When it comes to modern vehicle maintenance, understanding your car’s complex computer systems is crucial. For many car owners and DIY enthusiasts in 2017, a basic OBDII scanner might have seemed sufficient. However, as vehicles became more sophisticated, the limitations of these entry-level tools became apparent, especially when trying to access systems beyond standard emissions diagnostics.
A simple, budget-friendly Bluetooth ELM 327 dongle paired with a phone app, often costing around $13, is a popular starting point. While these tools can read basic OBDII codes, they fall short when you need to delve deeper. Crucially, they are not designed to interface with non-OBDII systems. For instance, checking something as fundamental as oil level isn’t typically part of standard OBDII data. Although OBDII can report issues with a faulty oil level sensor, it won’t provide the actual oil level reading itself. Manufacturers like VeePeak clearly state that their OBDII tools are limited to OBDII scanning only.
To truly access the full spectrum of your vehicle’s data, including non-OBDII communications, you need a more advanced scan tool. Think of systems like VIDA/DiCE, which are designed for comprehensive diagnostics. In 2017, one of the more affordable entry points into this level of capability was the Autel DiagLink, priced around $90-$100.
The Autel DiagLink offered a significant step up from basic OBDII scanners, but it came with a key limitation: brand specificity. Each DiagLink unit worked with only one car brand. Upon purchase, you received one “free” brand-specific software package that had to be downloaded from Autel and installed onto the device before use. This meant that the DiagLink was highly effective for in-depth diagnostics, including tasks like resetting oil change lights or retracting electronic parking brakes for service – functions often inaccessible with generic OBDII tools. However, these advanced functions were limited to the single brand you initially programmed.
If you owned multiple vehicles of different brands or anticipated working on cars beyond a single make, the DiagLink’s brand restriction could be a drawback. While Autel did offer additional brand software for purchase, typically around $10 per brand, this added cost and the inconvenience of managing separate software packages for each brand needed consideration.
For those requiring multi-brand diagnostic capabilities in 2017, a tool like the Autel MD806 emerged as a strong contender. Available for approximately $200, the MD806 offered a broader scope. While internally similar in hardware to the DiagLink, the MD806 utilized software that supported multiple brands without the need for separate software downloads for each. Furthermore, it included “lifetime” software updates, a valuable feature ensuring ongoing compatibility and functionality.
It’s important to note that “lifetime” updates in the context of software often refer to the expected support lifespan of the tool itself. While “lifetime” might not literally mean forever, the Autel MD806 offered excellent value for its price in 2017. It provided the majority of features needed by home mechanics and DIYers, striking a balance between capability and cost. For individuals who frequently worked on various vehicles or sought a more versatile diagnostic solution, the Autel MD806 represented a compelling choice as a best car scan tool in 2017, offering multi-system access and broader vehicle coverage compared to brand-specific or basic OBDII options.
