For car owners and enthusiasts looking to go beyond basic engine code reading, the world of OBD2 scan tools offers a significant upgrade. While a simple Bluetooth ELM 327 dongle paired with a smartphone app might suffice for rudimentary checks, these entry-level options fall short when it comes to accessing the full spectrum of your modern vehicle’s computer systems. These basic tools, typically priced around $13, are primarily designed for OBDII systems and lack the capability to delve into non-OBDII data, such as oil level readings – they can only report issues with the oil level sensor itself. Brands like VeePeak openly acknowledge these limitations, confirming their models are confined to OBDII scanning alone.
To truly tap into your car’s diagnostic potential, including non-OBDII communication, you’ll need to invest in a more sophisticated tool. Think of devices capable of interacting with systems beyond the standardized OBDII protocols, similar to how professional tools like VIDA/DiCE operate for specific car brands.
The Autel DiagLink emerges as a cost-effective entry point into this advanced diagnostic realm, generally priced between $90 and $100. Its appeal lies in its ability to perform more than just basic OBDII scans, offering functionalities like resetting oil change lights and engaging electric parking brakes – features often absent in similarly priced basic scanners. However, the DiagLink operates on a single-brand basis. Upon purchase, you select one “free” brand-specific software package, which must be downloaded and installed. While adding software for additional brands is possible for a reasonable fee, approximately $10 per brand, this single-brand limitation is a crucial consideration. For those committed to a single car brand long-term, the DiagLink presents excellent value for its enhanced capabilities.
For broader vehicle coverage, the Autel MD806 stands out as a top rated OBD2 scan tool capable of reading non-OBDII data across multiple brands. Available for around $200, the MD806 likely shares hardware similarities with the DiagLink, but its software architecture is designed for multi-brand compatibility without requiring separate software downloads for each. Furthermore, it typically includes free software updates for the tool’s “lifetime,” although it’s wise to interpret “lifetime” as the expected support duration for the device, rather than literal lifetime updates indefinitely. Despite this caveat, the MD806 delivers exceptional value. It encompasses the functionalities needed by most home users and avoids the prohibitive cost often associated with professional-grade scan tools. If you anticipate frequent use across various vehicles, the Autel MD806 is a strong contender for a top rated OBD2 scan tool, offering a compelling balance of features and price.
