For car owners in 2018 looking to understand and fix issues beyond basic engine codes, a simple, low-cost OBD2 scanner might not be enough. While a generic Bluetooth ELM 327 dongle paired with a smartphone app can read standard OBDII data, they often fall short when it comes to accessing deeper vehicle systems. Tasks like checking oil level, resetting service lights, or dealing with electronic parking brakes require tools that can communicate with non-OBDII systems. If you were serious about car diagnostics in 2018, you needed to step up to more advanced options.
Understanding the Limitations of Basic OBD2 Scanners
In 2018, as today, the market was flooded with inexpensive OBD2 scanners. These tools, often priced around $15-$30, primarily focused on reading generic OBDII codes related to emissions. They were sufficient for basic check engine light diagnostics, but they couldn’t access proprietary systems or perform advanced functions. For instance, while an OBDII scanner might detect a fault in the oil level sensor, it wouldn’t display the actual oil level, as this data isn’t part of the standardized OBDII protocol. For car owners needing more comprehensive diagnostics in 2018, especially for European or Asian makes known for complex electronics, these basic scanners were quickly outgrown.
Advanced OBD2 Diagnostic Tools Emerge as Essential in 2018
By 2018, the need for more capable diagnostic tools was clear. Car complexity was increasing, and DIY mechanics and even professional technicians needed tools that could go beyond basic OBDII. This led to the rise of more sophisticated scanners that could interface with a wider range of vehicle systems. These tools were designed to read manufacturer-specific codes, access modules beyond the engine and transmission, and perform functions like resetting service reminders, calibrating sensors, and even activating certain vehicle components for testing.
One of the entry-level advanced options available in 2018 was the Autel DiagLink. Priced around $90-$100, the DiagLink offered a significant step up from basic OBD2 scanners. Its key feature, and limitation, was its brand-specific nature. Each DiagLink came with software for a single car brand, chosen by the user upon activation. This meant that out of the box, it was a powerful tool for in-depth diagnostics on that one chosen brand, capable of tasks that budget scanners couldn’t handle, such as resetting oil change lights or retracting electronic parking brakes for service. While adding software for additional brands was possible for around $10 per brand, it was crucial to understand this single-brand focus when considering the DiagLink in 2018. For someone dedicated to a single car brand, or a workshop specializing in one brand, it presented a cost-effective solution for advanced diagnostics.
For broader vehicle coverage in 2018, the Autel MD806 emerged as a strong contender. Around the $200 price point, the MD806 offered multi-brand diagnostic capabilities. While internally similar in hardware to the DiagLink, its software allowed it to work with multiple car brands without requiring separate software purchases for each. Furthermore, it included free lifetime software updates, a valuable feature that ensured the tool remained relevant and capable as vehicle systems evolved – at least for the practical lifespan of the device. The MD806 in 2018 provided a balanced offering, giving home mechanics and smaller garages access to a wide range of diagnostic functions across various makes, without the steep price of professional-grade scan tools. For many users in 2018, the Autel MD806 represented excellent value, offering a comprehensive feature set for the price.
Choosing Your Best OBD2 Diagnostic Tool in 2018
When selecting the best OBD2 diagnostic tool in 2018, the choice depended heavily on individual needs and budget. For users primarily concerned with basic engine code reading, a simple OBD2 Bluetooth adapter might suffice. However, for anyone needing to perform more advanced diagnostics, reset service lights, or work with systems beyond the engine and transmission, stepping up to tools like the Autel DiagLink or MD806 was necessary. The DiagLink provided deep, brand-specific capabilities at a lower initial cost, ideal for single-brand users. The MD806 offered multi-brand versatility and future updates, making it a more flexible choice for those working on different vehicles. Ultimately, understanding the limitations of basic OBD2 scanners and the capabilities of advanced tools like those from Autel was key to making the right choice for car diagnostics in 2018.
