OBD2 Scanners _ Help

[PeacefulMan]

Hi everyone, new member here.

So, I was thinking lately about getting an OBD2 scan tool and did some homework online checking different brands and models. I’m no expert in the diagnostic at all and don’t think I ever did it. So mostly I investigated few models and their prices/capabilities. I would say looking for something mid-level. If it’s a basic reader/scanner I would go an get a dongle for 20 bucks or so, but then thought I should get something with some extra features like ABS/SRS/EPG/FreeUpdates/OnboardHelp/ Transmission/O2Sensor …while not going too deep in something similar to what mechanic shops have. Thinking to get a second hand unit, hoping I might find some good deals under $-100.

Here is my summary on Brands and models I looked at (seems that Autel keeps popping up when it comes to quality/price ratio):

Autel ML619, AL619, ML629, MD802, 808 and other variants of the 80X, DS708 (more expensive).

Launch Creader CRP123, 129, 229.

Actron CP9580A, CP9680, CP9690 , Bosch/OTC 1200, 1300

Innova 3100(I, j), 31xx

Considering the price (sub 100, used) and capabilities (through reviews) I’m leaning toward an Autel 619/629 or 802 (if I find one at that price). Or a Launch CRP (if I find one at that price range). I browsed extensively through Craigslist and Kijiji and was able to locate some deals but didn’t yet make up my mind on the unit…

1- Concerning the Autel units, I got a bit confused about the updates if they are free or not, it sounds that will depends on the model and even sometimes some model might have free for one vehicle/brand and need to pay after that to add extra car brands…

2- Same confusion with the Launch products, I could find online some second hand units like CRP123, CRP129 and CRP229 but some say that it has a free update and some say no… I found a CRP229 for CAD-250 and the owner said that the updates are free, while I read in other places that it’s only for one year then need to pay after that …

Thoughts ?

 

[Nineeightyone]

I feel it would depend what you're planning to work on, many manufacturers have specific tools. I largely deal with Mazda/Ford and VW/Audi, so my options are ForScan (with a generic cable/dongle) and VCDS (I'll save you time and money on that one, Ross-Tech is worth every penny and the cheaper ones generally do not work/will not communicate with the car).

I use a bluetooth OBD2 adapter for $12 from Amazon (veepeak) and Torque Pro on my phone for basic scans, and VCDS for everything else (the other car hasn't broken yet )

 

[Showkey]

Applies to most the scan tools:

Updates depends on where, when and who you purchased from..........

There’s also confusion on the models and features..........look closely there are dozens different models numbers with very very similar if not exactly the same capabilities.

 

[PeacefulMan]

Thanks for the thoughts.

 

[Fedwrench]

At your price point, you're really only going to get a code reader in a different shaped platform. Yes, some models might let you read some data but, it's only going to access generic OBD II powertrain info.

If you want to know which code might have turned the check engine light on, these will help but, they're limited in what they can do and show.

As for updates, I'm not sure if updates are really of much value given the tool's limitations. A lower priced scan tool has a limited lifespan similar to your desk top or cell phone but, without the bells & whistles.

It also depends on what you're working on and really what you want to be able to do with the tool.

 

[plcguru]

Checkout the autel ap200. Its $70 on Amazon. Does abs/srs etc and comes with 1 brand free. Extra brands are $22 I think, but I only loaded GM.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QD4GZW4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bwringer]

Even if you buy or plan to buy a higher-end solution, getting an adapter plus Torque Pro on a phone is complete no-brainer. It's cheap, convenient as heck, and you can pop one in the glovebox so it's handy wherever you are.

I have one I put in the car when we're planning to visit some relatives who tend to ask me about car stuff without warning.

If you need higher-end functions, the Zurich scanners at Horrible Fright are well worth a look; you get a hell of a lot of bang for the buck, and there are options for every budget.
https://www.harborfreight.com/search?q=scanner

 

[Tallpilot]

I bought an Autel 619 a while back before I got serious and just bought a pro scanner. I found it would access most airbag modules I tried it on but absolutely sucked at talking to ABS modules. YMMV but I'd stay away from it.

 

[Noworries]

I have a bluedriver...resets codes has abs srs has a "live" mode. It will give you a history of codes and the dates it triggered AND was reset. Enter the vin and it pulls up your exact vehicle..great device. I run it off my ipad but you can run it off any android or apple phone/tablet... it also has most european vehicle codes which most others dont do or is additional cost to download and was 99 bucks on amazon..

 

[richfinn]

What cars do you have?

How old are they?

Sometimes you can get quite a lot of functionality for little outlay, if you dont go for a limited generic tool and buy a manufacturer specific aftermarket tool

For example VCDS for VW/Audi and FORscan for Fords

If your attempting to run any kind of a side business with a $100 OBD scan tool, forget it, they have some uses like quickly pulling and deleting basic codes and freeze frame data and sometimes live data to check essential sensors but no ability to match new parts or carry out actuator tests or special functions like DPF regens and brake bleeding

 

[mfewtrail]

Checkout the autel ap200. Its $70 on Amazon. Does abs/srs etc and comes with 1 brand free. Extra brands are $22 I think, but I only loaded GM.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QD4GZW4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Autel sells the same thing under the Hyper Tough brand at Walmart for $50.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Autel-HT...CAN-Bluetooth-All-Systems-Scan-Tool/964022238

The subscription fee for other makes is an annual fee. If you need more than one brand, you may as well spend another $50 as the first selected brand is good for the life of the tool and not just a year like the purchased subscriptions.

 

[mr.lemons]

Worth asking in a forum dedicated to your car if you are wanting a scanner just for your own use as it really depends on what car you have.

For my last three cars, the universal OBD2 scanners (Bluetooth and wired) have not read engine codes. Ford and Vauxhall. You may need the official scanner (or a Chinese copy of it).

I think if you try a Bluetooth dongle and it does not retrieve codes on your car then a more expensive universal scanner will not either.

 

[PeacefulMan]

I think, I'll first try to get a cheap dongle to see how it works then consider an upgrade as needed. The big issue I see are the updates, either annual or per brand, an all brands/life time update would be the best deal. I read sounds like some versions of the MD802 might have that.
Thanks.

 

[richfinn]

https://thinkdiag.co.uk/

This device is basically a software/vci version of the Launch pro mini/diagun scantools

Bi-directional and special functions with graphing data etc and scans all modules on the vehicle

Depending what you want, you can have one manufacturer for £75 or all makes £200

You do need an Android phone or tablet to run it on!!!

 

[PeacefulMan]

This device is basically a software/vci version of the Launch pro mini/diagun scantools

Bi-directional and special functions with graphing data etc and scans all modules on the vehicle

Depending what you want, you can have one manufacturer for £75 or all makes £200

You do need an Android phone or tablet to run it on!!!

Actually, I ended up getting one of those dongles. I used the free apps available, didn't bother to go any deeper than that for my problem. I don't even recall what was the initial problem and the error that I was able to reset, sorry!.
The one I bought is called OBDSCAN made by KINGBOLEN. I chose Wi-Fi to connect instead of Bluetooth. It says it's an ELM327 - V1.5 based on the PIC18F25K80 Chip.

 

[richfinn]

Actually, I ended up getting one of those dongles. I used the free apps available, didn't bother to go any deeper than that for my problem. I don't even recall what was the initial problem and the error that I was able to reset, sorry!.
The one I bought is called OBDSCAN made by KINGBOLEN. I chose Wi-Fi to connect instead of Bluetooth. It says it's an ELM327 - V1.5 based on the PIC18F25K80 Chip.

I know its an old thread, just thought it might be good info for anybody looking for a full function scan tool on a budget.

 

[will335i]

I have an AutoEnginuity and what I like about it is the ability to expand as you go. I think the base scanner can handle a lot of simple things and then you can add the brand specific expansions as needed.

What I have done is when friends borrow it is split the cost of the expansion with them if needed.

 

[Jland]

Gonna toss my hat in with the BlueDriver also... had mine since 2018... besides what was already said about it you can look up the fixes for the codes and updates are free..

 

[sallywilliams.1107]

Gonna toss my hat in with the BlueDriver also... had mine since 2018... besides what was already said about it you can look up the fixes for the codes and updates are free..

Hi,

I am reading some reviews about Bluedriver, can you review truely, any problem when using it?

 

[richfinn]

I've not seen bluedriver or Autoenginuity, are they full function scan tools?? Enhanced OBD11??

The ThinkDriver pro package claims to be a full on pro scan tool with actuator tests and special functions like DPF regen and BMS matching/IMMO functions. (no programming obviously) for £200!!!

 

[will335i]

I've not seen bluedriver or Autoenginuity, are they full function scan tools?? Enhanced OBD11??

The ThinkDriver pro package claims to be a full on pro scan tool with actuator tests and special functions like DPF regen and BMS matching/IMMO functions. (no programming obviously) for £200!!!

I can't speak for the bluedriver but yes the Autoenginuity does more than just read and clear codes. You can run vehicle specific diagnostic test and data log among other things.

https://www.autoenginuity.com/scantool/

 

[PeacefulMan]

I know its an old thread, just thought it might be good info for anybody looking for a full function scan tool on a budget.

Yeah, sometimes in some situations it's best either to get a less expensive one with the most features possible or simply rent or go check it at some place.
Otherwise we'll need to pay a high price for something that we might need once, and sometimes never.
For my case I think one of those cheap ones is enough.

 

[richfinn]

Yeah, sometimes in some situations it's best either to get a less expensive one with the most features possible or simply rent or go check it at some place.
Otherwise we'll need to pay a high price for something that we might need once, and sometimes never.
For my case I think one of those cheap ones is enough.

I ended with a ThinkDiag pro to supplement my "pro scantool" that my job issues and I actually like it better, it's great value for money and it's a capable device with good output tests and graphing and some nice special functions

You can buy it as cheap as £135 for a 2 years subscription to all brands

The Chinese to English translations are a bit strange, definitely a Launch product!!!

 

[TheMadMech]

I'm also looking for an OBDII for working on me 2005 Chevy 1500. I'm not are car mech and hate working on cars but I can do some stuff.

I'm considering the snap-on eesc720, eecr1a, 3a, and 5 and a friend recommended the veepeak with the torque app as mentioned here

What is the difference between these that I should consider?

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

 

[torqueman2002]

I can't speak for the bluedriver but yes the Autoenginuity does more than just read and clear codes. You can run vehicle specific diagnostic test and data log among other things.

https://www.autoenginuity.com/scantool/

Are the data, special function, and ... screens provided?

That is, as opposed to the customer needing to create/build the display screens from the PID lists, etc?

 

[Flexbox]

I want to point out that is here more information https://www.topspeed.com/cars/best-obd2-scanner-in-2020-reviewed-ar189718.html about it. I also want to try it. Let's go on talking about it.