Great device at low price, Autel MaxiScan

I bought this code scanner 2 years ago and used it for the first time on my 2002 Toyota Solara a few weeks ago when the check engine light came on not long after I installed a new air filter in my car. I found the code scanner easy to use (once I followed the directions) and it definitely served its purpose in helping me see the check engine light code and then clearing it. The accompanying manual gives you a brief definition of what the codes mean but you really have to search on the internet to get a decent understanding of what the codes mean. And at only $29.99 for this, it provides exceptional value.

Only thing I'm not happy about is that the accompanying CD, which is supposed to have over 8,000 code definitions, is not usable for those code definitions (after loading the CD into my computer, there was no way to copy a document with those codes to my hard drive, let alone find a listing of the codes). About all the CD provided me with was the user manual in a PDF format, which you can get from the manufacturer's web site (I went to the web site and clicked on the code download in their Support section to see if I could get those 8,000 code definitions that way, and although it did download, there was no application to launch it).

Other than that, I'm quite happy with the product.The unit is great for what it is, and for how much it costs. I am yet to face the "link error" thing mentioned by others; so far, every vehicle I've checked connected well and gave out information. It is important to remember that the unit only retrieves codes and erases everything (permanent and pending codes, the state of the monitors and some adjustments made by the PCM over the time, like the long term fuel trim.)
There are no code descriptions. There is no access to data streams. There is no access to freeze frame data. There is no built-in database of vehicles. There is no reading of proprietary non-OBD-II codes from systems like ABS, SRS or power steering. There is no need for updating the firmware. This is a very barebone OBD-II code reader, but in that capacity it works well. There is no internal battery that may leak. There is a bright LED inside that lights up the screen. Symbols on the screen are big and bold and the contrast is just right, and it is not hard to read at all. The body is all wrapped up in plastic and it looks reasonably water resistant. The cable is neither too long, nor too short; it also doesn't feel flimsy, but only the time will tell about that.
Quality control at Autel may be inappropriate, because many people report reading errors that seem to be related to the cable, or the connector, or both, or to the internal soldering.

The booklet that comes with the unit is a throwaway. The instructions seem to be outdated, but the unit only has two buttons and it is extremely easy to figure out what they do.

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