Considering the Autel Ultra, MS919, or MS909 scan tool? Or maybe you’re an existing owner wondering if you made the right choice? After two years of using the Ultra, I’m sharing an honest review – the good, the not-so-good, and the things that could be better. It’s packed with features, some I didn’t even know I needed, but it’s definitely not perfect. Let’s dive into a realistic look at this platform.
What I Love About the Autel Ultra Series
First, the speed of scanning for codes is genuinely impressive. Autel’s Autoscan 2.0 feature is a game-changer for quickly getting a handle on vehicle issues. For a growing list of manufacturers, it scans all modules in mere seconds. It’s incredibly efficient to go from zero codes to a complete system overview almost instantly.
Sharing diagnostic reports has also become seamless. The ability to email or text code reports directly from the scanner is incredibly useful. Whether it’s communicating with other technicians, shop managers, or even customers, this feature streamlines information sharing.
The wireless scope is another standout feature. Setting it up in the engine bay and controlling it from the driver’s seat is incredibly convenient. Diagnosing issues requiring engine cranking or throttle adjustments is much easier and safer without cables to trip over. This ease of use means the scope gets used more often, which is a big win for diagnostics.
Even without the wireless capability, the scope itself is a valuable tool. It’s quick to set up and provides clear waveforms. While it might not match the depth of a Pico scope, it handles about 95% of what most automotive technicians need a scope for. It’s got enough advanced features to satisfy even tech enthusiasts.
Updates are a significant ongoing investment, but they bring real value. Beyond just new model year coverage, the added features like Autoscan 2.0 and cloud-based reporting significantly enhance the tool’s functionality over time. An updated Ultra today is far more capable than it was just two years ago.
Finally, the J2534 pass-thru function has consistently worked well for me across various OEM software like FJDS, FDRS, Techline Connect, NERS, and HDS. VCMI firmware updates are regular, mirroring the scanner updates, ensuring compatibility and smooth operation.
Areas Where the Autel Ultra is Just “Meh”
The bus inspection tool, while initially intriguing, hasn’t been as revolutionary as expected. Perhaps it’s specific to my work environment or the types of vehicles I encounter, but its practical benefits have been limited. It occasionally saves a trip to the toolbox for a breakout box, but that’s about it. If it included network resistance measurement, its utility would increase significantly.
Similarly, the waveform generator and actuator drive features are cool in theory but less frequently used in day-to-day repairs. I’ve had to actively seek out situations to utilize them. The signal generator has been handy for testing ABS wiring a few times, and the actuator drive once helped remotely run a fuel pump relay. These features are not useless, but their everyday applicability feels limited for general repair work.
Storing and retrieving scope waveforms needs improvement. While there’s a system for tagging captures with vehicle info and waveform specifics, the vehicle list is incomplete, missing years, models, and major manufacturers. This makes searching for past captures cumbersome. Tagging options are also limited—solenoids and fuel pumps are options, but pressure transducers are not. Exporting captures is also restricted, with a largely unhelpful online library being the primary option.
Surprisingly, bidirectional tests and resets can sometimes be lacking. One of the main reasons for choosing the Ultra was to improve coverage compared to Snap-On and Launch tools. While it has largely succeeded, I still occasionally need to use another scan tool for certain tasks, more often than anticipated for a tool known for its bidirectional capabilities.
The “Ugh” Moments with the Autel Ultra
Graphing scan data is a definite weak point, especially for those accustomed to Snap-On tools. Graphing capabilities are simply not user-friendly. Binary PIDs (Yes/No, On/Off) cannot be graphed. Scaling options are often inadequate, and the absence of cursors makes data measurement tedious. When graphing is crucial, the Autel Ultra is not my go-to tool.
Reviewing saved data is equally frustrating. The lack of export options severely limits data analysis and sharing.
Physically, the tool’s size is also a drawback. It’s bulky and takes up significant space on the toolbox and in the vehicle. A VCMI holder is almost essential to manage its size.
Lastly, the included scope leads are of poor quality. Multiple leads failed due to broken solder joints at the ground banana jack. One lead even shorted internally, causing unintended injector activation. Replacing these with higher-quality leads is almost a necessity for reliable scoping.
Final Thoughts
The Autel Ultra/MS919/MS909 platform is a powerful and feature-rich scan tool. It excels in scan speed, wireless capabilities, and update frequency. However, it’s important to be aware of its shortcomings, particularly in graphing, data handling, and the occasional limitations in bidirectional controls. While it addresses many diagnostic needs, it’s not a perfect, all-in-one solution and may leave users occasionally reaching for other tools. Understanding both the strengths and weaknesses is crucial for making an informed decision about whether the Autel Ultra series is the right scan tool for your needs.
