Hello all, I was getting annoyed by the fact that I had to constantly go to AutoZone or PepBoys in order to find out why the Check Engine Light (CEL) was on. Sometimes they would even charge me to do so
So I went ahead and did my research on which one I should buy. I was looking for a scanner that would be able to read ALL vehicles that has OBD II, ability to tell me that code and what the code means, and the ability to clear it. This scanner did all of that and I'm very happy with my purchase.
Here are some things that I did soon as I got the device in the mail. I downloaded the program form their website (Maxi-Link v1.04) in order to update it to it's latest firmware, plugged it in with the provided USB cable, followed the steps and it was up to date! And to my surprise they even had a DTC Lookup manual in their program in case you forgot what the code description was or if someone knew the code but didn't know what it means, this was extremely handy to have. It had P0, P2, P3, U0 and U3 within the DTC lookup, codes with P1, P3, and U1 you would have to do research as they are manufacturer specific. Another neat feature is that this scanner allows you to view freeze frame data and the I/M Monitor is very useful also.
The LED screen is very nice to have as some scanner don't even have a lit screen, even more expensive ones doesn't sometime. But I only wish the buttons like ENTER/Exit and Scroll were lit also but it's not something that I would knock off a star for.
As I said before, I did a lot of research so here are some reasons why I chose this product over the others.
BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool for Android Devices
- I had friends and family that had bluetooth scanners and they all had some type of bad experience with them. This didn't make me not want to buy one however, I didn't buy it because of the fact that I had to use an app off the phone or tablet and I personally hate scanners like that.
Oxgord CAN OBD II Scanner Tool for Check Engine Light & Diagnostics, Direct Scan and Read Out
- It was very small and compact, but it only told you the code with no description, you would have to remeber the code or write it down and do your own research. Also, it only has a small screen and I felt as if that it would be hard to navigate through the screen if I need to. Lastly, PepBoys in my neighborhood, used this in order to tell you what code pops up, and it was unable to read both my Audi and BMW. I read others say it was working on theirs but I saw it with my own eyes that it wasn't working and I knew I didn't want this product.
BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone, iPad & Android
- Same reason as the first product above (
BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool for Android Devices
)
Car WIFI OBD 2 OBD2 OBDII Scan Tool Foseal Scanner Adapter Check Engine Diagnostic Tool for iOS & Android
- Same reason as above.
Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles
- Same company as the product I'm reviewing but the fact that the screen was small, I was willing to pay the extra $15 to have a nice lit bigger screen with more features as well.
Cars tested with:
2011 Audi A4 2,0T - working
2011 BMW 328xi - working
1999 Toyota 4 Runner Limited - working
2006 Nissan Altima - working
1997 Mitsubishi Outlander - working
| Manufacturer | Autel |
|---|---|
| Brand | Autel |
| Model | AutoLink AL319 |
| Item Weight | 6.2 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 0.71 x 4.61 x 2.83 inches |
| Item model number | AL319 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Manufacturer Part Number | AL319 |
| OEM Part Number | AL319 |
| Special Features | One-Click I/M Readiness Key for quick State Emissions readiness check |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
