flushcut
Well-known member
Howdy as the title says I am in the market for a scan tool. I don't need top of the line but don't want bottom of the barrel either. GJ has been very helpful in the past so thanks in advance.
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Scan tool recomendations
- Thread starter flushcut
- Start date
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Launch cr129 is a solid unit. Abs, air bag, some oil resets. Newest version has electric parking brake, mine is too old for that. Free updates and manufacturer code listings. Graphing is merely acceptable, but it does have it.
bw77
Well-known member
Depends on how much you want to spend.
This guy reviewed the HF Zurich ZRPRO and says he will review others in the
future. He didn't like it, prefers the Autel MS906BT.
This guy reviewed the HF Zurich ZRPRO and says he will review others in the
future. He didn't like it, prefers the Autel MS906BT.
To get off the bottom of the barrel it’s Autel, Launch or used Snap-on. With Launch there are some non-US supported tools with full functionality for less than $750. If you want US support (meaning technical support not support for US makes) it’s about $1,000 for full functionality.
What is your budget and what features are you willing to give up to meet it.
What is your budget and what features are you willing to give up to meet it.
VinceG
Well-known member
I have and love the Matco MaxME. it is made by Launch but it is subscription based. so if you just use one make full access is 20 a month. and it updates weekly not yearly. you can have as many manufactures as you want. I am a Diesel tech it is what I use for working cars at home.
Alpine4x4
Well-known member
Doing research myself and the best "budget" scanner I've found with with full functionality (specifically true working ABS diagnostics) is the Snap-On Solus Pro with the latest 16.2 update. It is older and outdated, but it seems most units have issues with reading Chrysler ABS codes which is what the majority of my driveway is. If the Launch can do ABS for around $600 it would definitely be worth it to me to have it updated to the newest rigs.
stonesfan68
Well-known member
I just went through this excercise and based on a recommendation from here I bought a Foxwell NT510 from Amazon for $180. It has brand-specific factory codes so it is not a generic OBDII code reader. It helped my diagnose some issues that my car’s HVAC system was having by telling me exactly which actuator was not operating correctly.
It also has the generic OBDII code reader functionality, and you can pay an additional $60 and download the software for another brand so it is pretty versatile.
It also has the generic OBDII code reader functionality, and you can pay an additional $60 and download the software for another brand so it is pretty versatile.
lbhsbz
Well-known member
If for only a handful of makes, I'd recommend the Foxwell NT510. With the exception of graphing, it seems every bit as capable as some of the big boy tools.
The Critic
Well-known member
My budget is a few hundred like three or so. My wife's car (09' Ford Fusion 4 banger) is having ABS issues. I am aware of the potential recall that is forming over the issue but we need her car up and running so I'll fix it.
The Autel MD808Pro is priced at about $250 (from jbtools) and may be what you are looking for. I do not have personal experience with this unit, but I have heard favorable reviews about its functionality and feature set. Plus it has free lifetime updates.
Do any of the suggestions do real time scanning? I’m in the market too and need to diagnose a bad cat. It’s my understanding I need to see voltage pre/post cat to sufficiently diagnose.
All of the options mentioned offer live data. For your situation graphing capability is useful.
plinker
Well-known member
I have and love the Matco MaxME. it is made by Launch but it is subscription based. so if you just use one make full access is 20 a month. and it updates weekly not yearly. you can have as many manufactures as you want. I am a Diesel tech it is what I use for working cars at home.
Saw these in the flyer, being subscription based, does the subscription act as the update only? Or does the tool lock you out if you are not subscribed?
atikovi
Well-known member
My budget is a few hundred like three or so. My wife's car (09' Ford Fusion 4 banger) is having ABS issues. I am aware of the potential recall that is forming over the issue but we need her car up and running so I'll fix it.
What about a clone factory tool? https://www.ebay.com/itm/VCM-II-OBD...=item48b863a56d:g:OSwAAOSwDX5b9Vxa:rk:11:pf:0