Opinions on bi-directional scan tools

[heiner921]

I'm looking at buying a scan tool for automotive diagnostic.

Currently I only have one that just reads codes. I'd like to expand my capabilities.

I'd like one that can see and freeze frame live data perhaps with a scope.

Must be bi-directional.

Also must be hardwired (Non-bluetooth)

Bonus, if they have a good tech support in english.

Not paying a yearly subscription would be great too which I think autel has.

I first had my eyes on the x-tool D8, but after a few reviews I'm not sure. I'd like to stay under $700 if possible. Mostly working on us domestics... ford, chevy, dodge. But have a few clients with kia and toyota Volkswagen. Don't work on anything real exotic or too foreign. I'm an advanced DIY, 1 man side hustle in home shop repair man. Don't think ill use it alot but would be nice to have when I need it.

 

[heiner921]

After a search on fb marketplace I found a snapon modis in really good condition. Looks like it was hardly used. Most cables still in packaging unused. Is only updated currently to 2011 so I'd have to get an update for sure.. $500. Worth it? How much would an update be to get it to be current?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

After a search on fb marketplace I found a snapon modis in really good condition. Looks like it was hardly used. Most cables still in packaging unused. Is only updated currently to 2011 so I'd have to get an update for sure.. $500. Worth it? How much would an update be to get it to be current?

Battery rebuilds would run about $90, I'll expect you'd need one. That unit cannot be updated. Snap on claims to "overwrite" their old updates. The newest software an EEMS300 could get was 2013 or so.

That is a high quality tool, great built in service info. For 500 bucks buy it for a scope to get you started. The snap on scopes are always worth a few hundred used if you want to get out of it.

 

[heiner921]

Battery rebuilds would run about $90, I'll expect you'd need one. That unit cannot be updated. Snap on claims to "overwrite" their old updates. The newest software an EEMS300 could get was 2013 or so.

That is a high quality tool, great built in service info. For 500 bucks buy it for a scope to get you started. The snap on scopes are always worth a few hundred used if you want to get out of it.

So will this not work on anything newer than 2013?? I have a 15 silverado and work on alot newer stuff up to a 2020 kia sportage

 

[heiner921]

There is also this one close by ethos edge for $800. Looks rough tho. Current update he has is 19.2. But claims there is a 19.4..... how much would that cost to get?

 

[Ramblin Man]

You can use that Modis on your 2015 and get generic information, but you will not get enhanced,{data and bi-directional}, information.

 

[heiner921]

You can use that Modis on your 2015 and get generic information, but you will not get enhanced,{data and bi-directional}, information.

Ok than that one is out. That's all the things I need.

 

[Tallpilot]

The Ethos Edge will be cheaper updates than a Solus or Modis but won't have service info. I started with an Ethos tech before I got my Solus Edge. It looks like Ethos updates are $817.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

So will this not work on anything newer than 2013?? I have a 15 silverado and work on alot newer stuff up to a 2020 kia sportage

Generic OBDII will work, like a basic code reader. Enhanced data will not, nor will the built in component test data be installed. The scope will work for everything obviously.

 

[heiner921]

So neither of these seem like a fit for me. Should I be looking at the other brands? Reccomendations?

 

[toolenthusiast]

Why do you want a wired connection to the car? That probably eliminates the majority of your options.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Why do you want a wired connection to the car? That probably eliminates the majority of your options.

I was the same way, now I love wireless. So much easier to use. My Zeus has a terrible connection time for the wireless dongle, but it's still worth it. The topdon takes 5 seconds and it's ready to roll.

It pains me to use my wired 906 now.

 

[heiner921]

I figured the bluetooth would have a better chance of NOT connecting or be slower. I'm also in a steel quonset hut with no wifi (If that is needed)

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Why do you want a wired connection to the car? That probably eliminates the majority of your options.

The cheapest way.into what you want is a Phoenix lite from topdon. No scope though, and wireless. If you want an integrated scope you need to buy into premium models. That base topdon is like 800 bucks

That old snap on kicks *** for pre 2010ish domestics. And it's a 4 channel scope, albeit with a crappy screen. Snap on makes a great scope to learn on. You can also buy an non automotive scope, but you'll need to be careful with input voltage, and you'll need a laptop.

 

[dchawk81]

How about Autel?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I figured the bluetooth would have a better chance of NOT connecting or be slower. I'm also in a steel quonset hut with no wifi (If that is needed)

Wifi is only needed for coding, updates, or for bypassing secure gateways. If a tool happens to have web based services like service info and analytics you'll be without that as well. IMO that last item isn't something that's really relevant for DIY.

I too was very scared of bluetooth. It works great.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

How about Autel?

That'd work too. Get a 906. Or maybe an 808 would be enough for OP.

How much bi directional does one need?

 

[heiner921]

I'm open to any scanner and or brand as long as it works.

 

[heiner921]

That'd work too. Get a 906. Or maybe an 808 would be enough for OP.

How much bi directional does one need?

Main thing would be bleeding abs modules like on my son's 04 chevy avalanche

 

[tarmy]

I have the Autel 808 and love it. It can do the ABS bleed as well.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Main thing would be bleeding abs modules like on my son's 04 chevy avalanche

Any scanner can do that. if you're just doing brake lines, just bleed it normally, or ideally pump the pedal with a little vacuum bleeder hooked up. No scan to required.

 

[heiner921]

I have the Autel 808 and love it. It can do the ABS bleed as well

What 808 do u have. Looks like there are various 808s

Any subscription needed? Or cost on updates?

 

[dnschmidt]

I like Launch. I've got a Diagun V. Ivan of Pine Hollow loves the Thinktool PROS and he does the toughest troubleshooting on YouTube with the obvious exception of Bernie Thompson (aka The Diagnostic God). For the money the Thinktool PROS is hard to beat and it has the Can layout tree which I think the TOPDON Phoenix might as well, but I don't really know, which is very useful.

 

[cgrutt]

I have an Autel 808P and it's great for the money. No scope though. Only thing it hasn't worked on is a late model Honda wouldn't communicate. Just used it on a 2012 Honda and it worked fine I guess it depends on year. Has handled everything I needed it for on my Mercedes, BMW and Ford vehicles. Autel gives you one year subscription with purchase. Annual updates seem to be about half the price of unit, in my case $300-$400. But it will still work without the updates just will be limited to whatever is available in unit. Only complaint with it is it sometimes takes a long time to load. Once it's communicating with vehicle it works great. Has alot of bidirectional capability but not everything (for example true programming). Can change alot of parameters though and activate devices (fuel pumps/heater motors/injectors/windows etc). Hope this helps.

 

[zmotorsports]

I have a Modis Ultra that is my main scanner/scope but recently added an Autel MS906Pro and really like it as well.

 

[wafrederick]

After a search on fb marketplace I found a snapon modis in really good condition. Looks like it was hardly used. Most cables still in packaging unused. Is only updated currently to 2011 so I'd have to get an update for sure.. $500. Worth it? How much would an update be to get it to be current?

That one you cannot get updated anymore

 

[texasprd]

The newest software an EEMS300 could get was 2013 or so.

The latest version of the EEMS300 Modis that I've seen on "the used markets" is 16.4 - I believe I saw somewhere on the Snap-On handheld diagnostic forum that 16.4 was indeed the last version for the Modis. Mine is 15.2.

 

[toolenthusiast]

I like Launch. I've got a Diagun V.

Same here. I’ve loved Launch since I got my Matco MaxMe back in maybe… 2016. You can’t beat a $600 tool that comes with 2 years of free updates.

 

[Wrench97]

I have used my old Modus for over 10 years, it works great but it's only updated to 16.x for 2015 model year. I use it mostly for older GM's now and the scope function is probably the main use.
For newer I have a Autel MS 808, there is no sub but paying for the updates renews the warranty.
Snap on is definitely the better tool as far a features and just plain having functions that work where all the rest seem to list functions even if they do not apply to the car you are working on.

 

[Spud McGee]

I'm in the same boat as OP.
From what I've seen, AUtel and xtool are the popular ones online for DIYers. Both have all their product descriptions and marketing in broken engrish. I expect the support will be about the same. xtool is free updates for 3 years, autel is free updates for 1 year. The brand they sell behind the counter at autozone has horrible reviews. Half the people say its freezes and lags and drops connection.

My neighbor has 2 of the ones they sell off the matco truck. I do see matco has a SKU for software updates, and you have to keep paying every month to "unlock" some functionality. They dont make it clear what the tool can do by itself and what you get if you keep paying every month.

I was able to find spare batteries for all of them online for about the same price. So thats nice.

 

[manac]

Is this for a shop or family fleet?
For my family I use two hardware platforms.
I run an obsolete dedicated Foxwell with software for a ‘13 mini, ‘02 GMC PU, and ‘19 VW. PC based Alfaodb for the ‘16 Ram and some other PC SW for the ‘16 Mazda. Nothing wrong with BT if you get a good dongle. The Alfaodb is supposed to be really good for the Ram. There’s a better PC solution for the VW when I need it.
I don’t know of one really great do it all solution.

 

[oldmachinenut]

My son got the Snap On Triton D10 yesterday for his shop. I haven’t seen it yet but he says it is amazing.

 

[GCS]

I don’t wrench on cars for a living so I couldn’t justify buying a Snap on scanner.
However, if I could afford it that’d be what I would buy.

I previously had the Matco MaxMe, and had to upgrade to the MaxFlex(newer model).
both are bidirectional
The subscription & updates were the deciding factors.
It may be a few months between uses, so I’m not paying for a subscription when it’s static.

You can go a month at a time, or yearly.
You can update the latest updates every time you have an active subscription.

It isn’t a Snap on, but I personally have been very happy with both.
It is wireless with bluetooth which I like, and haven’t had any issues with.

Not being a professional auto tech I’m definitely not getting in as deep, but deeper than most people I know.
I believe it’s a rebranded Autel for Matco.

curious if 2ndGearRubber, FedWrench, or Wrench97 have used one & their thoughts

 

[Wrench97]

I've seen them but never used one for anything other then a demo.
The older ones were based on the Launch units not sure about the newer flex series.

 

[GCS]

I've seen them but never used one for anything other then a demo.
The older ones were based on the Launch units not sure about the newer flex series.

Yeah, Launch. Not Autel
Thanks

 

[2ndGearRubber]

My son got the Snap On Triton D10 yesterday for his shop. I haven’t seen it yet but he says it is amazing.

That's the modern modis chassis. Nice big screen.

Would be a Zeus killer if they didn't neuter the number of PIDs it could graph and made it wireless.

 

[RTUmark]

I have thinktool pros for home use. Does everything I need it to do (probably much more than I need). I’m still learning what it can do. I also picked up the tpms tool that integrates it

 

[Fedwrench]

Here's the hard truth on Scan Tools: anything other than the manufacturer's Scan Tool is a compromise at best. no one aftermarket scan tool will be as good as the OEM tool and will let you down at some point. This is just the way it is.
The real question is what do you to be able to do with your scan tool? what components do you want to be able to manipulate? What resets do you need? I like to be able to turn cooling fans off and on, and exercise evap components for starters. It's also important to have a wide range of PIDs available for monitoring live data.
OEM scan tools and the annual subscriptions to keep them running add up fast but, it's the price of doing business especially if you need to access proprietary area like restraints, body control modules, and some unique powertrain applications.
Aftermarket scan tools are getting better but, vehicles are getting more complex so, they're still behind a bit. Unless you catch an amazon sale, you might need to increase you budget to around $1200. Good luck in your quest
Lastly, scan tools aren't one and done any more. I think the lifetime of a scan tool 3-5 years currently before the platform or its contents are outdated.

 

[dchawk81]

I have a clumsy little Zurich ZR15s from Harbor Freight that has bidirectional support but I don't know how much or how useful the live data would be to OP.

I get by with it but I wouldn't rely on it exclusively in a shop environment.

The screen is small and not touch, and the button interface is clumsy at best. But it wasn't no thousand plus bucks either.

 

[AA/FC]

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