OBD2 Scanner, Need help picking out a good all around option.

[ManUpOrShutUp]

I used one for a while, mostly on Ford vans (but also some cars). I found it very random about what it would support (for instance: two identical '10 E-350s, consecutive vins, one has misfire counters, the other doesn't, for no reason you could figure out in the scan tool. It's entirely possible one had updated PCM software, but that's not something it will tell you), and the interface is clunky as all get out. What it does do worked well, the fuel trim and O2 sensor data streams worked okay.

That's a bit disappointing as I haven't been able to find a lot of options for a decent DIY scan tool. Autel and Innova are typically the top 2.

Autel sent me this:

Please kindly be noted that Autel handheld scan tool support specific cars mainly up to 2014/2015, and a few 2016. it does not support newer cars.

That's no good for me. :/

 

[Persimmons1123]

I'm looking into the launch milenuim 90(same as matco MDMAXCRPRO) or the launch crp123e both are under 200 and seem to do everything a basic scanner needs pretty well

 

[AA/FC]

Check this out.... Bidirectional control and live data on all modules with lifetime FREE updates. Under $300 bucks!

 

[joseywales]

Check this out.... Bidirectional control and live data on all modules with lifetime FREE updates. Under $300 bucks!

Interesting…

 

[JOE.G]

Wish I saw that earlier.

 

[joseywales]

Maybe. But one reviewer seemed to point out some glitches to the company. Even after assessing them, his retest shows that some glitches still exist. Still considering it though

 

[AA/FC]

Maybe. But one reviewer seemed to point out some glitches to the company. Even after assessing them, his retest shows that some glitches still exist. Still considering it though

I agree, there were some glitches. However, ask Eric O. from South Main Auto on youtube..... even the high end Snap-on scan tool has glitches. (they all do) In reality, there is no perfect scan tool. They ALL have their Pro's and Con's. Some tools work terrific on certain makes/models yet completely **** on other makes/models. And honestly, the tool in this video was no worse than my $2000 Autel 908..... That thing is full of glitches and their tech departemnt doesn't care. Xtool has an email directly to their tech department and they seem to be fairly willing to fix any glitches that are brought to their attention. The auto bleed function only went back to 2010 on GM vehicles. One email to their tech department and two days later I was able to auto bleed my 2006 GMC 1500. YMMV. This scan tool has AS MUCH functionality as the next full bidirectional scan tool at (roughly) less than half the price. I do not work for XTOOL and I have no skin in the game.... I just wanted to show people an affordable alternative for those looking at bidirectional scan tools.

 

[joseywales]

Agreed AA/FC. Years ago, I certainly saw glitches in scanners. My concern is, I buy this today and they upgrade to a new model. Still, most glitches are software driven and my finger is on the trigger here.

 

[P0234]

I'm all for more scan tools, but bi-directional at this point is a great marketing term, until they list functions for each car model on their website, I'm not buying it.

 

[joseywales]

I'm all for more scan tools, but bi-directional at this point is a great marketing term, until they list functions for each car model on their website, I'm not buying it.

Actually, if you look on Amazon, they do a really good job of answering specific questions there. Maybe contact them with a "want list" and see what they say. They appear to be very forthcoming.

 

[AA/FC]

I'm all for more scan tools, but bi-directional at this point is a great marketing term, until they list functions for each car model on their website, I'm not buying it.

If that's the case, then it may be a while until you can buy another scan tool. lolol.

I agree, bidirectional is a term that is over used buy some manufacturers. They think because a basic scan tool technically has SOME bidirectional control in the "service functions" menu such as ABS auto bleed, or oil life reset, or BMS, etc. that they can call even basic scanners bidirectional. However, once you see (in the video above) someone triggering A/C clutches, fuel pumps, evap solenoids etc, then you can safely assume that a scanner is truly bidirectional.

 

[P0234]

If that's the case, then it may be a while until you can buy another scan tool. lolol.

I agree, bidirectional is a term that is over used buy some manufacturers. They think because a basic scan tool technically has SOME bidirectional control in the "service functions" menu such as ABS auto bleed, or oil life reset, or BMS, etc. that they can call even basic scanners bidirectional. However, once you see (in the video above) someone triggering A/C clutches, fuel pumps, evap solenoids etc, then you can safely assume that a scanner is truly bidirectional.

It will, I have two "bidrectional" scanners now. They do a few things, but the issue is how they sell it, they make it seem like it does everything the factory computer does, and it doesn't. Not even close. They're getting better though, which is good.

 

[AA/FC]

It will, I have two "bidrectional" scanners now. They do a few things, but the issue is how they sell it, they make it seem like it does everything the factory computer does, and it doesn't. Not even close. They're getting better though, which is good.

I agree they need to be more clear in their advertising. It's hard to tell the difference in functionality between a $300 tool, and an $800 tool. (for example) In fact, that is exactly why I was not terribly excited to make the video above. I figured the tool was just another fancy "code reader". When I discovered all of it's bidirectional ability, that is when I really became interested in the tool..... especially for the price! Will it do as much as a GM Tech2? Absolutely not. But it truly does have bidirectional control of most computer controlled items (at least on my test vehicle) AND it works on pretty much every brand of vehicle (not just GM). All for under $300. I only discovered ONE thing that the scan tool in the video COULDN'T do, that my 2K Autel 908 COULD do..... reset fuel trim.

Under $300 VS $2K+

Disclaimer: My test vehicle is a 2006 GMC 1500 4X4. Every vehicle (make/model) that you plug a scan tool into will cause a different set of menus to appear on the screen. Youre results may vary on a different vehicle.

 

[Wrench97]

I agree they need to be more clear in their advertising. It's hard to tell the difference in functionality between a $300 tool, and an $800 tool. (for example) In fact, that is exactly why I was not terribly excited to make the video above. I figured the tool was just another fancy "code reader". When I discovered all of it's bidirectional ability, that is when I really became interested in the tool..... especially for the price! Will it do as much as a GM Tech2? Absolutely not. But it truly does have bidirectional control of most computer controlled items (at least on my test vehicle) AND it works on pretty much every brand of vehicle (not just GM). All for under $300. I only discovered ONE thing that the scan tool in the video COULDN'T do, that my 2K Autel 908 COULD do..... reset fuel trim.

Under $300 VS $2K+

Disclaimer: My test vehicle is a 2006 GMC 1500 4X4. Every vehicle (make/model) that you plug a scan tool into will cause a different set of menus to appear on the screen. Youre results may vary on a different vehicle.

How often do you have to reset fuel trim?
They should self adjust when you fix the issue that is causing them to be high or low, or when you clear the codes.
Short term trims adjust causing the long term trims to adjust.
I have also seen it called "reset adaptables" which does alcohol content resets(for flex fuel vehicles) or reset volatiable(sp) memory on different scan tools.

You are 100% correct as there is not a single scan tool made that will do everything like the factory tool will on all the different makes of vehicles which is why most shops have several different tools available.

 

[AA/FC]

How often do you have to reset fuel trim?

Very rarely....

But it does come in handy on those GM flex fuel vehicles that didn't come with an alcohol sensor.... and the computer tries to calculate alcohol percentage based on gas tank fill events, O2 sensors, etc etc. Eventually the computer gets confused and it thinks the gas contains 20 or 30 percent ethanol (when really it's 10% or under) and turns on the check engine light with P0172 or P0175. A simple fuel reset is all it takes to set the computer straight again. Other than that, it's usually not necessary.

 

[Wrench97]

Very rarely....

But it does come in handy on those GM flex fuel vehicles that didn't come with an alcohol sensor.... and the computer tries to calculate alcohol percentage based on gas tank fill events, O2 sensors, etc etc. Eventually the computer gets confused and it thinks the gas contains 20 or 30 percent ethanol (when really it's 10% or under) and turns on the check engine light with P0172 or P0175. A simple fuel reset is all it takes to set the computer straight again. Other than that, it's usually not necessary.

Yes resetting Fuel Volatility Aka Alcohol % is needed for those that constantly do short fills.

 

[angf35eis]

Hi, I need to update my OBD2 Scanner, I am looking for a good all-around option that will allow me to Diagnose, Read/Clear Codes, ABS and Elec E Brake work and so on. I Would like to stay around or below the $200 Range and Don't really want the Bluetooth/Phone models. I would like to be able to use it on Foreign and Domestic vehicles. Thank you

Not sure what model you chose. I have the Foxwell nt630 plus and Launch crp129e. They can do all I need with my 2018 Ford Focus and 2019 Toyota Prius such as read/clear codes, oil reset, EPB, ABS services, bleeding, etc. I've never tried them on other cars. They are all around 200 bucks. The nt630 is cheaper. I usually use crp129e for TPMS and SAS reset and nt630 for ABS bleeding and EPB.