For those seeking in-depth access to your car’s computer systems, a basic Bluetooth OBD2 scanner might not suffice. While a budget-friendly $13 ELM 327 dongle paired with a phone app can read standard OBDII data, it falls short when you need to delve into non-OBDII systems. Features like oil level checks are beyond the scope of standard OBDII, meaning these basic scanners won’t provide that information directly. Although OBDII can report issues with the oil level sensor itself, it doesn’t display the actual oil level. Brands like VeePeak clearly state their scanners are designed for OBDII diagnostics only. To truly interact with your vehicle’s broader computer network, tools capable of non-OBDII communication are essential, similar to professional systems like VIDA/DiCE.
At the entry-level for more comprehensive scanning, consider options like the Autel DiagLink, typically priced around $90-$100. A key consideration with the DiagLink is its brand specificity. It’s designed to work extensively with only one car brand. Upon purchase, you select and download free, brand-specific software from Autel to activate the device. This software unlocks advanced non-OBDII functions for your chosen brand. If you own vehicles from multiple manufacturers or switch brands later, accessing advanced functions for a different brand requires purchasing additional software licenses from Autel. Priced around $10 per additional brand, this isn’t prohibitive, but it’s an important factor to consider. However, for owners dedicated to a single car brand, the DiagLink offers excellent value. It provides capabilities often unavailable in similarly priced devices, such as resetting oil change indicators or operating electric parking brakes for servicing, all within its designated brand.
If your needs extend to diagnosing multiple car brands beyond basic OBDII functions, a tool like the Autel MD806 is a strong contender. Available for approximately $200, the MD806 appears to share hardware similarities with the DiagLink but utilizes software that supports multiple brands without the need for separate software downloads for each. Furthermore, it typically includes free lifetime software updates, although “lifetime” in this context usually refers to the product’s support lifespan, likely diminishing after many years. Despite this, the Autel MD806 stands out as a highly valuable option for its capabilities at its price point. It caters to the diagnostic needs of most home users and DIY enthusiasts without being excessively expensive, especially for those who anticipate frequent use across various vehicles.
