I'm a DIY'er who has been working on cars for years. If I didn't already have the Thinktool Pros, I would probably get this one. I looked at it when it first came out but didn't get it because my Pros does everything it does. Great scanner for the price though. For those complaining about having to pay a subscription fee after the year, most scan tools with this capability are going to pay a subscription fee after the subscription time is up.
If you buy one of these make sure to look out for 'deals' they offer on the software. Yes, you have to pay yearly to maintain functionality, but you only pay for the vehicles you work on. That's why I think it's great for the DIY'er. You do get bi directional control on most modules, but their are some 'gaps'. Also you have to pay for maintenance functions. So if you need a scan tool to reset the service interval there's a fee. For the price, it's a powerful scanner.
I bought and also recommended the first ThinkDiag to a lot of my friends when it first came out and they love it for personal use. I keep it around the house in case I need to look at something at home. Topdon sent me their TopScan to test out and it pretty much does the same thing as the ThinkDiag. There are some great cheap options for DIY’ers and even for techs just getting started.
Thanks for sharing Jake. Looks like a worthwhile scanner to own. I think I’m going to have to go treat myself to one. Thanks again for sharing. 👍 Artie
Is an impressive tool for what it cost, I have the software installed on a tablet so I can have an extra scanner, scope and access to repair data all in one for low cost. That little scanner shine and pay for it self the other day when my snap-on fail to program/ learn a dual clutch transmission
I looked into this unit and it seems to be quite a powerful scanning tool for the price. However, this is a device that requires a paid subscription to use its bi-directional capabilities. It comes with one year included, which is great. After that, it's $80-100/yr, I think. Another thing about these chinese scanners is people report they often do not actually do the functions offered in the software. That's true about ALL scanners: you don't know what a scanner can do on any given car until you try it.
I’ve got the first version and it’s been great for for keeping around the house for side work. The good thing about the thinktool is that it’s really just Launch’s software and launch scan tools have been great for me.
I just ordered one. Amazon had a $30 coupon so I got it for $130 with free one day shipping! No shit, I couldn’t pass it up especially with your recommendation.
My launch is great with graphing pids. It refreshes fast even with a screen full of small separate graphs. I have so many scan tools now that it’s hard to decide which one to grab at times 😂
Hello sir.dose it scan hybrid system on prius 2nd gen and 3rd gen?i mean is it good for hybrid Toyotas?actually i am working on hybrids only and its looks very handy to have this tool.will appreciate your reply.cheers
Is there a software in that tool that can be purchased or 1 year free that let you change ecu vin numbers I guess I have to buy a more expensive scanner thanks
This video doesn't mention the yearly subscription fee. You get one year free, then you have to pay to continue using the advanced features. I can understand charging for access to updates, but this tool will essentially put itself in limp mode (basic OBD2 functions only) if you don't pay Thinkcar their yearly fee.
Yeah but that’s just about every scan tool these days and you don’t have to purchase the full suite if you don’t need it. You can just buy whatever brand you need and that’s what makes it such a good deal for DIY’ers. Hell, it’s a good deal for anyone really considering how much it costs me to update my snap-on or my Maxisys ultra every year. People say you don’t have to update those if you don’t want to but now that you have things like the secure gateway with Chrysler you do if you want to be able to do anything with them. No current subscription no Autoauth/secure gateway access. I used to skip a year or two on updates but they’ve found a way to force our hand again.
You can still use advanced features through History. Just click on one of your history logs and it will give you most of the functions. This won't give you maintenance apps though.
Hey man, I enjoy your videos, keep up the good work. I wonder if you remember that you helped me out with my Yukon that was hit by a lightning. I tracked down and replaced/ reprogrammed the blown modules and have enjoyed driving it for several months till it developed this knock from LS lifters. I replaced the lifters, but the noise is still there. Do you think this noise can be from a malfunction from the active fuel management system due to a blown electronic component from the lightening strike? I replaced and reprogrammed the ECM several months ago. My question is can it be something electrical or is just a mechanical failure. Thank you for your time and good luck with your growing channel!
It's not a immo tool and alot of the common immo tools in North America are fixing to require a nastf login to do key functions so I probably wouldn't be looking to buy one unless you have your VSP.
Yes, it's able to scan your TCM. I used ThinkDiag to scan and get a TCM and ESM trouble codes that pointed to a speed sensor built into a conductor plate in my transmission. Nifty little tool.
I LOVE your videos. I've primarily used Thinkcar scantools. From Ivan at Pine Hollow Auto diagnostic. As the LEAD auto "repair " man. In a family of 6. Ranging from 2020 Kia Optima, 2017 Hyundai Accent, 2009 Hyundai Elantra, 2006 Honda Pilot, 2005 Honda CRV, 2000 Toyota Corolla and 1997 Toyota 4runner ( mine). I find there products to be great. In still in the learning stage of deciphering all the info into data I can read. I bought this on a flash sale. As I'm an OTR truck driver. I find a LOT of vehicle on the side of the road. And in most cases I try to help. As it's easier to carry around in my truck. Without taking up a lot of space. That i can use pretty quickly. And it's almost the same price as a pocket scantool. I have used it on my 1997 4RUNNER and 2005 CRV with good results. Very responsive and versatile. They only thing that I didn't like as the APP uses a LOT of space on my phone. I had to relocate alot of my personal info onto the cloud and delete some apps. As when I was using it. The app would send me notifications that there wasn't enough space. BUT I HAVEN'T used it enough to mitigate that problem.
I had this scanner for a day or two but then returned it not because it is not that good... It is has programming functionality, it has bi-directional functionality as well... I had it because i wanted to program a used ABS module on my jeep grand cherokee 2008, but it failed... As a matter of fact i went to multiple shops where they have high end scanners, yet they failed to program/initialize a used abs module... At the end i have been told this only can be programmed only at jeep dealership... I am not sure i want to go to dealership i am afraid they will rip me off. Have u ever worked on an abs module for jeeps? Do u know the right process for initializing/programming it?
I got one wich I have used on my cars and family ones so far.. Only thing that did not work was programming a new fob to a huynday h1(cargo) but it could be that i got a faulty key of ebay. ps. modules run is usually in a separate menu.
@@autodiagyt thanks i am thinking maybe a good thing for the glove box for when them pesty codes show up when you less expect . my AUTEL a little to big for the glove box.
This is the way it's going and has been for every manufacturer on the market.... Eventually, every tool worth the money will require internet, a login and a subscription of some sort
I'll stay with Autel MS808, Launch X431 Pros V5 & Thinktool Pros Platinum, no offense meant but that's a toy, as for the cloud well HMMM Nope not in my world.
it's made by Thinktool. Thinktool, ThinkDiag, ThinkCar are all the same company. What makes it a toy? It can do the same bi-directional functions your $375 Launch X431 can at half the price.