For car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, understanding your vehicle’s health is becoming increasingly important. Modern cars are complex systems, and accessing their computer data requires the right tools. While basic OBDII scanners serve a purpose, they often fall short when it comes to in-depth diagnostics. If you’re looking to truly understand your car’s condition beyond basic engine codes, especially for systems outside of the standard OBDII parameters, you’ll need to step up to a more advanced car scan tool.
Understanding OBDII Limitations
OBDII (On-Board Diagnostics II) is a standardized system that provides access to basic engine and emission-related data. A simple and inexpensive Bluetooth ELM 327 dongle paired with a smartphone app can read these standard OBDII codes. However, these tools are limited. They are not designed to delve into non-OBDII systems. For instance, checking your oil level is typically not part of the standard OBDII data stream. While an OBDII system might report a fault in the oil level sensor, it won’t provide the actual oil level reading. Tools limited to OBDII scanning, such as VeePeak models, are therefore insufficient for comprehensive vehicle diagnostics.
Autel DiagLink: Brand-Specific Solution
For more advanced diagnostics, including accessing non-OBDII systems, tools like the Autel DiagLink come into play. Generally priced around $90-$100, the DiagLink offers a significant step up in capabilities. Its key feature is its ability to interface with non-OBDII communication systems within a vehicle, similar to professional tools like VIDA/DiCE used for specific brands. The DiagLink stands out by offering advanced functions such as resetting oil change lights and putting electric parking brakes into service position – features typically unavailable in lower-priced OBDII scanners.
However, the DiagLink has a notable limitation: it works with only one car brand out of the box. Upon purchase, you choose one “free” brand-specific software package to download from Autel and install on the device. This makes it cost-effective if you are dedicated to a single vehicle brand for the foreseeable future. If you need to diagnose vehicles from other manufacturers with the same advanced non-OBDII functions, you must purchase additional brand-specific software from Autel, typically around $10 per brand.
Autel MD806: Multi-Brand Versatility
If your needs extend to diagnosing multiple car brands and accessing non-OBDII data across different makes, the Autel MD806 is a strong contender. Priced around $200, the MD806 offers multi-brand compatibility without the need to purchase separate software for each brand. While it is believed to share similar internal hardware with the DiagLink, the MD806’s software is designed for broader application. It also includes free “lifetime” software updates, ensuring compatibility with newer models and systems for a longer period. It’s important to note that “lifetime” in software terms usually refers to the product’s support lifespan, but it still represents significant value.
For most home users and DIY mechanics, the Autel MD806 strikes an excellent balance between price and capability. It provides access to a wide range of diagnostic functions across multiple brands, making it a versatile tool for various car maintenance and repair tasks. While it’s a more significant investment than basic OBDII scanners or the brand-specific DiagLink, the MD806’s breadth of features and multi-brand support make it one of the best value propositions in car scan tools for 2021, especially for those who work on different vehicles or anticipate needing broader diagnostic capabilities.
