cheap code readers
2nd Gear member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 509
I have two, the first one for over two years. They both work fine. They are a lot cheaper if you get them without a case, because of shipping costs. I don't like the case I got with the first one anyway, it broke too easily. A simple airplane carry-on bag works fine for about $15.
I have read that review too and it's complete BS. These are made by the same folks in China that made the "real" ones for Vetronics and Bosch. There is one small weakness however, and that is the 5v power supply inside. It causes the tool to shut off whenever there is a power surge or dip, like when starting the engine. The original ones do not do that. It's a nuisance only, none of the features are affected. The right power supply is available for about $20 but it requires some soldering skills to install it.
Lately I have noticed that the same sellers are offering any component in the unit for a competitive price. So if needed, you can repair them yourself if you know what is defective. For example, if you were to crack the glass LCD display, a new one would cost about $50.
Also, AliExpress has a feature that withholds payment to the seller until you confirm receipt and that the product is satisfactory.
I have read that review too and it's complete BS. These are made by the same folks in China that made the "real" ones for Vetronics and Bosch. There is one small weakness however, and that is the 5v power supply inside. It causes the tool to shut off whenever there is a power surge or dip, like when starting the engine. The original ones do not do that. It's a nuisance only, none of the features are affected. The right power supply is available for about $20 but it requires some soldering skills to install it.
Lately I have noticed that the same sellers are offering any component in the unit for a competitive price. So if needed, you can repair them yourself if you know what is defective. For example, if you were to crack the glass LCD display, a new one would cost about $50.
Also, AliExpress has a feature that withholds payment to the seller until you confirm receipt and that the product is satisfactory.
Last edited by GaryDoug; Jul 19, 2016 at 10:23 PM.
I have two, the first one for over two years. They both work fine. They are a lot cheaper if you get them without a case, because of shipping costs. I don't like the case I got with the first one anyway, it broke too easily. A simple airplane carry-on bag works fine for about $15.
I have read that review too and it's complete BS. These are made by the same folks in China that made the "real" ones for Vetronics and Bosch. There is one small weakness however, and that is the 5v power supply inside. It causes the tool to shut off whenever there is a power surge or dip, like when starting the engine. The original ones do not do that. It's a nuisance only, none of the features are affected. The right power supply is available for about $20 but it requires some soldering skills to install it.
Lately I have noticed that the same sellers are offering any component in the unit for a competitive price. So if needed, you can repair them yourself if you know what is defective. For example, if you were to crack the glass LCD display, a new one would cost about $50.
Also, AliExpress has a feature that withholds payment to the seller until you confirm receipt and that the product is satisfactory.
I have read that review too and it's complete BS. These are made by the same folks in China that made the "real" ones for Vetronics and Bosch. There is one small weakness however, and that is the 5v power supply inside. It causes the tool to shut off whenever there is a power surge or dip, like when starting the engine. The original ones do not do that. It's a nuisance only, none of the features are affected. The right power supply is available for about $20 but it requires some soldering skills to install it.
Lately I have noticed that the same sellers are offering any component in the unit for a competitive price. So if needed, you can repair them yourself if you know what is defective. For example, if you were to crack the glass LCD display, a new one would cost about $50.
Also, AliExpress has a feature that withholds payment to the seller until you confirm receipt and that the product is satisfactory.
ANyone had any experience with MX bluetooth adaptor with GM Enhanced addon? Looks like it supports the ABS,airbag etc systems?
https://www.scantool.net/scan-tools/.../obdlink-mxbt/
https://www.scantool.net/scan-tools/.../obdlink-mxbt/
1st Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 202
I didn't read the other reply's so I don't know if it's already been said...
But I've been using the bluetooth ELM327 adapter that I bought off ebay for $6 with the Android Torque app about $6 and it does more than most of my friends $300+ units. And I can leave it hooked up and watch the data while I drive.
Going 5+ years strong with this little unit.
But I've been using the bluetooth ELM327 adapter that I bought off ebay for $6 with the Android Torque app about $6 and it does more than most of my friends $300+ units. And I can leave it hooked up and watch the data while I drive.
Going 5+ years strong with this little unit.
2nd Gear member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 509
ANyone had any experience with MX bluetooth adaptor with GM Enhanced addon? Looks like it supports the ABS,airbag etc systems?
https://www.scantool.net/scan-tools/.../obdlink-mxbt/
https://www.scantool.net/scan-tools/.../obdlink-mxbt/
I have a 4-year old version of ScanXL Standard with the GM enhanced option. It does not have any ABS or SRS capability for a 93-98 F-car, because on those cars, the ABS and SRS modules are not on the Class 2 OBD2 bus. Neither does it have any "bi-directional" actuators like a Tech 2 has. The folks at Palmer Engineering who wrote the software always say they will add it sometime, but that has been years now and nothing has been added yet. Don't count on that ever happening. This package really doesn't do much more than Torque for Android.
As for the Torque application, it does not have those either, although it would not be impossible for the author to add those. Don't hold you breath waiting for it. Performance is somewhat limited by the ELM327 adapter. But it does have many of the enhanced parameters and you can add more if you want, if you know the data. Again, nothing to match a Tech 2, except maybe better datalogging.
Last edited by GaryDoug; Aug 30, 2016 at 10:01 PM.
I have a 4-year old version of ScanXL Standard with the GM enhanced option. It does not have any ABS or SRS capability for a 93-98 F-car, because on those cars, the ABS and SRS modules are not on the Class 2 OBD2 bus. Neither does it have any "bi-directional" actuators like a Tech 2 has. The folks at Palmer Engineering who wrote the software always say they will add it sometime, but that has been years now and nothing has been added yet. Don't count on that ever happening. This package really doesn't do much more than Torque for Android.
As for the Torque application, it does not have those either, although it would not be impossible for the author to add those. Don't hold you breath waiting for it. Performance is somewhat limited by the ELM327 adapter. But it does have many of the enhanced parameters and you can add more if you want, if you know the data. Again, nothing to match a Tech 2, except maybe better datalogging.
As for the Torque application, it does not have those either, although it would not be impossible for the author to add those. Don't hold you breath waiting for it. Performance is somewhat limited by the ELM327 adapter. But it does have many of the enhanced parameters and you can add more if you want, if you know the data. Again, nothing to match a Tech 2, except maybe better datalogging.
2nd Gear member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 509
For what it's worth. I ordered my stuff from Sam Xiang on Aliexpress. He is usually slightly more expensive (maybe $15-20 in this case) but I have had no issues with anything from him. The other sellers may be ok too, I just don't know.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/DHL-...08.0.63.3Ewbbu
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/DHL-...08.0.63.3Ewbbu
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