Customer Reviews

Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles

5 star:		(359)
4 star:		(106)
3 star:		(26)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(44)

 

 

I thought I had a bad unit with LINK ERROR on two different cars. You will never see the MAXISCAN MS300 display on the LCD, as described in the manual. Here are the real steps to follow:

1. With the ignition off plug it in. I immediately saw CAN OBD2 on the LCD.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. This is the position just before you crank the starter. Do not start the vehicle.
3. Then press the ENTER button on the reader which starts the scan.
4. Use the SCROLL button on the reader to view the results.

This is a handy tool, but almost any auto parts store will do a free code scan for you (Auto Zone, O'Reilly, Champion...), so that might be a cheaper way to go if you don't expect to use it much. An auto repair shop can charge you $100 or more to do the same, depending on where you are in the country.

The manufacturers website http://www.auteltech.com/index.htm and manual appear to be done by a novice "Chinese to English" transalator, so can be cryptic as best and totally misleading at worst.

Note that just resetting the code will not let you pass inspection. The sensors have to return a ready/OK code for the emissions test. It takes driving several miles for the sensors to retest and get back to the ready/OK status.

The MaxiScan MS300 does read the codes and is easy to hook up and use. Functionally, it works.

However, there are some serious problems:

- As reported earlier, the CD is entirely useless - the code database does install (although install menu looks like it was written for Win98), however once that database is installed on your PC, when you go to look up P-code numbers there is no information on them - all you get is 'no data'. You are left with the product's User Manual as your sole reference to the codes.

- The manufacturer's website ([...]) does have a link for downloading the DTC codes, but it's a dead link and goes nowhere - again, entirely useless.

Please note that these issues also apply to the MS500 as they share the same CD.

I purchased this because my car failed an inspection due to a DTC for the catalytic converter. Rather than dropping the +$200 the mechanic wanted, I bought this and was able to reset the codes. Then I drove around until the reader said that all the eleven OBD II Readiness Monitors (or I/M Monitors) defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were ready. Viola - it passed inspection.

The reader does have all the bells and whistle such as telling the description of the DTC codes, but it does have the generic ones in the back of the manual & there is software on the CD which I didn't need but looks like it includes a list of manufactures DTC's in addition the generic.

The support site is: http://www.auteltech.com/supports.htm & there is download there for the software as well.

I had a check engine light on my Toyota Camry 2001. I did a little research and found out that a computer scanner called an OBD II can be used as a diagnostic tool for most cars on the road today (1996 and newer with some exceptions). I decided to buy this affordable scanner rather than pay a mechanic $70 to $100 (plus sales tax, shop fees, and all their other nickle and dime fees) to read the code. When I got the Autel MaxiScan delivered, I read the instructions a couple of times. Then, I went out to the car and looked for the place to plug it in, which was right under the steering wheel. I plugged it in, turned the ignition key half way, pressed a few buttons on the scanner, and presto! It read P0401, which means egr flow insufficient. As it turns out, that is a common problem with 2001 Toyota Camrys. I cleared the engine light with the scanner, and unfortunately the engine light came back about 125 miles later. The P0401 code also came back.
I still have to resolve the problem, but at least I am not at the mercy of a mechanical telling me what is wrong with my car, or charging me a nice chunk of change for that information. If you get a check engine light on your car, I recommend you get this scanner and read the code before you go to an auto mechanic.

I bought this to investigate the occasional engine light codes on our family's two cars ('99 BMW 323i and 2005 Toyota Corolla). Considering I've used it about a half dozen times so far, it's already paid for itself and then some. All of the problems so far have been simple and easy to fix myself- loose gas cap, dirty MAF sensor, bad spark plugs, etc. I would have paid thousands of dollars for a mechanic to diagnose and repair these problems if I didn't have this reader. I've also used this on my friends' 2004 Accord and '98 Protege, again saving them hundreds of dollars. This is the secret auto mechanics don't want you to know. The $100 they are charging you to "read" or "diagnose" your engine light literally involves 5 minutes of labor and an OBD reader that is fundamentally no different than this one. They would like to keep everyone in the dark and pay their exorbitant fees, but fortunately you don't have to be a victim. Even if you never own a single wrench, this is the best investment you can possibly make to maintain your vehicle and will save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in labor charges alone.

Most of the features have been covered extensively in the ~180 reviews here, so I won't reiterate them here. I will say that despite only having two buttons, it's easy to navigate the menus once you play with it for a few minutes. This unit is powered by the OBD-II port itself, so you don't have to worry about batteries. It does allow you to reset your 'check engine' light. As far as the CD is concerned, I knew it would be a POS so I automatically threw it out. All you need is to write down the code(s) it generates, and then type them into Google and you will have you answer (and often the solution!). You can also go to a vehicle forum specific for your make (e.g. toyotanation.com) with your code(s) and ask what to next, people are generally very helpful on these forums. Even if it's something you can't fix yourself, at least you will have an idea what is going on with your car so your mechanic can't take advantage of you and overcharge you for parts/services you don't need. Lastly, it's important to understand that all these OBD-II readers will only read OBD-II codes as generated by your vehicle as required by law. If you are having a very technical issue, no generic OBD-II reader will read the manufacturer-specific codes that are generated separately from the OBD-II codes. To read these manufacturer-specific codes, you will need to go to your dealer or a certified mechanic with an appropriate computer/reader. Similarly, a generic OBD-II reader will generally not allow you to reset other diagnostic lights like your airbag sensor or ABS brakes; again, you will need a manufacturer-specific diagnostic tool to do this. However, if you are having those kinds of problems, you will most likely be visiting a professional mechanic anyways. Use this reader to figure out when can fix things by yourself and when you need to seek a professional.

First of all, I must state that the scan tool worked well for my cars. Once connected it will:

- display diagnostic codes
- erase ALL codes
- retrieve I/M readiness status
- display the VIN number on 2002 or newer vehicles
- rescan

The MS300 supports the OBD II or OBD2 (On-Board-Diagnostics II) system and it understands all OBD2 protocols that a car may use: PWM, VPW, KWP2000, ISO9041, EKWP2000 or CAN. Once the proper protocol is detected, the MS300 is ready to display whatever Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) the car computer's memory may be holding.

It should be noted that:

# it only retrieves codes already stored in the computer
# it does NOT provide any 'real-time' monitoring
# it is completely stand-alone and no Web-updates are possible
# it does not have printing capabilities
# it is powered through the car's own DLC (Data Link Connector)

The manual while not completely accurate does offer sufficient information to successfully connect and operate the device. It also includes a printed list of over 1000 generic Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) definitions. 8000 more manufacturer specific DTCs can be found on the CD with more information at the company's own Web site.

In my case, I was able to diagnose within minutes the source for the 'Service Engine Soon' warning on my dashboard:

P0442 - EVAP Emission Control System Leak (Small)

I erased the codes and, if the warning reappears, I will know EXACTLY what to tell the technicians.

Given that I purchased this during one of Amazon's lightning deals, the price was right and I feel that I am getting a lot of value out of this little tool. The manual's small shortcomings do not compel me to subtract a star so, it's a 5-star device for me. I am happy I ordered it.

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Note: Sep. 1, 2009

It does NOT work on a Honda Insight 2010. No matter how many times I try, all I get is a 'LINK ERROR'.

Good Reader... for the money
Does CAN
Reads generic and specific codes
2 line backlit display thats easy read
simple for novice users
Reads VINs
35 bucks
Clears your engine light
gives status of readiness monitors

And thats pretty much it..... Its basic and it works.

Just dont expect it to have any other features.

The product works well, but the DTC code bank from the CD doesn't work and their customer service is in China.

As a professional technician i found that sometimes i just needed a quick scan of the code/codes and the ability to clear. This does just that. And it is also the least expensive i have found. I highly recommend it.

Mechanic wanted 200 smackers to turn off check light for Scion. Saw this in the Golden Box special for 30 bucks and decided what the heck!
Showed all I needed was a new gas cap and shut off the idiot light.
SWEEEEEEETTTTT! Great money saver. Be your own mechanic in these hard times.