Need a new diagnostic computer

Need a new diagnostic computer

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Dog Star

Original Poster:

16,491 posts

175 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
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I was burgled a few months ago and one of the many things stolen was my Autel diagnostic computer (I forget the model - it was orange, knew the codes (ie. displayed the errors not just a code) and cost about £150 (receipt was in the box!).

I'm just a home mechanic but would like a replacement - something to display the errors and also something that can reset such things as airbag/ABS lights, as I know this isn't something normal readers do.

Something cheaper than my stolen one would be handy, as I got comprehensively cleaned out and blew the limit on my insurance cover frown

ch427

9,746 posts

240 months

Thursday 28th August 2014
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You will struggle to find a tool that does abs and airbags on every model for that price, you may have go for a manufacturer specific one.

imagineifyeswill

1,233 posts

173 months

Monday 1st September 2014
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I use a Snap On micro scan and that cost £200 but doesnt do ABS or Airbags. I needed something that would reset Electronic Parking Brakes so bought a Sykes Pikcavant tool that also does ABS that on its own was £250.

gtijon

18 posts

147 months

Wednesday 10th September 2014
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I've also been looking for one that will do all (or most) makes and models along with airbag lights and ABS lights.

The Launch CRP123 and 129 look like they do most makes and ABS and Airbag lights, and they're about for £150 plus. There's also an Autel which does most makes, and a series of others which will do 4 or 5 makes (ie, there's a German makes one, a Far East makes one etc.). Autel also have a really good product comparision grid, which helps understand what each product actually does. There are also a huge number of ebay cheapies with all sorts of claims, but to be honest it's nigh on impossible to work out what the capabilities of them are from most of the adverts.

The other option is to go for a seriously cheap, straightforward ODB-II reader or bluetooth dongle and phone app. You then spend £20-£30 tops and spend some money when you need to get an ABS lamp cleared. To be honest, I'm leaning towards this option, as it saves buying a £150+ tool and finding that it's out of date before it's had much use.

So far, I've not managed to find a diag tool so far that's at a home mechanic budget but with a really comprehensive feature set. If anyone has, please let me know!

Dog Star

Original Poster:

16,491 posts

175 months

Wednesday 10th September 2014
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The Autel is what was stolen. I'll probably just wait til another ABS or whatever issue occurs and buy another. Doesn't sound like there's much better.