For car enthusiasts and professional mechanics alike, having a reliable OBD2 Bluetooth scanner is essential for diagnosing vehicle issues. In 2017, the market offered a range of options, but not all scanners were created equal. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of different scanners is crucial to choosing the best tool for your needs. While a basic, budget-friendly ELM 327 dongle paired with a smartphone app might seem appealing, it often falls short when it comes to accessing deeper diagnostic data beyond the standard OBDII systems.
To truly tap into your car’s computer systems, including non-OBDII systems, you need to invest in a more advanced scanner. These enhanced tools provide access to a wider range of data, such as oil level, and allow for functionalities that basic scanners simply can’t offer. It’s important to note that while OBDII codes can indicate issues with an oil level sensor, they won’t directly provide the oil level reading itself. Brands like VeePeak openly state that their scanners are primarily designed for OBDII scanning and might not delve into proprietary vehicle systems. For comprehensive diagnostics, especially for systems outside of standard OBDII, you’ll need tools capable of communicating with these specific networks, similar to professional systems like VIDA/DiCE used for certain car brands.
Moving beyond basic scanners, the Autel DiagLink emerged as a noteworthy option in 2017 for users focused on a single vehicle brand. Priced around $90-$100, the DiagLink distinguishes itself by offering in-depth diagnostics for one specific car manufacturer. This brand-specific approach means you gain access to advanced functions beyond generic OBDII scanning, such as resetting oil change lights and commanding electronic parking brakes for service – features often unavailable in similarly priced universal scanners. The caveat with the DiagLink is its single-brand focus. Upon purchase, you select one “free” brand software package, which must be downloaded and installed onto the device before use.
Should you require diagnostic capabilities across multiple car brands, the Autel MD806, available for approximately $200 in 2017, presented a compelling solution. While internally similar in hardware to the DiagLink, the MD806 utilizes software that supports multiple vehicle brands without the need for separate software downloads for each. Furthermore, Autel offered “lifetime” software updates for the MD806, adding significant long-term value. It’s realistic to understand that “lifetime” in software terms typically refers to the product’s support lifespan, and updates may not continue indefinitely for older devices. However, for the features and breadth of brand coverage provided, the Autel MD806 stood out as one of the best value multi-brand OBD2 Bluetooth scanners in 2017. It delivered the diagnostic depth needed by most home users and even many professional technicians, at a price point that was reasonable, particularly for those who utilized it frequently. The MD806 could perform a wide array of functions that home mechanics would find invaluable, making it a strong contender in the 2017 OBD2 scanner market.
