For car owners and DIY enthusiasts seeking a reliable and budget-friendly professional car OBD II scanner auto diagnostic tool, the SeekOne SK860 emerges as a strong contender. While it may not boast all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, this Seekone OBD2 scanner packs a solid punch when it comes to essential diagnostic functions, making it an invaluable addition to any garage or vehicle. Built with durability in mind and priced accessibly, the SeekOne SK860 carves out its space as a practical and efficient tool for understanding your vehicle’s health.
SeekOne SK860: Price and Market Availability
Positioned around the $40-$60 price point, the SeekOne SK860 strategically bridges the gap between basic economy OBD2 scanners and those geared towards professional mechanics. Currently, this model stands as SeekOne’s sole OBD II scanner offering in the US market. Interestingly, SeekOne’s product range extends beyond automotive diagnostics, encompassing items like heat guns, soldering kits, and wireless chargers, showcasing a diverse electronics portfolio.
Robust Design and User-Friendly Interface
The SeekOne SK860 immediately stands out with its substantial build. Measuring 7.8 x 3.8 x 1.2 inches and weighing a noticeable 11.2 ounces, it’s among the larger and heavier auto diagnostic scanners in the vertical format. This robust construction hints at its durability, though it’s considerably bulkier than more expensive, feature-rich scanners like the Innova CarScan Inspector 5310.
Image: The SeekOne SK860 OBD2 scanner, showcasing its durable and handheld design.
Designed for resilience, the SeekOne SK860 features ribbed grips for secure handling. However, its weight can feel a bit cumbersome, especially when you’re multitasking in a busy repair environment. The inclusion of a padded case is a welcome addition for protection and storage.
Navigating the SeekOne SK860 is facilitated by a 2.8-inch color screen and an icon-driven interface. This visual approach simplifies operation, guiding users through functions like Diagnostics, DTC Lookup, and Setup. Beyond these standards, the interface offers options for Review, Print Data, Help, and a particularly useful BAT Check for monitoring battery and charging system health.
An eight-button layout includes a dedicated I/M readiness check key, streamlining pre-inspection diagnostics. This feature, indicated by green (no faults), yellow (intermittent issues), and red (permanent faults) LEDs, is exceptionally helpful for ensuring your vehicle is ready for emissions testing.
Image: The SeekOne SK860 screen displaying the main menu options for car diagnostics.
The scanner is capable of displaying live data, such as engine speed and coolant temperature, and can assess the status of oxygen sensors. While it lacks Bluetooth connectivity and dedicated mobile apps, the SeekOne SK860 supports data printing via PC connection using SeekOne’s software and a USB cable.
Performance and Diagnostic Capabilities
In practical use, the SeekOne SK860 demonstrated reliable connectivity and data retrieval when tested on both a 2014 Audi A4 Allroad and a 2016 Infiniti Q50. Initial navigation through the icon-based menu required a brief familiarization period to locate specific vehicle information, but accessing the VIN was straightforward once accustomed to the interface.
A standout feature of the SK860, especially within its price bracket, is the battery check function. This capability allows users to monitor the battery’s charging voltage, providing valuable insight into potential battery or alternator issues – a feature not commonly found in sub-$100 OBD II scanners.
The scanner accurately identified and displayed a deliberately introduced fault (a disconnected oil-temperature sensor). Furthermore, it successfully cleared the fault code and deactivated the check engine light, confirming its core diagnostic and reset functionalities.
Image: Live data graph displayed on the SeekOne SK860 screen during a car diagnostic test.
The SeekOne SK860 operates with generic fault codes and offers software localization in eight languages. However, its capabilities are confined to basic diagnostics. It does not offer advanced functionalities such as repair instructions, oil-level monitoring, or oil-maintenance light reset, features often found in more advanced (and expensive) scanners.
Setup and Ease of Use
Setting up the SeekOne SK860 is remarkably quick and easy. Upon plugging into the OBD-II port, the scanner establishes communication with the vehicle’s computer within approximately 20 seconds. The generous 58-inch cable provides ample reach, even within the engine bay for complex diagnostics. Compatibility with a third-party OBD-II extension cable further enhances its usability. A mini-USB port facilitates connection to a computer for printing data and performing firmware updates.
Image: The SeekOne SK860 OBD2 scanner with its cable, highlighting its connectivity features.
The included instruction booklet balances introductory guidance with essential operational details. It provides a concise explanation of OBD-II diagnostics and a helpful section for first-time users. While comprehensive, it primarily covers the fundamental aspects of scanner operation.
A significant advantage of the SeekOne SK860 is its lifetime warranty, encompassing firmware updates. This commitment suggests that the SK860 could potentially be the only car obd ii scanner you’ll ever need, offering long-term value and support.
Final Verdict: SeekOne SK860 – A Reliable and Affordable Diagnostic Tool
The SeekOne SK860 professional car OBD II scanner auto diagnostic tool delivers a compelling blend of functionality and affordability. Priced around $60, it provides essential diagnostic capabilities with the added assurance of a lifetime warranty and firmware updates.
While its larger size and basic feature set might not appeal to users requiring advanced diagnostics, the SK860’s rugged design and user-friendliness make it an excellent choice for everyday car owners and DIY mechanics. It effectively identifies vehicle issues and provides crucial data, stopping short of detailed repair instructions. For those seeking a dependable, no-frills Seekone OBD2 scanner to understand their vehicle’s health without breaking the bank, the SK860 is a highly recommended option.
