Looking for diagnostic scan tool

[Danzigman]

I am looking to purchase a new scan tool to help diagnose the issues I am having with my ABS and SRS. Does anyone have any experience with these? I an looking to stay in the $300 range. The XTool Inplus looks nice. Any have any suggestions?

 

[Scottydoggs]

this free app and a $20 bafx obd2 bluetooth reader with a droid device can read all you abs codes and more, live data too. they are recommending to use the elm 327, but china has cloned them and they are so hit and miss use the bafx brand. ive used this on my 05 tahoe and a few other gm cars.

ChevroSys Scan Lite - Apps on Google Play

Fast Read & Clear Trouble Codes: Chevrolets Vehicle (Engine, ABS, SRS, TCM)

play.google.com

 

[swathdiver]

I am looking to purchase a new scan tool to help diagnose the issues I am having with my ABS and SRS. Does anyone have any experience with these? I an looking to stay in the $300 range. The XTool Inplus looks nice. Any have any suggestions?

Your truck was designed to be serviced with the venerable Tech-2. So that's what I would suggest. It is a bi-directional scan tool and can interact with your car, turning lights on and off, run balance tests on injectors, live data, record data, etc.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

^^^x2^^^ Get a China clone Tech 2 for $350-$400, and you can check/live monitor most important electrical and mechanical functions, as well as program replacement modules if/when needed. The Tech 2 has saved me thousands of dollars in repair bills that I have avoided through using it.

 

[MassHoe04]

Yep. Tech 2 has a crazy amount of information, diagnostics, programming various component modules and things only a Tech 2 can do.
Plus, the Field Service Manual has specific diagnostic tables that walk though Y/N steps. The instructions on what to do and what you should see on the display are all written in the FSM specifically for the Tech 2 device.

For the money, it is probably one of the best tools you could have.

$239 + $74 DHL shipping

Probably arrives in a week or less.

Cheap GM Tech2/ Saab Tech2 Diagnostic Scanner Full Package

GM TECH2 Scanner Full package comes with free TIS2000 Software, you can choose one kind of software for GM, SAAB, OPEL, SUZUKI, ISUZU, and Holden.

www.chinacardiags.com

$140 extra for the hard case option.
Save the money and skip getting the hard case. Just find a backpack cooler to carry it around. Padded protection and easy carry with shoulder straps...

Other bi-directional scan tools are great to have. The Tech 2 just offers a load of other capabilities that can potentially save you a lot of money.

 

[TollKeeper]

The Tech2 is nice.. I own one..

But the issue I have is that its only good for a certain year range, of GM only.

If I had to do my Tech2 purchase over, I would buy this instead, or the newer version of it.. like the Autel 906 or 908. It can do almost any car.

autel maxidas ds708 diagnostic scanner | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for autel maxidas ds708 diagnostic scanner at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

If you are after something for just the time being, that does ABS/SRS and diagnostics. I have the last generation of this, and its a great on the go tool.

https://www.amazon.com/Scanner-TOPDON-Diagnostic-Diagnostics-Maintenance/dp/B08V8K7KMQ/ref=sr_1_13_sspa?crid=20HFNUFRNH6BM&keywords=topdon+abs+srs&qid=1675373246&s=automotive&sprefix=topdon+abs+srs%2Cautomotive%2C119&sr=1-13-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyOE1LU1NJV1Y2OU9QJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzAwODg2Mzk3T09LTVhSMzMzWiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTEwNjc0RkxIRDNCN0hRVDY0JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

(currently on a Amazon One Day sale for 38% off)

 

[afpj]

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but don't the Autel's REQUIRE an active subscription to function? When the subscription expires, then the tool is essentially useless?

 

[TollKeeper]

It requires an active subscription for updates as far as I know, not for general use.. At least thats as far as I know.

We are talking about this specific unit on another forum at the moment..

eBay Listing - Autel MaxiDas DS708 Complete Pro Kit for $400.00... a STEAL of a DEAL!

If you are looking for a Professional Shop Grade Complete Scan Tool Kit for Early Model GM and Chevrolet Vehicles as well as many other Domestic and Foreign Makes & Models that is TRULY Bi-Directional Capable, then THESE eBay offers for the Autel MaxiDas DS708 Complete Kit are an absolute STEAL...

gmtnation.com

 

[MassHoe04]

I do agree it would be nice to have the flexibility for use on vehicles other than just older GM.

Considerations for me on going with Tech 2 over something like one of the Autels was just a little bit about price at the time of my purchase.
Maybe it was chip shortage in China, a year ago... But prices were higher. Even for the Tech 2, they have since come down in price.
But price was only a bit of a factor.

For me, I liked the idea of the Field Service Manual diagnostic and programming procedure tables were specifically written for the Tech 2 device.
Some of the built-in special test functions are worth their weight in gold!

I just thought, for the money, the Tech 2 might make life a lot easier while I own this 04 Tahoe (or maybe another after she's given up the ghost).

Someday, I think I might add a bi-directional tablet scanner to my toolbox so I can do other kinds of vehicles and late models too.
The Autel line has a great reputation and is an excellent value! When I get to that point, Autel is what I would be looking to get.

 

[nonickatall]

I have an Autel 908 since, approximate seven years and i'm very satisfied. You can read out all cars worldwide and the updates are lifetime without costs. I don't know if the update opportunity is still toll-free or at all units. And I don't know if all Autel units can read out all cars. So check this before you buy one.

Until today I had very few problems only with some cars, I could not read out. Once I had and Airbag error on the Peugeot, where the Autel tells me that a sensor on the left side was making problems, but I turned out it was the right side.
And once I could not read the error codes of an Iveco Truck..

And due to the translation from Chinese into English or German, the error codes are sometimes have strange meanings, but you can always see the error code number and Google is your friend.

The opportunities given to reset car settings are mostly good, but I work mostly with German cars. I don't know how it is is on U.S. cars.

I can read out the error codes of the GMT800 and reset oil service.

So like i know it from some German manufactors like VW, i think the thing is:
If you only do GM cars, or only your GMT800 truck, a tech 2 would probably be a better choice and you have more opportunities.

If you do a lot of brands and different cars, the Autel is a very good solution.

 

[MassHoe04]

FYI -

Just got an email from Chinacardiags.com...

12th Anniversary promo sale!

Vetronix Tech 2 (GM Tech 2 clone) without hard case is 27% off
On sale now for $239 ($329 regular).

Hard case version is $352 (7% off reg. $379).

This is not any kind of sponsored message. Just thought there might be a bunch of you on the fence thinking of buying a Tech 2 clone, who would be interested in saving $90!

I was really happy with the one I got. It was still a good deal even if it wasn't at this lower price.
Scanner is good build quality and works great!

 

[Doubeleive]

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but don't the Autel's REQUIRE an active subscription to function? When the subscription expires, then the tool is essentially useless?

no, you just would not have any further updates until the subscription was updated again, so say you bought it in 2020 and it came with a 1 year sub, then as of 2021 if you wanted to use it on say a 2024 it might not have all the needed information to work until it was updated again.
just because the subscription ended does not cripple the device.

 

[MassHoe04]

no, you just would not have any further updates until the subscription was updated again, so say you bought it in 2020 and it came with a 1 year sub, then as of 2021 if you wanted to use it on say a 2024 it might not have all the needed information to work until it was updated again.
just because the subscription ended does not cripple the device.

Agreed. Even in the example you gave with the Autel, it could work even longer if the manufacturer didn't make any major changes to vehicle system programming.

My Vetronix Tech 2 clone is supposed to be good on GM up to 2006 (or 07? I forgot). No updates required if working on GM up to that year.

 

[adamztrucking]

Hey, the one that I use is this one. It works great and it does everything I need it to. Works well with no complaints. https://dieselscanners.com/products/diesel-diagnostic-laptop-scanner-tuner-truck-repair

 

[nonickatall]

Wow, only 2500$. What a shot...
And Diesel Diagnose is perfect for the Gmt800...

I think i buy 2....

 

[Coolman1987us]

Agreed. Even in the example you gave with the Autel, it could work even longer if the manufacturer didn't make any major changes to vehicle system programming.

My Vetronix Tech 2 clone is supposed to be good on GM up to 2006 (or 07? I forgot). No updates required if working on GM up to that year.

tech 2 was used all the way to 2013 for trucks and 2014 for suvs

 

[Coolman1987us]

USB Version VXDiag VCX NANO for GM/OPEL 2025.03.29 G-D-S2 Tech-2-WIN Diagnostic Tool

VXDiag VCX NANO for GM/OPEL comes with both GM Tech2Win and GDS2 software. It comes to replace GM original tool MDI and Tech2. VCX NANO GM is Compatible with applications that diagnose engines, transmissions, ABS, instrument panels and more. Techline Connect Service Programming System (SPS2)...

www.vxdiagshop.com

$115

 

[Eldiablo]

I am looking to purchase a new scan tool to help diagnose the issues I am having with my ABS and SRS. Does anyone have any experience with these? I an looking to stay in the $300 range. The XTool Inplus looks nice. Any have any suggestions?

I sold tools for 32 years. There is a new brand out there ottofix, it is very, very good. Try one of those get it from ebay.

 

[homesick]

Somebody must like them. The Otofix website shows 4 different tools, all sold out.

joe

 

[cd wells]

about the Tech2, i was about to pull the trigger on the chinese knockoff when i read (and i cant find where i saw it) that as of sept 2024 GM was blocking knock off tech2 and midi tools from accessing the GM Techline services portal. i dont know if that is true or what the Chinese Tech2 can do for my 2004 Yukon with out accessing the GM Techline Data Base. i can see that updates are out of the question, but can i initialize / program a drivers door module that i bought to replace the faulty one that came with my used Yukon. the bi-directional tablet i have ignores several modules as if it cant see them, including the Drivers Door Module. My limited understanding is that the BCM doesnt acknowledge the new part. It seems several other module depend on feedback from the DDM,too. Any ideas , guys? .....and yes, i am a newbie, here.