For car owners and DIY enthusiasts, understanding what’s going on under the hood is crucial, especially when that dreaded check engine light illuminates. OBD2 scanners have become indispensable tools for diagnosing car problems, saving time and money on unnecessary mechanic visits. In this review, we’re diving deep into the Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 Scanner, a popular entry-level device designed to make car diagnostics accessible to everyone. Having spent considerable time with the AL319, let’s explore its features, benefits, and potential drawbacks to help you decide if it’s the right tool for your automotive needs.
What is the Autel AutoLink AL319?
The Autel AL319 is a compact, handheld OBD2 code reader designed for basic car diagnostics. It plugs into your vehicle’s OBD2 port (typically located under the dashboard) and communicates with the car’s computer to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). This allows you to identify the cause of a check engine light, clear codes, and perform essential emission readiness checks. Compared to larger, more complex scanners, the AL319 prioritizes ease of use and portability, making it an ideal tool for everyday car owners.
Key Features and Benefits of the AL319
Despite its budget-friendly price point, the Autel AL319 packs a range of features that make it surprisingly versatile for basic diagnostics:
1. Rapid Boot-Up: One of the first things you’ll notice about the AL319 is its speed. Unlike some scanners that can take their time to power on, the AL319 boots up almost instantly. This quick start is a welcome feature when you need to quickly diagnose an issue.
2. Bright Color Display: The AL319 features a clear, color screen that makes reading diagnostic information easy, even in varying lighting conditions. The color display enhances the user experience, particularly when viewing live data streams.
3. Dedicated I/M Readiness Key: Preparing for an emissions test can be stressful. The AL319 simplifies this with a dedicated “I/M Readiness” button. With a single press, the scanner checks your vehicle’s emission systems and uses color-coded LEDs (Green, Yellow, Red) to indicate readiness status. Green means your car is likely to pass, yellow suggests some monitors aren’t ready, and red indicates potential emission issues. This feature alone can save you a trip to the testing center only to fail.
4. Reads Generic and Manufacturer-Specific Codes: The AL319 isn’t limited to just generic OBD2 codes. It can also detect some manufacturer-specific codes. If a manufacturer-specific code is found, the device prompts you to select your vehicle’s make and model for more accurate diagnostics. While it primarily focuses on engine codes and doesn’t read transmission, ABS, or airbag codes, its ability to access some enhanced codes is a significant advantage at this price.
5. Live Data Stream: Beyond reading codes, the AL319 offers a live data stream feature. This allows you to monitor real-time engine parameters such as coolant temperature, O2 sensor readings, and more. The refresh rate of the live data is impressively fast, making it genuinely useful for troubleshooting beyond simple code interpretation. This feature is particularly helpful for diagnosing intermittent issues or monitoring sensor performance.
6. User-Friendly Navigation and Responsiveness: Navigating the AL319’s menus is generally quick and responsive. The device reacts promptly to button presses, making the diagnostic process efficient. While the button layout might take a moment to get used to, the overall menu structure is logical and straightforward.
7. Broad Vehicle Compatibility: The Autel AL319 is designed to work with most OBD2 compliant vehicles, which includes cars and light trucks sold in the USA from 1996 onwards. Testing it on various makes like Honda, Toyota, Subaru, VW, and Nissan showed no compatibility issues, suggesting it should work with a wide range of vehicles with standard OBD2 ports.
Minor Drawbacks to Consider
While the Autel AL319 excels in many areas, there are a couple of minor points to consider:
1. User Interface Learning Curve: The AL319 uses a simplified three-button interface. While functional, navigating the menus isn’t immediately intuitive, especially the “exit” function, which relies on scrolling to a “return” option. A dedicated “back” or “exit” button would improve the user experience. However, this is a minor learning curve, and once familiar, navigation becomes quicker.
2. Cable Length: The attached cable is approximately 2 feet long, which, while sufficient for basic use, can be limiting in certain situations. For instance, if you want to use the scanner while the car is on a lift or need to view live data while driving (with a passenger), a longer, or detachable cable would offer more flexibility. For most standard diagnostic tasks with the car parked, the cable length is adequate.
Final Verdict: A Portable and Reliable Code Reader
Despite minor UI quirks and cable length limitations, the Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 scanner emerges as a highly recommended, budget-friendly tool for car owners. Its strengths in speed, features like I/M readiness and live data, and broad vehicle compatibility far outweigh its minor drawbacks. If you’re seeking a portable, easy-to-use OBD2 scanner to keep in your car for diagnosing check engine lights and performing basic diagnostics, the AL319 is an excellent choice. It’s a valuable tool for DIYers and anyone wanting to understand their car’s health without breaking the bank. For fine-tuning and monitoring engine parameters, especially coolant temperature for applications like Max Muzzler, the live data feature further enhances its utility.
