The functionality of diagnostic autoscanners depends on the software supplied with the device. The gadgets offered on the automotive market are divided according to this criterion into three types: cheap "readers" that read errors in the computer's memory and reset them, multi-brand scanners designed to work with most brands of cars and mono-brand scanners, the functionality of which allows you to work with a specific brand of cars and commonly used in dealerships. The devices listed below are considered the best autoscanners for diagnostics according to car owners.
ELM327
The first place in the ranking of the best diagnostic tools is occupied by a Chinese autoscanner, which has both a USB connection and a Bluetooth wireless interface, depending on the specific hardware implementation.
Despite the fact that models equipped with a Wi-Fi module have been widely used lately, they are not very popular, since the functionality of most programs is designed for COM ports, which are implemented via Bluetooth or USB.
The owners of autoscanners in the reviews note that the main advantage of gadgets is not onlyaffordable cost, but also a large number of cheap, free or hacked programs for various operating systems: Torque is installed on smartphones, regularly updated OpenDiag is released for owners of domestic cars, which is almost the only program that can be used for really serious diagnostics.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- The most affordable price among all similar autoscanners.
- Wide variety of software for various platforms - iOS, Windows and Android.
- Most autoscanners are compact and wireless.
Flaws:
- The software used to communicate with the ELM327 scanner, for the most part, is of an amateur level, and, as indicated in the reviews of the autoscanner, work efficiency depends on it.
- There is one more minus. The reviews on the Smart Scan EML327 autoscanner indicate that it recognizes the minimum number of systems and devices, the functionality does not allow adaptation or recoding control units.
Launch CReader V
In second place is a stand-alone diagnostic tool that does not require a computer interface: the presence of a liquid crystal display allows you to display all the data on it. Supports OBD2 autoscanner - reviews indicate that, in this regard, it can only be used to communicate with the control unit and carry out basic diagnostic procedures: reading errors,diagnostic data, control of the fuel injection system and its individual mechanisms.
Information is displayed on the display in graphical and textual form, which is especially convenient when diagnosing lambda probes, checking the dependence of air consumption on the number of revolutions, and so on.
Advantages and disadvantages
Plus: completely self-contained device that does not require connection to a computer for operation.
Flaws:
- Reviews of the autoscanner indicate that the device only works with fuel injection systems that comply with the OBD2 standard.
- Meager feature set doesn't justify high price.
Bosch KTS 570
Professional autoscanner, recommended for diagnostic work with Bosch diesel fuel systems, ranks third in the ranking of the best scanners. It can be used to work with trucks and cars. Provides access to all functions of the dealer spectrum: configuration and coding of electronic components, adaptation to system tests.
The device, in addition to the standard diagnostic interface, is equipped with a digital multimeter and a two-channel oscilloscope, which allows you to diagnose the electrical circuits of the car.
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits:
- Supports 52 brands of trucks and cars with dealer-level diagnostics.
- In reviews of the autoscanner for car diagnostics, usersnote that the device can be used for instrumental diagnostics.
- Informative help system.
Disadvantages include high cost and expensive support.
Carman Scan VG+
Multifunctional and efficient autoscanner, one of the most powerful devices on the automotive market, for which it is awarded the fourth place. Carman Scan VG+ is equipped with a diagnostic interface that supports most European, American and Asian vehicles. Autoscanner also includes:
- Digital four-channel oscilloscope. 20 microsecond time base and CAN bus analysis.
- Four-channel multimeter. The maximum input voltage is 500 V, several modes of measuring pressure, current, voltage, frequency and resistance are available.
- High voltage oscilloscope that allows you to work with ignition circuits, measure the contribution of cylinders and search for circuit defects.
- A signal generator that simulates the operation of various sensors: voltage, frequency and resistive sources.
The case of the autoscanner is shockproof, equipped with a touch screen, which displays all the data. Management is carried out by buttons duplicated on the sides of the case. The device, combining a simulator of sensors, a scanner and a motor-tester, is a universal gadget that allows you to carry out both instrumental and computer diagnostics, which is especially notedin reviews of the Carman Scan VG+ autoscanner.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- Wide functionality sufficient for various types of diagnostics.
- Handy help system with lots of information.
Disadvantages: too high cost, which not all car services can handle.
Autel MaxiDas DS708
Fifth place - a universal car scanner with support for about 50 brands of Asian, American and European vehicles. All information is displayed on a seven-inch touch screen display. Operating system - Windows CE. The device is made in a shock-resistant case with rubber pads, thanks to which it lies comfortably in the hands.
The owners of the autoscanner in the reviews note that with some European brands the device works at the dealer level and allows you to program the immobilizer, change the configuration parameters of the control units. The functionality of the device allows you to simultaneously display several graphs with parameters and save them to a log for subsequent analysis and search for sporadic defects.
A full-fledged LAN port, along with support for Wi-Fi networks, allows you to connect the DS708 autoscanner to the local network of a car service in order to subsequently send diagnostic results to print, update software or search for the necessary information on the Internet. For owners, the first year of support and software updates is completely free.
Benefits anddisadvantages
Pros:
- Wide functionality.
- Wireless and battery life.
- Dealer level features.
- Manufacturer support.
Disadvantages: difficult to work with charts due to small display.
Launch X431 Pro
Launch brand product closes the rating of autoscanners. Despite the fact that this device is very common in small car services, reviews about the Launch autoscanner are rather contradictory. In fact, it is a classic tablet on the Android operating system with a shockproof case, equipped with a wireless module for connecting to the car's OBD connector. The kit comes with adapters for different brands of vehicles.
Actually, all the main disadvantages of the autoscanner are related to its base in the form of a tablet: the battery is discharged during diagnostics, which reduces the main advantage of the X431 Pro - mobility - to nothing, due to the need for constant connection to the charging adapter. Software updates are released by the manufacturer regularly, but almost all of them affect expensive car brands - for example, Bugatti and Maserati, for the diagnosis of which this device is not used. The tablet's small built-in memory quickly fills up with updates that have to be manually uninstalled, just like standard Android apps. A very strange addition is a telescopic radio antenna, for which a groove has been made in the outer case.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- The most affordable multi-brand type automotive scanner.
- Mobile with wireless adapter.
Flaws:
- Most programs lack high-quality Russification.
- There is no standard interface: the software for different car brands looks different and has different functionality.
- Incorrect work with some cars.
