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brainz01 brainz01 is online now
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Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Houston
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The Launch x431 iCarScan OBD tool is very good bang for the buck. You can find it on obdtools.net, usually for between $150 and $200. No affiliation.

What makes that one good is that it:

1) Supports 5 vehicle marques
2) Is not limited to any # of VINs
3) Generally does [most] all OBD codes/tests/activations/and programming that the top dollar scanners do
4) Handles things like resetting oil change reminder, SRS, bleeding ABS, etc.
5) Gives you free updates for a year (after that you’re stuck with the capabilities the software had when your upgrades expired) — this isn’t a big deal unless you’ve got a brand new car
6) Wireless/Bluetooth — fits in your pocket/glovebox — works with your phone

What’s bad:
1) Made in China — not the most intuitive thing ever, but the user friendliness depends on the vehicle — Porsche is so-so, Mercedes was very good.
2) No support. See above. But it usually works for most people.

The cheap Amazon OBD readers are also useful for just checking an OBD code or basic engine parameter, but they don’t do much else. The above item is a serious tool and has saved me a trip to the dealer many times over.


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Old 01-11-2021, 04:42 PM
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