Best OBD 2 Code Scanner? Are All The Same? Let's Find Out!

Project Farm
26 May 202416:06

Summary

TLDRThis video script reviews various affordable OBD2 code scanners, comparing their performance, ease of use, and diagnostic capabilities. Brands like Lulu, Creater, Autel, Moto Power, Anel, Foxwell, and Autofix are tested for speed in retrieving and displaying trouble codes, user interface, live data streaming, and updating software. The script highlights key features like hotkeys for quick access, freeze frame data, and IM readiness checks. The review aims to help viewers choose the right code scanner based on their needs and budget, with a focus on efficiency and functionality.

Takeaways

  • 🔍 The video script compares different OBD2 code scanners, focusing on their ability to read and clear trouble codes, retrieve vehicle identification numbers, and provide diagnostic information.
  • 💡 Affordable scanners like the Lulu brand ($15) and the Moto power brand ($23) offer basic functionality such as code retrieval and vehicle ID number access, but may lack advanced features.
  • 🚫 The launch Creator brand ($20) failed to retrieve codes on multiple attempts, indicating potential reliability issues.
  • ⏱ Speed is a critical factor, with the autofix OM 126P ($40) and the Anel 410 ($40) being the fastest in booting up and retrieving codes.
  • 🔧 Some scanners like the Foxwell nt301 ($63) offer advanced features like hot keys for reading and erasing DTC, and the ability to catch intermittent problems.
  • 📈 The Anel 310 and autofix stand out for their quick and efficient performance, with the autofix having the added benefit of being updateable.
  • 📊 The script emphasizes the importance of considering both the capability and efficiency of a code scanner when making a purchase decision.
  • 🌞 Screen visibility in bright sunlight is an important consideration, with the Lulu and Moto power brands having the most readable displays.
  • 🔄 Updateability is a feature of some scanners, allowing for the latest software updates to improve functionality and compatibility.
  • 🛠 The video also evaluates the ease of navigating through menus and inputting fault codes, with some scanners offering more user-friendly interfaces.
  • 🛑 All tested scanners were capable of clearing trouble codes, which is a basic but essential function for any OBD2 scanner.

Q & A

  • What is the purpose of the check engine light in a vehicle?

    -The check engine light in a vehicle is an indicator that signals there is a problem or malfunction in the vehicle's engine or emission control system, prompting the driver to diagnose and address the issue.

  • What is the primary function of an OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) scanner?

    -An OBD scanner's primary function is to read and clear diagnostic trouble codes from a vehicle's computer system, helping to identify and resolve issues indicated by the check engine light.

  • What is the difference between a $15 code scanner and a more expensive one?

    -The main difference between a $15 code scanner and a more expensive one is typically the range of features and capabilities they offer. More expensive scanners often provide additional functions such as live data monitoring, more comprehensive code definitions, and better user interfaces.

  • What does 'plug-and-play' mean in the context of a code scanner?

    -'Plug-and-play' refers to a device that is easy to set up and use without requiring complex configurations. In the context of a code scanner, it means the scanner can be easily connected to the vehicle's OBD port and is ready to use with minimal setup.

  • How does the Lulu brand scanner perform in terms of retrieving codes?

    -The Lulu brand scanner is able to retrieve codes quickly, taking very close to 1.4 seconds, after pressing the button three times to display the first of three codes.

  • What issue did the Launch Creator scanner face during the test?

    -The Launch Creator scanner faced issues with its functionality, failing to launch and retrieve codes on multiple attempts, despite being advertised as capable of reading live data and turning off the malfunction indicator light.

  • What is the significance of the freeze frame function in a code scanner?

    -The freeze frame function in a code scanner captures and displays data from the vehicle's system at the moment the trouble code was triggered. This information can be crucial for diagnosing the issue that caused the check engine light to come on.

  • How does the Autofix OM 126P scanner compare to others in terms of speed and ease of use?

    -The Autofix OM 126P scanner is very quick, being ready for action in only 2 seconds and displaying trouble codes in just 1 second after engaging one button. It also has a hotkey for trouble codes, making it one of the fastest and easiest scanners to use.

  • What is the main advantage of the Foxwell NT301 scanner?

    -The Foxwell NT301 scanner's main advantage is its ability to provide possible causes for trouble codes, which can be very useful for diagnosing issues. It also features hotkeys for reading and erasing DTC, and LED indicators for emissions monitor status.

  • How do the different scanners perform in terms of updating their software?

    -Some scanners, like the Autofix and Foxwell models, are designed to be updated, with the process being relatively straightforward if a Windows computer is available. However, not all scanners have this capability, and some, like the Anel 410, do not have downloadable software for updates.

  • What factors should a consumer consider when choosing a code scanner?

    -Factors to consider when choosing a code scanner include the scanner's price, capabilities (such as live data monitoring and code definitions), ease of use, speed of retrieving codes, screen visibility in sunlight, and the ability to update the software.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Affordable Code Scanners Comparison

This paragraph compares various affordable code scanners, starting with the $15 Lulu brand scanner, which is a plug-and-play device capable of reading and clearing codes, retrieving the vehicle identification number, and has a large OBD connector. It's followed by the $20 Creater brand, which claims to read live data and turn off the malfunction indicator light but failed to retrieve codes in testing. The $20 Autel brand is slow to initialize but provides generic codes and a grip-friendly connector. The $23 Moto power brand offers an LCD display with white backlight and contrast adjustment, supporting most vehicles and being quick to display codes. The $23 Anel 310 is a popular OBD2 scanner with a large sales volume, slow to power up but quick to display codes. The $36 Foxwell nt201 claims to be the easiest with complete OBD2 support, taking longer to retrieve codes and requiring multiple button presses. The $40 Autofix om 126p is very quick, has a hotkey for codes, and can retrieve vehicle identification numbers. Lastly, the $40 Anel 410 is also quick, with a hotkey and quick information processing. The paragraph concludes with a comparison of their boot-up and code retrieval times, emphasizing the Anel 410 and Autofix for their speed.

05:00

🔧 Code Scanners' Ease of Use and Features

The second paragraph delves into the user-friendliness and additional features of the code scanners. It highlights the simplicity of the Moto power and Autofix with their hotkeys for retrieving trouble codes with a single button press. The paragraph also discusses the usefulness of the freeze frame function, which provides insights into the vehicle's state when a trouble code was triggered. The speed and number of button presses required to access freeze frame data vary among scanners, with the Autofix being the fastest. The paragraph also covers the inspection readiness feature, which indicates if a vehicle is ready for an emissions inspection, and the ease of accessing this information. The Autofix and Anel 410 receive the best rating for this feature. The paragraph ends with a comparison of the scanners' ability to identify trouble codes for a 2008 Honda Civic, with the Autofix requiring the least navigation and the Lulu and Autel failing to find a transmission code.

10:01

🛠 Advanced Capabilities and User Experience

This paragraph examines the advanced capabilities of the code scanners, such as the ability to input fault codes, live data streaming, and sensor performance testing. It compares the user experience of inputting fault codes into different scanners, with the Motor Power being user-friendly and the Anel 310 being less so. The paragraph also discusses the live data feature, which is crucial for diagnosing engine problems, and notes the Anel 310's speed but lag in data scrolling. The Autofix and Anel 410 offer quick live data streaming with responsive software. Additionally, the paragraph touches on the ability to graphically represent sensor performance and the challenge of reading scanners' screens in bright sunlight, with the Lulu and Moto power being the easiest to see. The paragraph concludes with a note on the scanners' updatability, with some requiring a Windows computer for software updates.

15:02

📊 Summary of Code Scanners' Performance and Recommendations

The final paragraph summarizes the performance of the code scanners and provides recommendations based on their capabilities and efficiency. It suggests that for basic use, such as reading and clearing trouble codes, the Motor Power and Anel 310 are good choices. For those looking for more advanced features, the more expensive brands offer greater capability. The paragraph also notes the Launch Creator's failure to read codes on multiple vehicles despite its claims. The Autofix is highlighted for its efficiency, hotkey feature, and updatability. The Foxwell 301 is recognized for its ability to provide possible causes for trouble codes, despite its slower code retrieval. The paragraph ends with a call to action for viewers to share their thoughts on the review and suggest topics for future videos.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Check Engine Light

The 'Check Engine Light' is an indicator on a vehicle's dashboard that illuminates when there is an issue with the car's engine or emissions system. In the video's context, it is the primary reason for using a code scanner, as it signals the need for diagnostic checks. The script mentions this light as the starting point for exploring different code scanners' abilities to diagnose problems.

💡Code Scanner

A 'Code Scanner' is a device that plugs into a vehicle's OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) port to read and interpret diagnostic trouble codes emitted by the car's computer. The video script discusses various code scanners, comparing their efficiency, ease of use, and ability to retrieve and clear codes, which is central to the theme of automotive diagnostics.

💡OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) Port

The 'OBD Port' is a standardized socket in vehicles that allows for the connection of diagnostic tools. It is mentioned in the script as the point of connection for all the code scanners tested, which is essential for retrieving diagnostic information from the vehicle's systems.

💡Trouble Codes

'Trouble Codes' are alphanumeric codes produced by a vehicle's computer to indicate specific issues with the car's systems. The video script frequently refers to these codes as the primary data points that the code scanners are designed to read and clear, which is integral to diagnosing car problems.

💡Diagnostic Information

'Diagnostic Information' encompasses the data and codes that help identify and understand vehicle malfunctions. The script discusses how different code scanners provide this information, which is crucial for vehicle maintenance and repair.

💡Freeze Frame Data

'Freeze Frame Data' refers to the snapshot of the vehicle's operating conditions at the moment a trouble code was set. The script describes how some code scanners can retrieve this data, which can be very helpful for diagnosing issues by showing what the vehicle was doing when the problem occurred.

💡Live Data

'Live Data' is real-time information from the vehicle's sensors and systems, which can be monitored using a code scanner. The video script mentions this feature as a capability of some scanners, allowing users to see current performance metrics that can aid in diagnosing certain engine problems.

💡Oxygen Sensor

An 'Oxygen Sensor' is a device that measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases. The script notes that some code scanners can test the performance of this sensor, which is important for monitoring and adjusting the air-fuel mixture in the engine.

💡Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The 'Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)' is a unique code used by the automotive industry to identify individual motor vehicles. The script mentions that some code scanners can retrieve the VIN, which can be useful for various purposes, including diagnostics and vehicle registration.

💡IM Readiness

'IM Readiness' refers to the Inspection and Maintenance readiness status of a vehicle, indicating whether it is prepared for an emissions inspection. The video script discusses how some code scanners can provide this information, which is important for vehicle owners to know before an inspection.

💡Sunlight Readability

'Sunlight Readability' pertains to the ability to read the display of a device, such as a code scanner, in bright sunlight. The script evaluates this feature for different scanners, as it is relevant for users who may be diagnosing vehicle issues outdoors.

💡Software Update

'Software Update' refers to the process of upgrading the code scanner's software to the latest version for improved functionality or to add new features. The script mentions that some scanners can be updated, which is an important consideration for long-term use and compatibility with newer vehicles.

Highlights

Affordable scan tools can provide helpful diagnostic information for a price as low as $15.

Leulu brand scanner claims to be a plug-and-play, easy setup device capable of reading and clearing codes, and retrieving the vehicle identification number.

The Lulu scanner has a large OBD connector and is made in China.

To use a scan tool, the ignition switch must be on without the engine running.

Leulu scanner quickly retrieves codes in about 1.4 seconds.

Creater brand scanner, priced at $20, failed to retrieve codes on multiple attempts.

Autoel brand scanner is slow to get ready but provides information on trouble codes quickly.

Moto power brand scanner, at $23, has an LCD display and claims support for most vehicles from 1996 and newer.

Ancel 310 is a popular OBD2 Scanner with about 20,000 sales every 30 days, offering features like reading live data and hard memory data.

Foxwell nt201 scanner claims to be the easiest in the industry with complete OBD2 support and CAN capability.

Autofix om 126p is quick and ready for action in only 2 seconds, retrieving generic codes and live data.

Ancel 410 and Foxwell nt301 are more expensive options offering additional features like O2 sensor tests and IM readiness checks.

The fastest code scanner to retrieve trouble codes is the Ancel 410 at 2.7 seconds.

Moto power and autofix scanners have hotkeys and retrieve trouble codes with a single button push.

Freeze frame function provides valuable information about the vehicle's state when a trouble code was triggered.

Autofix and Ancel 410 received the best rating for ease of accessing IM readiness information.

Some scanners struggled to identify fault codes for certain vehicles, such as the 2008 Honda Civic.

Live data feature is helpful for diagnosing engine problems, with the Ancel 310 being the fastest to retrieve live data.

Graphical representations and oxygen sensor testing are additional capabilities in some budget scan tools.

Screen readability in direct sunlight varies among scanners, with Lulu and Moto power being the easiest to see.

Some scanners allow for software updates to maintain up-to-date capabilities.

When selecting a code scanner, consider the balance between price, capability, and efficiency of use.

Transcripts

00:00

if you own a vehicle sooner or later

00:01

that check engine light is going to come

00:02

on so the question is is a $15 code

00:05

scanner just as good as the one that

00:06

cost $50 well let's find out if you're

00:09

driving along when suddenly the check

00:10

engine light illuminates there are some

00:12

very affordable scan tools that can

00:13

provide you with some very helpful

00:15

diagnostic information at a price of

00:17

only $15 is this leulu brand it claims

00:19

to be a plug-and-play easy to setup

00:21

scanner it's a code reader and it's

00:23

supposed to be able to clear the codes

00:24

it can also retrieve the vehicle

00:25

identification number and that's a

00:27

pretty large OBD connector the Lulu is

00:30

made in China in order to use a scan

00:31

tool the ignition switch needs to be in

00:33

the on position without the engine

00:34

running the scan tool plugs into the

00:36

onboard diagnostics Port that's

00:38

typically located under the kick panel

00:39

or near the center console let's check

00:41

out the trouble codes on this 2003

00:43

Chevrolet Suburban and it takes a leulu

00:45

4 seconds to boot up and reach the main

00:47

screen before the scan can be initiated

00:49

and the liulu is pretty quick at

00:51

retrieving the codes in very close to

00:52

1.4 seconds you'll have to press the

00:54

button three times to display the first

00:56

of three codes at a price of $20 is this

00:58

creater brand it works with vehicles

01:00

from your 1996 a newer it claims to be

01:02

able to read live data turns off the

01:04

malfunction indicator light includes

01:06

oxygen sensor and a VAP system test and

01:08

this OBD connector just doesn't offer

01:10

much for gaining a good grip the Creator

01:12

is made in China and it takes the launch

01:13

Creator just over 4 seconds to fully

01:15

power up after 42 seconds of trying the

01:17

launch creater failed to launch and was

01:19

not able to retrieve the codes and I

01:21

made five attempts without any success

01:23

also the price at $20 the same price as

01:25

the launch creater as this autel brand

01:27

it claims to be extremely easy to use

01:29

easily determined is the cause of the

01:30

check engine light it retrieves generic

01:32

p 0 P2 P3 and new zero codes and the

01:35

autel's connector is easy to grip made

01:37

in China after I plug the AEL into the

01:39

port the artel is pretty slow to get

01:41

ready to work at 6.3 seconds after

01:43

initiating the scan the information on

01:45

the trouble codes is available in 1.8

01:47

seconds had to engage buttons three

01:49

times to retrieve the codes the same as

01:51

the Lulu scan tool at a price of $23 is

01:54

this Moto power brand it claims to have

01:56

an LCD 128x 64 pixels it has a white

02:00

backlight and a contrast adjustment it

02:02

claims to support nine protocols capable

02:04

with most vehicles from 1996 and newer

02:06

made in China and the motor power came

02:08

to life in about 2.5 seconds after it

02:10

was plugged into the OBD port and the

02:12

motor power has a DTC or diagnostic

02:14

trouble code hotkey and the codes are

02:15

displayed in 1.3 seconds with engaging a

02:18

button just one time the best yet also

02:20

the price of $23 is this anel 310 it's

02:23

an extremely popular OBD2 Scanner with

02:25

about 20,000 in sales every 30 days it

02:27

claims to be accurate fast and easy to

02:29

use we're going to test that allows you

02:30

to quickly read and clear diagnostic

02:32

trouble codes read live data and hard

02:34

memory data the anel is made in China

02:36

and the anel 310 is almost as slow as

02:38

the AEL to fully power up in very close

02:40

to 5.3 seconds once the scan was

02:42

initiated the anel 310 took the most

02:44

amount of time yet to retrieve the codes

02:46

at very close to 20 seconds I had to

02:48

engage buttons four times for the

02:49

display to show the trouble code at a

02:51

price of $36 is this Foxwell nt201 it

02:55

claims to be the easiest in the industry

02:57

complete OBD2 support with can

02:59

capability displays complete live data

03:01

stream features onscreen code

03:03

definitions made in China and the fox

03:05

wheel 2011 takes 4.4 seconds to power up

03:08

the fox will takes another 7 and 1/2

03:09

seconds to retrieve the trouble codes I

03:11

had to engage buttons on the display a

03:13

total of five times to finally have the

03:15

trouble codes displayed on the screen

03:17

however part of this is due to the

03:18

increased capability of the Foxwell to

03:20

store existing trouble codes for future

03:22

reference at a price of $40 is this

03:24

autofix om 126p retrieves generic P0 P2

03:28

P3 and u codes live data capable it can

03:31

retrieve the vehicle identification

03:33

number made in China and the autofix is

03:35

very quick and ready for action in only

03:37

2 seconds and the autofix does have a

03:39

hotkey for trouble codes and the codes

03:40

are on display in only 1 second after

03:42

engaging just one button the best yet

03:44

the second code scanner will be testing

03:46

that's made by anel is a $40 code

03:48

scanner the ad410 reads and clears

03:50

stored emissions codes pending codes and

03:52

displays code definitions O2 sensor test

03:54

is used to Monitor and adjust the air

03:56

fuel mixture it has a qvga display and a

03:59

new user interface face they claim that

04:00

it's so easy to use that you won't need

04:02

to read the manual made in China just

04:04

like the autofix the anel 410 is ready

04:06

for action in 2 seconds since there's no

04:08

hotkey for trouble codes I had to engage

04:10

the buttons three times to retrieve the

04:12

codes however the Anil processes

04:14

information very quickly and just over a

04:16

half second to retrieve the codes the

04:18

second code scanner will be testing

04:19

that's made by Fox will cost $63 and

04:21

it's the model

04:22

nt301 includes hot keys for reading and

04:25

erasing DTC and I am Readiness red

04:27

yellow and green LEDs and built-in

04:29

speaker indicate emissions monitor

04:31

status that can also catch intermittent

04:33

problems and confirm repairs during

04:34

drive cycle made in China and the

04:36

Foxwell 301 needs 4.3 seconds to fully

04:39

boot up and reach the main menu the fox

04:41

whe takes an additional 7.3 seconds to

04:43

retrieve the codes once the trouble

04:45

codes are retrieved it takes an

04:46

additional four button engagements for a

04:48

total of five for the trouble codes to

04:50

display as Ben Franklin used to say time

04:52

is money and the code scanner that boots

04:54

up and then retrieves trouble codes the

04:55

fastest is the anel 410 at 2.7 seconds

04:58

the autofix is almost as fast at 3

05:00

seconds and Moto power 3.8 seconds if

05:03

it's all about Simplicity the Moto power

05:05

and autofix both have hot keys and they

05:07

retrieve trouble codes with one push of

05:08

a button several of the other brands

05:10

require pushing a button three times

05:12

once you know the trouble codes that are

05:13

present in some instances it's very

05:15

helpful to select the freeze frame

05:16

function this will provide some great

05:18

information as to what was going on when

05:20

the trouble code was triggered I engaged

05:21

buttons four times and it took 4 seconds

05:23

to retrieve the information each screen

05:25

displays four data points so the

05:27

emissions code was triggered when the

05:28

engine was at2 5° F there's some

05:31

additional information on short-term and

05:33

long-term fuel Trim in the map sensor

05:35

the engine was at 1,630 RPM and the

05:38

vehicle was traveling at 55 mph this

05:40

probably won't help us with the

05:41

evaporative emissions code but it might

05:43

be rather useful for other codes just

05:45

like the Lulu the autel takes five

05:47

button engagements to reach the freee

05:48

Frame data the autel is a little faster

05:50

at 3.75 seconds there are four data

05:53

points per screen and there's no

05:54

buffering or lagging after engaging the

05:56

buttons and the buttons have to be

05:57

engaged seven times to reach the freeze

05:59

Frame data with the motor power 3.75

06:02

seconds to retrieve the Freeze Frame

06:03

data is the same as the AEL there are

06:05

four data points per screen and the

06:06

large font is very easy to read and five

06:08

button engagements in the Anil takes 3.4

06:11

seconds to retrieve the Freeze Frame

06:12

data the fastest yet instead of four

06:14

data points per screen the an shows six

06:16

data points however the answer requires

06:18

scrolling through each data point before

06:20

you can advance to the next screen

06:22

unfortunately the an is lagging very bad

06:24

at over 1 second reaction time with each

06:26

press of the button so about 9 seconds

06:27

to get from one screen to the next and

06:29

it takes six button Strokes to initiate

06:31

Freeze Frame data retrieval and the fox

06:33

whe is the slowest yet at 6.4 seconds to

06:35

get the codes and seven data points per

06:37

screen is the most yet to navigate to

06:39

the next screen you'll have to engage

06:40

the button seven times however the foxw

06:43

has a very fast processor and there's no

06:44

noticeable lag and the autofix pull the

06:46

trouble codes quickly at only 1.4

06:48

seconds however it takes eight button

06:50

engagements to initiate the Freeze Frame

06:52

data retrieval process what I really

06:54

like about the autofix is that it spells

06:55

everything out the downside is that

06:57

there are only three data points per

06:58

screen and you'll have to scroll through

07:00

each data point to advance to the next

07:01

screen and the answer looks a lot like

07:03

the autofix it did take a full second

07:05

longer to retrieve the Freeze Frame data

07:07

but the screens look identical the

07:08

spelled out information is really

07:10

helpful if you're not already familiar

07:11

with the acronyms and the fox wheell 301

07:13

looks a lot like the 2011 but it does

07:15

have a larger display it takes six

07:17

button strikes to initiate the Freeze

07:19

Frame data pull and the Foxwell 301 is

07:21

the slowest yet at 6.65 seconds there

07:24

are seven data points per screen and

07:25

they're all abbreviated one very nice

07:27

feature is that you can select the help

07:29

key for for additional information all

07:30

of the code scanners have an IM IM

07:32

readiness feature this will basically

07:34

let us know if this vehicle is ready for

07:35

an emissions inspection and a leulu

07:37

requires five button strikes to retrieve

07:39

the inspection Readiness information and

07:41

the information is displayed on three

07:43

screens and the information is accurate

07:45

with the AEL it takes four button

07:46

strikes to reach the inspection

07:47

Readiness screen and the information is

07:49

displayed on three different screens and

07:51

the buttons have to be engaged five

07:53

times on the Moto power for the I IM

07:54

readiness just like the liulu and the

07:56

autel the information is displayed on

07:58

three screens and the algorithm for the

08:00

anel is very similar to the motor power

08:02

and it takes five button strikes to

08:03

retrieve the IM readiness since there's

08:05

only three data points on each screen it

08:07

takes four screens to retrieve all the

08:08

data and the fox wheel has a hotkey for

08:10

I IM readiness but it does take quite a

08:12

bit longer than the previous brands at

08:13

10 seconds to retrieve the data however

08:15

everything is displayed on just one

08:17

screen it indicates that the mill or

08:19

malfunction indicator light is

08:20

illuminated two trouble codes and one

08:22

pending treble code and the autofix also

08:24

has a hot key for I am Readiness it's

08:26

about 10 times faster than a fox well at

08:28

retrieving the information that just

08:30

over 1 second just like the fox whe

08:32

everything fits on one screen while it

08:33

is subjective the screen does seem

08:35

easier on the eyes and easier to read

08:37

than the Foxwell and the anel 410 also

08:39

has a hotkey and everything looks

08:40

identical to the autofix very nice

08:42

looking display and the Foxwell 301 also

08:45

has a hotkey for I am Readiness however

08:47

it does take longer than the autofix and

08:49

the anel 410 at just over 10 seconds and

08:51

the display just doesn't seem as easy on

08:53

the eyes compared to the autofix and the

08:55

anel 410 while it is highly subjective

08:57

the autofix and the Ansel 410 re see the

08:59

best possible rating of one for ease of

09:01

quickly accessing the IM readiness

09:03

information and ease of reading the

09:04

information on the display the fox wheel

09:06

scanners also perform well with a rating

09:08

of two this 2008 Honda Civic has one

09:10

trouble code for the engine and one for

09:12

the transmission let's see if the Lulu

09:14

can find both trouble codes

09:16

unfortunately the Lulu only found the

09:17

trouble code for the engine and not the

09:19

transmission and the launch Creator is

09:21

back in Action scanning the codes on the

09:22

Honda Civic and the launch Creator

09:24

wasn't able to find default code for the

09:26

transmission and the autel is the first

09:27

scanner so far in the lineup to at the

09:29

fault code for the transmission however

09:31

it does take quite a bit of navigating

09:33

to locate both codes unfortunately the

09:35

motop power wasn't able to locate the

09:37

fault code for the transmission and only

09:38

found the engine code just like the AEL

09:41

the anel 310 successfully located both

09:43

the engine and the transmission trouble

09:45

codes for the Honda Civic however it

09:46

takes quite a bit of navigating through

09:48

the menus to retrieve the codes and the

09:50

fox whe also identified both trouble

09:52

codes however it takes quite a bit of

09:53

navigating to work your way through the

09:55

menus and the hot button on the autofix

09:57

is a very nice feature and it identified

09:59

both trouble codes quickly without a

10:00

hotkey it took quite a few more button

10:02

strikes to navigate the engine and then

10:04

the transmission codes and the algorithm

10:06

for the fox wheel 301 looks the same as

10:08

a Foxwell 2011 and it requires quite a

10:10

few keystrokes to navigate to both

10:12

trouble codes only six of the nine code

10:14

scanners were able to identify the fault

10:16

code for the transmission while it is

10:18

highly subjective the autofix requires

10:19

the least amount of navigating to locate

10:21

both trouble codes and the Lulu and

10:23

autel are not able to look up trouble

10:25

code information but the rest of the

10:26

scanners offer this capability and the

10:28

launch Creator is isn't able to launch

10:30

so we'll check out the motor power if

10:31

you type in the wrong fault code you can

10:33

use the up or down arrows to scroll

10:34

through a list of fault codes in

10:36

numerical order and the anel 310 isn't

10:38

as user friendly for inputting the

10:39

trouble code you'll have to hold down

10:41

the enter button while also selecting

10:42

the up or down arrow to move the digit

10:44

left or right compared to the motor

10:45

power the anel 310 does provide a little

10:48

more information regarding the fault

10:49

code inputting the trouble code

10:51

information into the fox wheell 2011

10:53

requires one hand or one button at a

10:54

time it provides just as much

10:56

information on each trouble code as the

10:57

anel 310 inputting the trouble code

10:59

information with the autofix is a

11:01

two-hand process however the information

11:03

is just as informative as the Foxwell

11:05

2011 the answer 410 is pretty much the

11:07

same as the autofix regarding the

11:09

process for inputting the trouble code

11:10

and the information that's provided by

11:12

the scan tool you'll only need one hand

11:14

to input the code information into the

11:15

fox wheel 301 instead of just providing

11:18

the trouble code identification

11:19

information it also provides possible

11:21

reasons for the code definitely very

11:23

useful information let's check out the

11:25

live data on a 2022 Toyota 4Runner being

11:27

able to see the live data can really be

11:29

helpful for diagnosing certain engine

11:31

problems and the anel 310 takes about 5

11:33

and 1/2 seconds to launch the live data

11:35

stream the scan tool lags pretty badly

11:37

to the up and down arrows and takes

11:38

about a second to scroll launching the

11:40

live stream data on the fox whe 2011 is

11:42

very slow at just over 32 seconds

11:45

however once the live stream is up and

11:46

going it provides seven data points per

11:48

screen and there's no noticeable lag

11:49

when scrolling up or down the screen

11:51

instead of taking 32 seconds to pull up

11:53

the live data the autofix is up and

11:55

going in only 5.8 seconds instead of

11:57

using an acronym or abbreviation the

11:59

information is spelled out only three

12:01

data points are displayed on each screen

12:02

but there's no noticeable lag with the

12:04

autofix and the answer 410 looks the

12:06

same as the autofix and it performs like

12:08

it to at 5.8 seconds to pull up the live

12:10

data stream the information displayed

12:12

for the live data stream looks identical

12:14

to the autofix just like the Foxwell

12:16

2011 the 301 is very slow at 32.7

12:19

seconds to begin providing live data the

12:21

live data screens look the same as the

12:22

Foxwell 2011 the anel 310 is the fastest

12:25

at retrieving live data however the scan

12:27

tool lags badly when trying to scroll up

12:29

or down the screen on the other hand the

12:31

autofix and ano 410 display live data

12:33

just about as quickly and her software

12:35

is much more responsive to user input

12:37

being able to see graphical

12:38

representation regarding performance of

12:40

certain sensors can be very helpful and

12:42

the anel 310 anel 410 and autofix areer

12:45

this capability both Fox wheel scan

12:47

tools the autofix and the Ana 410 offer

12:49

the ability to test oxygen sensor

12:51

performance not bad for Budget scan

12:53

tools if it's a bright and sunny day

12:55

being able to see the information on the

12:57

screen of the scanner might be a

12:58

challenge however the leulu is very easy

13:01

to see in direct sunlight and the font

13:02

size on the autel is a little smaller

13:04

but it's still pretty easy to see on a

13:06

bright and sunny day and trying to read

13:07

the information on the display of the

13:09

creater is nearly impossible as the

13:11

launch creater just doesn't offer enough

13:12

screen contrast or enough backlight and

13:14

the Moto power has a pretty large screen

13:16

and is very easy to read in direct

13:17

sunlight and the anel is pretty easy to

13:19

see but the font size is quite a bit

13:21

smaller than the Moto power and the

13:23

Foxwell 2011 is just as difficult to see

13:25

as a creater and the autofix is even

13:27

more difficult to see than the creater

13:28

and the fox as the backlight just isn't

13:30

nearly bright enough and the anel 410 is

13:32

just a little easier to see than the

13:33

autofix but more difficult to see than

13:35

the creater in the fox wheel 2011 and

13:37

the Foxwell 301 is just a little bit

13:39

better than the autofix and the anel 410

13:42

while it is highly subjective the liulu

13:43

and the Mota power are the easiest

13:45

displays to see in direct sunlight and

13:47

the Cod scanners with dark or colored

13:48

screens are by far the most difficult to

13:50

see in a bright environment I measured

13:52

the size of the screens for the code

13:53

readers and a fox whe nt301 has a larger

13:55

screen at almost 4 Square in Moto power

13:58

screen is at 3 .29 in and autofix 2.98

14:01

four of the nine scan tools are designed

14:03

to be updated unfortunately I wasn't

14:05

able to update the launch creater it

14:07

blew right past the option to change to

14:08

English the screen on the launch Creator

14:10

wasn't able to power up during the

14:11

attempted update downloading the

14:13

software for the autofix was just as

14:15

quick as a Foxwell it already has the

14:16

latest software update you will need a

14:18

Windows computer and it takes about 5

14:20

minutes to download the software to

14:21

update the Foxwell code scanners both

14:23

the Foxwell 2011 and 301 already had the

14:26

latest software installed when it comes

14:27

to installing software on computers I

14:29

highly recommend using caution but

14:30

that's a topic for another day I was not

14:32

able to update the ano and there's no

14:34

software to be downloaded for updating

14:36

it at a future date in case you're

14:37

wondering all the code scanners were

14:39

able to clear the trouble codes maybe

14:41

you've watched this entire video and

14:42

you're still not sure which code scanner

14:44

to select the code readers are organized

14:46

from least expensive to most expensive

14:47

as you might expect more expensive code

14:49

scanners are typically more capable a

14:51

good starting point is to figure out how

14:53

much capability you're looking for in a

14:54

scanner if you need a code scanner for

14:56

mostly reading trouble codes and then

14:58

turning off the check engine light the

14:59

motor power and the anel 310 seem like a

15:02

great choice for around $23 if you want

15:04

to begin the troubleshooting process the

15:06

four most expensive Brands offer the

15:07

most capability while the launch Creator

15:09

claims to offer a lot of capability it

15:11

failed to read codes on two out of three

15:12

vehicles Beyond capability how

15:14

efficiently the scan tool performs is

15:16

another factor to consider the motor

15:18

power retrieves trouble codes quickly

15:19

with minimal button engagements the anel

15:21

310 offers a little more capability than

15:23

the motor power however it processes

15:25

information a lot slower and requires

15:27

more button engagements to navigate

15:29

throughout the various menus the answer

15:31

410 seems very similar to the autofix

15:33

however the autofix has a hotkey that

15:35

comes in handy and it can be updated

15:37

online while I wasn't able to update the

15:39

anel 410 finally the fox wheel 301 is a

15:41

little bit slow to retrieve codes

15:43

however it is the only code scanner that

15:45

is capable of providing possible causes

15:47

for trouble codes I'd like to know if

15:48

you found this review helpful on code

15:50

scanners and if you'd like to see a

15:51

follow-up review on more expensive

15:53

scanners or the type that connect to

15:54

your phone through a Bluetooth

15:55

connection all the videos in this

15:57

channel including this one are viewers

15:59

suggested so if you have a video idea I

16:00

hope you'll take time to leave a comment

16:02

thanks so much for watching please take

16:04

care and I'll look forward to next time

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