Autel MS409 Works well for the price.
I purchased this about a year ago. It has worked very well - it's a simple device in terms of function, but it does that function well. I think it's built solidly - definitely feels like it can take a drop and a bunch of use in a garage type environment. All the cables seem solidly built, too.
Someone complained it couldn't be updated - I downloaded a new update from the manufacturers website and flashed it via the included cable, so I'm not sure what he was referring to.
It comes in a nice case, too - soft sided, though, if you prefer a hard case you'll have to buy one, or leave it in the box as I do.
I'd recommend this to anyone with a car and the ability to plug something in - it's that easy. As to the codes and their definitions - Google is your friend - you don't need to rely on the manual.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Autel MS409 Saves you money
Autel MS409 Saves you money.
I purchased the MS409 because I was on a long distance trip and my Toyota Tundra engine check light came on. Did not have it on the trip so went online and Tundra owners said common problem was that the fuel cap was not on properly or the oxygen sensor was bad. Tightened the fuel cap many times without success but finally on the way home the engine check light went out but I still didn't know the cause for sure. When I received the scanner I connected and no oxygen sensor error was shown so I know it wasn't that.
Anyway, since then I have used it on several other vehicles including my mother's Honda Odyssey. The Honda dealer wanted her the pay $100+ to diagnose the problem with the engine check light on. Who knows what they would have charged to "fix" the problem. I connected the scanner and it said it was a fuel/evap system leak. I re-tightened the fuel cap and reset the engine check light using the scanner and everything is fine.
With all the money it saved me and my family so far it is one of the best purchases I made. I purchased this model because the explanation of the trouble codes is right on the display and you don't have to look in a code book. Worth paying the extra money as far as I'm concerned.
I purchased the MS409 because I was on a long distance trip and my Toyota Tundra engine check light came on. Did not have it on the trip so went online and Tundra owners said common problem was that the fuel cap was not on properly or the oxygen sensor was bad. Tightened the fuel cap many times without success but finally on the way home the engine check light went out but I still didn't know the cause for sure. When I received the scanner I connected and no oxygen sensor error was shown so I know it wasn't that.
Anyway, since then I have used it on several other vehicles including my mother's Honda Odyssey. The Honda dealer wanted her the pay $100+ to diagnose the problem with the engine check light on. Who knows what they would have charged to "fix" the problem. I connected the scanner and it said it was a fuel/evap system leak. I re-tightened the fuel cap and reset the engine check light using the scanner and everything is fine.
With all the money it saved me and my family so far it is one of the best purchases I made. I purchased this model because the explanation of the trouble codes is right on the display and you don't have to look in a code book. Worth paying the extra money as far as I'm concerned.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Autel MaxiScan MS409 Very Affordable OBD-II Tool.
Autel MaxiScan MS409 Very Affordable OBD-II Tool.
Can't beat the price for this OBD-II scan-tool. There are cheaper (cost) versions out there, but the websites are very questionable (poor web design, shady return policy, and distrustful e-commerce). For the price and reputation of Amazon are the factors for purchasing the scan-tool here. The tool comes with a quality travel pouch, OBD-II cable, USB cable (for scan-tool updates), and a manual. What's really cool about this version is the "Freeze-frame" data feature. I had a P0401 (EGR Insufficient Flow) code and the freeze-frame data is a "snapshot" of the factors leading to the code. I was able to use the data to troubleshoot the problem to a defective ECT (engine coolant temperature) sensor--odd isn't it? My recommendation is to get this version of the scan-tool. Other versions that just display the DTC (diagnostic trouble code) would give one the sense that the EGR should be replaced. The ECT sensor was $15 rather than mistakenly replacing an EGR that costs $150, only to find the problem wasn't the EGR. The tool is just a diagnostic tool and not an "answer" tool, so it only helps with the trouble isolation effort. I chose this product over the real-time version, because the freeze-frame data is sufficient to troubleshoot a DTC. While I could have taken the car to a auto parts retailer (who can scan the code for free), their primary business is to sell parts. Not to mention, the auto "stealership" is out to sell parts and service. This was a great investment, because all vehicles 1996-onward must support OBD-II. I will certainly have a car until I die, so the tool pays for itself in just a few DIY automotive troubleshooting.
Can't beat the price for this OBD-II scan-tool. There are cheaper (cost) versions out there, but the websites are very questionable (poor web design, shady return policy, and distrustful e-commerce). For the price and reputation of Amazon are the factors for purchasing the scan-tool here. The tool comes with a quality travel pouch, OBD-II cable, USB cable (for scan-tool updates), and a manual. What's really cool about this version is the "Freeze-frame" data feature. I had a P0401 (EGR Insufficient Flow) code and the freeze-frame data is a "snapshot" of the factors leading to the code. I was able to use the data to troubleshoot the problem to a defective ECT (engine coolant temperature) sensor--odd isn't it? My recommendation is to get this version of the scan-tool. Other versions that just display the DTC (diagnostic trouble code) would give one the sense that the EGR should be replaced. The ECT sensor was $15 rather than mistakenly replacing an EGR that costs $150, only to find the problem wasn't the EGR. The tool is just a diagnostic tool and not an "answer" tool, so it only helps with the trouble isolation effort. I chose this product over the real-time version, because the freeze-frame data is sufficient to troubleshoot a DTC. While I could have taken the car to a auto parts retailer (who can scan the code for free), their primary business is to sell parts. Not to mention, the auto "stealership" is out to sell parts and service. This was a great investment, because all vehicles 1996-onward must support OBD-II. I will certainly have a car until I die, so the tool pays for itself in just a few DIY automotive troubleshooting.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Autel MaxiScan MS409 An excellent buy.
Autel MaxiScan MS409 An excellent buy.
The Autel MaxiScan was a present for my son. He says I did a good choice because it help him in his everyday car diagnosis.
Autel MaxiScan MS409 Good for the Money.
.... as far as I know...... it's the first OBD scanner I've ever had but it definitely takes care of the basics. The main problem you will find that people here complain about is that it is delivered scrambled and needs to be updated, well, that happened here too, did some research that day and found the updates, if I remember correctly the top two on the list are the correct ones, after you update it will actually work just like it's suppose to... I have to say, I came very close to returning this, it whizzed me off that I had to take a day to research this product to get it to work, anyway, here is the update link.
The Autel MaxiScan was a present for my son. He says I did a good choice because it help him in his everyday car diagnosis.
Autel MaxiScan MS409 Good for the Money.
.... as far as I know...... it's the first OBD scanner I've ever had but it definitely takes care of the basics. The main problem you will find that people here complain about is that it is delivered scrambled and needs to be updated, well, that happened here too, did some research that day and found the updates, if I remember correctly the top two on the list are the correct ones, after you update it will actually work just like it's suppose to... I have to say, I came very close to returning this, it whizzed me off that I had to take a day to research this product to get it to work, anyway, here is the update link.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Autel MaxiScan MS409 Code Reader I like it.
Autel MaxiScan MS409 Code Reader I like it.
I have only played with this thing a couple of times on my Expedition and on My Honda CRV.
Man that took some research to find the plug in module on the Honda. Its actually accessible from the passenger side, just right of the vehicle center line.
Any way, I have no Check Engine Lights on at this time (a good thing).
But this scanner seems fairly intuitive to use. It will also show you codes for pending problems that maybe don't yet warrant the system to turn on the CEL.
The codes are right there in the scanner, with a description so you don't have to look them up in a manual. You can also find the codes on the internet at several different web sites.
I have only played with this thing a couple of times on my Expedition and on My Honda CRV.
Man that took some research to find the plug in module on the Honda. Its actually accessible from the passenger side, just right of the vehicle center line.
Any way, I have no Check Engine Lights on at this time (a good thing).
But this scanner seems fairly intuitive to use. It will also show you codes for pending problems that maybe don't yet warrant the system to turn on the CEL.
The codes are right there in the scanner, with a description so you don't have to look them up in a manual. You can also find the codes on the internet at several different web sites.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Autel MaxiScan MS409 Easy to use and highly functional
Autel MaxiScan MS409 Easy to use and highly functional.
After several trips to the emission test station with a car that was still "not ready" for the test, I bought this so that I could determine for myself if the car was ready. It worked great and will save me money and frustration every year.
After several trips to the emission test station with a car that was still "not ready" for the test, I bought this so that I could determine for myself if the car was ready. It worked great and will save me money and frustration every year.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Autel MaxiScan MS409 Great Scan Tool for a Great Price!
Autel MaxiScan MS409 Great Scan Tool for a Great Price!
I'm staring this review with a ***WARNING*** Do NOT update the software in this unit to the Ver. 1.13 posted at Autel's web site!!!! It will cause the display to become corrupted and unreadable! Anyone who has done the update and now has an unreadable display CHEER UP!
Google MS409Fix for a page I have posted which gives instructions on how to restore the original factory software.
Now that I've hopefully saved the day for some people I'll get on with my review.
I have a 1998 Chevy Venture minivan that has been showing an SES light on and off for a while. It runs smooth and has plenty of acceleration so I haven't been too concerned. Now that the gas prices have gone back up I figure I'll check things and see if there are any fuel system issues involved with this SES thing. I shopped around Amazon looking at code readers and such. I didn't want anything too cheap but I didn't want to pay an arm and a leg either.
When I came across this MaxiScan MS409 I liked a few things right off, especially the back lit 8 line display. It does more than just read and delete codes. It does an initial diagnostic and shows the ststus of the major parts of your engine control systems, shows I/M readiness status of emission controls, displays not only the actual trouble codes, both generic and many manufacturer specific, but tells you what they mean and shows 'Freeze Frame' data giving you more info about what the problem is. Of course it's good to have a factory service manual available if you want to do the repairs yourself.
This unit is worth over $100 and for this price on Amazon you just can't beat it.
One other issue, I found that it's better to have the engine running when you first hook it up because it will give a link error if you just have the ignition turned on, at lease on my vehicle it did.
All in all I like this scan tool and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to save the money that a repair shop will charge you just to read and clear the trouble codes in a vehicle's computer or if they want to do their own repairs.
I've downgraded my rating to 4 stars because the Autel Product Support Department takes forever to respond to emails and has not yet acted on my suggestion to remove the faulty firmware update from their web site.
I'm staring this review with a ***WARNING*** Do NOT update the software in this unit to the Ver. 1.13 posted at Autel's web site!!!! It will cause the display to become corrupted and unreadable! Anyone who has done the update and now has an unreadable display CHEER UP!
Google MS409Fix for a page I have posted which gives instructions on how to restore the original factory software.
Now that I've hopefully saved the day for some people I'll get on with my review.
I have a 1998 Chevy Venture minivan that has been showing an SES light on and off for a while. It runs smooth and has plenty of acceleration so I haven't been too concerned. Now that the gas prices have gone back up I figure I'll check things and see if there are any fuel system issues involved with this SES thing. I shopped around Amazon looking at code readers and such. I didn't want anything too cheap but I didn't want to pay an arm and a leg either.
When I came across this MaxiScan MS409 I liked a few things right off, especially the back lit 8 line display. It does more than just read and delete codes. It does an initial diagnostic and shows the ststus of the major parts of your engine control systems, shows I/M readiness status of emission controls, displays not only the actual trouble codes, both generic and many manufacturer specific, but tells you what they mean and shows 'Freeze Frame' data giving you more info about what the problem is. Of course it's good to have a factory service manual available if you want to do the repairs yourself.
This unit is worth over $100 and for this price on Amazon you just can't beat it.
One other issue, I found that it's better to have the engine running when you first hook it up because it will give a link error if you just have the ignition turned on, at lease on my vehicle it did.
All in all I like this scan tool and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to save the money that a repair shop will charge you just to read and clear the trouble codes in a vehicle's computer or if they want to do their own repairs.
I've downgraded my rating to 4 stars because the Autel Product Support Department takes forever to respond to emails and has not yet acted on my suggestion to remove the faulty firmware update from their web site.
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