Off topic (sort of)

I'm trying to troubleshoot an abs problem on my daughters '05 X-trail while she is home for the holidays. Am looking at an Autel Maxicheck MX808S to purchase. Lots of newer cars in my stable so will prolly get used a bit to justify the cost. Anybody have one? Are they useful? TIA Cheers, Dave

 

Looks like a newer version of the MS906BT that I have other than the MK808 looks to be cabled instead of wireless.
It will do 90-95% of what the OE tool will on most vehicles.

I will say I'm not a huge fan of the Autel UI but it doesn't really take away from it's functionality, it's more of a personal preference.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/scan-tool-discussion-recommendations.834898/

 

Super helpful, thank you!

 

there’s independent shops that use autel. However the $10k ones. That still lack functionality.

there’s generally nothing better than figuring out and using or obtaining if possible what the factory tool is for a brand.

 

Not really true anymore, really the only aftermarket scan tool north of $10k is the SnapOn Zeus which for the price is not worth it at all. While SnapOn has probably the best UI, graphing, and data logging/recording they are well behind the rest of the aftermarket in overall functionality.

We have sub $50 bluetooth dongles now that connect to your smartphone and can do 90% of what the tablets can do although on a much smaller screen.

You can get a very well equipped scan tool now in the $300-500 range. Really the main thing the aftermarket doesn't do much of until you get in the high end is module programming and security/immobilizer but bi-directional controls and resets/relearns they can do most of what the factory tools do.
Of course there are more quirks and glitches with aftermarket tooling but factory ones have some too.

 

If you are looking at Autel, do not buy from Amazon. Go to the Autel North America site( in Port Washington, NY) and only purchase from one of their authorized sellers. What is sold on Amazon is predominantly global models and you won’t get support if needed from Autel in the US. good luck, I’ve got the

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$379 Autel MX808 S, 2025 US Ver. of MaxiCOM MK808S/ MK808Z, Bidirectional 11OS as MX900 MK900 MK900BT, 3000+ Active Test, 28+ Service, OE All System OBDII Diagnostic Tool, FCA Autoauth

Autel MX808 MaxiCheck and for a novice I’ve found it adequate.

 

Thanks for the great Intel. That $50 dongle really appeals to my Scottish heritage. Got any specifics? Cheers, Dave

 

The only one I currently know of is the TopDon TopScan Lite/Pro, do not it is subscription based (currently $49/year for the Lite and $99/year for the Pro).
https://www.topdon.us/products/topscan

I have the ThinkCar ThinkDiag which is pretty similar to the TopScan Pro although it costs a bit more ($119/$99 when its on sale), I will say while they have most functionality of the bigger tools the apps can be kind of buggy and it's really not that easy to look at data on the small screen of a phone and you can only graph 1 PID at a time.
https://mythinkcar.com/products/thinkdiag

 

Pretty sure that's the Autel that I have (dad picked it up from local mechanic friend when he sold his business a few years back) and I've been super happy with it. Not sure how it compares for costs or if it's outdated but I'm yet to find anything I couldn't do with it and has helped me diagnose sensors with graphing/live data and monitor trans temp for fluid level check etc. Only thing I've noticed is it can be a little slow while loading the vehicle specific in depth scans, but not a big deal. Once it loads it its fine navigating through stuff.

Personally not a huge fan of using my phone with an adapter. The bigger screen is nice and a simple hardwired cord is fine for me considering I only use it every few months. I also like to be able to take pics and videos of what I'm seeing or doing or reference stuff online with my phone so its nice to have separate.