Autel is a well-known manufacturer of car scanner tools, and some of their models are available at Harbor Freight. While Harbor Freight’s electronics may have a mixed reputation, the Autel AL519 offers impressive functionality for its price. This review explores the AL519’s capabilities, based on firsthand experience using it on various vehicle makes and models.
Autel AL519: Comprehensive Code Reading and Clearing
The Autel AL519 boasts CAN Bus capabilities, making it compatible with a wide range of vehicles. It successfully read and cleared codes on a variety of cars, including a 1995 Volvo 850 (OBDII), a 1997 Volvo S70, a 2002 Buick Century, a 2004 Volkswagen Passat, and even a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. While it flawlessly identified and cleared codes on the older Passat, it could only read the codes on the newer Jetta (manufacturer-specific codes required external resources for identification). Regardless, clearing the codes after repairs was completed posed no problems for the AL519 on any of the tested vehicles.
Live Data and Additional Features
The AL519 offers live data functionality, although it hasn’t been extensively utilized in this user’s experience. While the color screen is a nice feature, it shouldn’t be the deciding factor over a scanner with superior functionality. A crucial feature to look for in any modern scan tool is OBD-II Mode 6, which provides valuable information from non-continuously monitored systems. The AL519 does include this important capability. The “readiness monitor” feature may be beneficial for those living in areas with emissions testing.
Software Compatibility Issues and Considerations
One drawback encountered was the inability to connect the AL519 to the accompanying software, despite having the latest versions of both the software and firmware. This could be problematic for future updates. Troubleshooting efforts using Windows 7 64 bit with both USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports were unsuccessful. While the device was recognized by the operating system, the software failed to detect it. Further investigation and contacting Autel support might be necessary to resolve this issue.
Conclusion: A Capable Car Scanner Tool
Overall, the Autel AL519 provides excellent value for its price, offering comprehensive code reading and clearing capabilities across various vehicle makes and models. The inclusion of OBD-II Mode 6 and live data further enhances its functionality. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential software compatibility issues. While this user’s experience with the software connection has been negative, the core functionality of the scan tool itself remains impressive.
