Customer Reviews

AutoXray AX7000 Tech Scan Diagnostic Code Scanner with Live, Record and Playback Sensor Data Capability and SD Card Slot for Upgrades

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

UPDATED:
Below is my unedited original review. Since written, they have released a software update that addresses a lot of the issues I had experienced. There is now most of the GM enhanced data available, but there are still a few glitches here and there. Freeze frame data from GM vehicles does not work. It will provide the correct code on the FF, but the captured data values are non-sensical. The TCC duty cycle % is not right, the PCS solenoid duty cycle % is not right, and a few others. Most of the data is valid, but keep in mind that this appears to still be "beta" class software on the tool.

ORIGINAL:

This unit does not include the GM enhanced data for OBD-II you can only see the generic OBD-II info, which does NOT include the transmission parameters, misfire data, or TCC PWM data.

I have been in contact with their support dept, and was advised to try a different year of vehicle none of which worked. The tech also stated that there would be a software update released in the next few weeks; I do not know that I will wait that long.

The vehicle I am working with is a 1997 Olds Bravada. Not exotic, but simply a gussied up S-10 Blazer. I have ran it as both an S and a T series truck with no luck as the Bravada is not listed specifically. Likewise selecting, as advised by the techs 1996 and 1998, I either get an error with no data, or the same garbage data when 1997 is selected.

If I select the manufacturer specific data, I get info in line with the other reviewer with the 454 in the 99 truck. My cam retard was like 6700 degrees. The ignition voltage is 10.6v when running or not, also stays rock steady at 10.6V even during cranking. Any tech would be able to tell you if voltage @ rest is 10.6, it will drop below 10.6 while cranking. ECT is 103 degrees no matter what. The throttle position is set at 2v or 41.8% no matter what you do. If you select the vehicle as generic OBD-II you get correct voltages, temps and TPS values, but as stated above, you do NOT get transmission or other enhanced info.

Enhanced GM specific info is the reason I bought this tool. At this time it cannot deliver on the advertised promises.

I bought this tool because I needed both OBDI and OBDII capabilities for my cars. For my older pre-1996 OBDI cars this tool not only reads diagnostic trouble codes but also streams live powertrain data (PID) such as throttle position, rpm, manifold pressure, coolant temperature, closed vs open loop mode, oxygen sensor voltage swings, short and long term fuel trim, and so on. Most tools will show these data for OBDII but this tool also shows these data for OBDI, which sets this tool apart in my opinion. I am waiting for the add-on SD cards to be released so I can retrieve enhanced (manufacturer specific) data streams (PID) for my OBDII Honda, not just the EPA-mandated generic data streams. Even without the SD card it shows enhanced (manufacturer specific) diagnostic trouble codes and generic stream data for import vehicles. So I think this tool shows great promise in terms of flexibility and upgrade-ability, and it has performed well on my cars so far. The boot code and program firmware can be upgraded over the internet through a USB cable to the PC using the recently released "Scanning Suite" software, which can be downloaded at no additional cost. I had trouble updating the firmware at first, getting the message "cannot connect to device" and had to call the SPX helpline. They were extremely helpful and solved the problem. It turns out that after you put the tool into "program mode" in prepration for the firmware update, you need to press ENTER. That causes the tool to power down. Then when you turn it back on, it boots up in program mode and the firmware upgrade can proceed. The tool and assorted cables are sturdily built, and would stand up to professional use I would think. Successfully captures and displays approximately 40 frames of OBDII engine PID data from my Honda.

UPDATE: I assembled myself a new computer based on the Windows 7 64-bit operating system, and found that I can't update the scan tool using the Autoxray PC software "Scanning Suite" because they do not yet have 64-bit drivers. However, they told me they are working on this (maybe as part of updates to Scanning Suite?).

UPDATE Aug 27, 2011: AutoXray has canceled development of the HONDA enhanced OBD data flash card for this tool, which is dissappointing considering how many HONDAs are on the road. Bad business decision. And here it is almost September 2011 and AutoXray still has not released Scanning Suite drivers for Windows7 64-bit operating systems. SPX: This could be a great scan tool if you would only INVEST in it's development at the level it deserves.

UPDATE Jan 31, 2012: AutoXray has obviously abandoned this tool but they won't tell you that. They just want you to buy their remaining stock, but even at a discounted price it is not worth it because it has been made obsolete. Any mp3 player can communicate with Windows 7 64 bit operating system so what's the problem with SPX and this scan tool?

I purchased this unit as a mid-range priced scanner/code reader. I was disappoint with the unit and it was returned to Amazon.

Reasons:

- You can not print output from scanner as featured. Print option software has not been released by AutoXray
- There are no updates available past 2006 models for the base scanner or for the optional SD cards
- There is no printed manual with the unit. There is a quick-start guide but you most download the users manual from AutoXray's website. If you print it out it is a book!

I expected more out of SPX/AutoXray, disappointed with this product as currently supported.

Well. I bought this item on Amazon and that transaction went great. I love Amazon.com. When I received the scanner and used for the first time it kept freezing up. None of the buttons worked. I had to disconnect and star over. I contacted Xray tech support and he recommended installing batteries. This did not make sense to me since the unit gets power from the car. I went along and did it. No help. He them recomended reinstalling software. A poduct out of the factory already needs software update? whatever, but I'll go along with it. Problem is I run windows 7 and they are not geared up for win 7. In other words I can't do an updated. nice... I send it back. I am very dissapointed. This scanner is not a good tool and I bought their top of the line scanner the 7000. I am saving up my money and I'll buy a scanner from Snap on tools or Matco. They cost more but they'll work. This Xray, in my opinion, from my experince is JUNK.

Today I received the AutoXray and connected it to my subaru's diagnostic port. The first two attempts to read the info from the port failed. When the information was finally retrieved I started to review it. The screen blanked out. I had to remove the AutoXray battery to power cycle it. The on-off button did not work. After restarting the unit I did another diagnostic. Once again the unit blanked out. Before I decide to return the unit I am going to call the help line to see if a software upgrade is required. If not I am considering returning the unit

I bought this one purely based on its upgradeable feature, along with other enhance features (graphing, enhanced ODBII, recording ...) that other similar scanner offer. Figure that I won't have to buy another scanner for my older cars.
However, my excitement quickly ended. Here are problems that I ran into:

1. Device records data nicely, but I cannot read it off vehicle. Battery installed of course. The unit simply blanks out and requires a power reset. Data is now gone. This is very annoying since you need a screwdrive to remove battery compartment.

2. It cannot read European cars (Volvo car with no engine light on). Again, it simply blanks out. I would expect the device to display something if there are no codes. Again, hate to do a reset.

3. It cannot connect to my PC. It keeps asking for my COM port and not USB. Huh? The device came with USB interface. They should have included the USB driver instead of asking users to download from the web which is very confusing with several options. Anyway, I tried them all, none of which worked.

I did not even bother to call Tech supports. I figured that if the unit does not work right out of the box for standard feature (I am not doing anything unique and special). More likely, it will have more problems down the road. I decided to return immediately while I can.

I have had this tool for about 5 weeks now and I just can't say enough about it. It is very versitile and I really appreciate the fact that it can be updated/upgraded. I have used it on many vehicles and so far it has worked on every single one. Even my Audi, IMPRESSIVE! I havce not yet found a downside to this product. Great tool++++

I bought the AX-7000 several months ago to replace an older AutoXray EZ-SCAN Pro-pack unit. I used the old unit for 5 years and NEVER changed the Rite-Aid alkaline batteries that were in there when I bought it off of EBay. It would sit in its case for months without use but was always ready to go if I needed it.

Now for the battery eater AX-7000! I used this brand new system for 3 DAYS and started getting a low battery indicator. WHAT? I changed them and put in brand new Duracell's. Several days later - LOW battery. This thing even runs off the car power when plugged into the OBDII port so I don't know what makes it so pathetic about sucking the life out of the batteries. I finally took the batts out during storage and just let the unit run off the OBDII power when in use.

The unit works OK but has random COMM errors when talking to the cars.

I like the new scanner the AX 7000. Ive been a ASE mastertech for sometime, but only had limited experience with scanners. I did alot of searching, for the money I think its a great tool.

Im studying for the Advanced Engine Performance Specialist that I will take in May. The output on the scanner 1996 and up, will access all cars. And the displayed data is the same as the test questions in the study guides. It does STFT,LTFT (fuel trim), O2 monitors basically the type of stuff on the ASE test(L1).

Im working on a Lexus, with an evap trouble code, and use this to look up what I need to in the service manual. Also Im going to use the "enhanced obd2" software upgrade offered by autoxray, which should allow a better look at things.

All and all im very happy with this unit, and look forward to more obd1 capabilites (honda,etc) I have the toyota upgrade already.

Also I got the EZ-Carge 200, but it wont work with the 7000 scanner, Im hoping autoxray will make an adapter, so I can use this accessory at somepoint...

I bought this tool to help solve a stalling problem with an 02 dodge durango. It turns out the problem was not engine related, but I did me save a lot of money because the tool did prevent me from replacing working parts/sensors because I was able to see that they were all working correctly(I did not just start throwing parts at it). I have since used it on several vehicles including an 05 Chevy Silverado, a 99 Ford van, an 05 Saturn Vue, a 92 Dakota, my 02 Ram, and on my 02 Durango and it has helped every time. The tool is nice because it covers OBD1 vehicles and at the time I had a 1992 Dakota pickup, I now have an 02 Ram and it works great on that. I did have one minor issue right out of the box. The tool did lock up a few times as stated in some other reviews, however I did a software upgrade and it has been fine since. The problem with doing upgrades is that the tool is not compatible with 64bit operating systems like my computer has. You have find someone with a 32bit system which I was able to do. Tech support says they will soon be compatible with 64bit systems but I have not yet seen it. Also the tool may not be 100% accurate with all the data, the tool very vehicle specific when it comes to the live data portion. Don't expect to see all the data on every vehicle mostly because all the car manufacturers allow different data once you get outside the gov. mandated generic OBD2 specs.

All that being said keep in mind this tool will not magically fix your car. You still need to know what the information is that you are looking at, and you need to know how modern computer controlled cars operate. I highly recomend buying the Haynes OBD2 computer book, it explains how computer control systems work. Also I recomend going to the Autoxray website and downloading the tool manual before you buy(you will have to do this anyway because it does not come with a printed version)to make sure it will do what you want. It does have a lot of nice fetures depending on the vehicle. A few examples; Chrysler allows an actuator test, with this tool you can manually turn on and off each fuel injector, the fuel pump and various other outputs. you can reset the annoying maint. required light on Chrysler trucks and mini vans, and it has an idle speed test. Ford and GM allow similar tests as well. A lot of itdepends on the year, make, and model. It will also show all emissions tests and monitor systems status so you know if you will pass inspection before you go in.

Bottom line, this is a good tool for the money because it covers older vehicles as well as newer ones.It provides a lot of useful information and can carry out useful tests. It has some glitches but lets face it almost everything does, which is why you would need this tool to begin with. Have some patiance and the tool should be fine. Mine has definately saved me more money than it cost.