 "Buy It" | 2009-11-20 |
| - Reviewed By User: A3IJQQ6EC5LUNQ |
Preface: Professional industrial machinery engineer. Cars are simple compared to what I work on all day. So maybe I'm not a "shadetree mechanic". I have no brand loyalty, nor am I getting a kickback of any sort for this review. I just needed a good scan tool, NOW. I wish this one had been available 10 years ago. My son is a professional, ASE certified auto mechanic, and this is better than his, by his own admission.
1) 9V battery not included (only needed if not connected to vehicle).
2)Worked flawlessly out of the box. Didn't read the manual and figured it out in about 5 minutes flat. Intuitive menus. Clear, plain english fault description.
3) You'll read on the internet that the computer software that comes with it is junk. I'm running Vista 32 Home Premium and the software installed and worked flawlessly. Not a single "work around" or problem. However, I'm also a computer geek, so what I regard as normal might drive somebody else nuts. You have to "install" your scan tool in the software for it to know what to update/ look at. Took 12 minutes to flash the tool to the latest software version. Another 10 to update the scan tool computer software suite.
4)Used it to diagnose a 1999 Neon prior to purchase. Check engine light on. Tool said "cylinder #3 misfire". Checked plugs and wires. Found all spark plugs loose, particularly #3. Tightened. Car runs great. Cleared codes in ECM. No new faults. Dealer mechanic and salesman looked at me like I was a wizard. Because I did this and gave the mechanical and electrical system a thorough inspection (and found several minor problems), they knocked $700 off their price. (Tool paid for itself 5 times over in the first day). Even the GM dealer (Neon being a Chrysler product)Didn't have a scantool like this that would read multiple MFG (generic) OBD-II codes. Plugged it into my 2000 and 2003 Corolla's; and my 2009 GMC Van. Communicated flawlessly. Note: It's a little slow, but thorough. Gent at Advance Auto says this one is better than the one they use. In other words, this is a moderately priced, powerful, upgradeable, nearly "obsolete proof" Scanner, better than some "professional" auto technicians use. Note: WILL NOT READ PRE-1996 OBD-I OR ANY MANUFACTURER SPECIFIC CODES. NOR WILL IT READ "BODY" OR "ABS" OR OTHER NON-ENGINE/ EMISSIONS CODES. But I promise you, on anything newer and for basic diagnosis, "check engine" light problems it's all you'll need. I would recommend it to friends, enemies, and my own mother if she needed one. |
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| "Very easy to use" | 2009-11-05 |
| - Reviewed By adams1of42 |
| Can't really compare to others in terms of use and price, I'm no expert in the field. After seeing all of the other options on this that I don't use, I probably could have gotten something much more basic for less money. I have no regrets though, I've used this on at least 5 different cars (mine and friends) to read error codes. It's very easy to use for that, plug it in, put key in, hit a couple of buttons, read the code(s). Then google the code to find out what it means and if it's an easy self-fix or something you need to bring it in for. In just a couple months I've saved way more than the cost just in reading the codes, and most of the problems have been fairly easy to fix myself, saving me more money. |
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| "Pleased" | 2009-10-27 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1HSR705NL37E6 |
| Recieved quickly was more than expected, brand new still in blisterpack. worked well and put my mine at ease about what light was about, very satisfied |
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| "Great do it yourself tool" | 2009-10-25 |
| - Reviewed By User: A25Q8TULOPLUFM |
| This worked great to shut off my engine light on my 1999 Mitsubishi Galant ES 4-cyl. Light still came on later but was able to tell I had a bad O2 sensor and it even told me which one, the same as my Chilton book says. I mainly got this so that I could do other things with other cars. What sold me on this one over the other version was "Fully updateable via the Internet, so it will work with future vehicle models." I intend to use this on other vehicles instead of paying a shop to "diagnose" the system and tell me what needs to be done. Plus I don't always trust auto places because they could say a part is bad like an O2 sensor when the light could just go on as a reminder to check it then clear the code. The only down side, which is at no fault of the AutoScanner, is that not all the functions work on my car. Your car has to be built with the capability and sensors. |
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 "Great features for the price" | 2009-10-24 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2YK2NL3ZPCB32 |
| This scanner is great for anyone who wants a bit more than just to know the alpha numeric code for their vehicle. It is not much more expensive than very basic models, but quite a bit cheaper than more advanced diagnostic tools. |
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| "great product for the price" | 2009-10-19 |
| - Reviewed By User: A39F2TDQ1AQXNA |
| I used this autoscan several time in the past 2 months and have gotten good results from using it. It couldn't give me manufactor specific code details but it pointed me in the right directions. i would recommend this product to a friend or let them use mine. |
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Expedited Available
