Tech 2 scanner vs Autel

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Fless

Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Apr 2, 2017
Posts
11,896
Reaction score
24,221
Location
Elev 5,280
When I had my Tech 2 I used a soft tool bag from Harbor Freight. Because I left the cable connected to the bottom of the Tech 2, the bag was long enough to accommodate that with it coiled. It can be a pain to disconnect that cable all the time so I wanted something that would allow me to leave it on and conveniently ready.
 
Last edited:

homesick

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2018
Posts
1,044
Reaction score
2,469
This hard case is 18 x 13. The scanner is 12" long, so your idea would probably work, with the scanner laid cross-ways. I like the extra physical protection of a hard case.

joe
 

West 1

Member
Joined
Jan 20, 2023
Posts
62
Reaction score
94
I have a Launch X431V +, it is a very good tool, bi directional, does most programming needed, ABS, brake Bleeding, TPS sensor coding, module programing. Key programming. The thing to look at when buying, does the scan tool have an annual fee to keep it working and updated. I hate that the Launch has a $400 per year fee to keep it updated. The Big Catch, If you do not update it for $400 per year they DISABLE your machine so it is useless for anything. I don't mind paying for updates when I want them but they should not be able to disable my machine if I choose not to update it. That is BS. Other than that the Launch is a very capable tool. I have not needed to have Tech 2 yet. This is a $1200 purchase so you want it to keep working.
 

Fless

Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Apr 2, 2017
Posts
11,896
Reaction score
24,221
Location
Elev 5,280
I have a Launch X431V +, it is a very good tool, bi directional, does most programming needed, ABS, brake Bleeding, TPS sensor coding, module programing. Key programming. The thing to look at when buying, does the scan tool have an annual fee to keep it working and updated. I hate that the Launch has a $400 per year fee to keep it updated. The Big Catch, If you do not update it for $400 per year they DISABLE your machine so it is useless for anything. I don't mind paying for updates when I want them but they should not be able to disable my machine if I choose not to update it. That is BS. Other than that the Launch is a very capable tool. I have not needed to have Tech 2 yet. This is a $1200 purchase so you want it to keep working.

That's a "gotcha." The Autels -- at least my MaxiPro MP808S-TS -- aren't like that; updates are not required unless you need them for the later model cars. I don't work on anything that's only a year old. After the initial year it does prompt you when you boot it but you don't have to renew for it to work on anything it's been updated for already.
 
Last edited:

Doubeleive

Wes
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2017
Posts
26,247
Reaction score
39,347
Location
Stockton, Ca.
I have a Launch X431V +, it is a very good tool, bi directional, does most programming needed, ABS, brake Bleeding, TPS sensor coding, module programing. Key programming. The thing to look at when buying, does the scan tool have an annual fee to keep it working and updated. I hate that the Launch has a $400 per year fee to keep it updated. The Big Catch, If you do not update it for $400 per year they DISABLE your machine so it is useless for anything. I don't mind paying for updates when I want them but they should not be able to disable my machine if I choose not to update it. That is BS. Other than that the Launch is a very capable tool. I have not needed to have Tech 2 yet. This is a $1200 purchase so you want it to keep working.
it's important to always do your homework when investing in a scanner, sucks that launch basically cripples the scanner. For a person that does not operate a business or a repair shop it is not the best choice. Most of us only need it to work on what we own and only need to break it out when a problem occurs in order to save a pricey trip to the dealer I would be mad to say the least if I pulled it out 6 months down the road only to discover it needs a $400 update in order to function for a advanced diagnostic FU!
 

West 1

Member
Joined
Jan 20, 2023
Posts
62
Reaction score
94
With Launch all updates are free for 2 years, once that time is up it is $400 per year to keep it operating. Before retiring I worked on all makes so it was very handy. I could jump from a Mercedes to a Suburban and it took care of both.
 

Doubeleive

Wes
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2017
Posts
26,247
Reaction score
39,347
Location
Stockton, Ca.
Do you, or anyone else, know what sort of programing options are available with this?
not really programming stand alone but you can relearn some modules to the vin under special functions
if you have a older pre-2007 you can do more with the tds2000 software that usually is included with a hacked file that has to be inserted after install
 

Forum statistics

Threads
132,366
Posts
1,866,807
Members
96,989
Latest member
Mreedini
Top