Back in 2017, Bluetooth OBD2 scanners were gaining popularity for their convenience and affordability. For around $13, you could get a Bluetooth ELM 327 dongle and pair it with a smartphone app to read basic diagnostic codes. However, as automotive technology has advanced, the question arises: are these “Best Obd2 Scanner Bluetooth 2017” options still relevant for today’s car diagnostics, or were they ever truly sufficient for comprehensive vehicle health checks?
The reality is that while these budget-friendly Bluetooth scanners can access basic OBDII data, they often fall short when it comes to reading non-OBDII systems. Modern vehicles are equipped with a complex network of computers that control various functions beyond what OBDII standards cover. For instance, checking your oil level is not typically part of the standard OBDII data. While an OBDII scanner might detect a fault in the oil level sensor, it won’t provide you with the actual oil level reading. As clearly stated by manufacturers like VeePeak, their entry-level Bluetooth OBD2 scanners are designed to work exclusively with OBDII systems.
For more in-depth diagnostics that go beyond basic OBDII readings, especially accessing proprietary systems, you’ll need to invest in more advanced tools. Consider options like the Autel DiagLink, which, even around 2017, represented a step up in capability at a price point of around $90-$100. The DiagLink offered access to non-OBDII systems, but with a significant limitation: it was designed to work with only one car brand out of the box. You received one free brand-specific software package upon purchase, which had to be downloaded and installed. While this made the DiagLink relatively cost-effective for owners dedicated to a single brand, accessing advanced functions for other car brands required purchasing additional software licenses, each costing around $10 at the time. Despite this limitation, for someone committed to a single vehicle brand, the DiagLink offered excellent value, capable of performing tasks beyond basic OBDII scanners, such as resetting oil change lights and placing electric parking brakes into service mode – features rarely found in similarly priced generic scan tools.
If your needs extend to diagnosing multiple car brands beyond basic OBDII, a tool like the Autel MD806, available for approximately $200 even then, becomes a more versatile choice. While it likely shares similar internal hardware with the DiagLink, the MD806 utilizes software that supports multiple brands without the need for separate software downloads for each. Furthermore, it typically includes free software updates for the “lifetime” of the product. It’s important to note that “lifetime” in software terms usually refers to the expected support period for the tool, not literal decades. However, for the investment, the Autel MD806 provides a strong balance of features and value. It’s capable of handling most diagnostic tasks that a home mechanic or car enthusiast might encounter, making it a worthwhile investment if you anticipate using a scan tool frequently across different vehicles.
In conclusion, while “best OBD2 scanner Bluetooth 2017” might bring to mind inexpensive ELM327 dongles, it’s crucial to understand their limitations, especially when diagnosing modern vehicles. For comprehensive diagnostics encompassing non-OBDII systems and advanced functions, stepping up to tools like the Autel DiagLink or MD806, even models available around 2017, offers significantly greater capability and remains relevant for effective car maintenance and repair today.
