- Retrieves generic and manufacturer specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC), includes definitions lookup software on CD and displays DTC definitions on screen
- Features an easy-to-read backlit LCD screen, multilingual menu and DTC definitions and standard 16-pin OBD-II connector–no additional cables are needed
- Retrieves VIN (Vehicle Identification No) on 2002 and newer vehicles that support Mode 9
- Supports the CAN (Controller Area Network) protols and all other current OBD-II protocols
- Works with most OBD-II compliant U.S., European and Asian vehicles (OBD-II is standard on all cars sold in U.S. post-1996)
Whether it’s faulty oxygen sensor, emission control problem or you just getting ready for emissions test the Autel MaxiScan MS300 can help you. To start scanning you just need to the following steps:
- Turn off the ignition
- Plug the scanner in
- Turn on the ignition but don’t start the vehicle
- Press the “Enter” button
- Press “Scroll” to read the results
If you have never used a engine/computer scan tool, let me explain. All those little hiccups and idiot lights on the dashboard are normally triggered by some set of events. May be nothing or it could be something major. In the past, most people have gone to their nearest Mechanic-In-A-Box, paid them $65 – $100 for a diagnosis and presto, they give you an answer.
Well this little low-cost tool will keep you from being the diagnosis slave to your mechanic. He may still need to do the work, but do the diagnosis yourself. This scan tool is a fine upgrade from the Autel MS300 and at less than $50, you can pay for it with one saved trip to your mechanic. The MS310 is capable of reading generic and manufacturer specific codes and displaying the problem in English. No more reading codes from the tool and looking it up in a book ( that you have probably misplaced ).
Autel – The Company
Autel is a automotive diagnostic tool manufacturer based out of Shenzhen, China. Please do not make the mistake of assuming that since this tool is from China that it is cheap. In fact, Autel has only been developing, manufacturing and marketing automotive diagnostic tools since 2004, yet they are already known as a provider of high-quality, low-cost equipment. I have heard professional, full-time mechanics who love these low-cost tools more than their $3,000 – $5,000 professional diagnostic scan tools.
Capabilities of the Autel MaxiScan MS300 Scan Tool
The Autel MS300 works on American, Asian and European cars from 1996 and later, meaning it will read OBD-II and EOBD codes. It will read the generic P0, P2 and P3 codes as well as all U0 codes. It is also capable of reading manufacturer-specific P1, P3 and U1 codes. Once it has read the code, it displays an explanation of the code, in plain English, on the screen. There are other languages available as well.
Plus, if you like to work on your own car, you can even read a live stream of data from your engine while it is running to try and diagnose the small problems as they occur. Also, during these live streams, you can capture an instant in time in order to diagnose problems that happened during that moment.
The MS300 comes with a USB cable to download possible future upgrades to the equipment. It has a bright, easily readable screen that is capable of being read in all lighting conditions. Just toss this tool in the toolbox you keep in the trunk and maybe you can help out a friend from time-to-time as well.
Conclusion
The Autel MaxiScan MS300 is built tough as any automotive tool should be. It comes with a 1-year warranty but as with most electronics these days, if it doesn’t die in the first five minutes, you will have it for the long haul.
It is really tough to say more about the Autel MS310. While it is a dedicated tool that does a small job, it does that small diagnosis job very well. This little tool can save you hundreds, if not thousands, in diagnosis charges and ill-advised car repair charges. Plug it in and read the bright backlit screen.