Debating a few bi-directional scanners
- Thread starter i6pwr
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OBD Fusion app on phone; it will talk between phone and OBD-II bluetooth device. You can program it very easily to show pan and torque converter fluid temps.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/obd-thread-pids-apps-dashboards.60459/
Isn't the Tech 2 the actual GM tool/software? Would it really have more limitations than an aftermarket scan tool?
It was the GM tool for about 13-14 years, Being honest.....It sucks to use! I only use mine when absolutely needed which is getting fewer & further between.
I have a Carista EVO and it can read transmission fluid temps. It is subscription based
. I just purchased it to do feature customizations. Seemed to be cost effective for rare or once-and-done type use.
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Car Scanner ELM OBD2 is free software for Android or iOS and paired with a cheap Veepeak dongle, will give you transmission temps for ~$15 (or a bit more for the dongle that works for iOS). That's what I used for my 2018 Tundra when I changed the ATF.
Looks like my HF has the Zurich ZR15s for $250 - seems like a pretty good price for what you get.
Also limited to 2013 and older vehicles..some 2014's are supported. I agree it's cumbersome to use and modern scanners are much quicker to navigate through.
hmm i was looking at xtool d8s
seems to be some hot and cold responses here
seems to be some hot and cold responses here
I think many XTool potential users had somewhat high expectations from the devices and got disappointed thus dissing them.
When I was selecting my scanner I wanted a good and relatively affordable (to me) one with good useful functions set, was looking for a few years of free updates and reasonable updates cost after free term is over in case I decide to buy the updates. XTool gives 3 years of free updates and then $100/year. So, keeping and using the tool for 4 years adds just an extra $100 to purchase price. Autel charges more and they give you only 1 year free (if I'm not mistaken) and then charges pretty penny each extra year.
I'll likely keep using my D7 for some time without getting updates when I run out of free ones and later just get another one when I need it and possibly a different brand, I don't really care for brand but what the tool does and support behind it.
I watch Ivan from Pine Hollow Auto on YT and really like how he does his job/work and how he presents it in videos. He uses a few diff scanners and had reviews on them, all to the point. I will def look for a scanner with topology feature next time.
When I was selecting my scanner I wanted a good and relatively affordable (to me) one with good useful functions set, was looking for a few years of free updates and reasonable updates cost after free term is over in case I decide to buy the updates. XTool gives 3 years of free updates and then $100/year. So, keeping and using the tool for 4 years adds just an extra $100 to purchase price. Autel charges more and they give you only 1 year free (if I'm not mistaken) and then charges pretty penny each extra year.
I'll likely keep using my D7 for some time without getting updates when I run out of free ones and later just get another one when I need it and possibly a different brand, I don't really care for brand but what the tool does and support behind it.
I watch Ivan from Pine Hollow Auto on YT and really like how he does his job/work and how he presents it in videos. He uses a few diff scanners and had reviews on them, all to the point. I will def look for a scanner with topology feature next time.
I decided to get autel 808s.
For 290 bucks its hard to beat
For 290 bucks its hard to beat
Unfortunately I am stuck with the Tech 2 for the old Saab cars, nothing else I found will get into the security items or code them. It is not a very user friendly tool having to unplug then plug into the laptop to unlock the security then plug back in to the car, in fact it sucks but it gets the job done.
The different products from all these different brands are all locked in same silo's free update for lower end limited devices and anything more usefully will require a re-occurring subscription. I get they need a revenue stream.
This thread and my neighbors quest to do actuation tests on the electric steering motor on a hyundai Elantra and the inability of my multiple Bluetooth entry level scans to do anything picked my interest in higher level scanners.
Here is an odd-ball : https://kingbolentool.com they claim to have ties with other companies in the scanner market.
The model that compare to the Xtool D7 and D8 are sold with "Lifetime Free Updates" the K7 and K8. (Why do are these devices feel like clones ) Apparently this policy change was recent March 2026, ( posted on the Kingbolen Facebook page)
Anyone where use the K7 or K8 ?
This thread and my neighbors quest to do actuation tests on the electric steering motor on a hyundai Elantra and the inability of my multiple Bluetooth entry level scans to do anything picked my interest in higher level scanners.
Here is an odd-ball : https://kingbolentool.com they claim to have ties with other companies in the scanner market.
The model that compare to the Xtool D7 and D8 are sold with "Lifetime Free Updates" the K7 and K8. (Why do are these devices feel like clones ) Apparently this policy change was recent March 2026, ( posted on the Kingbolen Facebook page)
Anyone where use the K7 or K8 ?
Ivan from Pine Hollow just posted a good video on his picks, I'd suggest watching it.
I've heard mixed opinions about Topdon, and I didn't like my XTool IP 919, and returned it
I'm firmly in the Autel/Launch camp
Launch gives 2 years free updates, which is competitive
https://a.co/d/9UP8JBw
The budget Autel is now wireless, and includes a TPMS radio
https://a.co/d/7MYpRtC
Judging by some of the UI design and terminology, Topdon/Kingbolen/Launch are all just reskinned Launch products
Autel is afraid of lawsuits so it takes away features when mfg's tells them to such as deleting ford key programming.
Agreed.
Autel has been a major disappointment over the last ~18 months
Pulling features from their Immo tools, they removed Ford PMI and key programming
They removed not just AKL (semi fair), but they pulled add a key (insulting)
On balance, if you're not into that level of work, they're still good at viewing live data, some bi directional controls
I wouldn't want to sink big money into their higher priced models, they've lost my trust like that
But my KM100 still managed to pay for itself, and the TS900 was a very intuitive TPMS & Mid tier scan tool
I only keep 1 (OTOFIX Evoscan Ultra) in the roster because for the deal I got on it, and the included J box that would've cost more than the tool
At the rate things are going, it's looking like you need one of everything to approach reliability on whatever rolls in
Scan tools can make you scratch your head bald and run yourself broke if you're not careful
...don't ask
*I'm overstocked on refurbished Solus Ultra's up to 2021MY
I was skimming the thread titles and my brain interpreted the title of this post as "Debating a few bi-directional scammers," and thought this thread was going to be about something on Reddit.
Can you tell me what you use the J box for?