What Scan tool do you use.

[Rockycmt]

I am in the market for a scan tool. I have a 2017 Ram 1500 v8 and an 2022 Jeep GCherokee. I want to be able to read codes and reset if necessary. Planning ahead. I heard RAM and Jeep you need to buy a license to add to the tools. Is this true? Is it lifetime for the tool? Any other features on a tool i should be looking for?

 

[metalchewy]

Obdlink MX+ is the bluetooth scanner I use. Was $60 a few years ago. Last I saw it was more now . Plus I spent $50 on alfaobd software for android which allows you to program certain options, and do a lot more troubleshooting. You Will need an OBD bypass cable to use it on your jeep.

 

[17ramandy]

Obdlink MX+ is the bluetooth scanner I use. Was $60 a few years ago. Last I saw it was more now . Plus I spent $50 on alfaobd software for android which allows you to program certain options, and do a lot more troubleshooting. You Will need an OBD bypass cable to use it on your jeep.

The MX+ is over $200.00 in Canada, there are cheaper models (LX $159 and CX $114) is the MX worth the additional money?

How much more can I do with MX?

Do I need the 'bypass cable' for my 2017 1500 HEMI?

Thanks.

 

[metalchewy]

The MX+ is over $200.00 in Canada, there are cheaper models (LX $159 and CX $114) is the MX worth the additional money?

How much more can I do with MX?

Do I need the 'bypass cable' for my 2017 1500 HEMI?

Thanks.

I dont really know. In 2022 when i bought my MX+, I gave away the $200 one i bought from the local parts store, but that one was a handheld scanner with OBDII cable that really only checked the DTCs and did basic snapshot files to the phone.

I paid $59.99 US on Amazon for my OBDLink MX+ in 2022. It connects via Bluetooth to my phone or computer easily enuff. I've heard of other brands that do the same, but haven't tried them.

If using alfaobd, I had heard Ram changed in 2018 to require the Bypass. Someone with a 2017 would need to confirm. My truck is a 2010.

 

[Sandevino]

I use a few. The Bluetooth OBD II device I use with AlfaOBD is below.


For bigger jobs I use a Snap-On 100th anniversary OBD scanner.

 

[CanRebel]

I am in the market for a scan tool. I have a 2017 Ram 1500 v8 and an 2022 Jeep GCherokee. I want to be able to read codes and reset if necessary. Planning ahead. I heard RAM and Jeep you need to buy a license to add to the tools. Is this true? Is it lifetime for the tool? Any other features on a tool i should be looking for?

If you are looking for DIY "cheaper" way.

As others said above ODB device is needed, and bypass for 2018+. Like for the Jeep.

There are two popular software around. AlfaODB and Jscan. personally I think Jscan is better. Both around same price, but Jscan is locked to VIN.

Based on what you wrote. I'm guessing you are talking about device like Snap-on and/or other types which are complete. Some of those devices do charge licenses.
I have but hardly use it anymore. Autel Scanner.

 

[Ken226]

I use either AlfaOBD with the OBD Link MX+, or my Innova 7111, depending on what i'm doing.

For things like live data, relearns and activating various circuits for diagnosing, the user interface on the Innova is easier to navigate.

 

[Chief3]

Okay, I'm pretty much an idiot about this stuff (73 yo) although I have a friend that helps me with any IT type stuff. What exactly do I need to get in and activate circuits and scan/reset codes?
Thanks
Dave

 

[Ken226]

Okay, I'm pretty much an idiot about this stuff (73 yo) although I have a friend that helps me with any IT type stuff. What exactly do I need to get in and activate circuits and scan/reset codes?
Thanks
Dave

To scan and reset codes, any cheap scan tool will work. Even something for a few bucks on Amazon or from Harbor Freight. It's basically unidirectional. It just reads data.

For activating the cars systems, like switching on the fuel pump, activating the purge solenoid, etc. You need bidirectional control. Not only reading, but sending commands too.

I Have a Innova 7111 and have used others. My favorite is the Xtool D9 Pro.

But, if I was in the market for something cheaper, the Xtool D7 has a good reputation.

If you don't mind spending a little more, the Xtool D7W is about the same, but the wireless connection allows you to keep the tool with you while your crawling under to activate the fuel pump, while listening to see if it's turning on, and stuff like that.

I plan on Adding a Xtool D8W to my collection soon. It's a good compromise between the 300$ D7W and the $1K D9 Pro.

 

[Ken226]

Anyone used the Thinkscan 689BT?

I'm liking the specs, and the fact that there's no subscription for use nor updates. It might be my next scan tool instead of the Xtool. Anyone here with first hand experience?

I keep seeing horror stories about Autel and a few others bricking your scan tool if you don't pay for updates.

 

[mboymopar]

I am interested in the Thinkscan 689BT to.
Reviews on line are good, and free updates are nice.

 

[Ken226]

I am interested in the Thinkscan 689BT to.
Reviews on line are good, and free updates are nice.

I just ordered one an hour ago. I used a coupon code from a YouTuber (randomfix) who reviewed one. I ended up paying $459 shipped direct from ThinkCar.

I'll try it out and post up my observations when it arrives.

 

[Ken226]

It arrived this morning.

I used it after dropping the steering column in the wife's Durango, fixing the jammed power tilt jackscrew, to clear the codes set by turning it on with stuff unplugged.

The user interface is very nice. It works very well so far.

My Innova 7111 is reasonably fast when connected with the cable, but really slow in wireless mode. This 689BT only has wireless mode via bluetooth, but seems at least as quick as my Innova is when it's connected with a cable.

The 689BT let's you surf the net and use it like a tablet. I'm posting this from the 689BT's Chrome browser.

Edit:

I used it again for about an hour today. So far, it's my favorite scan tool. It beats my Innova for speed and beats the Xtool for its user interface ease of use. It's a pretty impressive scan tool this far.

 

[Ken226]

An update for any of you guys who have the Thinkscan 689bt.

After the update that dropped yesterday, the FCA AutoAuth login became A lot easier to use. The glitch where it kept trying to get you to create a Europe/Asia AuthoAuth acct through ThinkCar appears to have been fixed.

Now after it reads your VIN, It pops up with a screen asking if you want to continue with FCA AutoAuth or not.

If you have a gateway bypass module installed, just click "no" and you'll get a warning saying that without logging it it is "read only". Ignore that, because after that screen goes away, everything still works. You can clear codes, run tests, etc.


If you have a FCA AutoAuth account, add the tool to your account using Thinkscan as the brand, "All other models" as the model, and the serial number molded into the side of your OBD dongle as the serial #.

Both the 689bt and the Innova 7111 work with FCA AutoAuth

 

[Ken226]

I'm trying out different accessories as I come across them. I should have a Launch X431 endoscope and a ThinkCar ThinkEasy battery tester to try out in the next week or two.

Just a FYI for anyone who happens to be searching in the future, I tried and can confirm that the Autel MV105s Endoscope is plug & play with the Thinkscan 689bt. I picked up the Autel videoscope on Ebay for about 50$, plugged it in and it worked right out of the box.






Edit: I can confirm that the Launch VSP-600 endoscope is also plug and play. I tested one today.

 

[Ken226]

I picked up a ThinkEasy V2 Bluetooth battery tester yesterday. It is one of the add-on modules that work with the 689bt.

Its pretty cool. Does a battery load test, internal resistance, measures it remaining Cold Cranking Amps capacity, and does a charging system and starting system test. Then generated a report that you can save or print.

I ran a test on one of our old fleet trucks. I think it will be needing a battery soon.




Even though it still holds 12.6 volts, it's still a bad battery due to its loss of capacity and starting current/amps available.

 

[Ken226]

Got my Launch O2-2 scope box and connected it to the 689bt. It works, right outta the box. Plug-n-play.

I guess the downside of scan tool integrated oscilloscope is that if you need to run the scope and do bidirectional stuff at the same time, you'll need a 2nd scan tool.



The square wave on the screen is from the Oscilloscope's built in 1000hz reference signal generator.




Edit: they fixed the scan tool only thing. Now there is a pc download that lets ya use the scope box with a laptop.

 

[Oxygen454]

I use the Topdon ArtiDiag600S for scanning various vehicles. Only problem is it is not fully bidirectional. I borrow my friends SnapOn scanner for doing bidirectional stuff. I wouldn't mind finding a cheap scanner that will do the bidirectional testing if anyone knows of a decent priced cheap one (in Canada).

I'm tempted to buy the Topdon Phoenix which rivals Snapon but its a couple grand... Autel has decent quality scanners as well.

​

 

[4xdad]

When I got my blue driver it was 160$cad on Amazon it’s a dongle that you can plug into the obd port and leave it there. It works great and is easy to use even for old farts (I am 64).

 

[Ken226]

I use the Topdon ArtiDiag600S for scanning various vehicles. Only problem is it is not fully bidirectional.

Bidirectional just means that in addition to reading info from your truck, it can also send commands to various actuators and modules. 2 directional communication rather than just read only. So, by this definition your ArtiDiag600s is bidirectional, but due to it's price point it is probably limited in functionality.

I borrow my friends SnapOn scanner for doing bidirectional stuff. I wouldn't mind finding a cheap scanner that will do the bidirectional testing if anyone knows of a decent priced cheap one (in Canada).

Most of the $500-$700 scan tools will be a significant upgrade in capability. To find out how much, you'll need to look at the specific capabilities.

Just as an example, a quick ask to Google's AI returns the following difference between the ArtiDiag and the Thinkscan 689bt.

I'm tempted to buy the Topdon Phoenix which rivals Snapon but its a couple grand... Autel has decent quality scanners as well.

​

One of the things to keep in mind regarding scan tools is that most require a subscription to update it. Generally, the more expensive the scan tool, the more expensive the update subscription. Like Autel, from what I hear, if you let your update subscription expire, Autel will no longer let you access the FCA AutoAuth gateway on 2018+ Chryslers, as well as the Mercedez/Nissans that use it. Other manufacturers are supposedly going to start doing similar, as I think newer Fords have something similar. Without updates, whenever a new car comes out that has significant system changes, you'll be outa luck if you need to work on one of them.

For example the Topdon Phoenix Elite lists for 1800$, and the update subscription is $550 per year.




The Autel MaxiSys Elite is about $2300 and the updates are about the same as the TopDon.







One of the features the multi-thousand dollar scan tools have that the cheaper ones can't do, is the ability to integrate the OEM factory software and do module/PCM reflashes, updates, etc. But for that functionality, not only do you have to maintain an updated subscription with the scan tool manufacturer, but also a subscription with the OEM, such as Chryslers WiTech.