Selection of diagnostic scanners for repair shops

Summary:

1. Why do we need automotive scanners?
2. Types of automotive scanners.
3. MaxiSys and MaxiCheck - multibrand scanners.
4. Autel MaxiSys Pro 908 - an automotive scanner for BMW vehicles.
5. UCDS - an automotive scanner for Ford and Mazda vehicles.
6. ODIS Engineering и Service - an automotive scanner for Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Seat, Skoda

Each system of a present-day vehicle is equipped with an electronic control module (ECU) and a number of sensors. It helps improve performance, add functionality, quickly detect and locate faults. Some vehicles have only a few systems equipped with control modules, while in other car models, even windshield wipers are computer-controlled. Once a fault has been detected, the corresponding error code is being written in the ECU memory. Tracking it down requires a specific diagnostic device – an automotive scanner that would interface with the vehicle control module.

Based on their functionality, scanners are divided into three types:

• Universal scanners are the most common type known as multibrand scanners. They are used for diagnostics of the majority of vehicles.
• OEM (dealer or factory) scanners are the most sophisticated ones designed and produced by car manufacturers for particular car models. Sometimes one scanner can diagnose several identical car models.
• Brand (multibrand) scanners, unlike the OEM ones, are produced by different outside companies and intended for diagnostics of particular car makes. Their functionality is similar to that of the factory scanners, however, one brand scanner often can diagnose more car models of the same make than the factory one.

MaxiSys or MaxiCheck

In 80% of cases, one multibrand scanner (either MaxiSys or MaxiCheck) is enough to diagnose a vehicle. Both scanners can read and clear error codes, check real-time data, and read identification. Basically, they are two almost identical scanners even though MaxiSys performs more functions.    

Another 20% of specific operations such as programming, coding, adapting, and others require many different scan tools to be used.

Specialists of our company use the following scanners:

Autel MaxiSys Pro 908

It is a brand scanner that has some specific features like, for example, an embedded feature for updating ECU firmware in BMW vehicles. The scanner has access to the BMW official database - it is very convenient for updating these vehicles' firmware.

MS0122 – UCDS Diagnostic Adapter

It is a brand scanner intended for diagnostics of Ford and Mazda vehicles. The tool has an extended functionality due to which we can perform the following: update ECU firmware, reconfigure a vehicle (enable/disable auxiliary functions such as parking assistant, cruise control, etc.), read and clear error codes, etc.

MS0120 – VAS5054a Diagnostic Scanner + ODIS ENGINEERING software

This scanner applies to all VAG vehicles: Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Seat, and Skoda. Being an OEM tool, the scanner can perform the full scope of operations: programming, coding, reconfiguring, firmware updating, and re-flashing, as well as such basic procedures as error codes reading and clearing, identification readout, etc.  

And those are just a few examples. It is essential to understand that an ideal scanner that would be able cover all the problems just doesn’t exist. The type of scanner to select depends on the specific tasks it is supposed to perform. Good choice of scanner will allow you to get the best out of it.