fixes based on user feedback, but realize that this might not be desirable for someone more into cars than I am. For the couple of times I needed it, the suggestions were dead on what needed done, although I still spent time studying the problem, researching, etc.

 

[spotco2]

Might be a bit above the $500 budget but I use an Autel Maxisys Pro and Maxisys Mini almost daily and love them both. The mini is great for diagnostics and a very capable tool. The Pro is amazing and with the J2534 box you can also flash and program replacement modules if needed.

 

[Tallpilot]

If you are just working on your family vehicles and only have one make go with a J2534 cable (Mongoose or 3rd shift knockoff) and an oem portal subscription. Scanners over $1,000 are frustrating enough with missing coverage or wrong/missing/backwards PIDs. Expecting anything more than basic OBDII capability under $500 is tough. Abs and airbags will read on some models but not others.

 

[davo727]

This stuff about makes me want to drive a 1995 forever.

But if a guy wanted to do crank relearn , abs, srs diagnostics on 2001-2006 silverado would an Autel DS808 do that? Better option? Under $1000?

On updates do they all make you pay for skipped years ?
Thanks

 

[Tallpilot]

Snap-on doesn't really make you pay for skipped years. They do have what they call loyalty pricing so the update is cheaper if you have the current version. There is also a buy one update get the next free if you time it correctly.

Check ebay for a used Ethos Tech. More capability and free updates for 3 years then about $500 twice a year after that.

 

[davo727]

Thanks, This would be for my trucks and daughters family vehicles also so hoping to not have large update fees all the time.

 

[emort007]

I always speak highly of the OTC Genisys and Genisys Evo. You can pick up a used one on Ebay, slap a new battery in it and upgrade the software for less than $500 and it will do everything you can imagine. Its a pro level scanner.

Here is a video on it.

 

[toolenthusiast]

It would help to know what years and makes you're working on. Also, do you need bidirectional controls? If not, the Autel MD808 is probably the clear choice.

 

[davo727]

I put 2001-2006 silverado above, If I want to do crank relearn then that is Bidirectional required right? Autel 808 wont do crank relearn?

 

[Tallpilot]

I put 2001-2006 silverado above, If I want to do crank relearn then that is Bidirectional required right? Autel 808 wont do crank relearn?

It doesn't look like it. It does suspension, steering, electronic parking brake, etc. So basic service functions but no bi-directional for the engine, transmission, body electrical, etc.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ethos-Tech...376403?hash=item441cb4a313:g:lYIAAOSw-H1a4gvv

$1,000 updates through 19.2 (the first update in 2019)

I wish I could tell you one tool that was a silver bullet and would do everything. Only the factory software via J2534 can do that.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C4JJWNU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.acdelcotds.com/acdelco/action/subscribehome

$900 for the pass through device and $57 for 3 days or $227 per month or $575 per year just for GM. I assume you have other makes? You will need this to replace programmable modules. I am not sure how many of those are on the Silverado's of that vintage; perhaps none.

 

[davo727]

Thank You Tall Pilot, Based on those links you gave-

Looks like for the 2007 and older GM that GMs Tech2win software is what is used- and can be interfaced with that DG technologies VSI J2534.

From their amazon listing:

This adapter will also work with many of the OEM software programs! These programs are not included with this adapter, but can be purchased separately:
•GM Tech2Win
•GM GDS2
•VAG Offboard Diagnostic Information System (ODIS) Service
•Toyota TechStream
•Jaguar/LandRover IDS
•Volvo VIDA
•BWM ISTA

So from GM website: 3 day access Tech2win is $55. Then also If you need to program a PCM, BCM etc :

Vehicle Programming Software
Includes: 24 months access to program all modules for one vehicle (VIN) $40.00

So if I needed to do something that a cheap scanner wont do I would be able to by paying the $55 and if needed the $40 module programming fee for PCM, BCM etc

Im actually only concerned with GM and just have 2001, 2005 at the moment. I just cant stand not being able to fix ( computer wise) whatever might be needed.

If I get a newer GM then I could do short term GDS2 access as needed.

Looks like the DG technologies VSI J2534 comes with a generic OBD2 diagnostic software, Im going to contact them and see if that is Bi-directional>

 

[davo727]

Thanks, I will look into that.

I always speak highly of the OTC Genisys and Genisys Evo. You can pick up a used one on Ebay, slap a new battery in it and upgrade the software for less than $500 and it will do everything you can imagine. Its a pro level scanner.

Here is a video on it.

 

[Tallpilot]

If you are only supporting one make the pass through option is certainly the most economical way to get full capability. It appears you could also purchase Tech2Win outright for $259 then you would always have full diagnostic capability including bi-directional. Just don't buy anything newer than 2007.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Maybe not what you’re looking for function wise, but I have the BlueDriver module for iOS and think it is fantastic for what I have used it for. That said, I’ve never needed to scan ABS, etc., and I think that functionality depends on car model, etc.

I had high hopes for BlueDriver, but it looks like another "also ran".

First, the value in any of these tools is in the SOFTWARE ! Paying for actual hardware is a waste of $$$ !! a BlueTooth "dongle" and your favorite portable device (phone or tablet) is all you should need. You can buy an Amazon Fire 10 for $150 that has a much larger and nicer screen than anything out there. Make you own protective case or buy one on eBay for <$20.

I can excuse not covering some of the expensive EU brands (Mercedes, BMW), but a diagnostic tool needs to cover ALL of the Detroit 3 brands top to bottom and the major Japaneses brands (Toyota, Honda, Mazda).

Also, coverage of ABS and SRS and other "devices" on the vehicle network is very poor on all but the most expensive diagnostic tools.

 

[davo727]

OK Thanks guys,

So lets compare:


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074CN2ZRK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C4JJWNU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HRA1R3O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I could be wrong but looks like the first 2 will do some obd2 diagnostics with its own included hardware and software , and if you buy Manufacturer software access then they can do bidirectional actions like relearn and reprogram pcm, bcm etc .

The third one Drew tech cable only, looks like it does nothing unless you have manufacturer paid software access.

If you are just working on your family vehicles and only have one make go with a J2534 cable (Mongoose or 3rd shift knockoff) and an oem portal subscription. Scanners over $1,000 are frustrating enough with missing coverage or wrong/missing/backwards PIDs. Expecting anything more than basic OBDII capability under $500 is tough. Abs and airbags will read on some models but not others.

 

[Tallpilot]

OK Thanks guys,

So lets compare:


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074CN2ZRK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C4JJWNU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HRA1R3O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I could be wrong but looks like the first 2 will do some obd2 diagnostics with its own included hardware and software , and if you buy Manufacturer software access then they can do bidirectional actions like relearn and reprogram pcm, bcm etc .

The third one Drew tech cable only, looks like it does nothing unless you have manufacturer paid software access.

When they say basic ODBII they mean basic.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007XE8C74/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That little guy is better than basic because it will read some manufacturer specific codes. Of course even basic OBDII is better than nothing because it at least might show you where to start your diagnosis. But don't consider it as a serious feature. The reason those other two are worth more is the fact that they will work on other makes. So if your friend has a Chrysler he can borrow your device and just pay whatever Chrysler's online fee is.

Again if you are absolutely sure you will never want to work on anything but GM the Mongoose plus the online software or the permanent Tech2Win license are your most economical full capability options.

The last option is a Chinese knockoff cable that some people on forums say works fine. Personally, I'd pay $500 for a certified cable when the stuff I'm programming costs more than that but I want you to be aware of all the options. But I'm not suggesting a specific one because that dice roll needs to be entirely up to you.

 

[davo727]

Looking at GM site I thought that $249 tech2 software was just to re load an actual hardware Tech2, not the Tech2win. I didnt see a permanent Tech2win download?

As far as knockoff... I saw one called Mangoose, for $75, a copy of the Drew Tech Mongoose.

As far as cheap scanners, I have an Actron 9690 I bought 2 months ago.

 

[Tallpilot]

Looking at GM site I thought that $249 tech2 software was just to re load an actual hardware Tech2, not the Tech2win. I didnt see a permanent Tech2win download?

You are correct. My apologies, I read it wrong.

As far as knockoff... I saw one called Mangoose, for $75, a copy of the Drew Tech Mongoose.

Try that and a subscription and if it works it will cost less than the MD808 you were looking at for dealership level capability.

As far as cheap scanners, I have an Actron 9690 I bought 2 months ago.

Those are good to have. I keep my old Autel in the truck and it is much faster for a quick code scan than dragging out the big guns.