Diagnostic Scan tools for Automotive Vehicles
Diagnostic Scan Tools are not a luxury any more – that is – if they ever were. When your car acts up, do you have even a clue as to what the problem might be? You may never be an expert, but you really can afford to put yourself in the hands of your friendly mechanic that way that (maybe) you once could.
The well-informed stranded motorist today knows that you need to be able to go into the shop able to call the shots – or you just might pay a terrible price. You might get sound advice – or you might be ripped off. The point is – why give the other person all of the cards?
The rules are cleverly stacked against the ignorant. Even a simple shop diagnostic can run you $100 dollars, and you still have not paid for repairs yet. You can protect yourself by doing exactly what the expert automobile mechanic does for that $100 bucks you are so willing to part with. That is – you can ask the computer!
By purchasing a simple and inexpensive Diagnostic Scan Tool, you can avoid the shop diagnostic – by avoiding the shop altogether. Make your diagnostic first, and enter the garage with a heads up as to what you should expect the mechanic to say.
The Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles is an inexpensive diagnostic tool that is perfect for the do-it-yourself mechanic. It currently sells for just under the $20 and it is perfectly capable to save YOU thousands! Here is what this small wonder will offer you.
Autel Maxiscan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool
- Works with all OBDII vehicles (standard on all US cars since 1996)
- Retrieves all generic and manufacturer Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC)
- Companion definition lookup on software CD
- Features easy to read, backlit LCD screen
- Standard 16 pin OBDII connector – no cables required
- Retrieves VIN on all models that support Mode 9 (2002 and up)
- Supports CAN and OBDII protocols
This small diagnostic scan tool is smart and powerful, and it arms you with at least some idea of what is happening with your car. You will receive a diagnostic code that will go with you to the auto repair shop.
If you mechanic starts talking about things that do not show up in your own diagnostic, you might want to get a second opinion. Just let the next mechanic tell YOU what is wrong, and do not go arming her with information. Then compare the two assessments to determine your next steps.
As for customer opinion, over 2,000 reviewers give this product 4.4 star out of five. That is rather phenomenal for a $17.00 piece of diagnostic equipment, so what is the point of looking further?
One strong recommendation surfaced to start your car before taking your scans, even though the instructions say this is not necessary. It may NOT be necessary for your car – but if you get a “No Code” do start the engine and try again.
BAFX Products (TM) - ELM 327 Bluetooth OBD2 Diagnostic Scan Tool
The BAFX ELM 327 Diagnostic Scan Tool is another slick scanning tool – and this one has Bluetooth too! This tool will probably be compatible with your car if it is any model 1996 and up. If your car is older than that, you might consider a retirement home, instead of springing for repairs.
- Works on all vehicles
- Reads diagnostic trouble codes, generic and manufacturer
- Clear trouble codes and turn off the MIL ("Check Engine" light),
- Compatible with Android phones
- Wireless Bluetooth connection to your computer for remote hookup
- 1yr limited manufacturer warranty!
The BAFX ELM 327 is a slightly advance diagnostic scan tool that performs the same basic job as the Autel Maxiscan reviewed above, but is compatible with more car models and has some modern conveniences like Bluetooth and android compatibility.
Nearly 1400 customers rated this device 4.5 star out of five, and there were few complaints about the module itself. Most complaints focus on the software, or the Bluetooth, which failed to synchronize properly with other tools they were using.
For gory details, you can visit amazon and read more, but this unit costs five dollars more than the Autel device, and you will get good results from the Autel without a lot of technical complication. Bluetooth becomes more reliable the more you pay for it – and you can bet there will be technical problems if you expect this unit to connect seamlessly with whatever is hanging on your belt.
If you do experience problems getting a good scan with either of these diagnostic scan tools, just remember to start your engine and try again with the engine running. That definitely seemed to help correct many common problems.
While the BAFX has a larger database and is probably more compatible with a larger number of car models, we still feel that our choice for a diagnostic scan tool has to be the Autel Maxiscan which is better designed, is simpler to use, has its own easy to read display, and just plain looks cool. You have links to both, so have a look – and let us know your choice.
Until we hear from you, we wish you loads of fun on your shopping spree, and we remind you as we often do to…
Shop Smart & Prosper!
Want to see other options? Try these links!
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