Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles

Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles2This review of the Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles will describe the features, benefits as well as any negatives, whether real or perceived.

The theory behind this diagnostic tool is that you can save a substantial amount of time and money diagnosing the codes that are generated by your vehicle when there is an issue.

Get The Autel MaxiScan MS300 Diagnostic Scan Tool For Vehicles

It would seem on the surface that for the average car owner, knowing the codes might be an interesting exercise but would not be much help.  Something that you may not know is that some of the codes are quite simple to remedy.  An example is a loose gas cap. Wouldn’t it be nice to pay an $85 diagnostic fee to find out your gas cap is loose?  Let’s look at the MS300 odb2scanner.

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What Are The Features Of The Autel MaxiScan Diagnostic Scanner?

-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) protocols 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)

Get The Autel MaxiScan MS300 Diagnostic Scan Tool For Vehicles

The first step for anyone with a dashboard light on is to diagnose the problem by getting the trouble code.  The MaxiScan Diagnostic Scan Tool excels at this most important step.  You can then next use the included CD to find out exactly what the code you have found means.  In the rare instance that you can’t find the code on the included CD, we have had greatAutel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles success doing a very specific search on the internet.  You should rarely need to do this but it is always good to have a backup plan.

Now that OBD-II has been standard on all cars sold in the US since 1996, you should be able to use the car scan tool to easily diagnose any problem and then determine if you are capable of saving even more money by performing the repair yourself.

Does The Autel MaxiScan MS300 Diagnostic Scan Tool Work?

What good are all of the features of this ODB2 scan tool if it doesn’t give you the information you need?  Well that won’t happen with the MaxiScan MS300.  The 2 button face is easy to use and will become familiar after you use it a few times.  You want to be sure to follow the directions carefully as there are several complaints about the unit not working properly.  This is caused by improper use at start up.

As long as you set it up correctly from the get go, you should not have any problems retrieving the code.  Once you have the code you can either use the enclosed CD or do a quick internet search.  We find that the internet search will not only tell you what the code means but in many instances will provide you with instructions on making the repair.

Get The Autel MaxiScan MS300 Diagnostic Scan Tool For Vehicles

What Is The Verdict On The Autel MS300 Scan Tool: Buy Or No Buy?

For the MaxiScan MS300 auto scan tool, the answer is very simple.  If you can answer yes to the following questions, then we have a buy.  Do you own a post-1996 vehicle?  Do you want to save money on diagnostics and repairs as your car ages?  That is really it.  For around $20, you have the security of being able to diagnose problems quickly.  You can even keep it in the glove compartment as you travel.

Autel also makes a complete line of scanners for both the home mechanic and professional wrenchers.  You can look at the Autel AL301 for slightly more money and get more features and options or go all the way up to the Autel DS708 Automotive Diagnostic and Analysis System which retails for north of $1100.

What do buyers say about the this ob2 scan tool?

by n007

I bought this to investigate the occasional engine light codes on our family’s two cars (’99 BMW 323i and 2005 Toyota Corolla). Considering I’ve used it about a half dozen times so far, it’s already paid for itself and then some. All of the problems so far have been simple and easy to fix myself- loose gas cap, dirty MAF sensor, bad spark plugs, etc. I would have paid thousands of dollars for a mechanic to diagnose and repair these problems if I didn’t have this reader. I’ve also used this on my friends’ 2004 Accord and ’98 Protege, again saving them hundreds of dollars. This is the secret auto mechanics don’t want you to know. The $100 they are charging you to “read” or “diagnose” your engine light literally involves 5 minutes of labor and an OBD reader that is fundamentally no different than this one. They would like to keep everyone in the dark and pay their exorbitant fees, but fortunately you don’t have to be a victim. Even if you never own a single wrench, this is the best investment you can possibly make to maintain your vehicle and will save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in labor charges alone.

Most of the features have been covered extensively in the ~180 reviews here, so I won’t reiterate them here. I will say that despite only having two buttons, it’s easy to navigate the menus once you play Read more…

by Sonny

I thought I had a bad unit with LINK ERROR on two different cars. You will never see the MAXISCAN MS300 display on the LCD, as described in the manual. Here are the real steps to follow:

1. With the ignition off plug it in. I immediately saw CAN OBD2 on the LCD.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. This is the position just before you crank the starter. Do not start the vehicle.
3. Then press the ENTER button on the reader which starts the scan.
4. Use the SCROLL button on the reader to view the results.

This is a handy tool Read more…

 

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