As a DIYer I really appreciate the time and effort you put in to these reviews. I'm seriously considering an x-tool based on your reviews. Thank you again and God bless.
I have found that most of the scan tools that do, or say they do, OBD1 won’t communicate with an OBD1 system vehicle and ones that do are very limited. I’ve got the Autel 906bt and just purchased the ThinkTool proS for myself. 65 years old and still repairing cars at home. The D8 is very interesting tool, I’m looking at it also now.
I didn't even know there was a Topdon scan tool. I also found it very shocking how the Topdon and the Thinkcar are using the same hardware and pretty much the same software. As an FYI, I have a Thinkcar Thinktool Pros. The Pros is the same as the Phoenix Plus you reviewed in the video. The Pros has a 10" screen and has ADAS support. I wonder if the hardware modules I've purchased for my Pros will work with the Phoenix Plus. I purchased the battery/electrical system tester and the TPMS scanner. I also wonder how Launch is tied into these companies as I see lots of similarities there too at least with the software.
After using the a30m and the D8 from XTools all of 2022 Specifically for toyota cars including Hybrids from 2003 up to 2015 Prius, Corolla non hybrids, and Camry, i concluded that for my use cases that Techstream V17.30 with a Mongoose Plus cable on windows 10pro is far better. One example is only Techstream supported the TPMS on a 2008 Corolla LE.
I have seen so many rave reviews out there about the xtools, but when I see a review from day to day mechanics that have to work with these for a living the reviews say to stay away from xtools and say they are all hype and don't do hardly anything they say. Do you have any videos of actually using the xtool and diagnosing and fixing something?
Autel makes good quality scan tools. I have used the 906 at a shop and liked it. The snap on is excellent but the cost. Of updates are too expensive. Snap on needs to make a entry level mechanic tool. Or at least high end home mechanic. I use my scan tools at least twice a week. Lately have worked on several toyota cars in the last month. Camry 2014 and prius 2010 and 07 sequoia . Been trying to fix tpms problems a lot. My bluedriver worked on the camry and a corolla and prius. Did not work at all on the sequoia. Autel 906 worked on every car but sequoia menus very small. So I need a new scan tool. And need to decide what to spend to get what I need. Only terrible scan tool was the 510 foxcon. Unable to update it to do ford without destroying the bmw software. So the foxcon is junk in my opinion. The nt510 is just not doing what they claimed it would do.
I have a MS906TS and yes, it's a great tool but the touchscreen sucks. It died twice and the third time I bought one online and replaced it myself. It's a known Autel issue. Nonetheless, love my Snap-on Zeus with the oscilloscope module.
I have an Autel MS906BT and it has been pretty good except it is stuck in the dark ages technologically. Running Android 4.4 doesn't work well in today's world. It has ssl issues and printing something is almost impossible due to deprecated software. I'm looking for something different at this point. Was hoping for something in this video but I didn't see anything that necessarily makes me want to buy right now.
Ethos is Snap On's base level tool. It is a corded, capable bi- directional tool. The Pro version that I have takes 6 AA batteries and has no Wi-Fi. The Ethos Edge is the next level up from there
Not including the snap-on, if you skip years in updating the scan tool, do they charge the fee for every year you missed? I would probably update every 2-3 years. But no, if they charge the annual upgrade for EACH year!
Great video! I own a Launch CRP129X and love it a lot. It can pull almost all the live data (including transmission fluid temperature). So far this is the most powerful scan tool I can find from the market that comes with free software update and very reasonable sales price. Unfortunately, it has no bi-directional control and only provides few service functions. I do all the maintenance works for my 2009 Honda Civic, 2014 Mazda 6 and 2018 Toyota Highlander. So, it makes me seriously considering xTool D8 after watched your video.
You might take a look at the CRP919E. I'm seriously looking at it as it has most of the high level functions these $1000+ scanners have for less than $500.
I have the Apollo d9 and the hands-down one of the worst scan tools to ever exist. The top Phoenix it’s a complete game changer being able to program rather than taking it to the dealership Snap-on an extra $2000 for the pass thru system which is a complete rip off considering you already pay a monthly subscription for device that can’t do anything on Europeans top don is the way to go nowadays I’m an experience mechanic that owns my own shop and I am a certified tech so be careful with what you take in this video. I highly disagree with Snap-on being the best and I have plenty of Snap-on tools that I love I just think that the tool is not really what everyone wants it to be, the price it is not worth it
Any DYI mechanic with a newer car should add a higher level scan tool to their toolbox and know how to use it. You just can't get around it. I am old enough to remember having a dwell points meter, timing light, and a separate repair manual for each type of car I owned. Today it is all online. Times change and so should your knowledge and tools.
I like the Xtool D8, wired is better, you can always get an extension cable to use it under the hood if you want. I don't want slow updating of the data for wireless portability.
Thanks for the info, I am doing small scale flips on the side and am impressed with my other topdon tools so this was nice to see. The guided instruction would make the much higher cost of the snapon worthwhile if they didn't hobble the unit after you fail to buy an update. I actually think that is some Apple level pompous bs.
I wish I could drive my pre OBDII vehicles FOREVER! these codes are for the birds. I'm in NY, inspection lamp = money light. And now with cat con thefts...
@@CORVAIRWILD where everywhere? go look at crime statistics and you'll find high rates of crimes in sanctuary cities. not to mention woke policies like affirnative actions further embolden thieves.
At least with OBD2 you can do some Fairly good tests even with a cheapy that can give you some warnings when looking for a used car. Just test drove a used grand marquis at a dealership, price was decent, mileage was fair (149000), everything felt great on the test drive except air conditioner which probably had a bad blend door or unit, but when I plugged in a $60 scan tool it showed a po305 code (misfire that couldn't be felt on drive test).
An "identifix" subscription along with one of the 3 scanners is probably more powerful than the Snap-On scanner itself IMO. My take from your video is that the snap on offers the "diagnosis database" additional to the scanning. If comparing the scanning power of the 4, I don't see the snap on justified on the price. You're basically paying additional for a troubleshooting database. (which you can do separate on quite a few sites, for a lot less $$ )
For me, the numbers of reset/re-calibrate it can do and graphing capability is what I look for when buying. Becareful many scan tools say they can reset component but usually never say exactly which reset you can perform and they varies a lot.
This has been an extremely informative video. I appreciate your thoroughness in compiling all of this information. You deserve a 👍🏼 and a 👏! Thank you very much!
I do love my Xtool D7 but was unable to program a new key fob for my daughters 2016 Mazda CX-5. Online folks and techs say Mazda’s are a pain. Anyway, Mazda wants $170 to program so I took her to Batteries Plus who can do it ($70)…nightmare!! Took the poor kid 4-hours and needed two computers but he was able to get both fobs working but only if it’s held up to start button. (And the new key cut won’t open the door even after three runs through the key cutter) but the remote opens the doors. An example of computers making a simple job way too complicated and hard!!!
I bought a Snapon Triton D8 (Australian), with oscilloscope. It's been a fantastic bit of gear so far, the online info has been a lifesaver so far. The ability to upload or save known good data snapshots or patterns for future comparisons would be handy.
You can do all the snap shot comparison with most other scan tools. I have a modis ultra and I would do anything to turn back time and change that purchase. Biggest waste of money I have spent. I have a shop in Victoria Australia.
@@MrSalt360 Well, it can be slow to read codes and data on European vehicles with high speed data busses. Some Asian vehicles have limited data reading capability. Airbag and ABS coverage can be patchy. I'm still happy enough, I'm not using it as much as I used to, the nature of what I do has changed, more trucks than light vehicles.
There is a vid out that shows the Xtool D7 has been gifted (as of July 2022) with the Special Functions of the D8. So they are nearly the same unit. The D8 does ECU stuff that the D7 won't. Otherwise, it looks like the D7 is coming pretty close to the D8 for most DIY purposes....and it's a few hundred bucks cheaper. Edit: There is a D9 out now.....it has a large jump in price and I can only assume a jump in usefulness.
Great video! I have the Phoenix plus and I love it. They have newer ones now like the Phoenix Pro, Elite, and Smart and I believe they are the same as my Plus except they also do reflashing. I bought my Topdon for the same price that my update on my Autel Maxisys 908p was going to be. Also keep around an older Snap On Solus Ultra because as you know aftermarket scan tools have holes and malfunctions in their capabilities, these three pretty much covers me all around.
@@kevinwatkins9350 I’d get the Phoenix Plus. I’ve heard good things about the Xtool, but haven’t personally used one. I suggest watching several other peoples videos of their experiences with the tool, then decide. Scanner Danner has been using a smaller version of the Phoenix that I believe is more affordable, just a smaller screen size. I think he has experience with the Xtool and has his opinion on it.
@@OneLegged-honda-mechanic Thanks, I will check out Scanner Danner videos as well at the smaller version and look for other videos as well and thank you for your advice.
Hello, this is a video I made of Phoenix Plus performing the start-stop function for an Audi car: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FgmuvcvAAcc.html , you can watch it if you are interested, and you can also make comments. My homepage has more videos of Phoenix series products to perform functions, you are welcome to follow my account. thanks.
thanks for this informative presentation (I might buy a XTOOl D9 PRO because all the other ones do not manage clutch adaptation, EGR relearning, AdBlue Test and so on) Even the TOPTDON Phoenix Max could not read a single Mercedez Benz Tiptronic - VCDS does the same thing than the SnapOn for all the VAG group (VW, Skoda, Seat, Audi) for less than 600 $
TY as always for a informative and interesting trip into the scan tool world, just shows you do get what you pay for, but in some cases always worth digging around & reading reviews for a cheaper alternative. Like anything if you can afford the best buy the best and you wont regret it, if however your a DIY type you can get all you would use in the cheaper model. I wonder now if Thinkcar will reach out too you for further clarification as to their product being so like the TopDon one hmm wait and see mate. Keep Safe Keep Strong My Dear Friend
I posted this earlier and RU-vid removed my comment for some reason. I own the D8 and emailed XTool about adding Bluetooth to it and they said it's not possible due to the hardware. Might return the D8 and get the D8 BT because If I'm spending this money I might as well get the added convenience.
@@sidallen685 thanks for your comment! I didn't know about the D9 until I seen your comment the other day. I did some research and went with the D9 pro.
Great video. Well presented. Thanks! A couple additional points per the Snap-on scan tool: 1) The cable for my older one is 6' ..long enough to reach around to the fender. They sell longer cables too. But other S-O scanner models are wireless as you pointed out. 2) Snap-on scan tools have a lot of backward compatibility. For instance, OBD-1 connectors from the 90's will work with modern scan tools (modern OBD-1 cable required). So if you own an older Snap on 'Brick' scanner, you can use the same 90's era connectors. 3) Sometimes Snap-on adds new features in their software updates which may apply to the same model going back several (sometimes many) years. Which is nice. I don't have experience with the other scanners you reviewed, but they sound intriguing. Thanks!
Love the video! Very informational. Was wondering if you could make a video comparing all the snap on scan tools. It’s difficult to tell from their website what each tool does and how it’s different from the other models.
I have watched many of your videos and am wanting to obtain a professional grade scan tool. I do not have a business but I do a lot of car work ranging from many classic cars up to fairly modern cars foreign and domestic (2019 thus far). I am not looking for the cheapest but I want all of the functionality I can get for around $1000, preferably less. Based your videos and others I am currently looking at the Topdon Phoenix Plus, Thinktool Pro and Launch X431 Pro3S+. I really would like the wireless feature and the ODBI capability. I have a complete shop with all of the tools you would find in any automotive repair shop, however I am lacking a proper scan tool. I would appreciate any advice you could provide.
*Ordered the Xtool D8 last night, silly me should've used a code from this channel or someone else. But I'll get that $740 back within a few days charging my neighbors for diagnostic printouts* 😆😈
I bought the D7 and a fairly advanced DIYr. With minimal use and storage indoors, the unit started failing as it shuts down, in the middle of a live data recording while troubleshooting for a problem. The company is slow in responding and my warranty is expiring in 3 months of the 2 year warranty
@@alejandroolmos3834On models that support it, YES. Toyota for example has two sensors, one for converter and one for the pan in the larger trucks/SUV’s
I used to like thinkcar but their software updates on their thinkcar obd 2 sucked bad, would get worse until it was unusable with my s10+ in 2021 and their customer support was terrible. They would blame my phone when it used to work amazing. I wouldn't reccomend their products just from that. Btw i was early adopter from kickstarter
Appreciate you showing the various scan tools available! I've been wanting to add a key fob to my daughter's 2016 Mazda CX-5 as she bought it used and only came with one. I've had the XTool D7 for a couple of weeks and very impressed with it! My only issue is with the new key fob programming is not working and the tech support does answer questions within a day but you can tell English isn't their primary language so I'm, still, trying to get the key fob programmed. (I get it to the very end where you hold up the new fob to the car start button but afterwards it says something about a bad security code....but I'm not a quitter and don't want to pay the fee for the Mazda dealer to program it or a locksmith...so the journey continues....)
It might be you have reached the maximum fobs that can be programmed for the car. SOME have limits. "My locksmith" only charged $85 for fob And programming.
@@bobberndt9744 Yes, I thought of that and the D7 does show 2 keys programmed. But I read the Mazda can have up to 6 keys programmed. It has the option of erasing all keys but I don't have the guts to try that option just yet! (What if I can get one working after?)
@@TheCarCareNut I love my Toyota Dealer in Colorado Springs! After getting a $170 quote to reprogram the key from our Mazda dealer, Toyota said they'll do it for $65. So if I don't get it working by Saturday, I have an appointment! WHOOP!
Since your review of XTOOL I purchased the A30M and use it with an IPhone 6s mainly on Toyota 2nd and 3rd gen hybrid dodge and Chevy trucks. It’s fairly complete for the DIYer but it doesn’t do it all as its not intended to. Updates are periodic and a good sign that it continues to be updated. The app and device uses Bluetooth so it is slow but still fast enough for the home user. It has most of what Toyota tech stream Lite has. And is much better than Others of comparable price like autoenginuity, innova, harbor frieght, Autel, think car, thinktool, lauch, topdon which I have tried and own. I will try out the higher end XTOOL models soon
Do you guys have a scan tool recommendation for let’s say something like reprogram ecu when you replace the ecu? I see some are available but the updating is very limited per brand
Any video reviews on the Topdon Plus vs Lauch X431 Pro vs Autel MK906 within the $1,200 range cant find any comparing to find the best bang for the buck to work best on GM and Chevrolet, Ford Etc..?????
Scanner Danner said he tested the D8 and it was trash and sent it back. The delay when runing multiple tests at the same time was just to slow and that made the data useless. He said the Topdon did a great job but it was not the model shown here. It was a small cheaper version. I like that Topdon you have but if i was rich I'll get that Apollo. Right now i have the Konnwei kw681 lol 😁😂🤣🤣 😒😫😫😔😔😥😭 Love your videos, can't wait till your shop opens. Take care amd
The Central Cascades in Oregon forecast for the week is partly cloudy and mid-40s, downright tropical! Cooler in north Idaho... Last snow was nearly five weeks ago!
Have you looked at the Xtool D9 Pro vs the comparable Top Don model(s)? What is your opinion between the two? Between the companies? Support? Updates? Thanks in advance.
Really great videos! I’m really enjoying these. I’m looking at moving to a more involved DIYer especially on Toyota. On the scan tools I would have loved to have your take on an Autel say 808 variants in the mix! Thanks to you I’m back to the drawing board on these 😊 But thanks again, really helpful for us over the pond too!
Hey, have you done a comparison or in depth review of lower priced scanners? My cheap one was dead when I went to use it last night. I’d love to get the XTOOL that you reviewed but finances won’t allow it at this time.
The following email was written 3 weeks back. Would appreciate if Amd responds to it or better still make video content of it. Thanks and best wishes. --------------------- Hello Amd, I really like your youtube channel and do appreciate what you do there. Your content is unique and although you are a Master Diagnostic Technician and an employee of a Toyota car dealer, you are very fair in your assessment of Toyota cars - which is indeed rare. I respect your integrity and hence am your channel subscriber. My wife and I enjoy watching your videos and we learn something new. I reside in Montreal, QC Canada and you are quite popular here too ! I searched your channel for Toyota Venza reviews but I could not find any. Would you kindly do a video about Venza? My wife recently bought a 2013 Toyota Venza FWD with 120,000 kms - she wants to hear your take on it !. I own a 2012 VW Jetta TDI, but after what I heard from you and another gentleman Scotty Kilmer on youtube in regards to Toyota - I am inclined to get a Toyota Rav 4 preferably a hybrid soon. Best Wishes for a New Year 2022. Kindly take care and warm regards, Wasi Mohammed
Hi Wasi! Thank you for watching my channel. That’s a video that’s on the list. Once I get one in the shop I’ll make a video about it. For future please write any questions or comments in the comments sections as emails are really backed up and a response on the email is not guaranteed at this point
Good afternoon, I recently installed cruise control on my 2021 Isuzu D-Max 1.9L standard model and I need a device that can program or activate it. I've tried using an OBD2 ELM327 WiFi and ELM327 HS LS USB for scanning, but they can't seem to recognize my Isuzu D-Max. Now I'm considering purchasing a dedicated device or using the TOAD program or should I buy IDSS . Could you please recommend the best option? Looking forward to your reply. Thank you for your assistance. Best regards, Tell me what do you think
YOu know, I can justify the Snap-On being so immensely expensive, considering that it's got all the features to do about 99.99999% of things you could ever want to do to a car and being from an actual American Company, and being actually MADE in America . . . But I cannot get behind the "You'll Own Nothing And You'll Be Happy" mindset they have about buying what amounts to basically a subscription plan for the damn thing. Thats not acceptable at all. Even if I HAD the money and could more than justify it I would not do that based on principle alone.
Great stuff. One question regarding subscription, let's say there's a year (2025) for which I don't purchase the update but then I wanna update in 2026. Now do I have to pay for 2025 as well ?
Wired in my opinion also has it's place and comes in handy when it comes to ECU programming. Also it is generally faster too. I don't trust ECU programming using wireless. One glitch or drop connection and your ECU can get corrupted and destroyed. Wireless overall is better but when it comes to programming costly items like ECUs I like using wired just for that. Less can go wrong. Obviously if you had to choose one go with the wireless as how often do people program ECUs.
Autel is flaws , over prices on everything . For all the in this field ?! Their system not standup from their product, another all this Chinese made scanner is over prices when come with updates charging price . All of this Chinese scanner only 60-75% that consider good , snap on is over price for update members also . The only things for me is, do your own research get the code and regular shop manual book or CD used and guide you to trouble shooting , unless you intended to test drive with a live up date . Some of this scanner does not have all the memories in the SD card reader store before and after repairs plus the date and time . Even factory OBD2 scanner from automotive industry is a laughing stock over prices, DIY and do your own research, better than 50% of this high tech mickey mouse technology guessing without promise land , and a lot of dealer tech or garage shop out there is too lazy and doing the guessing if or but . The reality of works is not all that bright if you continued to fall for the trick .
9:31 It means they're both private labeling the same or similar products from a manufacturer, probably from China, and they don't actually produce it themselves. One company, Topdon, kind of half way admitted except they didn't collaborate, they just sourced from the same factory, while the other company chose the denial path. 🥴😛
Thanks for the great video! As a DIYer, probably Xtool is the best solution. I got a quick question. Do the two Xtool models support transmission temperature? (I asked you in another video about the OBD jump doesn't work for my 2019 Rav4) And also do they support reset of ECU? Or any model you reviewed in this video support? Thanks!
Mister care nut , what do you recommend for Porsche cayanne 2013. Have gotten a lot of recommendations but not sure. I would like it to do full maintenance. Injector service battery programe etc etc. thank you for your great channel.
I'm sorry, but snap-on is garbage. The intelligent diagnosis doesn't really work. It's as good as Google. I own them all. Snap-on does only half of what the other tools do. Snap-on has some tool gimmick add-ons, but for a real technician I want to be able to dig into modules, this is where snap-on falls short.
Snap on may have "support" for all makes and models but it is in varying levels. I work in an independent shop and we work on all makes and models but I can say from experience that SO cannot do much with Euro vehicles. Looking to get an AUTEL for the Euro cars.
Owning a 2007 Tundra, I really enjoy your channel. Would either one of these read the transmission oil temperature so that I can get a truly accurate reading when changing the trans fluid?
The new xtool D8 has an option for a Blue Tooth connection. The xtool bt looks to be the A30 bt basic diagnostic module. The better one that can be used independently for diagnostics,using your phone as a touch screen ,is the A30M . They don't say wether a bt receiver is installed in all the xtool D8 s. If it is, then you could buy the xtool A30M as a later, bt interface upgrade on your existing xtool D8. I' also assuming that the xtool A30, 30D, 30M bt transmitters all have the same baud rate. The transmission rates will slow the diagnostic tool down, but the advantage of freedom of movement are nice.
I and a few others asked if a bluetooth dongle could be added to the regular D8 and they said no. If you want wireless you have to buy the new Xtool D8BT They are running 769.00 on Amazon right now so basically 70 bucks more than the regular D8. I'm trying to decide which one to go with myself right now. I like the idea of wireless but you also then have to deal with connectivity issues and it will probably run slower than the wired connection as well so I'm leaning towards regular D8 for less money but Idk
@@rwieber79 Im thinking the same way. However ,the best of both worlds would be to buy the wiring harness for the BT model , as a back-up. There are BT sending units ,that have a good user report,that are cheaper than the xtool A30. I just read an answer to the xtool question from someone who is familiar with Chinese scan tools. He said they basically all share the same software (autel,xtool etc.). The difference between the xtool D7,D8,D9 , is small. The D8 & 9, are 8" and10" screens. The D8 would run longer because the D9 has the same 10000mah battery as the D8. We are going into a big economic downturn( depression or at least ,a long recession) it might be worth waiting 6 months to see prices come down. The D7 already dropped to $450ish Cad The D8 was $795Cad , bt D8 is $840Cad. Im waiting for a flash sale on aliexpress . The A30M is close to a D7 for $225Cad. Really, a D8 is that software plus an inexpensive android touch screen laptop. Convenient, yes, but the worlds economy, including Chinas', is tanking. Keep your powder dry and wait for the sales .
I feel that the extra info for steering you to a diagnoses might be goad for beginners, but I have hundreds of gigs stored in my head. I would rather use the memory for more functions and data than help menues.
I'm considering buying the Thinktool Pro. If this is for my personal vehicles, does the bi-direction feature work after 2 years? If I don't want a software upgrade in 2 years do I lose the bi-direction and ECU coding feature? Thanks /John
I know this is an older video. But looking at customer reviews on th d8.lots of complaints about functions on older cars with obd2. They stated that other tools had these functions. Any thoughts?
