For car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, understanding your vehicle’s health is crucial. In 2019, Bluetooth OBD2 scanners paired with iOS devices offered a convenient way to access vehicle diagnostics. However, navigating the market to find the best obd2 scanner bluetooth ios 2019 could be challenging. Many entry-level options promised comprehensive scanning, but often fell short when it came to accessing deeper, non-OBDII systems.
While a budget-friendly Bluetooth ELM327 dongle and a smartphone app, typically costing around $13, might seem appealing, their capabilities are often limited. These basic setups are primarily designed to read standard OBDII data. For tasks requiring access to systems outside of the standard OBDII protocols, such as checking oil levels on some vehicles, these tools are insufficient. Although OBDII can report issues with an oil level sensor, it won’t provide the actual oil level reading itself. Brands like VeePeak clearly state that their scanners are designed for OBDII scanning only. Therefore, for users needing more in-depth diagnostics, especially those wanting to interact with non-OBDII systems, a more sophisticated tool is necessary.
Stepping up from basic scanners, the Autel DiagLink, priced in the $90-$100 range in 2019, presented a more capable option, albeit with a brand-specific limitation. The DiagLink distinguishes itself by offering access to non-OBDII systems, allowing for functions like resetting oil change lights and operating electric parking brakes – features beyond the scope of basic OBD2 scanners. However, the key constraint of the DiagLink is its single-brand functionality. Each unit comes with software for only one car brand, chosen by the user upon initial setup and download from Autel. While additional brand software was reportedly available for around $10 per brand, this limitation made it most suitable for users committed to a single vehicle brand. For those within that ecosystem, the DiagLink offered excellent value for its advanced capabilities at a relatively affordable price point.
For broader diagnostic needs across multiple vehicle brands, the Autel MD806, available around $200 in 2019, emerged as a strong contender. While internally similar in hardware to the DiagLink, the MD806 utilizes software that supports multiple brands without requiring separate downloads for each. Furthermore, it typically included “lifetime” software updates, although it’s important to note that “lifetime” generally refers to the product’s supported lifespan, not literal perpetuity. Despite this caveat, the MD806 offered significant value for home mechanics and DIY enthusiasts needing a versatile scan tool. Its ability to access non-OBDII data across various brands, coupled with its comprehensive feature set, positioned it as one of the best all-around scan tools in its price range for users seeking more than basic OBDII functionality. It provided a balance of capability and cost-effectiveness, making it a recommended choice for those anticipating frequent use across different vehicles.
