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 2021 market.
Contents
- 1 What Is Transmission Code Reader?
- 2 Best Transmission Code Readers Review
- 2.1 1. BlueDriver Bluetooth OBDII Scanner
- 2.2 2. FIXD 2nd-Gen OBD2 Professional Scan Tool
- 2.3 3. Autel MaxiCOM MK808 Professional OBD2 Scanner
- 2.4 4. ANCEL FX2000 OBD2 Scan Tool
- 2.5 5. Autel AP200 OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner
- 2.6 6. Launch CRP123 OBD2 Scanner
- 2.7 7. FOXWELL NT510 OBD2 Code Reader
- 2.8 8. LAUNCH CRP129E OBD2 Scanner
- 2.9 9. Autel OBD2 Diaglink Code Reader
- 2.10 10. ANCEL FX6000 OBD2 Scanner and Code Reader
- 3 Common Problems to Bad Automatic Transmission
- 4 The Bottom Line
- 5 Product FAQs
What Is Transmission Code Reader?
The Transmission subsystem is a major component of your vehicle’s OBD2 system.
ODB2 (or On-Board Diagnostic Version 2) is one of the numerous advances in technology that made our lives easy and convenient over the past century. It gives you direct access to every system and mechanism in the vehicle with a complete readout of what is happening under the hood. This data helps you quickly find what is wrong with the vehicle, so you can start fixing the problem as soon as possible.
The transmission ODB2 subsystem operates a collection of sensors situated around the vehicle’s transmission system. These sensors track everything from the vehicle’s speed, wheel speed, throttle position, and transmission fluid level to the system’s operating temperature.
The sensors send their info to the transmission control unit (TCU) which manages the entire system while giving you access to that data. However, you need a transmission scanner to actually read it.
The TCU formats the sensor data into OBD2-compliant codes. Transmission code scanners are diagnostic tools which pull these codes out of the system, acting as an interface between you and the TCU. With these tools, you can view, clear, and read the sensor data, and then send commands back to them.
Best Transmission Code Readers Review
| Editor's Picks | Products | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | BlueDriver | 9.5/10 |
| Runner Up | FIXD | 9.5/10 |
| Best Budget Buy | Autel MaxiCOM MK808 | 8.5/10 |
| Best Value | ANCEL FX2000 | 8.5/10 |
| Also Great | Autel AP200 | 7.5/10 |
1. BlueDriver Bluetooth OBDII Scanner
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.
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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————
2. FIXD 2nd-Gen OBD2 Professional Scan Tool
Another fine adapter is FIXD OBD-II scan tool. This transmission code reader also comes with an OBD2 app that works all Android and iOS devices.
With the app, you can read and erase transmission codes, and then reset the system as necessary. You can even see live transmission data in both a text format as PIDs (gauges, graphs, and charts). At its heart, you will find the FIXD Car Health Monitor. This feature lets you perform all the transmission diagnostics.
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As for the scanner itself, it supports an OBD2 plug which will fit any OBD2-compliant vehicle. Once plugged in, you can send the data to the mobile app through a Bluetooth connection. The device automatically syncs with the app. So, you always know that you are reading the most up to data info on your vehicle.
However, you can only check transmission codes on only 5 brands. While the ODB2 functions work with any ODB2 vehicle, the toll can only read transmission data from Ford, Nissan, Chrysler, Honda, and Toyota vehicles. You also need to know everything about your vehicle to register it, including the VIN number.
Pros
- Free FIXD ODB2 app compatible with Android and iOS
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Simple-to-use, comprehensive diagnostic display
- Small enough to keep plugged in for live data tracking
- Display data as either text of PIDs
- Very affordable
Cons
- Transmission diagnostics has limited compatibility.
- Bluetooth connection losing signal strength over time
- Poor customer support and vehicle registration system
Who’s It For?
As a hands-free, compact transmission code reader, the DIXD tool works will in any DIY shop. It has all the tools you need to maintain a vehicle without wires getting in your way.
Check Price at Amazon3. Autel MaxiCOM MK808 Professional OBD2 Scanner
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.
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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————
4. ANCEL FX2000 OBD2 Scan 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.
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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.
Check Price at Amazon5. Autel AP200 OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner
As a simplified version of the MK808, the Autel AP200 puts a lot of diagnostic power in a small package. Nothing more than just a wireless adapter, the scanner uses your iOS or Android mobile device as its display and interface, giving you a complete diagnostic lab right in the palm of your hands.
The adapter is just a control unit with an OBD2-compliant plug on one end. There is no other port, favoring a Bluetooth connection between your vehicle and mobile device. Even still, it is a fully OBD2-compliant scanner, letting you diagnose the entire vehicle and not just the transmission. The device is also small enough that you can just leave it attached to the vehicle for live, real-time data tracking.
What’s more?
Because the AP200 has no display, you must use the mobile app for everything. The app supports a simple graphical and text interface. Its large buttons make it easy to select the various modes, including an impressive system reset system where you can reset each subsystem individually. The app even lets you test these components through virtual faults and leaks.
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Pros
- AutoVIN technology identifies vehicles automatically.
- Compatible with all ODB2-compliant vehicles
- Can generate PDF files for exporting and sharing data
- Small enough for live, real-time data collection
- App can display data in analog, text, waveform graphs, and other formats
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Easy-to-use app works with both Android and iOS
Cons
- Cannot update registration info. If you entered the wrong profile information, you cannot correct it.
- Some newer vehicles not supported or requires and update
Who’s It For?
The MaxiAp AP 200 Bluetooth OBD2 scanner is a great transmission code reader for consumers. It lets you quickly diagnose problems without the need for a more professional setup.
Check Price at Amazon———-
6. Launch CRP123 OBD2 Scanner
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.
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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.
Check Price at Amazon7. FOXWELL NT510 OBD2 Code Reader
Foxwell made the NT510 for BMW, Mini, and Rolls Royce vehicles, but that only applies to the OBD functionality. The device will read and reset transmission codes from any vehicle.
On top of that, the reader only displays live data, though you can save the data for later use. It will point you towards the cause of any transmission problem, or let you actively test the system as a whole. It even provides component actuation.
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Pros
- Covers OBD1 and OBD2 vehicles
- Display live sensor data in text or graphs
- Software is upgradable to cover the latest car brands
- Easy to use
- Very accurate diagnostic functions that include active tests
- EOBD Compliant
- Multilingual
Cons
- Most functions only work on BMW, Mini & Rolls Royce vehicles
- No reliable customer support options
- Software updates only free for first 18 months
Who’s It For?
The Foxwell NT510 is the perfect scanner for anyone with a BMW, Mini, and Rolls Royce vehicle. It provides enough features to support car enthusiasts and DIYers.
Check Price at Amazon8. LAUNCH CRP129E OBD2 Scanner
