Debating a few bi-directional scanners

I have a XTool D7 and it was past it's 3 year free updates. XTool had a program for my 2018 Hyundai Kona 1.6T AWD 7 speed dual clutch actuator touch point program, 7 speed dual clutch adaptives reset, engine adaptives, and 4WD clutch reset for my car. I used it to keep my car running properly while the clutch was wearing out from high use.

When I had the dealer install my new OEM dual clutch and new OEM dual mass flywheel that I both cryogenic froze to see if that would help the clutch last longer, (no aftermarket dual clutch setup for the 7 speed Hyundai/Kia trans.) I got the car back after Hyundai installed the clutch setup and it worked, but was kind of wonky. I did my own retouch pointing of the actuators, but what worked with the old clutch did not "complete" with the new clutch. It ran 3/4 of the way and failed to move on to the second running the engine part it did before to fully finish the programing. I did not figure this out till I was done with my 1,000 miles " drive like Grandpa" clutch break-in, 500 miles is my normal break-in , but there are 2 clutches so I had to add another 500 to do the minimum break-in. I also found out the wonkiness was fixed when I reset the 4WD clutch plates. They were not syncing together without a reset the dealer did not do.

I am in good with the old service manager that moved sideways at the dealership so I ask him if they reset the 4WD clutches and he said they never do that as it is not protocol for Hyundai. I told him to tell the 2 top techs that do the clutches to ADD the 4WD clutch reset protocol as when I did that the wonkiness was fixed. I digress.

So explained all this to XTools tech dept in a 3 paragraph email almost the same as this post, saying "dealer installed OEM clutch does not pass the clutch actuator touch point test and suggested to run the 4WD clutch reset as a suggestion note ( they did not do that note suggestion) and 1 month later I bought the 1 year upgrade as I wanted to see if they ever fixed the issue and there it was, a new fix within 1 month of my email. So XTool listens to their customers I would say. They could of easily blown that fix off.
 
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Can you tell me what you use the J box for?
You need a J2534 pass thru device when programming or flashing modules
As you work your way up the model (and price) lineup of the big scan tool brands, the VCI usually becomes wireless, and after that it becomes a J2534 box
Here's me using it to reflash the PCM in a 2007 Civic because a TSB told me to, and I'm tedious
PXL_20250830_170206672.webp



 
how expensive is a pass through module?
Topdon has the RLink J2534 for $224
Autel and Launch J boxes are available in the $500-$1000 range
OPUS/IVS has the Supergoose Plus at $999
Bosch Mastertech 2 and CarDAQ Plus 3 are pushing the $2,000 mark

Autel and Launch often bundle a J box as the VCI for their higher tier scan tools, so there's some savings to be had if you need both
I'm planning a general thread on my experiences with J2534 work, and the devices I've owned
 
@i6pwr
If you can stump up the extra $40, the Phoenix Lite is on a decent Cyber Monday sale, with some nice extras
2 years of updates included 👍

https://a.co/d/eHPIoPc
That's definitely a nice bundle price for all you get. I checked it out and is very tempting and worth the $$.

I alao checked the Topdon website for the update prices for future reference. I doubt I would need an update, but $495 for a 1-year update for the Lite 2? That's basically another scan tool. This has been my dillema from the start, where to buy and what to get looking at the next 5-8 years realistically.
 
I doubt I would need an update, but $495 for a 1-year update for the Lite 2? That's basically another scan tool. This has been my dillema from the start, where to buy and what to get looking at the next 5-8 years realistically.
My advice is, if you can't catch the software renewal on a good sale, make sure you mark your calendar and update the tool right before it runs out, then flip it on eBay for marginal resale value

It means buying and selling a tool every 1-3 years (depending on how fussy you are) but if you sell and buy right, you'll be getting incremental improvements for little extra

Don't ask me how I know this, my eBay account this year has been nearly a revolving door 🙄
 
That's definitely a nice bundle price for all you get. I checked it out and is very tempting and worth the $$.

I alao checked the Topdon website for the update prices for future reference. I doubt I would need an update, but $495 for a 1-year update for the Lite 2? That's basically another scan tool. This has been my dillema from the start, where to buy and what to get looking at the next 5-8 years realistically.
This is why I bought the Thinkcar 698BT. The updates are free lifetime.
 
And because of thread I am the new owner of a Kingbolden K8 , after coupons my price was around $383.65 USD.

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It was my door step a few days after ordering, its winter here so I have tired it yet.

this android table is 100% in bedded in plastic, No access to batteries SD slots anything, not a single screw. So lifetime updates in the life of the device. ( a few years ?)

1764806020763.webp
 
I'm in the same boat, ideally looking for something that can read transmissionmission Temp for Toyota (Tundra)
My little OBDLink-MX dongle will do that with their app. I did have to pay extra for the Toyota add-ins.

But I get a real time readout on my phone of my GX transmission temps as well as whether the converter clutch is locked or not.
 
If the goal is to perform a change of the ATF, you can gauge the proper temperature in the Tundra w/out a scan tool (see video below).


I don't think any particular temp needs to achieved, just drive it long enough to warm it fully--which IME is 30 min or so in colder weather. In summer, it's still 15 min or so. The A760 in my GX has a coolant loop to the ATF to warm it and it still lags coolant temps a good bit.

But once you get it warm, it's just a matter of draining at the main drain plug, overfilling at the fill plug, then draining off the excess at the level set plug. Done.

Now if your transmission has no plugs whatseover, things get considerably harder.
 
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