My Cen-Tech scan tool from Harbor Freight, likely manufactured or software-developed by Autel, has outdated software (circa 2016). Harbor Freight no longer carries these tools, making updates unavailable through them. Autel’s software and updates for similar scanners haven’t worked for my device. This raises the question: how crucial are Cen Tech Scan Tool 60693 Software Updates?
My current vehicles are older than the scanner’s software, so it functions adequately for now. However, if I purchase a newer car (e.g., a 2019 model), will the outdated software hinder its functionality? Will I miss out on critical features for diagnosing and troubleshooting potential issues?
While a basic code reader might suffice for my current needs, the potential for software updates was a factor in choosing the scan tool. Without updates, I’m considering selling it and purchasing a scanner with ongoing support. The decision hinges on the importance of updated software for accurately diagnosing newer vehicles.
If a scan tool’s software is several years old, can it still effectively diagnose and handle the complexities of newer car models? What functionalities might be compromised by using an outdated scan tool on a vehicle with more advanced technology? Are there specific features or systems in newer cars that require updated scan tool software to access or interpret correctly?
