The Autel MaxiDAS DS708 is a powerful and versatile diagnostic scan tool that offers full system coverage for a wide range of vehicles. This comprehensive review explores its capabilities, features, and why it’s a valuable investment for professional mechanics and automotive enthusiasts.
Finding an affordable yet powerful and feature-rich scan tool with capabilities like a Windows tablet, touchscreen interface, and WIFI connectivity can be challenging. Price often becomes the deciding factor, with high-end devices typically ranging from $1,500 to $4,000. However, the Autel MaxiDAS DS708 offers a compelling solution, providing advanced functionality at a significantly lower price point.
The DS708 excels in diagnosing North American, European, and Asian vehicles, offering accurate bi-directional diagnostic and live module testing capabilities. This broad coverage makes it suitable for various automotive applications. You can often find the Autel MaxiDAS DS708 on eBay, with prices for the scanner alone starting around $250 and full kits ranging from $500 to $850.
Important Note: Damaged units with missing or unreadable SD cards are generally not repairable.
Autel MaxiDAS DS708: Features and Capabilities
The Autel MaxiDAS DS708 boasts an impressive array of features:
- Comprehensive Vehicle Coverage: Supports a vast range of makes and models, including domestic, European, and Asian vehicles.
- Full System Diagnostics: Accesses and diagnoses all available vehicle systems, including engine, transmission, ABS, airbag, and more.
- Bi-Directional Control: Allows users to activate various components for testing purposes, such as fuel injectors, solenoids, and relays.
- Live Data Streaming: Displays real-time data from various sensors and modules, allowing for in-depth analysis of vehicle performance.
- Advanced Coding and Programming: Enables users to perform complex coding and programming functions, such as key programming and module replacement.
- User-Friendly Interface: Features an intuitive touchscreen interface that simplifies navigation and operation.
- Regular Software Updates: Autel provides regular software updates to ensure compatibility with the latest vehicle models and technologies.
Software and Resources
Before using your Autel MaxiDAS DS708, it’s crucial to download the original software suite from the Autel website: https://www.autel.com/download.jhtml. This allows you to install the software on your Windows computer, especially if the original CD/DVD is missing from your purchased kit.
SD Card Backup: A Critical Step
The SD card in the Autel MaxiDAS DS708 stores the operating system and software. Creating a backup is crucial to avoid potential issues. A damaged or lost SD card can render the device unusable, requiring a new SD card, online registration, and a costly annual subscription (around $500) to restore functionality.
Creating an SD Card Backup: Linux and Windows
Linux users can utilize the dd command in a terminal to create a mirror image of the SD card.
sudo dd if=/dev/mmcblk0 of=~/sd-card-copy.img bs=4M status=progressRemember to replace /dev/mmcblk0 with the actual device path of your SD card.
Windows users can employ disk imaging software to create a backup. Several reliable options are available online.
Conclusion
The Autel Maxidas Ds708 Full System Diagnostic Scan Tool offers a powerful and comprehensive solution for automotive diagnostics. Its wide vehicle coverage, advanced features, and relatively affordable price make it an excellent choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Remember to back up your SD card to safeguard your investment and ensure uninterrupted operation.
