I want to upgrade to an budget entry level bidirectional one. (Not just a code reader.) Autel seems to be good but there are so many models. I am looking for one that can do TPMS. BT is not really needed. Reading the sensors of course is mandatory. Key programming a plus, but I know a lot of new stuff needs internet access. Not going that far. Autel MK808S-TS looks like what I need. Battery testing would be a plus. Vin reading for auto setup would be nice. Mostly going to be used for domestic. (Ford, GM, Toyota) Any other ideas?
I probably won’t be doing any upgrades. At least for a while. By that time I might be into another unit.
I tried a topdon ad500 and it could not program wheel sensors. The instructions didn’t even discuss how to use it. It uses a obd cable and nothing was said about putting unit near each tire. I assume you didn’t have to? It was $150. Your autel model is $300-350? So, it’s better?
Did you find the MK808S-TS for that price? So far best I found was $475-650. Now the MK808S is cheaper but it does not do TPMS. It looks like Autel has 20 different models.(Between $250-2000.) Hard to figure out between them. There is always for a few bucks more you can get…
With a cable I doubt you have to move it between wheels. ???
I will look over that model. Seems to be 1000s of scanners out there.
The cars I work on are right about that age and I work on tires myself. If I am going to pay that much money for a decent scan tool I might as well kick in a few more bucks and get a couple more bells and whistles. Most tire shops charge at least twice what the sensors cost cost if you buy them direct.
I got mine because I cannot access tpms reset via info center. I think I have a bad rcdlr and thought maybe the tool would be a work around.
Seems the s model is cheaper then ts.
I think most scanners do not come with instructions. BTW I did look up that model It can reset 6 functions, and it does not have bidirectional scanning. They do have a new model that does. It shows 32+ functions. It is called a Topdon Phoenix Nano. It looks nice, but it is selling at $570 on Amazon. Something weird on zons site, sometimes it is listing it, then it shows not available. (and shows varying prices.)
Bidirectional is the new technology. It accesses the CAN data line and can actuate sensors and controls from the unit.
The Autel 808S is cheaper than the 808S-TS. But the 808S model does not support the TPMS functions. I wish Autel was clear on what all the letters mean in the model numbers. I have been hunting what the letters mean. MK prefix supports battery testing. The MX model does not. The 808TS does TPMS, but not engine diagnostics. (or at least not a lot of them.) This is what I have learned, but may not be completely accurate.
I could say a unit did not work for me. But, I think I have an issue with my tpms system. So, my failure may erroneously influence your choice to buy same unit. But, you also want bidirectional capability. Do you think you need that? Or just want it?
If I want to upgrade that would be number one. Bidirectional gives you the ability to actuate motors and relays. (But that comes at a cost.) Without that you pretty much scan codes, monitor some pids and maybe a few resets like oil change etc. About where I am now. With an old Actron.
I have 2 sitting in drive that I can use it on right now. Longest I can go without pulling out a scanner is maybe 2 months at most. Lately is has been about once a week if not more often. Anymore without a bidirectional you are guessing at part swapping. And that can pay off a good scan tool fast. I guess it depends on how much you work on things. If it is only for your own cars I can agree with not spending money on a good one. But I am a very busy diy. Not a professional. And don’t want to be. I just spent $400 on 2 locksmiths. That could have gone toward a scanner.
Do you two guys buy a new car the first time a warning light illuminates in the old car? Some people buy vehicles that are ten years old, some have friends or family members with ten-year-old cars.
Not rambling, good comments imho. I’m a humble diy’er w/one last century truck. I think most diy’ers just have that way of thinking embedded in their brain, they like the challenge and learning opportunity, and don’t do it just to reduce their car repair bills.
There are a lot of manufactures and models. These have compatible features.
Otofix has a 1 or 2 year update. (website shows both.) A D1 is about $500-600. Pro is about $1000.
Thinkcar has one (689BT) for about $460, lifetime updates. (Not sure how long that lasts.) Will not do TPMS. It has optional TPMS, batt tests, video scope. But unsure what those extra costs are. (Found TPMS adapter is $180 on sale now for $130.)
Autel MK808S-TS $650 Bluetooth. TPMS, Have to pay for updates. Need adapter for battery testing. ($150)
These are just what I found. Not guaranteed how accurate it is.
OK, Found out that is not true. Both do battery testing but you need the battery adapter. The difference in the MK and the MX prefix is the seller. One is sold by Autel and one is sold by Autel US. Same machine, but different part of the company.
This was the most frustrating thing for me when I was buying an Autel scanner. There is so much conflicting information, even on their own website. I found out through chat groups the difference in the models I was considering was the inclusion of an RS232 cable.
If you’re considering the MK808 vs MX808, they even have different names in the model. The picture at the end of their comparison, shows cables with one and not the other. Doesn’t mean they don’t have them ;0 but caveat emptor.
Wow, I tried numerous times to paste a link to their own site that compares the two products but when you paste it, it goes to a different page… I googled- autel mk vs mx to get their comparison page. Good luck! BTW- I bought another Innova scanner the next time I wanted to step up because of how much PITA the Autel presented…YMMV