Autel MS300 Universal OBD2 Scanner Car Code Reader, Turn Off Check Engine Light, Read & Erase Fault Codes, Check Emission Monitor Status CAN Vehicles Diagnostic Scan Tool

Having had so many problems getting an OBD2-USB cable talking between my laptop and car, I opted to go for this item and pretty glad I didPlugged it into the OBD2 socket (under the ashtray in the centre) on my 2003 Vauxhall Signum 2.2 Auto (pretty much a Vectra). The scanner lit up straight away and found the correct protocol before identifying one fault P0302 - a quick read of the included PDF file and hard copy of the user manual booklet identified a misfire on cylinder 2 (which seems pretty consistent with a problem I've been having (now will get my hands dirty and investigate more) The unit lets you reset the code, so I'll see if it comes up again. It also correctly read and identified the VIN and advises that the engine warning light was 'off' and that various scanning functions are running.Next test was on my 2002 MG ZT 160 - OBD2 socket is just to the right of the steering column, about knee-height. Again, plugged in, found the correct protocol and gave a 'no faults' responseFinal test was on my Wife's 1999 Vauxhall Tigra 1.6. The OBD socket is in the fuse panel to the right of the steering column (about knee-level again) This time, plugged in, but couldn't find the correct protocol, so couldn't read the codes. I'm guessing that because this is an older vehicle, the protocol isn't supportedAll in all, I'd say this was a pretty good item - it does the job and supplies the info you need in a pretty simple way. I guess you could ask for bells and whistles (eg an auto lookup of the fault code on the unit itself) but you get what you pay for. I wanted to pay as little as possible to identify any fault codes and that's exactly what I got - its not exactly a hardship to go and look it up in the PDF or booklet or key in the fault code to the little app thats included on a mini-CD. Buy it...if your car is after 2002, you probably won't be disappointed

This is a great gadget for anyone who fixes their own car or who simply wants to get rid of a pesky check engine light on their dashboard.Since 2001, every car sold in the EU has to have a little socket on it for on-board diagnostics. This gadget plugs into that socket and communicates with the car’s on-board computer. The computer stores information from various sensors, such as emissions sensors, temperature sensors, knock sensors, as well as performance data and generates a code if the car detects any problems. Using this device, you can read that code and get some idea of what’s causing the issue.Much of the time, if that little check engine light comes on, you’re probably going to want to get your car checked out. However, sometimes it can come on following a misfire, or if the engines too cold or sometimes just for no reason at all. This little gadget can turn that pesky thing off with a couple of clicks.Knowing the code for a fault can save a lot of time and money on trial-and-error repairs. It can also save you taking your car to a garage for a very minor resolution (such as changing spark plugs, etc). In that respect, this device could end up paying for itself many times over. Definitely value for money at the price being sold.

I had a SAAB 93 which broke down without warning one day. The AA got me home but no fault was recorded on the ECU so I had no idea what was wrong. The AA technician advised me it would happen again and may record a fault when it did.So I bought this as it was cheap and reviews seemed good.Sure enough the car died again a short time after and it this time the ECU light came on, thus confirming it had recorded a fault. So using the instructions that came with the OBD2 I set to work. It took about 30 seconds to work out how to use it and a further minute to interrogate the ECU. The resulting code was easy to translate into a fault, using the handbook that came with the unit.So having established it was the EGR valve I asked my local garage to change it. They asked me how I'd diagnosed the fault and I told them I'd used the OBD2. The advised me the standard charge for interrogating the ECU is £42.Obviously they didn't charge me as I'd told them the fault.Having seen how simple this is I can't believe they charge that much but then I guess most folk think it's a really complicated and involved process. It isn't.Anyway, there you have it: This unit saved me more money than it cost, the very first time I used it!I've since lent it to 3 people, all of whom have gone and bought one!It's a shame it can't be used to reset other codes and dashboard advisory lights, like airbags and servicing etc, but it is a great bit of kit... your local garage won't want you to have one!!I have a different car now and am hoping not to need it for a long, long time though!!In summary:Ease of use: 5 stars.Value for Money: 5 stars.Functionality: 4 stars.Highly recommended.