Diagnostic Code Reader

Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN OBD-II Scan Tool Review

for those with link error, I didn’t read the manual but you need the ignition in the ON position (not ACC or OFF). For those with codes that it read that had already been repaired… your mechanic should have cleared the codes in the computer after the repair but did not. Now you can clear them yourself. It’s possible the repair didn’t work, either, but if the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp, aka check engine light etc) didn’t come back on, you should be fine.
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This Autel scans my 1998 Subaru Legacy and read the P0440 code just the same as the Actron. It cleared the code successfully and the MIL turned off. This unit also scans my wife’s 2010 Toyota RAV4, but it doesn’t have any check engine light to confirm codes or any of that stuff.

The included manual comes with generic DTC definitions, but the definitions are so short you need to search them on the web anyway to translate and determine the severity. That’s true with just about any scanner, especially those in this price range so I was expecting that. The manual does not list manufacturer specific codes that the tool presumably reports, but you can get those on the web. I’ve found that obd-codes dot com to be a good resource for _most_ DTC generic and manufacturer specific definitions. It also includes other details for generic codes that are helpful.

It is true that most auto parts stores will scan your car for free, but that’s not always convenient. Plus, if you have an intermittent problem that occassionally trips the MIL, you might dismiss any future instance of the MIL as the original issue, and potentially cause harm to your vehicle. If you own a scanner, it’s easy to regularly verify.

I also own a more expensive Actron CP9180 but I bought the Autel to leave in my car at all times. Since MS300 so inexpensive I wouldn’t be too upset if it gets baked in the summer heat. This product feels like a toy (very light and it has a short short cord…maybe 18″), but it seems to work. I only gave it 4 stars because of the feel of the product, but quite honestly I wasn’t expecting anything more based on the price and the fact that these are made in china.

My Actron has a lot of features that I’ll never use (I’m just a consumer, not a mechanic), but it is a solid product that will presumably last much longer than the cheaply made MS300. Even though I paid a cheaper price for the Actron on eBay, you can get three MS300 tools for the same price of the Actron, and the MS300 tool has every feature that normal consumers like myself need.

Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN OBD-II Scan Tool Feature

• Retrieves generic and manufacturer specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC), includes definitions lookup software on CD and displays DTC definitions on screen
• Features an easy-to-read backlit LCD screen, multilingual menu and DTC definitions and standard 16-pin OBD-II connector; no additional cables are needed
• Retrieves VIN (Vehicle Identification No) on 2002 and newer vehicles that support Mode 9; powered by cars electrical system, so no batteries required
• Supports the CAN (Controller Area Network) protols and all other current OBD-II protocols
• Works with all OBD-II compliant U.S., European and Asian vehicles (OBD-II is standard on all cars sold in U.S. post-1996)

Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN OBD-II Scan Tool Overview

The MaxiScan code reader supports all OBD2 protocols, including the newly released Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol. Though it is small, it is able to retrieve same information as large expensive scanners. This code reader reviews the emission readiness status of OBD monitors and determines the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) status as well as turns off check engine light. It comes with free CD software with over 7000 DTC definitions and is powered via detachable OBD2 cable.

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Customer Reviews

Best value for the money – Frank R. Nichols – Oceanside, CA USA
Worked great.
I read the reviews here before purchasing it. A few of the bad reviews seemed to be due to a poorly-written instruction booklet. Neither I nor my son had the slightest problem in using this device to read and reset the OBD-II codes.
Compared with the cheapest devices at our local auto stores (at twice the price) this did everything we needed. We saved a bundle by diagnosing our own problems instead of paying to any number of local shops to diagnose it for us (they charge just to read the codes!).
The fancy models provide a plain English on-screen definition of the codes. By looking up the codes in the book that comes with this product, we saved about 0 by purchasing this model.

MaxiScan MS300 – Bill. Aiken – Flint, Texas
Does everything that was stated in the ad. Didn’t solve my problem, but that’s another story.
I believe it will be of value as it gives a more detailed check the engine, (That is IF YOU READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY FIRST!), At first I thought it was defective, then I REALLY read the instructions and I wasn’t doing it right.

If your the type that likes gadgets (me)and also like a heads up, when you have to take it in for repair or if you can repair the problem- well worth the money.

Code reader – Red Sun –
This is a great code reader that is designed for vehicle owner use. It doesn’t have the ability to read data stream. It can read freeze frame. the limited data caught as the code sets. This scanner works great on CAN cars. CAN is the protocyl required for cars sold in the United States 2008 & older. It will work on the older OBD2 cars, but seems a little slower on them. I would suggest buying a scanner that can connect to the CAN protocyl. You can find some cars out there that are older than 2008 that still have CAN protocyl.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 18, 2010 00:40:23

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