For car enthusiasts and professional mechanics alike, the quest for a powerful, feature-rich car diagnostic scanner often hits a wall – the price tag. Many dream of owning a top-tier scan tool, the kind with a responsive touch screen, wireless connectivity, and comprehensive diagnostic capabilities. However, these advanced tools typically reside in a premium price range, often costing between $1,500 and $4,000, placing them out of reach for many.
But technology evolves, and with patience, prices do come down. The good news is that high-quality, full-featured scan tool kits with excellent bi-directional diagnostic and live module testing capabilities are becoming more accessible, especially when you explore online marketplaces like eBay.
Imagine having a single tool that not only expertly diagnoses your GM and GMC vehicles but also accurately troubleshoots a wide range of North American, European, and Asian makes and models. This level of versatility is no longer a pipe dream.
Enter the Autel Maxidas Ds708 Pro Car Diagnostic Scanner Tool Kit. This scan tool stands out as a “high-end” option that delivers on its promises without the exorbitant price. A quick search on eBay reveals listings for the DS708, with scanner-only units starting around $250 and complete kits ranging from $500 to $850. This price point makes professional-grade diagnostics attainable for a wider audience.
Important Note: Be cautious when considering damaged or non-working units. If the SD card, which contains crucial software, is missing or unreadable, the unit is likely unrepairable.
Discovering a Bargain: My Autel MaxiDAS DS708 Pro Purchase
This month (February 2022), I personally found a complete Autel MaxiDAS DS708 Pro scan tool kit online for just under $400 – a deal I couldn’t pass up! The unboxing experience and initial operational tests, as shown in the images below, speak volumes about the value and completeness of this kit.
Expanding Your Diagnostic Knowledge: Additional Resources
To further assist those considering the Autel MaxiDAS DS708 Pro, here are some valuable links and video resources that showcase its capabilities and provide practical usage examples:
Download the Original Autel Software Suite: It’s wise to download the software immediately, even before purchasing. This ensures you have access to the necessary software, regardless of whether the original CD/DVD is included in your kit.
Practical Examples and How-To Guides:
- Power Disconnect Repair: How to Repair a Power Disconnect Problem on an Autel MAXI-DAS DS-708 Scanner
- Touch Screen Replacement: How to Change the Touch Screen on an Autel MAXI-DAS DS-708 Scanner
- GM Throttle Body Re-Set: GM Throttle Body Re-Set for a 2007 GMC Yukon using an Autel MAXI-DAS DS-708 Scanner
- Honda PCM Replacement: How to Replace the PCM in a 2005 Honda Pilot using an Autel MAXI-DAS DS-708
- Hyundai Key Re-Programming: How to Re-Program a Pair of 2012 Hyundai Ignition Keys via an Autel MAXI-DAS DS-708
Crucial First Step: Backing Up Your SD Card
Once you acquire your Autel MaxiDAS DS708 Pro, the very first and most critical step is to create a backup of the original SD card. This small card, located in the bottom panel, is the heart of the system. SD cards are susceptible to degradation and failure over time. Losing or damaging this card can render your scanner unusable, potentially requiring a costly subscription renewal to rectify.
While setting up an account and purchasing a subscription from Autel is always an option, backing up your SD card provides a safeguard against unexpected issues.
Linux Users: Step-by-Step SD Card Backup
For Linux users, creating a backup image of the SD card is straightforward using terminal commands. Here’s a simplified guide:
- Identify SD Card: Use
sudo fdisk -lto identify your SD card device (e.g.,/dev/mmcblk0). - Unmount SD Card: Run
sudo umount /dev/mmcblk0(replace/dev/mmcblk0if necessary). - Create Image File: Execute
sudo dd if=/dev/mmcblk0 of=~/sd-card-copy.img bs=1M status=progressto create a mirror image (sd-card-copy.img) on your home directory. This process will take time. - Backup Complete: Once finished, safely store the original SD card and the newly created
.imgbackup file.
Windows Users: Disk Management Software
Windows users can utilize disk management software to create a similar backup image. (Further details on Windows-compatible software can be added here, potentially with community input).
After creating your backup, test the new SD card in your Autel MaxiDAS DS708 Pro to ensure it boots up and functions correctly. Store both the original SD card and the backup image in a secure location.
Conclusion: Professional Diagnostics Made Affordable
The Autel MaxiDAS DS708 Pro car diagnostic scanner tool kit offers a compelling solution for those seeking professional-grade diagnostic capabilities without the premium price tag. By leveraging online marketplaces and taking proactive steps like backing up your SD card, you can access a powerful tool to diagnose and maintain a wide range of vehicles effectively. Don’t let budget constraints limit your diagnostic potential – explore the Autel MaxiDAS DS708 Pro and take control of your car care journey.
