Scan tool question

[47newcastle]

Hello everyone. So I'm trying to decide on a new scan tool. I'm tossed up between the autel 708 and autoenginuity. Does anyone have experience with both?

I've read alot of info on this forum but none of it really made me comfortable dropping the money for the proline bundle.

I was already planning on getting the proline bundle but came across the 708 in the process and just want to make sure I'm making a good choice.

Thanks in advance

 

[fordnut85]

I have both in my shop along with a snappy Verus. They all have their strengths and weaknesses but it really depends on what you are using it for. For the professional I would highly recommend the AE to start and add the Autel later to fill in the gaps. For a weekend warrior I would go with the AE. I would also look into a used Snap on Modis or Verus. For about the same money you get a scan tool and a scope. However, like I said, it will have gaps that a professional has to fill in with something.

 

[47newcastle]

Thank you for the advice. I'm getting a 2 channel pico scope so I don't need it to have one built in.

So when's all said and done if I go with AE ill have that plus Pico and the maxidiag 802 i already have.

 

[47newcastle]

What. Gaps do you think will be in the AE?

 

[mikeceli]

Also interested.

 

[dclassical]

Disclaimer: the only scan tools I have are the OTC Nemisys and Genisys, so no direct experience with the Auto Enginuity and Autel models mentioned.

However after reading a lot of documents and watching some videos of people using them, I think I would get the Autel.

What bothers me with the Auto Enginuity is that you need a laptop. And I do have a shop laptop, but what happens when it finally dies. I don't want to buy one (even cheap) for "just " a scan tool (I know I could do other things but for that I have a very cheap tablet). Also when the laptop battery dies you have to buy another one or drag a cord along (true also of the Autel I guess but to a lesser degree I believe).

Autel has bi-directional tests from what I have read, so does AE. Not all the ones available on an OEM tool of course.

AE runs on a computer and yet the graphics and user interface are far from amazing in my opinion.

Also AE requires you to buy a lot of extended packs to cover various manufactures (to be beyond OBD2 generic codes), whereas the Autel has everything (at least the model I was looking at).

Curious to follow this thread now.

Edited to add that I also decided to skip on a picoscope to go for a Rigol portable unit. More versatile for me.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Get a solus. You won't regret it.

 

[3 Gun Shooter]

Get a solus. You won't regret it.

Best buy is a used Solus off Craigslist. The Ethos isn't bad either.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Best buy is a used Solus off Craigslist. The Ethos isn't bad either.

If it's up to date. If not buy new

 

[wesalexleft]

Anyone have any recommendations for AutoEnginuity or something similar without the "Get a Solus" advice? Sorry, but the Solus at a good price one ebay/Craigslist easily could be a scam, and the reputable options far exceed the price point for a home enthusiast. Besides, you'd need to be very familiar to know what's included/needed as far as Solus software upgrades, modules, etc. I'm looking for GM enhanced right now to read suspension codes with possible upgrading to a Ford package later. My Audi is VCDS all the way, and happy with it. I'm looking for the domestic equivalent.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Anyone have any recommendations for AutoEnginuity or something similar without the "Get a Solus" advice? Sorry, but the Solus at a good price one ebay/Craigslist easily could be a scam, and the reputable options far exceed the price point for a home enthusiast. Besides, you'd need to be very familiar to know what's included/needed as far as Solus software upgrades, modules, etc. I'm looking for GM enhanced right now to read suspension codes with possible upgrading to a Ford package later. My Audi is VCDS all the way, and happy with it. I'm looking for the domestic equivalent.

I have auto enginuity and hate it. It's not worth it IMO. I thnk I paid $650 for domestic plus the laptop. Waste of money.

You can buy a solus from a dealer for under 2k used. with euro and updates.

I would look at the maxime for home. I may get one.

BTW I HATE the maxidas :laugh:

 

[3 Gun Shooter]

Anyone have any recommendations for AutoEnginuity or something similar without the "Get a Solus" advice? Sorry, but the Solus at a good price one ebay/Craigslist easily could be a scam, and the reputable options far exceed the price point for a home enthusiast. Besides, you'd need to be very familiar to know what's included/needed as far as Solus software upgrades, modules, etc. I'm looking for GM enhanced right now to read suspension codes with possible upgrading to a Ford package later. My Audi is VCDS all the way, and happy with it. I'm looking for the domestic equivalent.

If you want to play with al the suspension codes, BCM codes etc on GM cars, buy a used TECH2.

 

[wesalexleft]

Sometimes I feel I'm in the wrong forum. I have a GMC Yukon with an autoride/leveling problem. It's either the compressor, or a ride height sensor, etc. Thanks 3 Gun, but I'll pass on the +2500.00 used Tech 2 to diagnose it. I'd could replace the entire air suspension for that, and with the money left over, still get an AutoEnginuity, ETC. just for fun. I'm looking for a home solution.

 

[WhiffySpark]

http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/MDMAXME/matco-maxme-tablet/

 

[454ragtop]

Just bought an Autel MD802 on Ebay for $225 brand new. Pretty sure it will do what you want. I hooked it up to my GMC truck and was surprised at all the things it would do. Reads window switches, the BCM, all kinds of stuff. Make sure to get the "All System", not the "4 System " model, don't know why they couldn't give them 2 different model #'s, seems dumb.
HTH, Jim

 

[454ragtop]

I get this mag and came across this article today http://www.brakeandfrontend.com/eliminating-gm-electronic-suspension-issues/
Maybe this will help.
Jim