Looking for a more advanced DIY scanner

[Patrick Boyle]

I've always owned older cars that I just keep running until they disintegrate. Well we this time we decided to spring for a more recent vehicle, a MY2014.

As far as scan tools, I use VAGCOM on my VW, and a USB scanner called AutoEnginuity that I've had forever to give me basic OBD codes and data.

I'm looking to step up to something that will let me access some of the manufacturer functionality. I'm not familiar with what is on the market today. What do you guys recommend in the under $500 category?

 

[chaosracing]

I have an Innova scan tool and really like it. I can scan OBD I and II with it, plus some older vehicles (forget what at the moment, I know Toyota is one)

Here is a link to a newer version of mine.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WSS5A4I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Even newer version
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MR7FZS1/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Wamsutta]

Did you look through the Professional Tool & Equipment News 2018 scan tool guide?

https://www.vehicleservicepros.com/...hicleserviceproscom-2018-scan-tool-spec-guide

 

[pbon]

The foxwell nt510 is a good value at $155. 1 module free. I just have bmw right now so that worked for me. It does way more than a generic. I would like to buy a $1000-2000 tool eventually.

 

[Treeman]

When looking at sub-$250 units, be aware that many of them lag 3-4 years behind in mfg. coverage. Go to each scan tool mfg. site and dig into the vehicle applications list to verify that your models are covered. Even then, most of the cheaper ones will have some glitches regarding coverage.

 

[dnschmidt]

Autel MS908BT. Does it all and around a grand.

 

[jgromada]

I think you need to state what features you would like as a minimum. I would say as a minimum you would want ABS codes as well as SRS. This seems to be the next tier of capability in most companies product lines. I ended up getting an Autel AL619 which had those features and covered the marques i needed. https://www.auteltech.com/Code Readers&Code Scanners/361.jhtml

 

[Nova231]

I have an autel 802 which can do quite a bit for the money. Not the fastest but totally worth it for an inexpensive scan tool. Make sure to get the version that does everything.

 

[GeoRoss]

When looking at sub-$250 units, be aware that many of them lag 3-4 years behind in mfg. coverage. Go to each scan tool mfg. site and dig into the vehicle applications list to verify that your models are covered. Even then, most of the cheaper ones will have some glitches regarding coverage.

Exactly. Also specific readers sometimes do better with specific mfgs and less well with others.

 

[Patrick Boyle]

Thanks for the suggestions. What's the major differences between the $100 AL619, $250 802, and a $500 MK808? It seems like they all read manufacturer-specific codes from all systems, have live data, etc. At what point can you activate components?

 

[royesses]

The Foxwell NT510 does bi-directional, so can activate and do some programming. It is a little slow and the bi-directional capabilities are dependent on vehicle make/model and year. The Autel models in the $1000 range are very capable.

Roy

 

[Patrick Boyle]

The Foxwell scanner looks great, but they don't have a Subaru package

 

[Bretny]

Launch makes good equipment. I have had one of there code readers for years. Im also looking for a more of a scan tool. After the $150ish price you dont get much more unless you spend alot more.

What do you want to do with this?

 

[frank001]

iCarsoft CR Plus. $200.00 and covers numerous makes both import and domestic.