Any bidirectional tools under $100?
Close as you'll get.
Any bidirectional tools under $100?
+1XTool D8 is affordable.
Sounds like a decent tool. These newer scan tools really open up a big world on what info you can get from your vehicle and what things you can get it to do. My Thinktool Pros is a world of difference better than any of the other scan tools I own and I'm very glad I decided to upgrade.I had more time to mess with it today and am quite pleased so far.
My primary complaint is that the menu system / interface isn't very organized and inconsistent between makes/models. It's almost like they have a different team doing the interface/controls for the various vehicle makes, and nobody is on the same page as to how to lay it all out.
For example, key programming for my Kia appears under the diagnostics menu, as does most everything for that vehicle. On my Chrysler, I discovered you CAN program keys, but the function is in a completely different place-- you have to enter special functions from the MAIN menu, then enter vehicle information manually (as opposed to diagnostics pulling your vehicle VIN up automatically). Some bi-directional tools for the Chrysler are only available from the special functions menu, like ABS/brake bleeding, but others are only available through the diagnostics menu.
My old 1996 Pontiac I discovered has a slew of bi-directional stuff, you can test fuel pump, cooling fans, force the transmission to shift to a certain gear, actuate all the different trans solenoids, manipulate idle air control valve, EVAP, EGR, etc. Pretty spiffy for a 1996. But you really have to work your way around the menus to find stuff and try all different places or you might miss these, as I did when I first tried it on this car.
It successfully programmed keys for my Chrysler. This particular vehicle has the PIN code embedded on a chip, it doesn't transmit the PIN through the CAN bus like a lot of Chrysler models. So you have to have your PIN code, or buy the XTool EEPROM reader accessory and physically remove the security chip from your car (and insert it into reader) to obtain your PIN. Luckily a locksmith provided the PIN to me years ago when I paid to have a second key programmed. XTool makes mention of this in their documentation and stresses that some models require that accessory, but I'm happy to report it worked just like advertised.
If I was working on different vehicles all the time, the menu system would probably drive me nuts searching for stuff, but the more I play with it I'm getting a handle on all the places to look for stuff.
Speed is great, it's plenty fast as far as refresh rate (during live data), moving through the interface and scanning codes. Starting fully charged, after about 4 hours using it heavily, battery is 55%. Their customer support is top notch, I always get a response within 12-24 hours, even on weekends. The bonus is they write in good English and are easy to understand.
I had more time to mess with it today and am quite pleased so far.
I would watch your Youtube teaching. Just saying.......
I believe I read that the D8 can't actually program TPMS sensors except their own.First time caller here. Thanks for the informative posts. I’ve been bouncing back and forth between the D7 and D8, but just today noticed Autel released new firmware for the MK808 which has bi-directional capability.
Still seems to be missing tpms programming though. Decisions…
I wouldn't get too hung up on the updating aspect unless you expect to do many one, two, or three year old cars. I've had my Autel for probably 4 years, and after the one year free update period, I never updated again and it runs fine. If the service data worked fine on a 2010 whatever, 3 years ago, it will work just as fine today.There's a lot to like about it-- free upgrades for 3 years, cost ~33% less than competitors, and seems to work pretty decent on more modern vehicles.
Bummer. I wanted to like this unit. But for the price, I can’t get past the clunky interface among other things. Nothing is perfect…
I called Autel to ask about authorized dealers. The guy who answered was super nice, and pointed me to a dealer. For what it’s worth, an MK808 from diag depot is $385. In the US, authorized dealer, so it [hopefully] isn’t a fake.
With the new firmware it becomes a bi-directional unit, and I don’t think the D8 really offers anything more since neither do tpms. Pinning my hopes on the fact that Autel is kind of the standard for the Chinese diagnostic kits. My Snappy dealer offer me a smoking deal on a demo unit on his truck, but, as a hobby/diy guy, $385 sounds mighty good for a bi-directional toy.