For car owners in 2016 seeking to go beyond basic check-engine light diagnostics, understanding the limitations of simple OBDII scanners was crucial. While a basic, budget-friendly Bluetooth ELM 327 dongle paired with a phone app might seem appealing, these tools often fall short when you need in-depth analysis. These entry-level options are primarily designed to read OBDII systems, which means they can miss vital data residing in non-OBDII systems. For instance, monitoring something as fundamental as oil level typically requires accessing systems beyond the scope of standard OBDII. While OBDII can report sensor malfunctions related to oil level, it won’t provide the actual oil level reading itself. Brands like VeePeak openly acknowledge that their scanners are limited to OBDII functions. Therefore, for comprehensive car diagnostics in 2016, especially for accessing non-OBDII communications, more specialized tools were necessary.
At the more affordable end of advanced diagnostic tools in 2016, options like Autel’s DiagLink emerged, priced around $90-$100. The DiagLink offered a significant step up by interfacing with non-OBDII systems. However, it came with a key constraint: it was primarily designed for a single car brand. Each DiagLink purchase included software for one brand, downloadable and installable by the user. For users committed to a single car brand, this tool presented a cost-effective solution for advanced diagnostics. The DiagLink’s capabilities extended to tasks often beyond basic scanners, such as resetting oil change lights and engaging electric parking brakes for service – functionalities typically unavailable in similarly priced generic OBDII scanners, at least for the programmed brand. While software for additional car brands was available for purchase, typically around $10 per brand, this single-brand focus was a crucial consideration for potential buyers in 2016.
For those needing multi-brand diagnostic capabilities in 2016, tools like the Autel MD806, priced around $200, offered a more versatile solution. While potentially sharing similar internal hardware with the DiagLink, the MD806 utilized software allowing diagnostics across multiple car brands without requiring separate software downloads for each. Furthermore, the MD806 typically included lifetime software updates, adding long-term value. Although “lifetime” in software terms usually refers to the product’s support lifespan, not literal decades, the MD806 represented a strong value proposition for users working with different car brands. For home mechanics and car enthusiasts in 2016 who needed a reliable, multi-faceted diagnostic tool without breaking the bank, the Autel MD806 stood out as one of the best car diagnostic tool options available, balancing comprehensive features with reasonable cost.
