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The best professional automotive diagnostic scan tool works on multiple vehicles. A car owner has the luxury of paying less for a scanner specific to their car. But that luxury is not afforded to someone who repairs cars for a living or works on a variety of models inside their own garage.
Top
scanners for professionals can read multiple systems and perform multiple
functions. The professional is there for more than turning a check engine light
off.
And scanners for professionals need to be durable. Professional level scanners are big investments made in an active and often dangerous shop for electronic devices. So professional mechanics need to know that the devices they purchase will last.
So with those factors in mind, here’s an auto scan tool review for the best professional diagnostic scanners on the market today.
1. BlueDriver Bluetooth OBDII Scanner for iPhone & Android
BlueDriver Bluetooth OBDII Scanner for iPhone & Android
This is the best professional automotive scan tool for professional and at-home mechanics who need the chance to move around their in garage as the scanner does its work.
The BlueDriver holds a place as one of the best (if not the best) Bluetooth scanners on the market today. With its Bluetooth capability, professional mechanics will be free to move around the garage while inspecting and making repairs to cars.
This OBD-II scanner reads and clears multiple systems in your car, including your check engine light, Airbag, ABS, and transmission. And after the codes are checked, the BlueDriver offers vehicle-specific repair reports from millions of fixes certified by professional mechanics.
The BlueDriver also offers live data with interactive graphing, gauges, or digital printouts. This Bluetooth scanner also comes equipped with Mode 6 testing and smog check to determine if you pass emissions.
BlueDriver is compatible with multiple models of GM, Chrysler, Ford, Toyota, BMW, Nissan, Honda, Volkswagen, and Mazda (note: not all features work with every make or model).
Compatible protocols include ISO9141-2, ISO1430-4 KWP, SAE J1850 (VPW, PWM) and ISO15765-4 CAN.
This OBD-II scanner reads and clears multiple systems in your car. ———
Pros
Takes up little space
Works quickly
Free App and Updates
Mode 6 testing
Emissions testing
Cons
Sometimes inconsistent
Users complain about live data not being user-friendly
Not all advanced features supported as advertised
Who’s
it For?
This is the best professional automotive scan tool for professional and at-home mechanics who need the chance to move around in garage as the scanner does its work.
The MK808 performs all the basic services for all the basic systems, including Engine, ABS, SRS, Transmission, Brakes, Emissions, Fuel, Wipers, and Lights. You can also perform basic services on EPB, SAS, DPF, BMS, and TPMS systems as well as performing oil resets.
Along with reading and clearing codes, the MK808 features Auto VIN technology (a standard on most Autel automotive diagnostics scanner). Additional features include resetting service mileage, service intervals, and battery.
The MK808 features Auto VIN technology
The MK808 features a 7-inch touch screen with quick processing and loads of memory. Most US cars made after 1996 and European cars after 2000 are compatible with the MK808. Compatible protocols include SAE-J1850 (VPW, PWM), SAE J2610, ISO14230-2, ISO9141-2, ISO15765, K/L-Line, Flashing Code, ISO11898 (includes High, Middle, Low-speed, Singlewire, and fault-tolerant CAN), UART Echo Byte Protocol, GM UART, Honda Diag-H Protocol, TP2.0, and TP1.6.
Pros
1-year free software updates
1-year warranty
Comes with Built-in batteries
Works and updates quickly and easily
All 10 OBDII Modes
Cons
Not all features work for all models
Warranty requires sending products to China
Who’s It For?
For
professional mechanics and car enthusiasts who need a device compatible with
multiple car brands.
One of
the best automotive diagnostic scanners on the market is the Autel Maxisys
MS906.
The MS906 performs full diagnostic functions for multiple vehicles. ——–
The MS906 performs full diagnostic functions for multiple vehicles. This scanner also reads live data, performs actuation tests, and programs key fobs and modules. And the MS906 can do both injector and ECU coding. Plus, the MS906 is bidirectional, allowing you to communicate with the vehicle as well translate what the car is saying.
AutoVin technology allows you to identify
vehicles with one touch. Quickly and easily read and perform ABS, SRS, SAS,
DPF, TPMS, Oil, and EPB systems.
The MS906 is compatible with over 80 car manufacturers including Chevy, GM, Dodge, Ford, Audi, Benz, BMW, and others. Protocols supported by the MS906 include SAE J1850 (VPW, PWM), J1939, and J1708V; ISO 14230-2, ISO 15765-4, ISO 9142-2, K/L line, Flashing Code, CAN ISO 11898, GM UART, Honda Diag-H Protocol, UART Echo Byte Protocol, TP 2.0 and TP 1.6.
Pros
1-year free software updates
Lightweight and easy to move around
Email notifications with files and update reminders
Great Display and Interface
1-year warranty
Comes with Camera
Cons
Battery Doesn’t Hold a Charge
Poor Customer Service
Warranty service requires sending products to China
Who’s It For?
Professional mechanics is comfortable with touch screen technology and with consistent access to charging ports close to the vehicles they work on.
Sticking with the theme of affordable, the FOXWELL NT301 brings affordability in spades. ——-
Sticking with the theme of affordable, the FOXWELL NT301 brings affordability in spades.
For around $70 (the price at the time of this writing on Amazon), you can have a professional level car diagnostic scanner complete with full OBD2 diagnostic functions. Check and clear check engine lights, find bad O2 sensors, check your car’s emission status, and much more.
The
NT301 comes with a full library of code definitions so you can quickly define
the problems in your car. This car diagnostic scanner also reads and graphs
live data. Use the Automatic VIN acquisition and decoding system so you can use
Mode 6 data and read manufacturer specific codes.
Because it’s FOXWELL, you can count on a clear, easy-to-read screen. And there’s also the three-color coded lights and a speaker so you can check your car’s emission status.
The NT301 should be compatible with any car made after 1996. Protocols supported include J1850-10.4, J1859-41.6, KWP2000 (ISO 14230), ISO9141, and CAN ISO 11898.
Pros
Lifetime software updates
1-year money-back guarantee
Strong graphing capabilities
Easy to use
Thorough instruction manual
Cons
Cannot read ABS, SRS, or transmission codes
Not all features compatible with all vehicles
Who’s It For?
For expert-level mechanics and DIYers on a budget who mostly focus on the check engine light and emissions status of their cars.
Another
affordable diagnostic scanner that performs basic OBD2 functions is the Autel
MaxiLink ML619.
Turn the
warning lights off for the engine, ABS, and SRS systems with this inexpensive
scanner. The ML619 can run a full OBD2 scan for eight of the major OBDII modes.
You can stream live data of what’s going on inside most any car. Freeze frame data works to help diagnose specific issues inside the engine. The ML619 will also record and playback a PCM data stream and sensor data, present data in graph form, and print reports from your PC.
The device fits nicely in your hand. You can check any OBD2 compliant vehicle built since 1996 with the ML619 and support most major OBD-II protocols.
You can stream live data of what’s going on inside most any car. ——
Pros
Lifetime updates
Up-to-date right when you purchase it
Easy to operate
Clear screen is easy to read
Affordable
Cons
Doesn’t read transmission codes
Poor online customer service
New TF card reader needed to update
Who’s It For?
At-home mechanics and DIYers who want an advanced scanner to monitor the performance of their vehicle at an affordable price.
The Autel Maxisys Pro MK908P features one of the largest screens of any of the best automotive scanners. A 10.1-inch touchscreen provides a clear visual display that is easy to use. And the A7 Core processor pushes the device to work quickly.
What is more impressive?
The MK908P runs diagnostics on all your car’s systems (engine, transmission, ABS, SRS, etc) along with 25 advertised special features. Those features include oil reset service, TMPS service, IMMO service, EPB service, SAS service, DPF service, BMS service, and more. This automotive diagnostics scanner also records live data and uses AutoVIN technology to access a vehicle’s history.
One of the unique features of the MK908P is
advanced ECU Coding and programming that go beyond what most scanners can do.
All data can be saved and accessed using the cloud. The MK908P works with over 80 brands of US, European and Asian cars. Compatible protocols include SAE-J1850 (VPW and PWM), J1939, J1708, ISO 9142-2, ISO 14230-2, ISO 15765-4, K/L-Line, Flashing Code, CAN ISO 11898, Honda Diag-H Protocol, UART Echo Byte Protocol, GM UART, and TP 2.0, TP 1.6.
One of the unique features of the MK908P is advanced ECU Coding and programming that go beyond what most scanners can do. —————–
Pros
Bluetooth compatible
Lightweight and easy to move around
Advanced functions
Includes Variant Coding
Comes with multiple cables
Cons
Expensive
Poor battery
Poorly reviewed customer service
Who’s It For?
Professionals
who need a device that covers a wide variety of features and don’t mind paying
a large amount to access those features.
Continuing
our run of affordable scanners, the CRP129 might be the best option for someone
who needs to check more than a check engine light.
For a little over $200 (based on the most recent price on Amazon at the time of this writing), the CRP129 reads and clears codes for all four major systems in your car (Engine, transmission, ABS, and SRS). In addition to that, mechanics can use this automotive scanner to perform Oil, EPB, and SAS resets.
Know the
status of your car’s emissions system with O2 sensor checking and I/M readiness
testing. You can also bleed your ABS brakes with the CRP129.
The 4
inch LCD screen is easy to read and the device produces the desired information
within seconds.
The
CRP129 is compliant with over 40 car models made after 2006 and works with most
major OBD2 protocols.
The CRP129 reads and clears codes for all four major systems in your car. ——–
Pros
Launch will email you to tell you whether your car or cars are compliant
1-year warranty
Free lifetime updates
Easy to use
Simple setup (may need to read instructions)
Cons
Software downloads could be problematic
Not compliant with a number of vehicles
No live sensor monitoring
Who’s It For?
For the at-home mechanic who wants to be able to check all major systems on their newer model cars.
Another
diagnostic scanner on the affordable side is the Innova 3160g.
The
Innova 3160g reads and clears the check engine light for any car made after
1996. This scan tool can also read and clear codes for the ABS and SRS systems.
You can also perform oil resets, battery reset, and battery initialization with
the 3160g.
The 3160g reads live data and stores it, so you can view it on a computer later on. And the scan tool saves DTC’s from the previous three vehicles it’s scanned.
The bright
color screen is easy to read. Users will also love how easy the handheld device
is to carry around and store.
Many SUVs, light trucks, diesel engines, and hybrids are compatible with the 3160g. And this Innova model is compatible with most major OBD2 protocols, including ISO 9141, Keyword 2000, J1850 (PWM, VPW), and CAN protocols
The Innova 3160g reads and clears the check engine light for any car made after 1996. ——-
Pros
Bidirectional
Reads in 3 languages
Bluetooth accessible
Clear screen
Affordable
Easy to carry around
Cons
Does not read transmission codes
Company does not frequently update software
Poor Customer Service
Who’s It For?
At home
mechanics who want advanced functions while working on a limited number of
cars.
No charger is needed as you check all the systems in any car with the ANCEL FX6000, one of the most affordable scan tools for the money. Checking in at under $500, you will be hard-pressed for a better bargain when you consider all the things the FX6000 can do.
Along
with checking all the major systems of the cars in your garage (engine, ABS,
SRS, transmission), the FX6000 comes with full ECU coding and programming
capabilities.
The FX6000 comes with full ECU coding and programming capabilities. —————-
What’s more?
The FX600 can also check the EPB system, SAS system, perform oil service reset, works with TPMS systems, performs steering angle recalibration, and works with your IMMO system. Working with all 10 OBD2 programs, the FX6000 records live data and runs O2 sensor tests. You can also read freeze frame data and check the emissions status of cars with the I/M readiness test.
The
FX6000 is compatible with most US, European, and Asian cars built from 1996 to
today and with all major OBDII protocols.
Pros
2 years of free updates
Clear Screen
Easy to purchase, quick delivery
Affordable considering all it can do
Great Customer Service
Cons
Not all features work for all cars
Not compatible with Mac
Who’s It For?
The
FX6000 scanner is the best scan tool for the home mechanic and the DIYer who
wants to perform advanced maintenance and diagnostics.
Mechanics
who need a professional car diagnostic tool with bidirectional
capabilities will love the LAUNCH X431 V+.
The X431 V+ can request information and command-specific modules to perform specific functions, such as cycling the A/C clutch or turning the fuel pump on and off. Other bidirectional tasks include ECU coding, brake bleeding, TPMS, key programming, and more.
This bidirectional professional scan tool performs a comprehensive diagnosis of multiple systems in your car, including Engine, SRS, ABS, transmission, and communications systems. Oil resets, DPF regeneration, Injector Coding, and IMMO functions also feature prominently on the X431+.
LAUNCH promotes the X431 V+ as being compatible with 90% of all cars, including models from Asia, Europe, and the US. And the X431 V+ supports all major OBD2 protocols.
The X431 V+ can request information and command-specific modules to perform specific functions ——–
Pros
Performs multiple bi-directional functions
1-year warranty
Equipped with camera
Strong battery
Wide vehicle coverage
Free software updates for 2 years
Cons
Updates expensive after two years
Lacks remote diagnosis
Who’s It For?
A
professional mechanic who performs a ton of functions on a variety of cars and
can afford to make a strong investment in their business.
Buying Guide For Professional Automotive Diagnostic Scanners
1. Types of Diagnostic Scan Tools
Do you need a handheld, easy to use a scanner? A larger scanner with better processing speeds? Do you have your own devices (like tablets or laptops) and just need a Bluetooth scanner to move the data to that interface?
2. Easy to use
How much
time do you have to spend learning how to use the advanced features available
on your scanner? And how fast are the scanner’s processing speeds? Working in a
garage with multiple cars, you are going to need the scanner to get the
information you need quickly so you can spend less time trying to figure out
the problem and more time fixing it.
3. Codes
Does your scanner work for both generic and manufacturer-specific codes? Or does it just work on the generic ones? Check to see that your scanner works with a wide variety of manufacturer-specific codes so you know it will work with the wide range of vehicles you will be working on.
4. Other Factors
Consider
how often scanners update their software. Are those updates for free? If they
are, how long are they free? And what will the updates cost once the free ones
run out?
Also,
check the status of the warranty on your scanner. And read plenty of reviews to
determine if the scanner you are considering truly covers the variety of
vehicles and features that it says it can.
Bottom Line
Professional mechanics who make their living working on a large variety of cars will probably need a pricier model, like the Autel Maxisys MS906 or the LAUNCH X431 V+. While many cheaper scanners can perform the same functions, these models work on a larger variety of cars. The lack of compatibility with different cars is why many similar models are cheaper.
At-home mechanics who just want a scanner to work on a handful of vehicles in the garage at home should look into the LAUNCH CRP129. For an affordable cost, you can clear codes and run full OBD-2 tests for almost any system in your car.
But no
matter what professional diagnostic scanner you pick, be sure to check the
compatibility of the car or cars you need to work on. And that doesn’t just
mean check that your car in general works with that scan tool.
Not all features with each brand work with every scanner. So check with the manufacturer regarding compatibility and double-check reviews of other experienced mechanics to determine which scanner can do the most with the cars you work on.
Consider all these features as you make the decision in determining what the best car scan tool is for you.
Bonus: You can also read more about Best OBD2 Scanners Review on the market HERE
