Automotive Tools
Automotive diagnostic tools get the same electronics-engineer treatment as everything else on this channel: what protocols does it actually support, how does it perform on a real vehicle with a real fault, and does the hardware behind the app justify the price.
This category covers OBD-II scanners, diagnostic interfaces, and automotive electronics tools, tested on real vehicles rather than a bench-top demo board. Any sponsorship or affiliate relationship is disclosed on the relevant video’s page.
SDG #370 XTool XT80W Wireless Diagnostic Scan Tool (OBD-II)
Hands-on with the XTool XT80W wireless OBD2 scan tool: topology scanning, live data graphing, DTC clearing and actuation tests on a real vehicle.
SDG #364 VDIAG V200 Pro Automotive Circuit Probe and Wire Tracer
Hands-on test of the VDIAG V200 Pro power probe and wire tracer: teardown, current limits, scope accuracy and finding a broken wire in seconds.
SDG #350 Kingbolen K7 Bi-Directional Diagnostic Scan Tool
Hands-on with the Kingbolen K7 bi-directional scan tool: full system health scan, live data graphing, actuation tests, coding and 3 years of updates.
SDG #342 Which car diagnostic tool for 2024? Kingbolen, Launch, Thinkscan, Thinkcar?
Seven OBD2 scan tools compared: Ediag Mini, Thinkdiag 2, Kingbolen S500, Launch CRP429C, Thinkscan Max 2, CRP919EBT and X431 Pro Elite.
SDG #337 Launch Creader Elite 2.0 BMW VAG Mercedes Diagnostic Tool
Hands-on look at the Launch Creader Elite 2.0 diagnostic scanner: coverage, bidirectional tests, service resets and whether it earns its price.
SDG #336 Viofo Mini 2K Dash Camera Review
Hands-on review of the Viofo Mini 2K dash camera: HK5 hardwire kit, app setup, real current draw in parking mode and day and night video quality.
SDG #332 XTool D7W Wireless Diagnostic Scan Tool (OBD-II)
Hands-on look at the XTool D7W wireless OBD2 scanner: bi-directional tests, service resets, live data and real in-vehicle results on a UK car.
SDG #330 Launch CRP919E BT Wireless Diagnostic Scan Tool (OBD-II)
Hands-on look at the Launch CRP919E BT wireless OBD2 scan tool: bi-directional tests, ECU coding, system coverage and how it performs on real cars.
SDG #315 Launch X431 Pro Elite Diagnostic Tool
Hands-on look at the Launch X431 Pro Elite: bi-directional tests, ECU coding, service resets and how it performs on real vehicles in the workshop.
SDG #312 Launch CRP429C All Systems Diagnostic Tool
Hands-on look at the Launch CRP429C OBD2 scanner: full system scanning, live data, service resets and how it performs on a real vehicle.
SDG #309 Kingbolen Ediag Mini OBD-II Bluetooth Diagnostic Dongle
Hands-on with the Kingbolen Ediag Mini: full system scans, live data from ABS and HVAC modules, code clearing and what costs extra.
SDG #306 OTOFIX D1 Lite OBD-II Diagnostic Scan Tool (Autel)
Hands-on look at the OTOFIX D1 Lite diagnostic tablet on a Ford Mondeo: auto scan, live data graphing, DPF regen and what the missing bi-directional control…
SDG #302 Launch CRP123X and a Ford Focus Ecoboost with P0137 and P0141 O2 Sensor Codes
Testing the Launch CRP123X scan tool on a Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost with P0137 and P0141 codes, plus a vacuum leak found with a smoke machine.
SDG #300 Kingbolen S500 Smart Diagnostic Tool
Hands-on review of the Kingbolen S500 OBD2 scan tool: 4-module access, live data graphing, free updates, and where the S500 falls short vs the S600/S800.
SDG #296 XTOOL IP616 OBD-II Car Diagnostic Tool Scanner
Hands-on look at the XTOOL IP616 OBD2 scanner: full system codes, live data graphing, 31 special functions, lifetime updates, and one key limitation.
SDG #290 Kingbolen BM550 Lead-Acid Car Battery Tester Review
Hands-on review and full teardown of the Kingbolen BM550 12V battery tester: CCA testing, 4-wire measurement, internal resistance and PCB analysis.
SDG #277 Launch Creader Elite BMW OBD-II Diagnostic Tool Review
A hands-on look at the Launch Creader Elite BMW diagnostic tool: module coverage, live data, service resets and whether it beats a generic OBD-II reader.
SDG #272 Thinkcar THINKSCAN Max 2 OBD-II Diagnostic Tool Review
Hands-on review of the Thinkcar THINKSCAN Max 2: full-system diagnostics, live data graphing, 28 service functions and how it performs on a real car.
SDG #266 Low Cost Kingbolen YA100 OBD-II Code/DTC Reader and Diagnostic Tool
A hands-on look at the budget Kingbolen YA100 OBD2 scanner: what it reads, live data, I/M readiness, plus a full teardown of the internal hardware.
SDG #256 Thinkcar Thinkdiag 2 Car OBD Diagnostic Tool with Bi-directional functions and coding!
Hands-on look at the Thinkcar Thinkdiag 2 OBD2 dongle: bi-directional tests, coding, service resets and a full teardown of the hardware inside.
SDG #253 Battery Testing - Topdon BT200 Internal Resistance and CCA Tester
Hands-on look at the Topdon BT200 car battery tester: CCA and internal resistance accuracy, teardown, and scope traces of its test method.