I've been reading through the various scan tool threads after going down the rabbit hole of reading the OPDA and Camshaft position sensor threads. I installed a Crown OPDA today during my build and broke my stuck cam position sensor, so I am going to have to use the Crown sensor or another aftermarket sensor (Napa?). Anticipating issues when I get the TJ running again in a month or so (it's in pieces), but I want to be prepared and at least have a starting point.
What is the least expensive solution that will allow you to do everything you possibly would want a scan tool to do? I compiled a list below of scan tools I've seen mentioned here.
I currently have a BAFX Product 34t5 "ELM 327 Compatible" OBDII Scanner that I use with Torque Pro that I've owned for a while, long before I ever got my TJ. I know I can reset the check engine light with it and clear codes, but I do not think it can do the relearn or that it can tell me the difference numbers in something other than hex (based on posts here).
One Amazon, I put in various combos of "TJ" and "Wrangler" in the "ask Rufus" box to see what their AI had to say about the products I found mentioned in various threads on this forum.
EDIT: I have a 2005 LJ, despite Rufus spitting out random other years and models when it gives me an answer
I had high hopes for the ThinkDiag2 handheld ($160) and Bluetooth only version, but saw they require a subscription after a year. Rufus says "The Thinkdiag OBD2 scanner can regulate idle speed and perform other functions like ABS bleeding, injector coding, and SAS reset on a 2004 Jeep Wrangler TJ, as evidenced by customer questions and answers".
Kingbolen ($145) appears to be a clone of the ThinkDiag2 and also requires a subscription. Rufus says "I did not find any reviews explicitly mentioning compatibility with the Wrangler TJ model. However, the product description states it works with 1996 and newer vehicles from 120+ brands, which would likely include the 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ".
Innova 5610 is not crazy expensive ($250), but I think I only saw one person mention it worked, and it was for the camshaft sensor relearn. Rufus says "The Innova 5610 bidirectional scan tool can command and test functions on a 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ, such as operating the fuel pump, retracting the electronic parking brake, and performing bidirectional controls to pinpoint issues. According to the product description, it works on all 1996 and newer OBD2 vehicles."
Inova 5410 is a little less ($179), but it has also only been mentioned once here and the user was "happy with it." Rufus says "The product information shows that it works on a 2006 Jeep Wrangler, but does not specifically mention a 2009 Jeep Wrangler TJ. However, one customer report using it successfully on their 2006 Jeep Wrangler".
FOXWELL NT510 Elite ($200) claims it can do it all, but I think I've only seen it mentioned once here. Rufus says "The Foxwell NT510 Elite can read and clear codes, perform bi-directional control tests, and provide live data streams for all systems on 1999-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJs. However, it cannot diagnose or program the ECM/PCM or relearn transmissions on these vehicles".
Zurich ($160) from Harbor Freight has some mentions here, but I'm not sure what it can do.
Autel Devices (Comparison chart here). Has a subscription for updates (new care models) but not for functionality.
Autel MaxiCom MK808S ($480)is the most expensive beside a DRBIII but sounds like it does it all based on forum posts. Rufus says "I did not find any reviews mentioning support for a 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ. However, the product information shows it supports 2007-2021 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. To confirm compatibility for your 1997 Wrangler TJ, I recommend reaching out to the manufacturer or consulting their online vehicle coverage tool." EDIT: Newegg (third party seller, so beware) appears to have it for $369 https://www.newegg.com/p/0AF-01XB-00007
Autel MaxiCom MK808BT PRO/ MK808Z-BT/MK808K-BT $550) Adds Battery Analysis and Bluetooth Connectivity to vehicle
Autel MaxiCom MK808S-TS ($650) Adds battery Analysis, Bluetooth Connectivity to vehicle, Complete Immobilizer function, Advanced TPMS functions and activation, Programming of Autel MC Sensor, Comprehensive OBD relearn coverage, and on-screen relearn procedure
Autel MaxiCheck MX808S-TS ($550) is supposedly "Same as MX900-TS TS900, US Ver. of MaxiCOM MK808S-TS MK808Z-TS Upgrade of MK808S MK808Z" Even the Autel site seems to confirm this as the comparison chart matches the Maxicon model. In fact, it appears the MaxiCheck versions of all the deives are $100 cheaper (have MX instead of MK prefix on model number). I'll need to check if there are any other issues with getting these "US version" instead of the others... maybe the subscription is more. EDIT: It appears the MaxiCheck devices are normally the same price as the MaxiCom devices, but one of the sellers has it on sale. The two main sellers appear to be AutelTech and AutelUS - both appear to be authorized sellers in the US. Both ship from Amazon. AutelUS currently has a lightening deal going on their devices, hence the lower price.
EDIT: I'll add more devices as they are posted, or I stumble on them. Everything below here was added after the initial post
ICON T7 ($400) from Harbor Freight comes up when you search for the Autel MK808S. There are no mentions on the forums. One reviewer on HF said "Incredibly impressed with this scanner for the price. It's scans faster than expected and haven't found a obd2 vehicle it won't read yet. Has almost all of the features of my friends autel 906 except for a camera and oscilloscope. Surprisingly the screen is clear enough to read wiring diagrams from alldata. Couldn't find a more versatile scanner for under 500 dollars."
There is also the DRB III emulator thread, started by @AndyA but it appears the needed hardware is no longer available... Searching for Micropod 2 has tons of hits and makes it appear to be available, but the thread implies the currently available hardware does not work.
XTool D8 looks like it is no longer for sale, but there are two updated version the D8W ($700) and D8S ($650). I do not see it mentioned in the forum other than the recommendation from @DuckNut below. They both appear well-reviewed and have pretty big coupons at the moment ($120 each). Rufus says "The XTOOL D8S supports full system diagnostics and bi-directional control for the 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ. It can perform active tests and access modules like the engine, transmission, ABS, SRS, body control module and more. Common services it can perform include oil reset, EPB reset, SAS calibration, BMS reset, throttle relearn and injector coding. However, I recommend checking compatibility with your specific TJ model year and required functions before purchasing" and for the D8W "I did not find any reviews mentioning compatibility with the Wrangler TJ model. However, the product description states that the XTOOL D8W can perform full system diagnostics and bi-directional control on vehicles from various manufacturers".
What is the least expensive solution that will allow you to do everything you possibly would want a scan tool to do? I compiled a list below of scan tools I've seen mentioned here.
I currently have a BAFX Product 34t5 "ELM 327 Compatible" OBDII Scanner that I use with Torque Pro that I've owned for a while, long before I ever got my TJ. I know I can reset the check engine light with it and clear codes, but I do not think it can do the relearn or that it can tell me the difference numbers in something other than hex (based on posts here).
One Amazon, I put in various combos of "TJ" and "Wrangler" in the "ask Rufus" box to see what their AI had to say about the products I found mentioned in various threads on this forum.
EDIT: I have a 2005 LJ, despite Rufus spitting out random other years and models when it gives me an answer
I had high hopes for the ThinkDiag2 handheld ($160) and Bluetooth only version, but saw they require a subscription after a year. Rufus says "The Thinkdiag OBD2 scanner can regulate idle speed and perform other functions like ABS bleeding, injector coding, and SAS reset on a 2004 Jeep Wrangler TJ, as evidenced by customer questions and answers".
Kingbolen ($145) appears to be a clone of the ThinkDiag2 and also requires a subscription. Rufus says "I did not find any reviews explicitly mentioning compatibility with the Wrangler TJ model. However, the product description states it works with 1996 and newer vehicles from 120+ brands, which would likely include the 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ".
Innova 5610 is not crazy expensive ($250), but I think I only saw one person mention it worked, and it was for the camshaft sensor relearn. Rufus says "The Innova 5610 bidirectional scan tool can command and test functions on a 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ, such as operating the fuel pump, retracting the electronic parking brake, and performing bidirectional controls to pinpoint issues. According to the product description, it works on all 1996 and newer OBD2 vehicles."
Inova 5410 is a little less ($179), but it has also only been mentioned once here and the user was "happy with it." Rufus says "The product information shows that it works on a 2006 Jeep Wrangler, but does not specifically mention a 2009 Jeep Wrangler TJ. However, one customer report using it successfully on their 2006 Jeep Wrangler".
FOXWELL NT510 Elite ($200) claims it can do it all, but I think I've only seen it mentioned once here. Rufus says "The Foxwell NT510 Elite can read and clear codes, perform bi-directional control tests, and provide live data streams for all systems on 1999-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJs. However, it cannot diagnose or program the ECM/PCM or relearn transmissions on these vehicles".
Zurich ($160) from Harbor Freight has some mentions here, but I'm not sure what it can do.
Autel Devices (Comparison chart here). Has a subscription for updates (new care models) but not for functionality.
Autel MaxiCom MK808S ($480)is the most expensive beside a DRBIII but sounds like it does it all based on forum posts. Rufus says "I did not find any reviews mentioning support for a 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ. However, the product information shows it supports 2007-2021 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. To confirm compatibility for your 1997 Wrangler TJ, I recommend reaching out to the manufacturer or consulting their online vehicle coverage tool." EDIT: Newegg (third party seller, so beware) appears to have it for $369 https://www.newegg.com/p/0AF-01XB-00007
Autel MaxiCom MK808BT PRO/ MK808Z-BT/MK808K-BT $550) Adds Battery Analysis and Bluetooth Connectivity to vehicle
Autel MaxiCom MK808S-TS ($650) Adds battery Analysis, Bluetooth Connectivity to vehicle, Complete Immobilizer function, Advanced TPMS functions and activation, Programming of Autel MC Sensor, Comprehensive OBD relearn coverage, and on-screen relearn procedure
Autel MaxiCheck MX808S-TS ($550) is supposedly "Same as MX900-TS TS900, US Ver. of MaxiCOM MK808S-TS MK808Z-TS Upgrade of MK808S MK808Z" Even the Autel site seems to confirm this as the comparison chart matches the Maxicon model. In fact, it appears the MaxiCheck versions of all the deives are $100 cheaper (have MX instead of MK prefix on model number). I'll need to check if there are any other issues with getting these "US version" instead of the others... maybe the subscription is more. EDIT: It appears the MaxiCheck devices are normally the same price as the MaxiCom devices, but one of the sellers has it on sale. The two main sellers appear to be AutelTech and AutelUS - both appear to be authorized sellers in the US. Both ship from Amazon. AutelUS currently has a lightening deal going on their devices, hence the lower price.
EDIT: I'll add more devices as they are posted, or I stumble on them. Everything below here was added after the initial post
ICON T7 ($400) from Harbor Freight comes up when you search for the Autel MK808S. There are no mentions on the forums. One reviewer on HF said "Incredibly impressed with this scanner for the price. It's scans faster than expected and haven't found a obd2 vehicle it won't read yet. Has almost all of the features of my friends autel 906 except for a camera and oscilloscope. Surprisingly the screen is clear enough to read wiring diagrams from alldata. Couldn't find a more versatile scanner for under 500 dollars."
There is also the DRB III emulator thread, started by @AndyA but it appears the needed hardware is no longer available... Searching for Micropod 2 has tons of hits and makes it appear to be available, but the thread implies the currently available hardware does not work.
XTool D8 looks like it is no longer for sale, but there are two updated version the D8W ($700) and D8S ($650). I do not see it mentioned in the forum other than the recommendation from @DuckNut below. They both appear well-reviewed and have pretty big coupons at the moment ($120 each). Rufus says "The XTOOL D8S supports full system diagnostics and bi-directional control for the 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ. It can perform active tests and access modules like the engine, transmission, ABS, SRS, body control module and more. Common services it can perform include oil reset, EPB reset, SAS calibration, BMS reset, throttle relearn and injector coding. However, I recommend checking compatibility with your specific TJ model year and required functions before purchasing" and for the D8W "I did not find any reviews mentioning compatibility with the Wrangler TJ model. However, the product description states that the XTOOL D8W can perform full system diagnostics and bi-directional control on vehicles from various manufacturers".
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