For car enthusiasts and professional mechanics alike, having a reliable car scanner is indispensable. Questions often arise about the best tools available and their associated costs. One scanner that frequently enters the conversation is the Thinkdiag. Concerns about subscription models and functionality are common, so let’s delve into whether Thinkdiag is a Good Car Scanner and clarify its features and subscription structure.
The good news is that Thinkdiag offers robust OBDII functionality that operates without any ongoing fees. This means for basic diagnostic tasks covered under standard OBDII protocols, you’re set indefinitely. However, to unlock the full potential of Thinkdiag, including advanced diagnostics, special functions, and bidirectional controls, there are subscription options. These subscriptions are designed to be flexible and cater to different user needs.
Thinkdiag offers a couple of primary subscription paths:
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Manufacturer-Specific Subscription: For $39.99 annually per car manufacturer, you gain access to all diagnostic and service functions for vehicles of that specific brand. For example, if you frequently work on Ford vehicles, subscribing to the Ford manufacturer package unlocks capabilities like advanced diagnostics, component testing, and module programming specifically for Fords. Notably, Tesla subscriptions are priced separately and higher. When you initially purchase a Thinkdiag, it typically includes one free manufacturer subscription for a year.
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Function-Specific Subscription: Alternatively, for $49.99 per year, you can choose to unlock a single service function, such as ABS brake bleeding or TPMS relearn, across all supported manufacturers. This option is ideal if you specialize in or frequently perform a particular service function regardless of the vehicle brand.
Thinkdiag also occasionally offers a comprehensive annual subscription that unlocks all functions across all manufacturers for around $129. This all-inclusive package provides maximum flexibility and access to the full spectrum of Thinkdiag’s capabilities.
It’s important to understand that if your subscription lapses, access to the advanced functions beyond basic OBDII will be suspended until you renew. However, the OBDII diagnostic features remain functional. Think of the manufacturer subscriptions like this: if you subscribe to the “Kia diagnostic module,” you can utilize it on any number of Kia vehicles within that year. However, it won’t grant you access to Hyundai or Ford specific functions unless you also subscribe to those manufacturers.
This subscription model is designed to be advantageous for different users. For DIY car owners maintaining their own vehicles, subscribing only to the manufacturer(s) relevant to their cars or opting for the package deal if it’s more economical makes sense. For professional technicians who might specialize in specific services, the function-based subscription allows them to access the tools they need without paying for features they don’t regularly use. For instance, a tire technician primarily needing TPMS relearn functions could opt just for that function subscription.
While the annual fees might seem like an added cost, they are crucial for providing ongoing updates. These updates are essential to ensure compatibility with new vehicle models, incorporate new diagnostic functions, and keep the tool current with the ever-evolving automotive landscape. When you consider the annual update costs associated with other comparable bidirectional scan tools, such as those from Launch, the Thinkdiag subscription model often presents a very competitive and cost-effective solution, positioning it as a truly good car scanner option in the market.
