Recommendations for a good diagnostic scan tool to buy

[R0B]

I've been using the BlueDriver scan app with OBD terminal transmitter on my iphone for years. It's great for what it does, but it can not run diagnostic tests that requires something to be turned on, or off. I've been chasing down some trouble codes with the evap system and part of the diagnostic testing verbage requires me to command a valve to open or close. Can't do that with BlueDriver.

To be able to run these tests that require a command input, I want to buy a new diagnostic scan tool that has this expanded capability. I'm not a professional repair technician, just a DIY home mechanic with a couple of 5th Gens. I'm asking the community for recommendations for a more capable scan tool that can run command tests, but won't break the bank buying it.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations!!
Tom

[Joe.G]

You are looking for something that is Bi-Directional ( it will let you send on/off commands ) The Innova 5610 does this as do many others. I have the 5610 and it is okay but is limited on certain vehicles if you go to their site it should give you a list of options. AUTEL makes some nice stuff and would probably lean towards them. I recently picked up a new Snap on scanner but does not fall under the not breaking the bank part. I believe you can get a decent scanner in the $500 to $1,000 range.

[mr_honez]

I have an Autel MK808BT and it works well. Use it extensively and was a must have after the RS to SS conversion of my Camaro. Not perfect mind you and not as fast as some others, and lacks certain features newer units have but it has been reliable for me for the past few years

[FASTFATBOY]

Vident iLink400


https://www.vxdas.com/products/vident-ilink400

[Joe.G]

In all of my research over the years the one in the link has never popped up, Not saying it isn't a good option just never heard of it and the little screen would bother me, but the price is right if it does what it says.

[chevy pilot]

I have Autel MK808.

[R0B]

Thanks everyone for your replies. These bi-directional scan tools are a bit more pricey than I thought. However, given what I would have to pay the dealer for just ONE repair visit, they would pay for themselves. Thanks again!

[el ess A]

Bi-directional is the way to go. Yes, pricey AF, but necessary if you're going to troubleshoot the "newer" cars. There's certain things you need from clearing codes to testing/turning on/off and all that to complete some of the troubleshooting items.

Consider it carefully. Know what you need. Some of these scanners are big money. Go ask some local shops what kind of stuff they use to get an idea. True, lots of shops spend $$ on their setups to make their living, but they may can give you some tips/ideas on something less pricey but still works. Some of the techs have their own personal junk at home and can usually tell you what they use at home.

I'm not hawking anything here, buy whatever you wish, but I have a Launch Tech USA that works fairly well based on a tech guy's recommendation. He told me no aftermarket scan tool works for everything, but it does what I need it to do. Plus I can scan and send a report in an email to myself. It does everything I need it to do and more. It was around 600 bucks thereabouts IIRC. Comes with a bluetooth dongle so you're not tethered to the port. And 1 year free updates.

Be wary of those supposed deals on ebay and even Amazon. Some are clones or European spec tune tools and may not work on US cars. They may, but may not. This is the case with Launch Tech USA. I found out during my research the Amazon Launch series scanners are Euro specs and aren't even supported by Launch Tech USA. I bought from a Launch Tech USA vendor and I had no problems scanning and clearing codes on the 2020 GMC and 2020 Cadillac that I've used it on so far. I'm happy with it so far. I'm pretty sure it paid for itself so far in service bills.

[R0B]

Originally Posted by el ess A

Consider it carefully. Know what you need. Some of these scanners are big money. Go ask some local shops what kind of stuff they use to get an idea. True, lots of shops spend $$ on their setups to make their living, but they may can give you some tips/ideas on something less pricey but still works. Some of the techs have their own personal junk at home and can usually tell you what they use at home.

Good points and I agree completely. My go-to mechanic for stuff I couldn't figure out turned on to the BlueDriver scan app for iphone. Works great, has lots of cool features for capturing data, but it is not bi-directional. As you said, to accomplish more complete diagnostics you now need a bi-directional tool that can turn things on and off on command.

I just completed installing a new evap vent valve for a P0449 code. What a PITA!! Could GM have found a more inaccessible location for the thing? Probably not! Without a bi-directional scan tool that could command the valve to open and close, I could not determine if it was the valve or a wiring problem causing the fault. All I could do is go with the most probable recommended solution of replacing the valve and hoping it worked when I put it all back together. It would have sucked if I replaced the valve and still had the fault. Fortunately that didn't happen and the valve fixed the problem.

[Joe.G]

Scanners will require updates as well , some scanners include them others you have to pay for. Typically you only need them if you are trying to keep up with the latest and vehicles. The Bluetooth/wireless version is nice but you need to make sure main unit is kept charged.

[CamaroCracka]

I picked up the Autel MaxiCOM MK808S for $300 last Black Friday and I wish I had the time to learn all the stuff it does. I'm sure I will find the time when I have to.

[Joe.G]

I was looking at the 808 last year, it's around $500 now. I think that is a good choice.