For owners of a classic 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ), finding a reliable and effective bidirectional scan tool can be crucial for diagnostics and maintenance. I recently put the Autel MK808-TS scanner to the test on my 1999 Jeep, specifically to read engine and ABS codes. While it largely met my expectations, there are a few points to consider before you make a purchase. Here’s my detailed experience.
The Positives of the MK808-TS with a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Firstly, and most importantly, the Autel MK808-TS proved to be reliably compatible with my 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. This is a significant win right off the bat, as not all scan tools offer seamless functionality with older models. Specifically, for Jeep Grand Cherokees from the WJ generation (1999-2004), this tool appears to be a strong contender.
On my Jeep WJ, the MK808-TS handled every function I tested without issue. This included the ability to accurately read and clear ABS codes, which is essential for troubleshooting braking system issues. Furthermore, the tool successfully programmed SKIM keys, a vital function for security and key management. Reading engine codes and accessing live data streams were also straightforward and provided valuable insights into the vehicle’s performance. For anyone needing a bidirectional scan tool for a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the core diagnostic functions of the MK808-TS are definitely present and functional.
The Downsides: Areas for Improvement in the Autel MK808-TS
Despite its functional capabilities, the Autel MK808-TS isn’t without its drawbacks. These are the areas where I feel the tool falls short:
Insufficient Internal Storage
The device comes with 64GB of internal storage, which initially seems ample. However, this is surprisingly inadequate for downloading and installing all available updates. It’s almost unbelievable that a diagnostic tool from a reputable brand like Autel can’t even accommodate its own full suite of updates within its advertised storage capacity. While adding an SD card is a workaround, it feels like a significant oversight. In today’s market, especially considering the price point of such tools, providing at least 128GB of internal flash storage should be standard.
Sluggish Performance
Speed is another area where the MK808-TS could improve. The device feels slow, particularly in startup and navigation. Waiting 10 seconds just to open the software and reach the vehicle diagnostics menu can be frustrating. Moreover, if you happen to forget to turn the ignition key to the ‘on’ position, the timeout process is excessively long and cannot be easily canceled. This slow response and illogical timeout behavior point to areas where the user interface and processing speed could be significantly optimized.
Limited Update Period
Autel provides only one year of free updates with the MK808-TS. Competitors like Launch and Xtool typically offer two years of updates as standard. Considering that a year’s worth of updates can cost roughly half the price of the tool itself, the value proposition of ongoing updates becomes questionable. This update policy feels short-sighted. A more customer-friendly approach with lower-priced renewal options could encourage users to keep their tools updated, benefiting both the users and the company in the long run through continued software revenue.
Overall Verdict
In conclusion, while the Autel MK808-TS functions reliably as a bidirectional scan tool for my 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee and covers essential diagnostic functions, it’s let down by storage limitations, slow performance, and a less appealing update policy compared to competitors. Taking these factors into account, I would rate the Autel MK808-TS a 2 out of 5 stars. It gets the job done in terms of diagnostics for older Jeeps, but there are notable shortcomings that potential buyers should be aware of.
