Looking for recommendations for the best scanner and any features that may not be on all scanners (eg, Freeze Frame).
Thanks
Looking for Recommendations for OBD Scanners
Ron025 on 23/11/2020 - 16:04
Comments
AU, BF, FG
I won't lie - I don't know too much about Fords so I don't know which one is the best to recommend. I use one that can not only scan, but it can also activate certain features and functions that that the manufacturer built in (but didn't activate by default because those features only came in an "upgrade pack" that would've cost thousands extra at the time of the new car purchase).
What unit do you have?
G-Scan 2 or 3.
Budget?
I've got the MaxiSys MS908S Pro and it's pretty feature pack and covers pretty much every car model and brand with more to come via OTA updates.I've also got a Autel AutoLink AL319 which does freeze frame data.
Is it a subscription based thing for OTA updates when the 'lifetime' of the model has come to an end?
Sub based.
Do they ever stop supporting OTA updates…. like say, 10 years after model release?
@Oofy Doofy: Maybe. TBH the device is pretty laggy already. But in the end it runs Android so theoretically you could dump the update of the newer device onto yours.
My budget is around $300 The MaxiSys is out of my league.
Bluedriver if you want a lot of features for a decent price (using obd2 device and your phone/laptop/computer). I can personally recommend this. Otherwise I have been looking to get a high quality shop grade device from AUTEL, as No Username posted above.
Try Gumtree. I got the MaxiSys MS908S for a whopping $1k.
If you want a small cheap little device then get the AL319 which is only $60.
Most people go with the Bluetooth OBD units these days, that way you can choose the best app to interface with. Main thing to check before purchasing is that all of the cars you have are OBD2 compatible, which is driven by the make and year of production. Make sure you check Australian OBD2 compatibility not elsewhere in the world.
The unit I have have been borrowing is a Autel MaxiDiag US703 would prefer something as good or better.
I've had an ODBLink for many years and would recommend it. For a Ford you're probably going to want the Forscan software as well.
I have an obdlink. It seems to implement the protocols properly.
My $1 AliExpress special on the other hand does not
Forscan.
Make sure your model and MY is compatible with OBDII, I have had issues with some models in the past.
The cheapest solution would be ELM327 OBDII bluetooth dongle and Forscan, it worked like a charm on my AU XR6 and 2004 Ford Fiesta
also check OBDII compatibility here before you get those ELM327
https://www.fueleconomysolutions.com.au/page/obd-ii-applicat…It really depends what you want to do with the unit, if it's obd2 you're after, the cheapest way is to get an obd2 bluetooth 4.0 LE (works with Android and IOS) like the TONWON from Amazon for $29.99 with Prime delivery and an app on your phone. If you must have a standalone unit then a Foxwell NT650 with free updates for around $200-250 Aliexpress or ebay, it is equivalent to the one they sell in Aus which is the Foxwell ET6642 that retails for $999.
I got one of Amazon to diagnose/clear an engine fault light - ANCEL AD310. It did the job; what do the other better scanners do on top?
Two way rather than read only. Read make/model specific pids. Read more than the engine only. Etc etc.
Anyone bought one of these and has a opinion on it?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Autel-Maxidiag-Diaglink-Elite-MK8…
bluedriver obd2
What car do you have? There might be ones that are designed specifically for your car manufacturer.