Is this Autel scanner any good?

Post by **scot850** » 06 Feb 2017, 11:34

I do have Vida/Dice and a laptop, but it is not always convenient dragging it out to the garage. I've heard that some Autel units can read many is not all of the codes for engine, but not sure what else. This unit description is fairly light on detail but if it can do many of the engine and trans codes, maybe airbag, then it may be worth adding to the tool chest for quick checks at the price (approx. $60 US on sale).

http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/a ... ea47jv9kwj

Thanks,

Neil.

Herb Goltz · Post by **Herb Goltz** » 06 Feb 2017, 11:46

You have to be a bit careful with the Autel scanners-- I bought one a few years back that was a Chinese clone! It can't be upgraded, but it works fine for generic P codes. I don't think this would be a problem with ones sold at Princess Auto, though...

Post by **abscate** » 07 Feb 2017, 04:16

I think the AUTELs break into roughly three price points

Cheap < $30 P codes and readiness only

Moderate $80 Pcodes plus some live data (useful for troubleshooting)

Top $150 - Pcode, readiness, live data, storage, ABS SRS

With your fleet, Niel, the top might be worth doing.

I have never tried upgrading my 800 Series for the reasons noted above - I have read many problems on this. Mine is a beaut as it does the BMW codes and resets too, which has saved me Beacoup bucks. Volvo is cheap compared to BMW, and they make you buy BMW lubricant at $200/gallon before (graphic description deleted by mods)

Post by **scot850** » 07 Feb 2017, 11:21

I'll maybe contact Autel and see what they say it can do. Princess Auto are like Costco and really good at taking stuff back if you are not happy. In fact I am about to return a new floor jack that seemed like it was a good deal (3 ton sturdy unit), but has a problem even without a load on it when extended to full height. Even if you are careful when trying to lower it drops about 2" before lowering ok. Instruction manual is useless as it does show where the hydraulic oil goes in or what the level needs to be. They have a 2-3/4 ton unit from Big Red on sale for about the same so I may switch to that. One day I may get to dis-assemble old trust and see if I can fine new seals as he is incontinent now after 25 years.

Thanks for the help guys,

Neil.

Post by **scot850** » 08 Feb 2017, 20:07

I e-mailed Autel and no reply as yet even though they say they monitor 24/7! I have found a comparison chart on their page of the different models, and it would look like the AL619 may be a better model as it has ABS and SRS capabilities (they claim). I have asked Autel is they can guarantee the units work with the P80 Volvos and back to 96 850's.

Only issue is the SRS/ABS add on's add a further $85 to the unit (Amazon) + shipping as Princess Auto do not carry it.

No rush, will keep looking into is and if I buy I'll report back. Did also look at the unit IPD sells but it appears very basic.

Neil.

Post by **scot850** » 08 Feb 2017, 20:25

I read some of the negative reviews on this AL619 on Amazon website. Says it does not work with 2015- vehicles, and is patchy on European vehicles. Also looked ad the MD 802 as it has transmission capabilities, but again one of the negative reviews was it had very limited capability for Volvos!

Oh, well.....!

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 08 Feb 2017, 21:10

My 802 nicely reports the ECM, ABS, SRS, and ECC codes for both my P80 (bastard) and P2 Volvo

It has also cleared SRS on my VW and a bunch of spurious codes on the BMW too.

It owes me nothing at this point. Probably saved me $1200 in dealer scan fees.

Post by **scot850** » 08 Feb 2017, 21:49

Good to know. Maybe be worth a better look. Thanks for the help.

Neil.