Scan Tool Discussion & Recommendations

With modern vehicles pretty much being fully electronic having a good scan tool is a must if you plan on doing any of your own diagnostics on a vehicle, not all scan tools are created equal. In fact there are thousands of options from under $20 to well over $2000 and the capabilities of them aren't always well defined or understood so I thought I would try to clear up some misconceptions and make some recommendations of what to look for in a scan tool.

Also feel free to post & discuss what scan tool you use and I can try to list them and categorize them (I know plenty people use bootleg Techstream, this isn't going to be a place to discuss that but any other scan tool is fair game).



Vehicle electronics have become more and more complex each year, in the 90s they may have had only had 1 or 2 modules on a basic single wire data bus. Today's vehicles can have 50+ modules on 3 or more different data buses (even a basic vehicle now has no less than 10-15 modules), if you want to even begin to diagnose almost any issue on a modern vehicle you at a minimum need a scan tool that can access all modules involved or you have a better chance at winning the lottery than figuring out the problem.

Alot of people believe any generic scanner will read all trouble codes from a vehicle, this is not true. In fact a generic OBDII scan tool/code reader will only read codes from the engine and maybe the transmission systems, it will not read codes from the ABS, SRS, Body, or any other system.



There's several categories of scan tools:

⦁ Code Reader (under $50)
⦁ Generic OBDII (~$20-50)
⦁ Enhanced OBDII (~$50-2000+)
⦁ OE/Factory (varies) (typically requires a subscription to use)


A code reader is just that, it only reads codes and maybe freeze frame data (This is a snapshot of certain data parameters taken around the time the last fault code was set).
Most tools in this category will only read codes from the Powertrain Control Module (single module controls both Engine & Transmission functions) or Engine Control Module (only controls Engine functions) and in some cases Transmission Control Module (only controls Transmission functions) depending on how they are implemented.
Note that these typically will only retrieve OBDII codes defined by SAE standards that are considered to be emissions related (P0xxx & P2xxx codes), they likely will not retrieve manufacturer specific codes or codes from any other modules.
IMO code reader's aren't worth buying, you can get a generic OBDII scanner for about the same price or a little more than a code reader.


A generic OBDII scan tool can typically read codes and view basic data parameters, some may also do basic graphing and/or data recording.
Most tools in this category will only read codes & data from the Powertrain Control Module (single module controls both Engine & Transmission functions) or Engine Control Module (only controls Engine functions) and in some cases Transmission Control Module (only controls Transmission functions) depending on how they are implemented.
Note that these typically will only retrieve OBDII codes defined by SAE standards that are considered to be emissions related (P0xxx & P2xxx codes), they likely will not retrieve manufacturer specific codes or codes from any other modules.
The data is limited to a subset of a list of around 200 basic parameters as defined by SAE J1979, it will not include manufacturer specific data parameters.
These also typically give access to some or all of the 10 OBDII modes (defined in SAE J1979)
A generic OBDII scan tool is ok for a DIY person if your only doing basic engine troubleshooting and don't want to buy a more expensive scan tool, they aren't useful for much beyond that


Enhanced OBDII scan tools can be broken down into a several basic categories:

⦁ Generic OBDII with manufacturer enhanced codes & data (~$30-150)
⦁ All makes/models/-select systems (~$100-200)
⦁ All makes/models/-all systems (~$200+)

Generic OBDII with manufacturer enhanced codes and data is pretty similar to Generic OBDII tools but they also offer some access (varies by the tool) to manufacturer specific codes and data. They still typically only access engine and in some cases transmission codes & data.
This would be the minimum level of scan tool I would recommend, I would also recommend getting one that does at least basic graphing. Data recording is a plus as well.


All makes/models/ select systems scan tools typically cover all makes and models but only cover specific systems, these tools are typically limited to Powertrain (Engine & Transmission), ABS/Brake, SRS (Airbag), and sometimes TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitor). They may or may not include bi-directional controls or service functions.
These are ok if you are on a limited budget and only need access to certain systems but I would suggest saving up and getting an all systems tool.

All makes/models/-all systems scan tools on the low end can read codes from all modules equipped on the vehicle that are accessible via the OBDII port (or manufacturer specific port in some cases) and data from some or all modules.
On the high end they can do 95-99% of what the OE/Factory scan tool can do including but not limited to functional tests/bi-directional controls, service functions/resets, programming/coding/module setup, changing hidden settings, TPMS, ADAS calibrations (typically requires extra equipment/targets) and immobilizer/key functions.
I recommend getting something in this category if you can afford it as it will offer the greatest diagnostic capabilities.


The OE/Factory tool/software can by definition read all codes & data from all modules equipped on the vehicle that can talk to a scan tool as well as perform any scan tool function supported on the vehicle & program and set up new modules (although the programming service is typically a separate subscription).



A Brief History & Definition of OBD/OBDII:

OBD stands for On Board Diagnostics, essentially it provides a method of retrieving trouble codes from an electronic system on a vehicle. Very basic forms of OBD have been around since the 80s, GM was one of the first to have OBD (although it wasn't called that at the time). OBD started becoming more and more common through the late 80s and early 90s as fuel injection systems replaced carburetors but each manufacturer had their own proprietary connector and communication protocol. Around 1994 the SAE and CARB came up with a standardized connector and communication protocols which became mandatory for all model year 1996 and newer passenger cars and light trucks sold in the US to be equipped with, the became known as OBD-II.
Communication protocols and the data the manufacturers are required to make available have changed over the years but the basic standard has remained pretty much the same.

Note that typically only Engine & Emissions systems are accessible via global (generic) OBD-II although the trouble codes for other vehicle systems typically follow the OBD-II code format.


There are currently 10 Global OBDII Modes (Vehicles earlier than 2012 may not have Mode $0A):


Mode $01: View Current Data: Displays live data from the ECM/PCM (number and type of PIDs will vary by vehicle).

Mode $02: View Freeze Frame Data: Displays a data snapshot of data taken near the time of the last fault code recorded (note that this data may not be recorded at the exact moment the fault occurred).

Mode $03: Display Current Codes: Displays a list of stored & current fault codes (note some manufacturer specific codes can not be read in global OBDII mode).

Mode $04: Clear Emission Related Data: Clears Fault Codes, erases Freeze Frame Data, & resets OBDII Monitor statuses to incomplete (note this will not clear codes marked as permanent, permanent codes can not be cleared with any scan tool or by disconnecting the battery. They will only clear after the monitors run and pass several times).

Mode $05: Display Oxygen Sensor Monitor Results: displays results from various tests the ECM/PCM runs on the Oxygen Sensors (some scanners will decode these on certain vehicles, others you have to decode them yourself using online/manufacturer resources).

Mode$06: Display On-Board Monitoring Test Results: displays results of that various OBDII monitor tests (some scanners will decode these on certain vehicles, others you have to decode them yourself using online/manufacturer resources).

Mode $07: Display Pending Codes: displays codes that have been detected at least once in the past few drive cycles but have not failed enough times to turn the check engine light on or be flagged as a current code.

Mode $08: Request Control of On-Board System: supposedly used to request certain tests to run but does nothing on most vehicles.

Mode $09: Read Vehicle Information: reads the VIN stored in the ECM/PCM, Calibration Identification Number (CALID), Calibration Verification Number (CVN) and any other info the manufacturer makes available.

Mode $0A: Display Permanent Codes: Displays a list of Permanent codes if there are any stored in memory (note codes flagged as permanent can not be cleared with any scan tool or by disconnecting the battery even after the problem is fixed, the ECM/PCM will delete them once the monitor(s) for the specific code(s) run and pass 2 or more times in a row).



OBDII trouble codes are 5 characters in length, newer vehicles may also have what is called a symptom byte (I've mainly seen this on GM & Ford vehicles so far) after the code which is 2 hexadecimal (0-9,A-F) characters.


The first character will be one of 4 letters:
P: Powertrain (Engine/Transmission related systems)
C: Chassis (ABS, Stability, Drivetrain, TPMS, & Suspension related systems)
B: Body (SRS & other systems)
U: Network/Communication (Module to Module communication)

The 2nd Character will be 0-3 indicating if the code is SAE defined or manufacturer specific

The 3rd -5th characters can be any number 0-9 or letter A-F

If a symptom byte is present there will be a colon, dash, or space then 2 characters (0-9 or A-F) after the main code.
Example: C111B 5A, C111B-5A, or C111B: 5A



My Recommendations:

With aftermarket scan tools you need to know what you want it to do and what your budget is.


A ton of tools will do all makes/models engine/transmission data/graphing/recording (some are better at it than others) and mode $06 (depends on the vehicle but many will only give you raw data but some will put the descriptions in).

Functional tests/bi-directional controls are an area where you kinda don't know for sure a function you want is there or if it works or not until you try it on a vehicle where you need it, many tools do a very good job at it but I've found that even if a test/function/reset is there it may not work or it may work with one tool and not another.


Things to consider when choosing a scan tool are:

How much do you want to spend and what capabilities do you want/need?

Do you want it to do all systems with functional tests/bi-directional controls or do you just want it to do the basics such as engine and transmission?

Do you want it to do security functions such as program keys? I will note that this is currently kind of a grey area and there's talk of locking down security functions in scan tools that used to be freely available on older vehicles, on newer vehicles you typically can't do security stuff without a VSP login anyway.

Do you want it to do PMI/coding of modules?

Do you want network topology? (handy but really only useful if you do alot of network diagnostics).


That being said my top 3 scan tool companies currently are Autel, Launch, and TopDon (Uses similar software to Launch). I would add SnapOn but they are way overpriced for what they are although I will say if you do mostly driveability diag their Verus (now called Zeus) tablets have by far the best graphing and data recording IMO.


I would say your gona be in the $500-700 range if you want a well rounded tool that does all makes/models/systems, functional tests/bi-directional controls, and some coding.

If you want network topology on top of that your gona be in the $900-1500 range.


Most importantly do your research before you buy to the best of your ability to make sure what your buying will fit your needs.



What I use

SnapOn Verus Edge:
You can find these used in good condition on Ebay for around $2000-$4000 depending on what update they have and what accessories come with it, the older Verus Pros can be found for around $1000-$2000.

Pros:
Wireless
All system access on most vehicles 1985 and newer (latest year model covered depends on what update it has)
Built in 4 channel oscilloscope
Excellent graphing and data logging/playback ability (it's always recoding data, you just have to hit save)
Automatically logs all DTC scans for each VIN by date & time
Built in DTC library for most vehicles
Built in Guided Component Test library for many vehicles
Built pretty solid
Supports AutoAuth (Must have a current update)

Cons:
Expensive (over $10000 new)
Kinda slow unless you swap the hard drive for an SSD
Battery life isn't great but it's sufficient (3-5 hrs)
System access and bi-directional controls can be somewhat limited at times
Very limited coding & programming support.
No Immobilizer/security functions
VCI is kinda bulky
Updates are released quarterly and are expensive


Autel MS906BT:
I bought this one off the tool truck about 4 or 5 years ago, I think it was around $2500 with 2 years of updates. This one has been replaced by a different model but I'm not exactly sure which one replaced it.

Pros:
Wireless
All system access on most vehicles 96 and newer
Great bi-directional support
Some coding/programming support
Supports PMI on many Ford modules
Good battery life
Compact VCI
Can do some Immobilizer/Security functions such as program keys on some vehicles
Supports AutoAuth (requires active update subscription)
Decent Auto ID

Cons:
Graphing & data logging aren't great
VCI is easy to forget
Only logs the last DTC scan for each VIN unless you specifically save a scan


Launch X431 Pro 3S+:
Bought this one last year off Amazon for around $950, they run sales on it pretty often.

Pros:
Wireless
All system access on most vehicles 96 and newer
Has network topology
Good size screen
Excellent bi-directional support
Great battery life
Good graphing
Some coding/programming support
Great Auto ID (Supports OCR and barcode on the VIN tag on older vehicles that don't support auto ID)
Can do some Immobilizer/Security functions such as program keys on some vehicles
Compact VCI
DTC Scans are easily saved
Supports Auto Auth (requires active update subscription)

Cons:
Data recording/playback isn't very good
VCI can be forgotten but the tablet will nag you if it loses contact with the VCI
Some translations for functional tests aren't great


ThinkTool ThinkDiag:
This is a very neat Bluetooth dongle that connects to a smartphone and does most everything the Launch x431 scanners can do all for about $100 and around $75 a year.

Pros:
Auto ID support
Relatively inexpensive
All system access on most 96 and newer vehicles
Good bi-directional support
Some coding/programming support
Can do some Immobilizer/Security functions such as program keys on some vehicles


Cons:
No data recording
Limited graphing due to screen size
Live data lists are limited by screen size
App can be kinda buggy and is kind of annoying with notifications
Does not support Auto Auth

 

Reserved for future use.

 

Amazon Prime day deals and some scan tool reviews if anyone's interested.


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Black Friday deals '24

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I bought a used Autel from a dealer that was upgrading everything, it's not bad and it gets regular updates still, the OBD port adapter is bulky though.

 

What number is it?

My 906 uses the mini adapter thats about the size of a deck of cards but my old one (can't remember the number) had the brick on a cord like my Verus does.

 

Maxisys MS909, I can't complain for $400, the brick has been run over by a truck at one point and is bound together with electrical tape but it works perfect still

 

Oh yea that is a good deal, I think that VCI doubles as a J-Box too if you want to do module programming.
I paid $1800 just for my J-Box (Car-Daq 3+).

 

It does, but I rarely use the thing much anymore. All my vehicles have more advanced interfaces now so this mostly sits around to help friends. I have the factory tools for BMWs, my truck is running on a stand alone Haltech ECU, and I have the very rare Toyota OBDI tool for my Land Cruiser. The autel is a godsend for American junk when it rolls in though, friends with stock GM ECU LS swaps love it and stock vehicles too. American vehicles make more use of the universal OBD modes, Japanese and Korean ones often don't it seems.

 

Doesnt mean as much to me in an 01 but god damn @Dm93 this is the definition of how you ad value.

Thank you for the detailed write up, excellent read

 

I don't do Euro stuff but buth my Autel and Launch seem to do pretty well on both domestic and Asian vehicles other than some of the older ones like <04 and certain chrysler stuff they don't like.

We do so many GM 6L80/90 transmissions that I can pay for a J-Box just programming those.

 

OBDLink MX+ and OBD Fusion will do the following modules in the picture below.
It comes free with Generic OBD codes.

You will need to buy the Toyota add-on bundle to access ABS, SRS, TPMS, Occupant Detection and IMMO.
It also comes with almost 200 Toyota PIDS. (Way to many to list)
The price was $14.99 for those features.

 

How do you like it? Used it much? Does it do live data? Logging of conditions?

I need to replace mine. BlueDriver I think. Great on my poor old Jeep, but doesn’t read too much on my “new” Taco (2008 ACLB TRD Pro off-road according to the bling decals on the bed sides).

Thanks for posting about this and for any answers you may be able to give

 

Black Friday Amazon deals.
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Wow, This thread is informative. For someone who just wants to clear codes that generate a Check Engine Light, what one would you all recommend?
I believe it was due to catalytic converter or oxygen sensor stuff. I just need it sorted out before the end of the month to pass smog so… I’m starting to feel the pressure.

I was looking at this one(

$170 FOXWELL NT530 for Toyota, Lexus, Scion - All Systems, All Maintenance Service - Bidirectional Diagnostic Scan Tool OBD2 Scanner Automotive Code Reader ABS Bleed SRS Airbag SAS TPMS TPS EPB Oil Reset

https://www.amazon.com/FOXWELL-NT530-Toyota-Lexus-Scion/dp/B0CZ7DVCN7 )but, if I could get something that works just as well and is less expensive…I’d be happy to save money.

 

I don't have any experience with foxwell tools but if it does what it says it should do all systems and has at least some bi-directional controls. If you only needing it for Toyota/Lexus stuff I guess it would be fine but if you have other makes/models you want to use it on it may be worth spending a little more for something that does all makes/models/systems.

If your really not planning on getting much into diag/repair but still want something that does all systems and has some bi-directional support you might look into one of the bluetooth dongles that connect to your smartphone like the TopDon TopScan they are under $100 but are subscription based (the TopScan is ~$50/year) it does most of what the midrange tablet tools can but the downside is the small screen of a phone.

 

Thanks for the reply. I just need it for my 2008 Toyota Tacoma and finding out exactly why the Check Engine light is on. Want to clear the codes and then fix whatever issue the truck is currently having. Not too concerned with other autos at the moment. I’m not a huge fan of using my cell phone/paying subscriptions etc. I want a device that has the dongle on a durable cord.

 

We want what we want, but for your needs a Bluetooth phone connected OBD2 plug-in should work fine.

 

In that case if it does what it says it should suit your needs fine, looks like you can add other makes to it if you want although not sure what the cost is or if it's worth it.

 

Kudos for a well written thread. Probably should be a sticky.

I broke down and got one a couple of years ago when the wife said she didn't want to trade her Crosstrek. She still got a new car for long trips to see family, but I put new brakes, control arms and shocks/struts on it. That means resetting the steering angle sensor and VSC after it got an alignment. I also used it after I cleaned the throttle body, and later a transmission relearn on the 23 Taco. They're handy, and dang near indispensable if you do some of your own work.

The one I picked up was an Otofix D1 Lite. About $400 on Amazon, if I remember right. Uses Autel software and came with 2 years of free updates included (renewal is like $149 or so).

 

I was really bummed to find out after trying them both that neither of my diablo programmers w/ scanner and logging capabilities work on my tacoma. I have the new bluetooth one and an inTune and both come back w/ invalid vin, i need to find a regular scanner and make sure its not the truck... we don't do OBD inspection station testing here so that's not a concern.