For car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics, having the right tools is essential for vehicle maintenance and diagnostics. When it comes to modern vehicles, an OBD scan tool is indispensable for accessing the complex computer systems that control everything from engine performance to safety features. While basic OBDII scanners have their place, they often fall short when you need to delve deeper into your car’s health, especially for systems outside of the standard OBDII protocols. If you’re looking for the Best 2017 Obd Scan Tool to get comprehensive insights into your vehicle, it’s crucial to understand the landscape of diagnostic tools available and what they can offer.
Standard, budget-friendly OBDII dongles paired with smartphone apps, often priced around $13, are readily available. These tools serve a purpose for reading basic OBDII codes related to emissions and engine issues. However, their capabilities are limited. They are not designed to communicate with non-OBDII systems, meaning they can’t access data like oil level directly (though they might report issues with the oil level sensor itself if it’s part of the OBDII diagnostics). Brands like VeePeak explicitly state that their entry-level tools are confined to OBDII scanning.
To truly interact with the full spectrum of your car’s computer network, including non-OBDII systems, you’ll need to invest in a more advanced scan tool. Think of tools that can operate beyond the basic OBDII parameters, similar to professional systems like VIDA/DiCE.
At the more affordable end of advanced diagnostic tools, consider options like the Autel DiagLink. In 2017, this tool was priced in the $90-$100 range, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users needing more than basic OBDII functionality. The key feature of the DiagLink, and also its primary limitation, is its brand-specific nature. Each DiagLink comes with software for only ONE car brand. You select your brand during setup, downloading the specific software from Autel to the device. This initial software is included in the purchase price.
Alt text: Autel DiagLink OBD2 scanner displaying vehicle diagnostic data on its color screen.
Despite this brand limitation, the DiagLink offers significant capabilities for its price point. For owners dedicated to a single car brand, it’s a cost-effective way to access functions often unavailable in generic OBDII scanners. The DiagLink can perform tasks like resetting oil change lights and placing electronic parking brakes into service position – features that go beyond basic OBDII functions, but are limited to the software-defined car brand. While adding software for another brand is possible for around $10 per brand (as of 2017 pricing), it’s important to consider this single-brand focus if you work with multiple vehicle makes.
For those needing to diagnose vehicles from various manufacturers, a multi-brand scan tool is the logical next step. In 2017, the Autel MD806 was a standout option in this category, typically priced around $200. While it shares hardware similarities with the DiagLink, the MD806 utilizes software that supports multiple car brands without requiring separate software downloads for each. Autel also offered “lifetime” software updates with the MD806, a significant advantage. It’s worth noting that “lifetime” in software terms usually refers to the product’s support lifespan, meaning updates for older models might eventually cease. However, for the expected lifespan of the tool, the MD806 provided ongoing updates.
Alt text: Technician using an Autel MD806 professional OBDII scanner inside a car for diagnostics.
The Autel MD806 offered a compelling balance of features and price. For DIYers and home mechanics who work on different vehicles, it presented excellent value. It could handle the diagnostic needs of most users, offering a wide range of functions without the prohibitive cost of professional-grade, dealership-level tools. If you were in the market for a versatile and capable OBD scan tool around 2017, the Autel MD806 stood out as one of the best choices for accessing both OBDII and non-OBDII systems across multiple car brands.
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