5 Best Transmission Code Readers Review 2024

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Finding the best transmission code readers for your shop requires evaluating the features of every reader on the market and choosing the one that best matches your needs.

If you choose correctly, you will have a tool that will let you check your vehicle’s performance in real-time. It will also provide a clear data display with easy-to-understand graphs and tables that enable you to quickly troubleshoot and boost the vehicle’s performance.

So in this article, I will show you top 10 best transmission code reader on 2023 market.

Best Transmission Code Readers Review

Editor's PicksProductsOur Rating
Best OverallBlueDriver 9.5/10
Runner UpLAUNCH CRP129E9.2/10
Best BudgetLAUNCH CRP1239.0/10
Best ValueANCEL FX20008.5/10
Also GreatAutel MK8089.5/10

1. BlueDriver

BlueDriver
BlueDriver Bluetooth OBDII
4.6
Despite its drawback, the BlueDriver Bluetooth scanner works great if you have a compatible vehicle. If you want to use your mobile to check transmission and other ODB2 diagnostic codes, this is the scanner for you.

BlueDriver’s Bluetooth scanner uses your mobile device to display and modify OBD2-compliant transmission codes. Compatible with both iOS and Android, the scanner creates a Bluetooth link between your mobile and your vehicle.

As an OBD2 device, the scanner will also work with any OBD2 vehicle, adding the long list of reasons many call it the best transmissions code scanner on the market. However, the device can only read transmission codes from Ford, BMW, Chrysler, Hinda, GM, Toyota, and Nissan vehicles.

Beyond the basics, BlueDriver put some impressive features into it as well.

Everything starts with the BlueDriver app. The app comes free with the scanner, and provides a full ODB2 diagnostic experience. You can easily pull and manage the transmission codes from your vehicle.

The app even provides complete code definitions so you can quickly understand what is wrong with the vehicle without having to search the Internet. It will even display live transmission data and then clear any code to reset the system.

 It will display live transmission data and then clear any code to reset the system.
It will display live transmission data and then clear any code to reset the system.
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Pros

  • Small enough to leave attached to a vehicle to gather live, real-time sensor data
  • Free OBD2 diagnostic app compatible with iOS and Android
  • Suggests repair tips and replacement parts
  • Provides brief code definitions to help you better understand problems
  • Bluetooth wireless connectivity
  • Prices comparable to most stand-alone transmission scanners
  • Provides a full set of ODB2 functions

Cons

  • Can only read transmission codes from a few brands
  • Drains battery if left plugged into the OBD2 port
  • Will not work with Windows phones or tablets

Who’s it For?

Despite its drawback, the BlueDriver Bluetooth scanner works great if you have a compatible vehicle. If you want to use your mobile to check transmission and other ODB2 diagnostic codes, this is the scanner for you.

Check Price at Amazon
A video of BlueDriver
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2. Launch CRP123

Launch CRP123
Launch CRP123 OBD2 Scanner
4.2
The Launch CRP123 is for professional and DIY enthusiasts who know what they are doing. It provides everything a professional shop needs to diagnose any vehicle on the market.

Launch designed their CRP123 Transmission Scanner with quality and more features than your average OBD2 scanner at its price. They even claim their tool to be the “superior” scanner, but novice mechanics should stay far away.

The CRP123 does support a small, compact, intuitive design that easily fits in your pocket. The sleek black and cheery color combination look good too.

As it is an OBD2 scanner, you can use it with any OBD2 vehicle to read every OBD2 system. It is also a plug and play device. It displays data as soon as you plug it into your vehicle with options to save the data for later use. You can even record and save your diagnostic history.

The 7.8-inch tool looks like a small tablet. It’s lightweight and highly portable. The bezel supports control buttons on either side of the 3.5-inch, color, touchscreen display.

The simple interface lets you read and manage ABS, SRS systems, the entire transmission system, including both generic and manufacturer-specific codes. It also supports live streaming and recording of sensor data, allowing you to pinpoint the location of any problem.

The simple interface lets you read and manage ABS, SRS systems, the entire transmission system
The simple interface lets you read and manage ABS, SRS systems, the entire transmission system
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Pros

  • Complete OBD2 functionality
  • Compatible with all OBD2 vehicles built since 2006
  • Free lifetime software updates
  • Auto-VIN technology identifies the vehicle automatically
  • Easy to use navigation
  • Sleek, Portable, and lightweight design
  • Offers code descriptions for each code

Cons

  • Compatibility issues with vehicles older than 2006
  • Short cables make it difficult to use with some models
  • Expansions with only a few customer and technical support options

Who’s It For?

The Launch CRP123 is for professional and DIY enthusiasts who know what they are doing. It provides everything a professional shop needs to diagnose any vehicle on the market.

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A video of Launch CRP123

3. LAUNCH CRP129E

LAUNCH CRP129E
LAUNCH CRP129E OBD2 Scanner
4.4
The CRP129E is simple and feature-rich, but it does not have functionality for a professional shot. However, the DIY enthusiasts can use it to read and delete transmission codes or stream live sensor data.

If you do not have an Asian vehicle, then the Launch CRP129E OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner might be for you.

While it is just a basic OBD2 scanner, it offers what most people need in a transmission code reader. With it, you can view and erase codes, along with brief descriptions of those codes. It is also small enough to stream live data directly from the sensors to help you find faulty scanners if they exist.

You can manage these codes from the devices sleek 3-5-inch LCD display. The display is large enough for most jobs. Plus, its menu lets you access every OBD2 subsystem your vehicle may have, including emission freeze frames.

Because it is an OBD2 scanner, it will work with any OBD2 vehicle, including cars and light trucks. It covers all major makes and models, both foreign and domestic, though it will have some issues with some Asian models and a hand of EU brands made before 2000. Beyond that, you should never use it on a diesel engine with more than a 12-volt power signal.

 Launch CRP129E  has full OBD2 Functions.
Launch CRP129E has full OBD2 Functions.
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Pros

  • Compatible with over 40 OBD2-compliant vehicle makes and models
  • Supports all OBD2 functionality
  • Free lifetime software updates
  • Tablet-like shape and construction
  • Code definitions and troubleshooter

Cons

  • Software updates difficult to install
  • Compatibility issues with Asian and some early European brands

Who’s It For?

The CRP129E is simple and feature-rich, but it does not have functionality for a professional shot. However, DIY enthusiasts can use it to read and delete transmission codes or stream live sensor data.

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4. ANCEL FX2000

ANCEL FX2000
ANCEL FX2000 OBD2 Scan Tool
4.5
While impressive, the FX2000 is really only useful to the consumer user. Beginner enthusiasts will love the simplicity. Experienced users will enjoy this reliable and data-rich tool.

Another full-feature ODB2 scanner, the ANCEL FX2000 offers transmission code reading along with its other ODB2 functions. You can even stream and evaluate live data from any connected vehicle. You can even read the vehicle’s VIN and ECU freeze frame reports directly from the device.

The tool itself supports a sleek LCD display which you can configure to display in a variety of languages. Everything comes in a graphics format for convenient reading and analysis. You can even print the graphs for later use or to share them. It even has an impressive, updatable code dictionary, so you never have to decipher the codes coming from your vehicle.

ANCEL FX2000 offers transmission code reading along with its other ODB2 functions.
ANCEL FX2000 offers transmission code reading along with its other ODB2 functions.
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Pros

  • Complete OBD2 Diagnostic system
  • Clear, easy-to-use LCD display and well-organized interface
  • Free lifetime software updates
  • Excellent customer and technical support
  • Two-year-warranty

Cons

  • Cannot erase and reset codes
  • Not compatible with some older ODB2 vehicles

Who is it for?

While impressive, the FX2000 is really only useful to the consumer user. Beginner enthusiasts will love the simplicity. Experienced users will enjoy this reliable and data-rich tool.

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5. Autel MaxiCOM MK808

Autel MaxiCOM MK808
Autel MaxiCOM MK808 Professional OBD2 Scanner
4.5
The MK808 works best for users with some experience. You should only get it if you are a serious DIYer or professional mechanic who needs the diagnostic features the device offers.

Priced among mid-range ODB2 devices, the $499 Autel MaiCOM MK808 Diagnostic scanner offers everything from SRS, Engine, ABS, Brake System, Emission System, Fuel System, Light System, Wiper System, and Transmission code reading. The 7-inch tool will work with any OBD2–compliant vehicle right out of the box.

While you cannot link it with a mobile device, the MK808 feels like a tablet. It has a decent touchscreen display, and an easy to navigate the menu. You can access every diagnostic feature on the scanner as if they were individual apps. It also includes a fast processor and a stable connection to your vehicle.

Like any other ODB2 diagnostic tool, the MK808 lets you do everything you need to diagnose and maintain the transmission system. It even gives you a list of trouble codes while letting you probe deeply to find the root of a problem. You can see live, real time data as well.

Beyond the basics, the MK808 features some impressive additions. Shop Manager is a virtual mechanics shop that lets you save customer data in folders and subfolders. MaxiFIx gives you access to a vast online community of automobile experts for repair tips and shop recommendations.

The MK808 also offers an impressive compatibility list. If it is OBD2 compliant, this scan tool can read it.

  Autel MaiCOM MK808 Diagnostic scanner offers everything.
Autel MaiCOM MK808 Diagnostic scanner offers everything.
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Pros

  • Full-spectrum of ODB2 diagnostic features
  • Large 7-inch, highly sensitive, touchscreen, tablet-like, color display
  • Reliable technical support and an online community
  • Fast and easy for both the profession and the DIY enthusiast
  • No batteries required, uses vehicle’s power
  • Sleek, ergonomic design and interface
  • Compatible with all OBD2 vehicles

Cons

  • Updates are not free
  • Premium price tag
  • Device can freeze up after few months of use

Who’s It For?

The MK808 works best for users with some experience. You should only get it if you are a serious DIYer or professional mechanic who needs the diagnostic features the device offers.

Check Price at Amazon
A video of Autel MaxiCOM MK808
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Common Problems to Bad Automatic Transmission

Once you have your transmission code reader, you can start using it to troubleshoot and fix problems. To get you started, here are a few common transmission issues.

Low Transmission Fluid

Typically, transmissions problems come from low fluid level. While you rarely need to change your vehicle’s fluid, but the system might need a flushing every now and then. If you have chronic low transmission fluid, then you might need to replace a component.

You can tell if you have low transmission fluid if you notice the following symptoms:

  • Trouble shifting gears
  • Erratic shifts
  • Suring Transmission
  • Delayed gear engagement
  • Gear slippage
  • Overheated transmission

Gear Slipping

Transmission gears can slip if they wear out. The throttle should increase engine RPM and accelerate the vehicle, if this does not happen, you might have slipping. The vehicle may change speed erratically or not at all.

Problems with transmission solenoids

If the transmission jerks or shifts erratically, you might have bas solenoids on your hands. The solenoids regulate the flow of oil through the vehicle. If your vehicle overheats, and you have enough oil, you might want to check the solenoids.

Unable to shift gears

Automatic transmissions shift smoothly upon pressing the pedal. If this does not happen, you have a major issue with the gear box, and should stop the vehicle immediately and have it diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.

Bonus: You can read more about 7 signs of automatic transmission problems here

The Bottom Line

These two transmission code readers will help you diagnose issues with your vehicle’s transmission and then some. Each will give you the exact problem so you can find the source quicker than you would otherwise on your own. That does not mean they are all the same.

Some devices work better than others on some transmission systems than others. To get the best transmission code reader for you, you must first evaluate your needs and budget. You then get the reader that best matches your situation.

Product FAQs

1.Does this support the transmission of 2005 Chrysler?

Most scanners in this list support the transmission of a 2005 Chrysler

2.Can I drive with a bad transmission?

While you technically could drive with a bad transmission, we cannot recommend it. You are on borrowed time and a disaster waiting to happen. Therefore, you want to fix any issues as soon as possible.

3.How to know when the transmission is going bad?

You know if the transmission is going bad if you notice the following symptoms.

  • Leaking transmission fluid
  • Delayed shifting
  • Rough shifting
  • Transmission slipping

4.How long will a transmission last?

While there are ways you can extend the life of your vehicle’s transmission, most systems start failing after 30,000 miles. With proper care, you can extend this to about 300,000 miles. Please note that the average city driving will take about 7 years to put 100,000 miles on the vehicle.

Read more: Ancel Scanner: Top 7 Picks Review and Comparison 2023

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