For car enthusiasts and professional mechanics alike, having the right diagnostic tools is crucial. When it comes to modern vehicles, a basic OBD2 scanner might not be enough to access all the data you need. If you were in the market for a robust diagnostic tool in 2017, you likely realized that delving deeper into your car’s systems requires a more sophisticated, high-end OBD2 scanner. Let’s explore what made a scanner “high-end” around 2017 and examine some of the top contenders that offered advanced capabilities beyond standard OBDII functions.
Understanding the Need for Advanced OBD2 Scanners
Basic, budget-friendly OBD2 scanners, often paired with smartphone apps via Bluetooth, are readily available and can read standard OBDII codes. However, their functionality is limited. They typically cannot access non-OBDII systems, which control various aspects of your vehicle like oil levels, transmission, braking systems, and more. While a generic scanner might tell you if your oil level sensor is malfunctioning (through OBDII fault codes), it won’t give you the actual oil level reading. For comprehensive diagnostics and access to these deeper systems, especially for tasks like resetting oil change lights or servicing electronic parking brakes, you need a high-end OBD2 scanner.
Top High-End OBD2 Scanner Options in 2017
In 2017, several options were available for those seeking more advanced diagnostic capabilities. Two notable contenders from Autel, a well-regarded brand in diagnostic tools, stood out for their features and value: the DiagLink and the MD806.
Autel DiagLink: Brand-Specific Deep Dive
The Autel DiagLink was positioned as an entry-level, yet powerful, tool for users focused on a specific car brand. Priced around $90-$100 in 2017, its key selling point was its ability to access non-OBDII systems, but with a brand-specific approach. Each DiagLink purchase came with software for one car brand of your choice. This software, downloadable from Autel, unlocked advanced functions for that particular brand, such as resetting service lights and putting electric parking brakes into service mode – functionalities beyond the reach of basic OBD2 scanners.
The limitation of the DiagLink was its single-brand focus out of the box. To work with other car brands at an advanced level, users needed to purchase additional brand-specific software, reportedly around $10 per brand. However, for someone primarily working on vehicles of a single make, the DiagLink offered an affordable entry into professional-grade diagnostics without breaking the bank.
Autel MD806: Multi-System, Multi-Brand Versatility
For broader coverage across multiple car brands, the Autel MD806 emerged as a strong contender in the high-end, yet still reasonably priced, category. Around $200 in 2017, the MD806 offered multi-brand compatibility and access to non-OBDII systems without the need for separate software purchases for each brand. It was essentially a more versatile version of the DiagLink, capable of working with various makes and models right out of the box.
The MD806 was appreciated for its comprehensive capabilities, catering to home mechanics who worked on different cars or smaller independent shops needing a tool that could handle a variety of vehicles. Furthermore, it came with “lifetime” software updates, adding to its long-term value. While “lifetime” typically refers to the product’s support lifespan, it still represented a significant advantage, ensuring the tool remained updated with newer models and diagnostic protocols for a considerable period.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right High-End Scanner in 2017 and Beyond
In 2017, selecting a high-end OBD2 scanner involved balancing budget, brand focus, and desired functionality. The Autel DiagLink offered a cost-effective solution for brand-specific advanced diagnostics, while the MD806 provided multi-brand versatility for broader needs. These scanners represented a significant step up from basic OBD2 tools, offering access to crucial non-OBDII systems and advanced functions essential for thorough vehicle maintenance and repair. While scanner technology has continued to evolve since 2017, these models illustrate the key features and considerations that defined “high-end” OBD2 scanners at that time, and many of these principles remain relevant when choosing diagnostic tools today.
