Which scanner is better for diagnostics

What scanner for diagnostics choose? Owners of both domestic and foreign cars ask on the forums. After all, such devices are divided into categories not only by prices and manufacturers, but also by types. namely, there are autonomous and adaptive autoscanners, and they are also divided into dealer, brand and multi-brand. Each type has its own characteristics of use, advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the choice of one or another universal scanner for car diagnostics is always a compromise decision.

All autoscanners from various manufacturers can be divided into professional and amateur. The first ones provide enhanced opportunities for finding errors in a car, but their basic drawback is their significant cost. Therefore, amateur autoscanners are the most popular among ordinary car owners. Which are most often just purchased. At the end of this material, the TOP of the best auto scanners is given, based on tests and reviews of car owners found on the Internet.

What is an autoscanner for?

Before looking for an answer to the question of which scanner is better for diagnosing a car, you need to decide what this device is for, what you can do with it and what functions it performs. After all, if you are an inexperienced owner, then there will be enough of one that would only allow you to read errors, but experts use the maximum possible functionality.

Often, when a problem occurs, the “Check Engine” light on the panel lights up. But in order to understand the reason, the simplest scanner and a free program on your phone or laptop are enough, with which you will receive an error code and a brief decoding of its meaning. This will allow you not to contact the service for such a service.

Diagnostic scanners are more complicated, they make it possible to measure any indicators, establish more specific problems in the operation of the internal combustion engine, chassis or clutch, and make it possible to change the indicators sewn into the ECU without additional programs, because such a scanner is a mini directional computer. In order to fully use it, you need special skills.

Types of autoscanners

in order to understand which is better to buy an autoscanner, decide on the type into which they are divided. These devices are autonomous and adaptive.

Autonomous autoscanners - These are professional devices that are used, including in car services. They are directly connected to the electronic control unit, and read the relevant information from there. The advantage of stand-alone autoscanners is their high functionality. namely, with their help, you can not only detect an error, but also obtain additional diagnostic information about a particular machine unit. And this subsequently makes it possible to quickly and easily eliminate the errors that have arisen. The disadvantage of such devices is one, and it lies in the high cost.

Adaptive autoscanners are much simpler. They are small boxes that are connected to a portable electronic device - a smartphone, tablet, laptop, on which the corresponding additional software is installed. so, with the help of an adaptive autoscanner, you can simply receive information from the computer, and the processing of the received information is already performed using software on an external gadget. The functionality of such devices is usually lower (although this depends on the capabilities of the installed programs). However, the advantage of adaptive autoscanners is their reasonable price, which, coupled with quite decent functionality, has become a decisive factor in the widespread distribution of autoscanners of this type. Most ordinary motorists use adaptive autoscanners.

In addition to these two types, autoscanners are also divided into three types. namely:

• Dealer. These devices are developed by the vehicle manufacturer and are designed for a specific model (in some cases for several types of similar vehicles). By definition, they are original and have the greatest functionality. However, dealer autoscanners have two significant drawbacks. The first is its limited action, that is, you cannot use the device to diagnose various machines. The second one is very high cost. It is for this reason that they have not gained wide popularity.
• Vintage. These autoscanners differ from dealer ones in that they are produced not by the automaker, but by third-party companies. As for the functionality, it is close to dealer autoscanners, and may differ in software. With the help of branded autoscanners, you can also diagnose errors on one or a small number of similar car brands. Dealer and brand scanners are professional equipment, respectively, they are purchased mainly by the administration of car services or dealerships to perform appropriate diagnostics and repairs.
• Multibrand. Scanners of this type have gained the greatest popularity among ordinary car owners. This is due to its benefits. Among them, a relatively low price (compared to professional devices), sufficient functionality for self-diagnosis, availability for sale, and ease of use. And most importantly, multi-brand scanners do not need to be selected for a specific car brand. They are universal and suitable for any modern cars equipped with an electronic control unit ICE.

Regardless of the type of auto diagnostic scanner, these devices currently use OBD standards - computerized vehicle diagnostics (the English abbreviation stands for On-board diagnostics). From 1996 to the present day, the OBD-II standard has been in effect, providing full control over the engine, body parts, additionally installed devices, as well as diagnostic capabilities for the vehicle control network.

Which scanner to choose

Domestic drivers use various autonomous and adaptive autoscanners. This section provides a rating of these devices based on reviews found on the Internet. the list is not commercial and does not promote any of the scanners. Its task is to give the most objective information about the devices available for sale. The rating is divided into two parts - professional scanners, which have wide functionality and are better used in car services, given their high price, as well as budget devices available to ordinary car owners. Let's start the description with professional devices.

Autel MaxiDas DS708

This autoscanner is positioned as a professional one, and with its help you can diagnose and adjust the parameters of European, American and Asian cars. The device is connected directly to the computer. The advantage of the Autel MaxiDas DS708 autoscanner is the presence of an impact-resistant seven-inch monitor with a Touch Screen function. When buying, it is important to pay attention to the language version, namely, there is a Russified operating system of the device.

Device characteristics:

• Wide support for dealer functions - special procedures and tests, adaptations, initializations, coding.
• Ability to work with cars from Europe, Japan, Korea, USA, China.
• The ability to perform full-featured diagnostics, including body electronics, multimedia systems, internal combustion engine and transmission components.
• Ability to work with more than 50 car brands.
• Support for all OBD-II protocols and all 10 OBD test modes.
• Support for Wi-Fi wireless communication.
• Automatic software update via Wi-Fi.
• The device is equipped with a rubber cover and has a shock-resistant case.
• The ability to record, save and print the necessary data for further analysis.
• Support for printing through a printer over a wireless Wi-Fi network.
• The operating temperature range is from 0°C to +60ºC.
• Storage temperature range: -10°C to +70°C.
• Weight - 8,5 kilograms.

Of the shortcomings of this device, only its high price can be noted. So, as of the beginning of 2019, its cost is about 60 thousand rubles. At the same time, software updates are free for the first year, and then additional money is charged for it. In general, we can say that this device is more suitable for use in professional car repair shops that repair cars on an ongoing basis.

Bosch KTS 570

The Bosch KTS 570 autoscanner can be used to work with cars and trucks. namely, it is recommended to use it for diagnosing BOSCH diesel systems. The software capabilities of the scanner are extremely wide. It can work with 52 car brands. Of the advantages of the device, it is worth noting the following:

• The package includes a two-channel oscilloscope and a digital multimeter for instrumental diagnostics of electrical and signal machine circuits.
• The software includes the ESItronic help database, which contains catalogs of electrical circuits, descriptions of standard operating procedures, adjustment data for specific vehicles, and more.
• The ability to use an autoscanner to perform instrumental diagnostics.

Of the shortcomings, only the high price of the autoscanner can be noted, namely 2500 euros or 190 thousand Russian rubles for the KTS 590 version.

Carman Scan VG+

Professional autoscanner Carman Scan VG+ is one of the most powerful devices in its market segment. It can work with almost any European, American and Asian vehicles. The kit additionally includes:

• Four-channel digital oscilloscope with a sweep resolution of 20 microseconds and the ability to analyze CAN-bus signals.
• Four-channel multimeter with a maximum input voltage of 500V, voltage, current, resistance, frequency and pressure measurement modes.
• High-voltage oscilloscope for working with ignition circuits: measuring the contribution of cylinders, searching for circuit defects.
• Signal generator for simulating the operation of various sensors: resistive, frequency, voltage sources.

The device has a shock-resistant case. In fact, this is not just an autoscanner, but a device that combines a scanner, a motor-tester and a sensor signal simulator. Therefore, with its help, you can perform not only computer, but also instrumental diagnostics.

The disadvantage of such devices is the same - the high price. For the Carman Scan VG + autoscanner, it is about 240 thousand rubles.

then we will move on to the description of budget autoscanners for motorists, since they are more in demand.

Autocom CDP Pro Car

The original multi-brand autoscanners of the Swedish manufacturer Autocom are divided into two categories - Pro Car and Pro Trucks. As the name implies, the first - for cars, the second - for trucks. However, a Chinese analogue is currently on sale called Autocom CDP Pro Car + Trucks, which can be used for both cars and trucks. Users note that non-original equipment works as well as the original one. The only drawback of hacked software is updating drivers.

Device characteristics:

• The connection is made via the OBD-II connector, however, it is also possible to connect via the 16-pin J1962 diagnostic connector.
• Ability to support different languages, including Russian. Pay attention to this when buying.
• The ability to connect the device to a PC or smartphone using a wireless connection, as well as via Bluetooth within a radius of 10 meters.
• The patented Autocom ISI (Intelligent System Identification) technology is used for fast, fully automatic identification of the diagnosed vehicle.
• The patented Autocom ISS (Intelligent System Scan) technology is used for fast automated polling of all vehicle systems and units.
• Wide functionality of the operating system (reading and resetting error codes from the ECU, resetting adaptations, coding, resetting service intervals, etc.).
• The device works with the following vehicle systems: internal combustion engine according to standard OBD2 protocols, internal combustion engine according to vehicle manufacturer protocols, electronic ignition systems, climate control, immobilizer system, transmission, ABS and ESP, SRS Airbag, dashboard, body electronics systems and others.

Reviews about this autoscanner found on the Internet make it possible to judge that the device is of high quality and reliable. Therefore, it will be an excellent acquisition for owners of cars and / or trucks. The price of the multi-brand scanner Autocom CDP Pro Car + Trucks as of the above period is about 6000 rubles.

Launch Creator VI+

Launch Creader 6+ is a multibrand autoscanner that can be used with any vehicles that support the OBD-II standard. namely, the manual states that it works with all American cars made after 1996, with all petrol European cars made after 2001, and with all diesel European cars made after 2004. It has not so wide functionality, however, it can be used to perform standard operations, such as obtaining and erasing error codes from the memory of the electronic control unit, as well as performing some additional tests, such as the state of the car, reading the data stream in dynamics, viewing “stop frame" of various diagnostic data, tests of sensors and elements of various systems.

It has a small TFT color screen with a diagonal of 2,8 inches. Connects using a standard 16-pin DLC connector. Dimensions (length / width / height) - 121 / 82 / 26 millimeters. Weight - less than 500 grams per set. Reviews regarding the operation of the Launch Crider autoscanner are mostly positive. In some cases, its limited functionality is noted. However, all this is offset by the low price of the device, namely about 5 thousand rubles. Therefore, it is quite possible to recommend it for purchase to ordinary car owners.

ELM 327

ELM 327 autoscanners are not one, but a whole line of devices united under one name. They are produced by various Chinese companies. Autoscanners have different designs and functionality. So, at present, more than a dozen ELM 327 autoscanners can be found on sale. However, they have one thing in common - they all transmit information about scanned errors to a smartphone or computer via Bluetooth wireless communication. There are adaptive programs for various operating systems, including Windows, iOS, Android. The autoscanner is multi-brand and can be used for almost all cars manufactured after 1996, that is, those that support the OBD-II data transmission standard.

Technical characteristics of the ELM 327 autoscanner:

• The ability to scan for errors in the ECU memory, and erase them.
• The ability to reflect individual technical parameters of the car (namely, engine speed, engine load, coolant temperature, fuel system condition, vehicle speed, short-term fuel consumption, long-term fuel consumption, absolute air pressure, ignition timing, intake air temperature, mass air flow, throttle position, lambda probe, fuel pressure).
• Uploading data in various formats, the ability to print when connected to a printer.
• Recording individual technical parameters, building graphs based on them.

According to statistics, ELM327 autoscanners are one of the most popular models of these devices. Despite the limited functionality, they have enough ability to scan for errors, which is quite enough to identify faults in various vehicle systems. And given the low price of the autoscanner (it depends on the specific manufacturer and ranges from 500 rubles and more), it is definitely recommended for purchase by car owners of a variety of cars equipped with a modern engine control system.

XTOOL U485

Autoscanner XTOOL U485 is a multi-brand stand-alone device. For its operation, you do not need to install additional software on your smartphone or laptop. The device is connected directly to the car's OBD-II connector using a cord, and the corresponding information is displayed on its screen. The functionality of the autoscanner is small, but with its help it is quite possible to read and delete errors from the memory of the electronic control unit.

The advantage of the XTOOL U485 autoscanner is its good price-quality ratio, as well as its ubiquitous availability. Of the shortcomings, it is worth noting that its built-in operating system supports only English. However, its control is simple and intuitive, so usually car owners do not have problems using it. The price of this autoscanner is about 30 dollars or 2000 rubles.

Features of using autoscanners

The exact information on how exactly to use this or that autoscanner is in the instructions for its operation. Therefore, before using the device, be sure to read the instructions and then strictly follow the recommendations given in it. However, in the general case, the algorithm for using an adaptive autoscanner will be as follows:

1. Install the appropriate software on a laptop, smartphone, tablet (depending on the device you plan to use the scanner with). usually, when buying a device, the software comes with it, or it can be downloaded from the official website of the device manufacturer.
2. Connect the device to the OBD-II connector on the car.
3. Activate the device and gadget and perform diagnostics in accordance with the capabilities of the installed software.

When using an autoscanner, there are a few things to keep in mind. Among them:

• When using multifunctional scanners (usually professional ones), you need to carefully study its operation and operation algorithm before using a particular function. namely, many of these devices have a "Reprogramming" function (or it may be called differently), which resets the car's electronic settings to factory settings. And this can lead to incorrect operation of individual components and assemblies with all the ensuing consequences.
• When using some brands of popular multi-brand autoscanners, problems arise in its interaction with the electronic control unit of the engine. namely, the ECU "does not see" the scanner. To eliminate this problem, you need to make the so-called pinout of the inputs.

The pinout algorithm depends on the specific brand of car, for this you need to know the connection diagram. If you need to connect the autoscanner to a car that was manufactured before 1996 or to a truck, then you need to have a special adapter available for this, since this technique has a different OBD connection standard.

Hack and predictor Aviator

An electronic machine scanner is a very useful and necessary thing for any car owner. With its help, you can quickly and easily diagnose errors in the operation of individual components and assemblies of the car. For an ordinary car enthusiast, an inexpensive multi-brand scanner paired with a smartphone is best suited. As for the brand and a particular model, the choice is up to the motorist.

making a choice is based on the ratio of price and quality, as well as functionality. If you have had experience in purchasing, choosing, or you know the nuances of using one or another autoscanner, write about it in the comments.