Maxidas D708 Won't Scan Some Cars? Understanding Compatibility and Troubleshooting

The quest for an affordable yet powerful car diagnostic scanner is a common journey for auto enthusiasts and professional mechanics alike. Terms like “affordable scanner” often dominate online discussions, highlighting the challenge of finding a feature-rich tool without breaking the bank. High-end scanners with advanced capabilities, touchscreen interfaces, and Wi-Fi connectivity often come with hefty price tags, typically ranging from $1,500 to $4,000, putting them out of reach for many.

However, the technology market evolves, and prices do come down. With patience, it becomes possible to find capable diagnostic tools at more accessible prices, especially on platforms like eBay. The Autel MAXI-DAS DS-708 scanner stands out as one such option, offering a blend of comprehensive features and relative affordability in the used market.

While the DS-708 is praised for its ability to handle a wide range of vehicle makes, including GM, GMC, other North American, European, and Asian models, users sometimes encounter a frustrating issue: “My Maxidas D708 won’t scan some cars.” This can be perplexing, especially when the tool is expected to be broadly compatible. This article delves into why a Maxidas D708 might fail to scan certain vehicles and how to troubleshoot these situations, ensuring you get the most out of this versatile scanner.

Why Your Maxidas D708 Might Not Be Scanning Every Car

It’s crucial to understand that even professional-grade scanners like the Autel MAXI-DAS DS-708 have limitations. The “won’t scan” issue isn’t always a malfunction but can stem from several factors:

Vehicle Compatibility: While DS-708 boasts broad coverage, it’s not universally compatible with every car ever made. Older vehicles, exceptionally new models released after the scanner’s software update period, or very niche makes might fall outside its coverage list. Always verify the compatibility list for your specific vehicle year, make, and model on Autel’s official website or reputable compatibility databases before assuming full coverage.
OBD-II Protocol Variations: OBD-II is the standard, but its implementation can vary slightly across manufacturers and regions. While DS-708 supports standard OBD-II protocols (like CAN, ISO, PWM, VPW), subtle variations or proprietary protocols in certain vehicles might hinder communication.
Software and Updates: The DS-708’s scanning capabilities are heavily reliant on its internal software. Outdated software might lack the necessary protocols or vehicle data for newer models. While official updates for DS-708 might no longer be actively released by Autel, ensuring you have the latest software version available for this model is important. Note: Be cautious about unofficial software updates as they can harm your device.
Connection Issues: A seemingly simple issue, but a poor connection between the scanner and the vehicle’s OBD-II port is a common culprit. Check the cable for damage, ensure it’s firmly plugged into both the DS-708 and the vehicle’s OBD-II port, and inspect the port itself for any debris or damage.
Vehicle’s Electrical System: In rare cases, issues within the vehicle’s electrical system, particularly problems with the ECU (Engine Control Unit) or wiring related to the OBD-II port, can prevent any scanner from establishing communication.
Scanner Malfunction: Although less frequent, the DS-708 itself could have a hardware or software malfunction preventing it from scanning certain cars. This is more likely if the scanner struggles with multiple vehicles, not just specific models.

Troubleshooting Steps When Your DS-708 Won’t Connect

Before assuming your DS-708 is faulty or incompatible, try these troubleshooting steps:

Verify Vehicle Compatibility: This is the first and most crucial step. Consult the official Autel website or reputable online resources to confirm if your vehicle is listed as compatible with the Maxidas DS-708. Look for specific year, make, and model details.
Check the Connection:
- Inspect the OBD-II Cable: Look for any visible damage, frayed wires, or bent pins.
- Secure Connection: Ensure the cable is firmly plugged into both the DS-708 and the vehicle’s OBD-II port. Sometimes, a loose connection is all it takes.
- OBD-II Port Inspection: Check the vehicle’s OBD-II port for any dirt, debris, or bent pins. Clean it gently if necessary.
Power Cycle the Scanner and Vehicle:
- Restart DS-708: Turn off the scanner completely and then turn it back on.
- Vehicle Restart: Turn off the vehicle, remove the key from the ignition, wait a few minutes, and then restart the car. This can sometimes reset the vehicle’s computer systems.
Try a Different Vehicle (If Possible): If you have access to another vehicle model that is known to be compatible with DS-708, try scanning it. If the scanner works on the second vehicle, it points towards a compatibility or vehicle-specific issue with the first car.
Software Version Check: Navigate through the DS-708’s menu to find the “System Info” or “About” section and check the software version. Compare this to the latest available version for DS-708 online (from reputable sources, if available). However, be extremely cautious about downloading software from unofficial sources.
Test on Another OBD-II Port (If Applicable): Some vehicles, particularly older or commercial vehicles, may have secondary OBD-II ports in different locations. Check your vehicle’s manual to see if alternative ports exist and try connecting to them.
Consult Online Forums and Communities: Search online forums dedicated to Autel scanners or automotive diagnostics. Other users may have encountered similar “won’t scan” issues with specific vehicles and might offer solutions or insights.

If, after trying these steps, your Maxidas DS-708 still won’t scan certain cars, it might indicate a genuine compatibility limitation, a more complex vehicle issue, or, in rare cases, a scanner malfunction.

Getting the Most Out of Your Autel MAXI-DAS DS-708

Despite potential compatibility hiccups, the Autel MAXI-DAS DS-708 remains a valuable tool, especially when acquired at a reasonable price from sources like eBay. Many users have found it to be a powerful diagnostic aid, capable of handling a wide array of tasks.

One crucial step to protect your investment is to back up the original SD card that comes with the DS-708. This SD card contains the scanner’s operating system and vehicle data. Losing or corrupting it can render your DS-708 unusable or require costly recovery measures.

Here’s a simplified guide to backing up your DS-708 SD card using Linux (Windows users can find similar disk imaging software):

Linux SD Card Backup Guide:

Identify SD Card: Use the command sudo fdisk -l in the terminal to identify your SD card device (e.g., /dev/mmcblk0).
Unmount SD Card: Unmount the SD card using sudo umount /dev/mmcblk0.
Create Image File: Create a mirror image of the SD card using sudo dd if=/dev/mmcblk0 of=~/sd-card-copy.img bs=1M status=progress. This will save an image file named sd-card-copy.img in your home directory.
Backup Complete: Store the sd-card-copy.img file in a safe location. You can later write this image to a new SD card if needed.

Note: Always verify the correct device identifier for your SD card (e.g., /dev/mmcblk0) before running dd commands, as incorrect device selection can lead to data loss.

By understanding the potential reasons why a “Maxidas D708 won’t scan some cars” and following troubleshooting steps, along with taking proactive measures like SD card backups, you can maximize the utility and lifespan of your Autel MAXI-DAS DS-708 scanner. Remember to always prioritize vehicle compatibility checks and seek support from online communities if you encounter persistent issues.