The Autel MaxiScan MS509 OBD2/EOBD scanner is a robust and user-friendly tool designed for both professional mechanics and car enthusiasts. This handheld device empowers you to accurately diagnose vehicle problems, read and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and understand your car’s health, all from the comfort of your garage. Whether you’re tackling a persistent check engine light or performing routine vehicle maintenance, the MaxiScan MS509 is an invaluable asset.
Key Features and Functions of the MaxiScan MS509
The MaxiScan MS509 is packed with features that make vehicle diagnostics straightforward and efficient. Here’s a breakdown of its core functionalities:
- Broad Vehicle Compatibility: Works seamlessly with all 1996 and later OBDII-compliant vehicles from the US, Europe, and Asia. This wide coverage ensures you can use it on a vast majority of modern cars and light trucks.
- Check Engine Light Diagnosis: Quickly identifies the root cause of that pesky Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminating on your dashboard, saving you time and potential unnecessary trips to the mechanic.
- Comprehensive Code Support: Retrieves both generic (P0, P2, P3, and U0) and manufacturer-specific (P1, P3, and U1) diagnostic trouble codes, providing detailed insights into potential issues.
- Code Clearing and Resetting: Turns off the Check Engine Light (MIL), clears stored diagnostic codes, and resets emission monitors.
- On-Screen DTC Definitions: Displays clear and concise DTC definitions directly on the unit’s backlit LCD screen, eliminating the need to consult external manuals.
- Freeze Frame Data Review: Allows you to view freeze frame data, capturing the state of the vehicle when a fault occurred, aiding in pinpointing intermittent problems.
- I/M Readiness Status: Checks the I/M readiness status, crucial for emissions testing, ensuring your vehicle is ready for inspection.
- Pending Code Identification: Identifies pending codes, which are intermittent faults that haven’t yet triggered the MIL, allowing for proactive maintenance.
- Live Data Stream: Reads and displays live PCM datastream, providing real-time information on various vehicle sensors and parameters.
- O2 Sensor Test Data: Displays live O2 sensor test data, essential for diagnosing fuel efficiency and emission issues.
- Data Graphing: Graphs live data for 1996 and newer vehicles, visually representing sensor information for easier analysis.
- Data Storage and Playback: Reads, stores, and plays back live sensor data, enabling off-vehicle data review and analysis.
- Multilingual Support: Offers multilingual menu and DTC definitions in English, Spanish, French, German, and Dutch, catering to a diverse user base.
- Module Presence Test: Performs a modules present test to identify which control modules are communicating on the vehicle network.
- Vehicle Information Retrieval: Retrieves crucial vehicle information including VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), CIN (Calibration ID Number), and CVN (Calibration Verification Number).
- CAN and OBD-II Protocol Support: Supports CAN (Controller Area Network) and all other current OBD-II protocols, ensuring compatibility with modern vehicle systems.
- Built-in DTC Lookup Library: Features a built-in OBD-II DTC lookup library, providing quick access to code definitions without needing internet access.
- Large Backlit LCD Screen: Equipped with a large, easy-to-read backlit LCD screen for clear visibility in various lighting conditions.
- Software Upgradeable: Software is upgradeable via the internet, ensuring your tool stays current with the latest vehicle models and diagnostic capabilities.
- PC Printing Capability: Allows you to print diagnostic data via PC for record-keeping or sharing with a mechanic.
Autel MaxiScan MS509 OBD2 Scanner displaying diagnostic information on its LCD screen.
Exploring the MaxiScan MS509: Component Overview
To effectively utilize the MaxiScan MS509, understanding its components is essential. Here’s a breakdown of the tool’s physical elements:
- LCD Display: The backlit 128 x 64 pixel LCD screen clearly presents test results and allows for contrast adjustment to suit different viewing conditions.
- ENTER Button: This button confirms menu selections and initiates actions, as well as starts live data recording in manual trigger mode.
- ESC Button: Used to cancel selections, return to previous menus, exit the DTC Lookup screen, and stop data recording. It serves as a primary navigation and cancellation button.
- LEFT SCROLL Button: In DTC lookup, it navigates to the previous character and displays additional information on prior screens if the definition is lengthy. It also deselects all marked PID data and views previous data frames during playback.
- RIGHT SCROLL Button: In DTC lookup, it moves to the next character and displays subsequent screens for extended DTC definitions. It selects/deselects PID data and navigates to the next data frames during playback.
- UP SCROLL Button: Navigates upwards through menus and submenus. When multiple screens of data are available, it scrolls up to previous screens.
- DOWN SCROLL Button: Navigates downwards through menus and submenus. It also scrolls down to the next screens of data when available and functions as a language setup hotkey when pressed.
- HELP Button: Provides context-sensitive help information when pressed, assisting users with tool operation and diagnostic procedures.
- OBD II Connector: This is the interface that connects the scan tool to the vehicle’s Data Link Connector (DLC), establishing communication with the vehicle’s computer system.
- RUBBER BOOT: A protective rubber boot encases the tool, safeguarding it from drops, abrasions, and impacts, enhancing its durability in a workshop environment.
Close-up view of the Autel MaxiScan MS509 OBD2 Scanner buttons and screen, highlighting user-friendly interface.
OBDII and EOBD Compliance: Ensuring Compatibility
The MaxiScan MS509 is specifically engineered to be compatible with all OBD II compliant vehicles, including those utilizing the advanced Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations mandate that all cars and light trucks manufactured and sold in the United States from 1996 onwards must be OBD II compliant. This standard extends to domestic, Asian, and European vehicles sold in the US market.
It’s worth noting that a limited number of 1994 and 1995 gasoline vehicle models are also OBD II compliant. To confirm OBD II compliance for a 1994 or 1995 vehicle, check the Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) Label. This label is typically located under the hood or near the radiator. If your vehicle is OBD II compliant, the label will explicitly state “OBD II Certified.” Furthermore, OBD II compliant vehicles are required to have a standardized sixteen-pin Data Link Connector (DLC).
For your vehicle to be OBD II compliant, it must possess both a 16-pin DLC, usually found under the dashboard, and a Vehicle Emission Control Information Label indicating OBD II compliance. EOBD (European On-Board Diagnostics) is the European equivalent of OBDII, and the MaxiScan MS509 is also compatible with EOBD compliant vehicles, expanding its usability in European markets.
The Autel MaxiScan MS509 OBD2 Scanner connecting to a vehicle’s OBDII port for diagnostics.
Supported Protocols for Extensive Vehicle Coverage
The MaxiScan MS509 supports a wide array of OBD-II protocols, ensuring compatibility with a broad spectrum of vehicle makes and models. These supported protocols include:
- ISO 15765-4 CAN (29 bit ID, 250 kbaud)
- ISO 15765-4 CAN (11 bit ID, 250 kbaud)
- ISO 15765-4 CAN (29 bit ID, 500 kbaud)
- ISO 15765-4 CAN (11 bit ID, 500 kbaud)
- ISO 14230-4 KWP 2000 (fast init, 10.4 kbaud)
- ISO 14230-4 KWP 2000 (5 baud init, 10.4 kbaud)
- ISO 9141-2 (5 baud init, 10.4 kbaud)
- SAE J1850 VPW (10.4 kbaud)
- SAE J1850 PWM (41.6 kbaud)
This extensive protocol support is a key feature of the MaxiScan MS509, making it a versatile diagnostic tool for a wide range of vehicles.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with the MaxiScan MS509
While the MaxiScan MS509 is designed for reliable operation, users may occasionally encounter issues. Here’s a guide to troubleshooting common problems:
Vehicle Linking Error: If a communication error occurs and the scan tool fails to connect with the vehicle’s ECU (Engine Control Unit), follow these steps:
- Verify Ignition: Ensure the vehicle’s ignition is turned ON.
- Check OBD II Connector: Confirm that the scan tool’s OBD II connector is securely plugged into the vehicle’s DLC.
- OBD2 Compliance: Double-check that the vehicle is indeed OBD2 compliant.
- Ignition Cycle: Turn the ignition OFF, wait for approximately 10 seconds, and then turn it back ON before re-attempting the test.
- Control Module Defect: In rare cases, the vehicle’s control module might be defective and require further inspection.
Operating Error: If the scan tool freezes or becomes unresponsive, it could be due to an exception or a slow response from the vehicle’s ECU. To reset the tool:
- Reset Tool: Press and hold the POWER button for at least 2 seconds to reset the MaxiScan MS509.
- Ignition Cycle: Turn the ignition OFF, wait for about 10 seconds, and then turn it back ON before continuing with diagnostics.
Scan Tool Doesn’t Power Up: If the MaxiScan MS509 fails to power on or operates erratically, check the following:
- OBD II Connector Connection: Ensure the scan tool’s OBD II connector is firmly connected to the vehicle’s DLC.
- DLC Pin Inspection: Inspect the DLC pins for any bending or breakage. If necessary, carefully clean the DLC pins.
MaxiScan MS509 Specifications
For users interested in the technical details, here are the specifications of the MaxiScan MS509:
- Display: Backlit, 128 x 64 pixel display with contrast adjustment
- Operating Temperature: 0 to 60°C (32 to 140°F)
- Storage Temperature: -20 to 70°C (-4 to 158°F)
- External Power: 8.0 to 18.0 V power supplied via the vehicle battery
- Dimensions:
- Length: 178 mm (7.00″)
- Width: 95 mm (3.74″)
- Height: 35 mm (1.38″)
Package Contents: What’s Included
The MaxiScan MS509 package typically includes everything you need to get started with vehicle diagnostics:
- 1 x MS509 Main Unit
- 1 x OBD2 Cable
- 1 x USB Cable
- 1 x User Manual
- 1 x CD (Software/Manual – may be outdated, check Autel website for latest software)
- 1 x Package Bag for storage and portability
In conclusion, the Autel Maxiscan Ms509 Obd2 Eobd scanner is a valuable and cost-effective tool for anyone looking to diagnose and maintain their vehicles. Its broad compatibility, comprehensive features, and user-friendly design make it an excellent choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians seeking a reliable handheld diagnostic solution.
