OBD2 Scanner Tool

[OnlyStihl]

Lots and lots of these scanners out there. My first view into these was when the local shop had to use the tool to pair my tire pressure sensor to the cars onboard computer. I thought, wow, that's handy. Now I'm looking for one, under a $100 that will work best with my new Ram Truck.

Experiences, recommendations, anything to avoid....?

 

[OnlyStihl]

As of my searching so far, this one looks like a good value.

 

[SawAddictedFarmer]

That's a pretty good unit. I don't think it would pull some abs codes but I can't say for certain.

 

[Sloughfoot]

Got a $100 one that does ok. Had several basic problems it couldn't remedy. We drive Toyotas so it doesn't get used very often.
$800 one my mechanic neighbor borrows from work is much better. I believe he said top garages upgrade regularly.

 

[SawAddictedFarmer]

I've been happy with my topdon Phoenix lite 3 but it's around 1k. Only thing it will not work with so far has been a 2007 Porsche, 2008 Mercedes it works just fine.

 

[SawAddictedFarmer]

ArtiLink600

The ArtiLink600 is an automotive computer scan tool. It provides professional-level diagnostic features at a reasonable price-point and comes with an improved 3.5” LCD Color Screen. The user-friendly interface will allow beginners to run essential and advanced diagnostic tests with ease...

www.topdon.us

 

[OnlyStihl]

ArtiLink600

The ArtiLink600 is an automotive computer scan tool. It provides professional-level diagnostic features at a reasonable price-point and comes with an improved 3.5” LCD Color Screen. The user-friendly interface will allow beginners to run essential and advanced diagnostic tests with ease...

www.topdon.us

Thanks.

 

[jacktheripper]

I’m a big fan of Autel. I highly recommend this scanner from this website. I bought a package from them a couple of years ago with two MaxiSys scan tools and this came as a bonus. I gave it to my dad, and he loves it. Does live data and can read the deeper codes as well.

https://www.jbtools.com/autel-al629-autolink-abs-srs-engine-transmission-can-obdii-pro-service-tool/

 

[Sloughfoot]

Autel al619 is what I got a few years back. It works well for the most part. I couldn't get it to reset check engine light on a 2013 Lexus.

 

[OnlyStihl]

I'm leaning towards the TopDon AL500B. Good reviews and the Battery Tester looks like a great bonus as well as the packaging.

 

[edisto]

I paid $9.99 a long time ago for a bargain reader. It will give you the code, and delete codes, and that's about it. I have to look the codes up on the interwebs, but that's been good enough to keep our 1998 Corolla and 2004 Vibe running.

That might change once we upgrade to something closer to this decade.

It probably also helps that there are no required inspections in SC.

Still haven't figured out where to plug it in on the '68 F100...

 

[SawAddictedFarmer]

I'm leaning towards the TopDon AL500B. Good reviews and the Battery Tester looks like a great bonus as well as the packaging.

View attachment 476957

That's going to be iffy with abs if it does it at all.

 

[SawAddictedFarmer]

Probably srs too.

 

[jacktheripper]

That autel is the way. You can thank me later!

 

[edisto]

That autel is the way. You can thank me later!

Your endorsement must carry some serious weight...they are already out of stock!

 

[OnlyStihl]

Probably srs too.

I had to look up SRS. Air bags, right? Can't say or believe that I have ever considered doing a diagnostic on my airbags. I wear a seat belt, it clicks is my diagnostics.

 

[OnlyStihl]

That's going to be iffy with abs if it does it at all.

I do need to do more research. In my AI research it seems that Ram has created a layer (SGW) preventing advanced diagnostics for the DIY Owner. First off I don't even know how much indepth diagnostics I even need, so that has become part of my research. Gets a bit confusing fast.

 

[Woodtroll]

I got a Foxwell a few years ago, specifically to do ABS and airbag diagnostics that my older Actron code reader wouldn't do. It looks like they've upgraded the models (probably several times since then) but I've been happy with it, and it does ABS/airbag diagnostics well. For example, I was able to figure out which wheel speed sensor was acting up on our Jeep Patriot when the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree with ABS, ATC, 4WD, and BRAKE warning lights. Try figuring THAT mess out without computer diagnostics. Replacing the sensor and clearing the codes fixed it right up. So, whatever you buy, I think the ABS and SRS capability is worth the money if you're driving modern vehicles anyway. If you weren't, you wouldn't need a reader, though.

 

[SawAddictedFarmer]

Looks like you need something with fca gateway access.
Like this.

https://store.autel.com/products/autel-maxicom-mk808bt

 

[redneckhillbilly]

hard pressed to find any scanner in that price range to do Tire Pressure Sensor programming and scan manufacturer codes.
lots of the systems that are not accessible pertain to anti theft and key programming.

manufacturer specific codes are a nice thing to see and reset, but i wouldnt stress those, they typically reset themselves after a certain amount of heat cycles/or miles after a repair has been made.

ABS codes are nice to be able to read as they can sometimes be a sign of a wheel bearing on its way out.