September 7, 2023 xyb xyb

How To Choose The Right Autel OBD2 Scanner For You?

Autel has a huge lineup of on-board diagnostic scanners, from basic code readers to advanced intelligent diagnostics, covering all aspects of vehicle operation and maintenance, how to determine which tool is most suitable for you among the many diagnostic scanning tools?

Here we explain the difference between the Autel Diagnostic Scan Tool.

Among Autel diagnostic service tools, there are Autel Maxicheck series, Autel MaxiCom series, Autel MaxiPro series and Autel Maxisys series. (Key programming, TPMS services and code readers are not covered in this scope)

Advanced Diagnostic and Service Tools - Autel's top-of-the-line two-way tool for the most complex diagnostics, repairs and calibrations, designed for passenger, light and some mid-duty vehicles in the US, Asia and Europe. Usually Autel MaxiPro series and Autel Maxisys series.

Commercial Vehicle Diagnostic and Service Tools – Autel's dedicated commercial vehicle tools are designed for US, Asian and European Class 1 to 9 vehicles. Usually Autel Maxisys series.

Service Tools – Autel's Diagnostic Service Tools are designed for small businesses and DIY enthusiasts to provide basic service and diagnostics. Usually Autel Maxicheck series and Autel MaxiCom series.

Among these different Autel diagnostic scanners, there are significant hardware differences and differences in the range of software services, we will illustrate the best representative of each series of products so that you can better understand what each tool is designed to do What.

Advanced Diagnostic Tools

Let’s start with Autel’s flagship diagnostic tool, the MaxiSys Ultra, as our base, and then we’ll point out which features change for other tools within the advanced diagnostic tool lineup:

Autel Maxisys Ultra 2023 Top Intelligent Diagnostic Tool with 5-in-1 VCMI

Automatic Detection:Auto-Vin / Auto-Scan / Scan Vin / Plate Scan
Secure Gateway Access:Authorized Fca Access With Autoauth Account
License Plate Reader:Available On Select Vehicles
Vehicle Coverage:Us, Asian & European 1996 And Newer Passenger / Light Duty
Obdii Test Modes:All 10 Test Modes, Live & Freeze Frame / Enhanced Mode 6
Service Resets:26 Service Features
Diesel Pm:Reset Diesel Emissions - Light & Medium Duty Vehicles
System Diagnostics:Access All Modules In All Systems
Enhanced Functions:Coding Adaptations
Cloud Services:Remote Programming, Repair Database & Report Storage
Intelligent Diagnostics: Repair Assist, Topology Module Mapping, Dtc Troubleshooting, Technical Service Bulletins
Oscilloscope: Vcmi 5-In-One Device:Also Includes Vci, J2534 Multimeter, Waveform Generator, Can Bus Tester
Split Screen Display: View Multiple Functions At Once

Still within the advanced class, the MS906PRO lose the following features:

The MS906PRO (Retail Price ~ $1,750), in addition to the lack of split screen and oscilloscope, loses the Intelligent Diagnostics feature of its counterparts.

Commercial Vehicle Scan Tools

Within the Commercial Vehicle class, we will use the high-end MS908CV (Retail Price ~ $3,350) as our base:

Here are the basic specs for the MaxiSys MS908CV (Retail Price ~ $4,000):

Coverage: Enhanced system diagnostics on more than 80 models of light, medium, and heavy-duty commercial vehicles
Communications: Wireless Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI)/J2534 passthrough programming device
Basic Functions: ECU information, code reading & clearing, data flow analysis, freeze frame
Maintenance Functions: Over 30 functions including Oil Reset, Brake bleed, DPF, Injector, SAS, Throttle
Active Test or Bi-Directional Control:provides direct access to the vehicle-specific subsystems and components, and output commands to the specific solenoid/relay/ switch to precisely locate faults.
Intelligent Diagnostics: DTC analysis, Guided Repair, Detailed repair information including TSB and OE Campaigns
VIN Scan: Rapid Vehicle Identification via VINscan and AutoVin

Service Tools

Until recently, Autel’s flagship service tool has been the MaxiCheck MX808. Within the Commercial Vehicle tool class, we will use the MX808 as our base.

The MaxiCheck MX808 (Retail Price ~ $600), while not a true bi-directional tool, is a feature rich tool for basic services, capable of all 10 OBDII test modes including Freeze Frame, Live Data, Enhanced Mode 6, I/M readiness/emissions testing, etc.

The MX808 features 17 standard service resets, including Electronic Parking Brake, ABS brake bleed, Steering Angle Reset, Battery, Maintenance, and Oil Light Reset.

Here are the summarized specs for the MX808: