For car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics in 2016, accessing your vehicle’s computer systems became increasingly important. While basic OBDII scanners could read generic fault codes, they often fell short when it came to accessing deeper, non-OBDII data. Understanding these limitations is crucial when selecting the best automotive scan tool for your needs.
Understanding the Limitations of Basic OBDII Scanners
In 2016, if you were looking to go beyond basic engine code reading, a simple, low-cost Bluetooth ELM 327 dongle paired with a phone app might not be sufficient. These entry-level tools primarily focused on OBDII systems, which, while standardized, didn’t cover all the complex systems within a modern vehicle. For example, monitoring something as fundamental as oil level typically wasn’t part of the standard OBDII data set. While an OBDII system could report a fault with the oil level sensor itself, it wouldn’t provide the actual oil level reading. Brands like VeePeak clearly stated that their affordable models were designed for OBDII scanning only, highlighting the need for more advanced tools for comprehensive diagnostics.
To truly interact with the full range of computer systems in a car from 2016, including those beyond the standardized OBDII protocols, you needed to consider scan tools capable of communicating with non-OBDII systems. This level of access allowed for diagnostics and functionalities that basic scanners simply couldn’t offer.
Entry-Level Advanced Scan Tool: Autel DiagLink (2016 Perspective)
Stepping up from basic OBDII, the Autel DiagLink emerged as a cost-effective option for users focused on a single vehicle brand in 2016. Priced around $90-$100, the DiagLink offered significantly more capability than basic OBDII scanners. Its key advantage was the ability to access brand-specific, non-OBDII systems, allowing for functions like resetting oil change lights and even placing electronic parking brakes into service mode – features unavailable with generic OBDII tools.
However, the DiagLink came with a notable limitation: it was designed to work with only one car brand at a time. Upon purchase, users received one “free” brand-specific software package, which had to be downloaded and installed onto the device. While additional brand software could be purchased for around $10 per brand, this single-brand focus made the DiagLink most suitable for users who primarily worked with vehicles from a single manufacturer and didn’t anticipate changing brands frequently. For those within this specific use case, the Autel DiagLink presented excellent value for its advanced diagnostic capabilities in 2016.
Multi-Brand Advanced Scan Tool: Autel MD806 (2016 Perspective)
For mechanics or car owners who worked with multiple vehicle brands in 2016, the Autel MD806 offered a more versatile solution. Around the $200 price point, the MD806 provided multi-brand, non-OBDII diagnostic capabilities. While internally similar in hardware to the DiagLink, the MD806’s software allowed it to work across numerous brands without requiring separate software downloads for each. Furthermore, Autel advertised “lifetime” software updates for the MD806, adding to its long-term value proposition.
It’s important to understand that “lifetime” updates in the context of software typically mean the expected support lifespan of the device, not literal eternity. However, for the foreseeable future in 2016 and beyond, the MD806 offered ongoing software support and updates, ensuring compatibility with newer vehicles and diagnostic procedures within its supported brands. For its combination of multi-brand capability, advanced features, and reasonable price, the Autel MD806 was considered one of the best value automotive scan tools for comprehensive diagnostics in 2016, particularly for users who needed to work on a variety of vehicles.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Scan Tool in 2016
Selecting the best automotive scan tool in 2016 depended heavily on your specific needs and budget. For basic engine code reading, a simple OBDII scanner might suffice. However, for deeper diagnostics, accessing non-OBDII systems, and performing functions like service resets, advanced tools like the Autel DiagLink and MD806 were necessary. The DiagLink offered a cost-effective entry point for single-brand users, while the MD806 provided broader multi-brand versatility and long-term value for those working with a wider range of vehicles. Ultimately, understanding the limitations of basic scanners and the capabilities of advanced tools was key to making an informed decision and choosing the best automotive scan tool for your 2016 automotive diagnostic needs.
