Like many diesel vehicle owners, I was looking for an “At Home Diesel Obd2 Tool” to manage maintenance and potential issues myself, especially with the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). After some research, the Autel MK808 (sold online, similar to the MX808) seemed like a promising option. Unfortunately, my experience has been far from satisfactory, and it’s important for others to know before investing in this device for diesel vehicles.
Initially, my main concern was DPF functions for my Subaru diesel. Before purchasing the MK808, I contacted AUTEL directly to confirm compatibility and DPF capabilities, specifically for Australian vehicles and Subaru diesels. I was assured that it would work and perform DPF functions. This turned out to be completely false. Upon receiving the tool, it was immediately clear that it couldn’t perform any DPF functions whatsoever. To add to the frustration, it couldn’t even automatically scan and detect my VIN, and basic service resets like oil dilution were also unavailable. Essentially, I was left with an expensive, glorified battery charger.
Seeking help, I contacted the Australian Autel distributor, believing they would offer some support. When I inquired about DPF scan tools compatible with Subaru, the answer was a flat “no”. Worse still, when I mentioned the MK808/MX808 models, they claimed to have “never heard of her”. This lack of knowledge and support from the official channels was deeply concerning.
My direct interactions with Autel’s customer service and tech support proved equally frustrating. The support was apathetic and unhelpful. The only suggestion offered was to wait until the following year for a potential software update that might address the issues with my model. There were no alternative solutions or any real attempt to resolve the problem. Compounding this poor service is the limited software and support license. Once that expires, further updates or assistance become even more restricted, leaving users in a difficult position.
My experience with Autel has made me extremely hesitant to purchase anything from them again. Had they acknowledged the issue, offered an alternative, or even simply apologized for the misrepresentation, it would have been a different story. Instead, they continued to advertise the MK808 as capable of servicing Subaru DPFs, despite clear evidence and my direct feedback that it simply does not. The device even allows you to save diagnostic logs demonstrating the “function not supported” errors, highlighting the tool’s limitations.
Investing around $3000 in a tool that fails to deliver on its promises, especially for a specific car, is a significant disappointment. For that price, one could potentially replace the DPF itself or consider other repair options.
Looking for alternatives, I’ve learned that some Supercheap Auto stores offer a Bosch workshop scan tool service. This tool might have the necessary DPF functions for Subaru vehicles. They may offer a scan and service for a fee (potentially $30-$50), and there’s reportedly no charge if it doesn’t work. Repco shops might also offer similar services with different professional scan tools.
For those seeking reliable “at home diesel OBD2 tools”, and with a higher budget, brands like Bosch or Snap-On are often recommended. While more expensive, they are known for their comprehensive capabilities and better support.
Ultimately, while dealing with DPF issues can be stressful, it’s important to know that there are options beyond relying on potentially misleading “at home diesel OBD2 tools”. Exploring professional services or investing in more reputable brands might be necessary to effectively manage diesel vehicle maintenance and DPF concerns.
