7 Best ABS/SRS Code Readers Review 2023

The best ABS/SRS code reader make troubleshooting vehicle problems a breeze. You will find a vast array of available tools on the market from the low-cost entry units all the way up to the high-end devices for the pros. However, you will also find OBD2 scanners without an airbag feature. Thus, you must do your research to ensure you get the right tool for your situation.

What Does ABS/SRS Mean? How Does It Work?

ABS/SRS diagnostic scanners test the safety features of your vehicle.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) problems range from the very simple to the complex. You can diagnose some just through a visual inspection. Others may require an ABS OBD2 scanner.

Safety Restraint Systems (SRS) control the airbags and their sensors and control module.

During a collision, the sensors trigger, sending a signal to the control module. The module then instructs the airbags to inflate, saving your life. However, if the module sees an issue it will flag you through the SRS light.

Unlike ABS, you need a code reader to troubleshoot the SRS. Because a good ABS/SRS scanner will help you pinpoint the problems with both systems, you always want at least one in your tool chest. Only then will you have the means to diagnose, repair, and get your vehicle back on the road as soon as possible.

Best ABS/SRS Code Readers Review

1. FOXWELL NT630 Plus OBD2 Scanner & Code Reader

Foxwell’s NT630 Elite scanner is a dedicated an OBD2 scanner with abs and srs . Because of this, the device offers some of the more spectacular basic and advanced diagnostic functions for those subsystems.

Connected through the standard OBD2 port, the device lets you read and clear codes and test both systems to pinpoint the location of any problem. You can even bleed the breaks and the entire ABS to flush out air and moisture.

The active testing features let you check each component individually, mimicking the commands sent out by the ECU. The troubleshooting powers this thing gives you goes beyond what other similar devices can do. You can do active SRS tests as well as manual ABS control, motor, and version tests.

The Foxwell NT630 is compatible with all OBD2-compliant vehicles. Though it can only do ABS and SRS testing, it’s outstanding features make it the best airbag scanner you can have in your tool chest.

Who should use the this scanner?

The NT630 works well in the hands of any enthusiast who wants a dedicated SRS scan tool for their ABS and SRS testing needs. It supports every ABS test a DIYer needs.

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2. ML629 OBD2 Scanner from Autel MaxiLink

An updated version of their popular ML619 model, the Autel MaxiLink ML629 is Autel’s entry-level ABS and OBD2 code reader. It helps you identify faults in your vehicle’s ABS, SRS, and in other OBD2 systems, along with the devices many other fine features.

Among the least expensive ABS code reader on the market, the ML629 does not skimp on those features either. It comes with the basics such as reading, clearing, and resetting ABS/SRS trouble and pending codes, both standard and manufacturer-specific. The ML629 makes finding the source of any problem a snap.

What’s more….

You can even stream live data to evaluate the health of your vehicle’s sensors, which you can then store and print out of further analysis. The scanner comes with a small 16 GD SD card or you can download the data to a Windows computer. On top of that, you can display the data as text or graphs.

As it is a full OBD2 scanner, the device is fully compatible with most OBD2-compliant vehicles.

Who can use the ML629?

As an entry-level device, the ML629 works great for beginner enthusiasts. It simple enough to learn while providing the functionality most DIYers need. However, it is not hands-free, so if you need that you must go elsewhere.

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3. Launch CRP123 OBD2 Scanner

The Launch Creader CRP123 can read both ABS and SRS codes along with other OBD2 systems such as the engine and transmission. It can retrieve and erase any trouble code right from the device’s 3.5-inch LCD display. The scanner will display brief descriptions of each code as well.

You can also use the CRP123 to stream live data to track down faulty sensors and pinpoint the source of any problem. You can read this data in either text or graphs formats before recording, so you can replay and analyze later.

On top of all this, the CRP123 is a fully OBD2 compatible device. You can use it with any OBD2-compliant vehicle. The scanner will even auto-identify your vehicle with its built-in auto-VIN technology.

Who is the CRP123 for?

Launch made the CRP123 for the DIR can enthusiast as well as the professional mechanic. It has everything you need to fully diagnose any ABS or SRS problem.

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4. Kzyee KC501 OBD2 Scanner

You will not believe that you can get these many functions on a device this cheap. The Kyzee KC501 offers everything a beginner needs to start working on cars as a hobby.

The All-in-One OBD2 scanner provides all OBD2 functions along with its ABS and SRS features, making it a complete car diagnostic tool. It will let you read and clear trouble codes, freeze frames, I/M Readiness, and other vehicle health information. You can even stream live data with the device to get a real-time display of what goes on under the hood.

In addition, the device has no batter or power cord. The scanner also comes with a full range of OBD2 tests and testing environments through a plug-in-play style activation. You just have to plug in the device to start getting the codes you need to make repairs.

Who is it for?

The KC501 is impressive, but it is starting to show its age. It is still a decent entry-level scanner for the beginner enthusiasts.

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5. LAUNCH X431 Black CReader VIII (CRP129) OBD2 Code Reader

Unlike others on this list, the Launch Creader VIII is not a dedicated ABS tool. Instead, it is a full-function OBD2 scanner. You can use it to diagnose any of the four basic OBD2 systems including the engine, transmission, ABS, and SRS. You can even use it to check oil levels.

Because it is a full OBD2 airbag scanner, the device provides all 10 OBD2 test modes. Beyond that, the device lets you read and clear SRS and ABS trouble codes. It will even let you visually inspect individual ABS and SRS components. This lets you pinpoint faulty sensors in a nice graphical format.

You can also display and print out health status reports for every component in the system, letting you probe deeply to effectively diagnose your entire vehicle. The scanner will also let you stream live, real-time data.

As an OBD2-compliant device, the CP129 works with any OBD2-compliant vehicle. This lets it cover over 40 American and European vehicle brands.

Who is it for?

Launch made the CRP129 for professional mechanics. The scanner comes with some impressive and advanced diagnostic features with an easy-to-use interface.

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6. ANCEL AD610 Elite OBD2 Scanner & Code Reader

Look!

Comparable in price to many other units on the market, the ANCEL AD610 Elite comes with the ABS and SRS features you expect in its price range. Just like the others in this range, the AD610 lets you both read and clear trouble codes. You can even reset them after clearing them

Beyond the basics, the AD610 offers live ABS scanning in either text or graph formats. This lets you easily diagnose faulty scanners, leading to quicker fixes. Heck, you can even display two simultaneous graphs to compare their parameters against each other.

You even test airbag and ABS components individually, which alone makes this one great SRS and ABS code reader. Plus, it is fully compatible with both OBD1 and OBD2 vehicle standards, covering up to 62 vehicle brands of cars, trucks, and SUVs.

Who is this scanner for?

DIYers and car enthusiasts can use the advanced features to fix their vehicles.

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7. Autel Maxidiag Elite MD802 Code Reader

One of Autel’s mainline products, the Maxidiag MD802 has everything you to troubleshoot ABS and SRS codes. It’s a complete OBD2 troubleshooting suite, letting you diagnose problems with any OBD2 system on any OBD2 vehicle.

Out of the box, it comes with your standard SRS and ABD code reader functions. You can read and clear the trouble codes for both systems on the large LCD display. It will even let you reset their warning lights and bleed the ABS as well.

The MD802 can also stream live data from any of OBD2 system, including the ABS and SRS. Out of the box, the scanner can read codes from the EPB, transmission, engine, oil, and many other OBD2-compliant subsystems. You can even check I/M Readiness and test each component individually.

Who Can Use The MD802?

DIYers and enthusiasts will find with that need in this device. It offers a complete array of OBD2 features along with its ABS and SRS functions.

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The Bottom Line

In conclusion, Airbags and ABS are crucial components of a vehicle. They ensure the safety of your vehicle and your family. However, like any component, you must maintain them to keep them working properly, and that requires a good ABS/SRS code reader. While you will not find many on the market, the above list offers many great choices to get you on your way.

Read more: ABS Light ON: Why? How To Turn It Off?