scan tool/code reader for $50 and under

[lightning02]

in the market for a scan tool/code reader for $50 and under in pricing.

was looking at the Autel al319 but not sure. has anyone used it and if so how do you like it??

any other opts to look into??

 

[jonesg]

in the market for a scan tool/code reader for $50 and under in pricing.

was looking at the Autel al319 but not sure. has anyone used it and if so how do you like it??

any other opts to look into??

A smartphone app might be a better choice.

 

[zendriver]

A smartphone app might be a better choice.

Why?

Just curious.


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[zendriver]

For under 50 bucks, you're not going to get a lot of advanced features, about any model should get the job done.

I have an older Actron that gets the job done, just basically reading/interpreting the codes and resetting the system.

I also have one of the older harbor freight models, that works great with the exception of not being able to read Silverado ABS codes, which I believe is because they do something goofy with them.

For 35 bucks, The one you're interested in, should work just fine. IMO


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[Tallpilot]

The AL319 is very good for the money. It will read ODBII codes as well as a few manufacturer specific codes and it will display live data. It will only talk to the PCM but it is a great place to start.

 

[mfewtrail]

Other options to look at in that price range would the the DIY range from Launch. For the same price or a bit lower than that autel, Launch has a tool that will do the same thing and will also graph data if I'm not mistaken.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I've got a few from actron and innova and one from bluedriver. The bluedriver is my go to and it's picked up modules the others haven't. It's 100$ but if you're comfortable with using a smartphone you'll love it. It saves the scans to the phone app and can clear some codes the others I have won't.

 

[lightning02]

Seems like when it comes to the cell type people either love them or hate them I have noticed in some of the ones I looked up

 

[gregpack]

I've got a 319. Its a great little code reader. I The live data gives you enough info for basic diagnosis on common problems. I think I paid around $30 for mine. Cheap enough to keep in your road box. I do plan to upgrade eventually, but so far this one has done what I needed to solve a few basic issues.

 

[gungatim]

depending on what you want to do, the ELM327 dongle with cell phone ap is a super easy and cheap way to go.

I also really like my Ultraguage EM Plus. was around $60, but super easy to plug in and view live data, reset codes, etc. while driving.

I rarely use my other scan tools that I paid way more money for.

just keep in mind, get the wifi ELM327 if you have an apple phone, otherwise Bluetooth version for android. around $15 on amazon, aps are free to $5 depending which you want. there is also a ELM327 version with USB out to a laptop if you want to go that route.

 

[anndel]

The one you've listed is fine for just engine trouble codes (PCM). If you want to add air bags and/or ABS codes you need to spend more.

 

[lightning02]

I also really like my Ultraguage EM Plus. was around $60, but super easy to plug in and view live data, reset codes, etc. while driving.

i looked into those a few years ago. have they changed at all or gotten better? couple people back then said they where gimmicky or a pain the setup. like it didnt show stuff unless you set some stuff up or whatnot. is it just you plug and play type deal?

 

[Wamsutta]

I have an Actron CP9125. Works real good. Amazon has it for $33.98 shipped right now.

 

[gungatim]

i looked into those a few years ago. have they changed at all or gotten better? couple people back then said they where gimmicky or a pain the setup. like it didnt show stuff unless you set some stuff up or whatnot. is it just you plug and play type deal?

not gimmicky at all, and not really a pain to set up but not quite plug and play, once you plug it in it has to recognize the vehicle and boot up, maybe a minute longer than a regular scanner.

as far as displaying, there are some standard display screens, but you can go in and customize them (there's like 8 or something) to show whatever you want. I like temp, rpm, and some basic stuff on one screen, then the next screen I put all the fuel trims, sensor data, etc. it's really up to what you want to monitor. all the stuff is there, you just decide which screen you want it on, and in which location. the instructions are pretty simple.

 

[D-Vice]

I use my smartphone, sometimes my tablet with a BAFX bluetooth code reader. For 20.00 on amazon, it's surprisingly good. I use the torque lite app. I can monitor o2 sensor voltages, map sensors, all that jazz. Can't read SRS codes, but I use the shop laptop for that stuff.

 

[Alpine4x4]

The one you've listed is fine for just engine trouble codes (PCM). If you want to add air bags and/or ABS codes you need to spend more.

What would be a solid option for a reader that does Air bag/ABS codes? Lets say keep it under $150 if possible.

 

[ts_hunter]

I have the BlueDriver and it is very nice. You can read and reset codes. Check engine light and chasis codes like airbags and ABS. You can also get live infomation like RPM, intake air temp and other random stuff. $99 for the dongle and the app is free for your phone. The app automaticly updates on my iphone every few weeks. I am a tightwad and I would buy this again in a heartbeat. It works.

 

[deberly12]

I have the cheapest actron code reader but soon I will get the Bluetooth and probably the laptop USB as well. Bluetooth for guages and stuff like TorquePro. USB will be to use the forscan app for my 7.3L. I should have less than 50 in the whole setup and have more capability that the multi-thousand tools.

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[SRSemenza]

Picked up the Autel319. Haven't opened it yet but I can see through the package that the connector does not have all 16 pins. Is that the way it should be?

Seth

 

[SRSemenza]

Never mind. Picture on amazon shows missing pins.

Seth

 

[77Mini]

I have something very similar and it has worked well for me.

 

[PeedoPie]

I have an autel ml319. Works fine for at home diy.

 

[lightning02]

I have an autel ml319. Works fine for at home diy.

whats the diff between the AL and ML?

 

[AmishFury]

What would be a solid option for a reader that does Air bag/ABS codes? Lets say keep it under $150 if possible.

that really depends on what vehicles you intend to use it with...

most stuff under $150 will have some holes in ABS coverage especially with older vehicles

 

[Mr_B]

search the web for pc software and buy a decent usb obd2 lead .
about best you can get when talking under 50bucks and mixed with a notebook with FSMs, alldata etc covers code reading technical research, diagrams and part checking, so useful start to finish for diag and the repair .

 

[Alpine4x4]

that really depends on what vehicles you intend to use it with...

most stuff under $150 will have some holes in ABS coverage especially with older vehicles

Really just need it for a 98.5 Ram 2500 CTD. ABS codes are a demon on this thing, so far I've had no warning when a sensor failed other than the truck acting erratic.

 

[dclassical]

If you can wait, Amazon has Gold box prices from time to time on the Autel 802 DIY (I believe this is the right model, I can't check right now).

I paid $75 and I love it. One vehicle for free, others are around $10 to add. Shows me more on my car than my OTC Genisys I also have (but no bi-directional control at that price of course).

 

[AmishFury]

Really just need it for a 98.5 Ram 2500 CTD. ABS codes are a demon on this thing, so far I've had no warning when a sensor failed other than the truck acting erratic.

well if you get lucky you can sometimes find MT2500s with keys and a domestic cartridge that includes 98 for under $150... though usually they go closer to $200+

most consumer level tools won't read 98 mopar ABS

 

[lightning02]

does anyone know if you can do oil rests with the autel AL319??

 

[Alpine4x4]

well if you get lucky you can sometimes find MT2500s with keys and a domestic cartridge that includes 98 for under $150... though usually they go closer to $200+

most consumer level tools won't read 98 mopar ABS

Yeah thats the problem, finding one that reads the ABS codes. I've also looked into spending the money on a SOLUS unit. Be nice to have something that will do my truck and my girlfriends 97 powerstroke as well.

 

[mfewtrail]

does anyone know if you can do oil rests with the autel AL319??

It won't. Search for an Autel scan tool comparison chart and you'll see which tools do though.

 

[Snakebyt]

does anyone know if you can do oil rests with the autel AL319??

shouldnt need a scanner to reset oil maint light

 

[AmishFury]

shouldnt need a scanner to reset oil maint light

there are some vehicles that absolutely require a scanner for oil reset

 

[Snakebyt]

there are some vehicles that absolutely require a scanner for oil reset

Guess i havent ran across one of those yet. I have always been able to find a way to reset them using alldata

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Same. Once you learn one make its easy on others. Some are in a menu, pedal press, etc. Some of the foreign cars like I believe Volvo do require a tool though.

 

[lightning02]

i seen some of these units have a free one year updates. whats it cost after that year to do updates?

 

[lightning02]

http://www.autelonline.com/autel-ma...tem-with-data-stream-diagnostic-tool_p30.html

is this a good deal? $174 for the full system version

 

[dclassical]

I would buy the full system... not worth $20 savings in my opinion.

 

[lightning02]

update- i ended up going with a brand new MaxiDiag MD808Pro for $200 shipped.

 

[Volvotechdude]

Same. Once you learn one make its easy on others. Some are in a menu, pedal press, etc. Some of the foreign cars like I believe Volvo do require a tool though.

Only 1995-1997 Volvos require a scan tool. After that it's all done via the trip button or on the turn signal stalk.