Cars - For Car Enthusiasts

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My dad runs a small auto repair shop. Recommendations on a pro level obd2 code scanner? (lemmy.ca)

submitted 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) by rabber@lemmy.ca to c/cars@lemmy.world

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He mostly fixes domestic trucks but gets japanese cars sometimes too. He rarely takes jobs on euro cars.

Can you recommend a "professional" grade code scanner?

I want to buy this for him for xmas so hoping to not break my wallet too much here.

Any thoughts on the scanners on aliexpress etc? Not opposed to chinese stuff, just needs to be simple enough for an older guy to use and be up to date for most common newer vehicles.

He is pretty comfortable with using his android phone - could we get same functionality and save a bunch of money buying something that works with a smartphone instead of a tablet style scanner?

Canada here, btw, if that detail means anything.

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[–] AbidingOhmsLaw@lemmy.ml 7 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

You need to make sure it's J-2534, Can bus, obd2 and can program OEM modules. A lot of the scanners sold on eBay, Ali express, Amazon, etc are not up to snuff for a real mechanic / business. Take a look at https://www.boschdiagnostics.com/products/mastertech-ii-j2534-vci

The pro stuff will break the bank though. If he want to just read/clear stored codes and view PIDs the MX+ will work good for that, but you might not be able to reprogram a BCM with the proper VIN etc. Although I have used a MX+ with ForScan fairly successfully on my own vehicle, just would not try it on someone else's.