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Best Diagnostics Tool / Software

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Best Diagnostics Tool / Software

Postby diego1255 » Wed Jan 13, 2021 1:37 pm

As the subject shows, I am looking for advice on the best, budget diagnostics suite.

Model: Ford Transit 2017 2 lLiter Diesel Eco.

Up to now, have been using Delphis DE150 with the 2015 version of the autocomm software. This worked fine until a newer 2017 model became part of the fleet. It appears the 2015 version of the software does not support a connection.

I am wondering what the current budget options are with maximum functionality. Preferred would be a wired method via USB and an OBD 2.0 connection, avoiding any android / bluetooth devices.

Is ELM327 a viable option?

Thanks for your help in advance, looking forward to hear back. 8)
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Re: Best Diagnostics Tool / Software

Postby dumper » Wed Jan 13, 2021 4:13 pm

Yes go for the Elm and Forscan that’s what is mostly advised on hear .
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Re: Best Diagnostics Tool / Software

Postby Jay2018 » Wed Jan 13, 2021 5:48 pm

As Dumper said, ELM: (this is the one I bought because this particular seller has sold almost 2000 units; has probably sold a lot more if you include other selling platforms)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Modified-ELM ... 2749.l2649

Download Forscan to your Windows laptop.

http://www.forscan.org

Get the free trial of the Extended license by following the information on the site.
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Re: Best Diagnostics Tool / Software

Postby DaveXE » Thu Jan 14, 2021 11:02 am

I have previously always used launch or autel tools but recently have been using the Thinkdiag it can be bought on ebay amazon etc or if you are living in the UK you can check out https://thinkdiag.co.uk . This is made by launch and uses the same software but it is much cheaper than buying a launch device. It has enhanced code reading actuation tests and special functions to a near OE level and is a really good piece of kit, If you want me to check if anything in particular is supported for you let me know but this is a good piece of kit.
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Re: Best Diagnostics Tool / Software

Postby knobby1 » Fri Jan 15, 2021 10:55 am

DaveXE wrote:I have previously always used launch or autel tools but recently have been using the Thinkdiag it can be bought on ebay amazon etc or if you are living in the UK you can check out https://thinkdiag.co.uk . This is made by launch and uses the same software but it is much cheaper than buying a launch device. It has enhanced code reading actuation tests and special functions to a near OE level and is a really good piece of kit, If you want me to check if anything in particular is supported for you let me know but this is a good piece of kit.


We find the Bluetooth units tend to be a bit flakey and tend to drop out at the most inopportune times...not a good look when halfway through doing a set of learns or programming a pump.

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Re: Best Diagnostics Tool / Software

Postby andz327 » Wed Jan 20, 2021 1:53 am

DaveXE wrote:I have previously always used launch or autel tools but recently have been using the Thinkdiag it can be bought on ebay amazon etc or if you are living in the UK you can check out https://thinkdiag.co.uk . This is made by launch and uses the same software but it is much cheaper than buying a launch device. It has enhanced code reading actuation tests and special functions to a near OE level and is a really good piece of kit, If you want me to check if anything in particular is supported for you let me know but this is a good piece of kit.
Was going to invest in launches Diagun........ with the thinkDiag is it make specific, does it cost more shekels per manufacturer?

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Re: Best Diagnostics Tool / Software

Postby DaveXE » Tue Jan 26, 2021 1:28 pm

The thinkdiag works on either one car manufacturer or all depending on the version that you buy and is made by Launch who are one of the leaders of diagnostic equipment. The thinkdiag is comparable to the launch pro tools and i have never had the bluetooth disconnect as described by another user above i have always found both launch and autel made tools to have very well built equipment. The thinkdiag supports special functions but also live data and actuation tests so it has no problem with sas reset dpf regen etc
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Re: Best Diagnostics Tool / Software

Postby knobby1 » Tue Jan 26, 2021 9:11 pm

DaveXE wrote:The thinkdiag works on either one car manufacturer or all depending on the version that you buy and is made by Launch who are one of the leaders of diagnostic equipment. The thinkdiag is comparable to the launch pro tools and i have never had the bluetooth disconnect as described by another user above i have always found both launch and autel made tools to have very well built equipment. The thinkdiag supports special functions but also live data and actuation tests so it has no problem with sas reset dpf regen etc


Forscan does all this too, and more...and it's Free. The interface is less than 20 sheckles....a no brainer IMHO.

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Re: Best Diagnostics Tool / Software

Postby davyjcb » Tue Jan 26, 2021 10:01 pm

I would agree with Knobby on this one, quite a lot of the major diagnostic tools are very good at what they do but the oem tool and Forscan take the functionality to the next level because they deal with 1 manufacturer only.
Most but not all others can read codes and run basic service functions /calibrations some can do more but you will pay a lot more for them, on purchase you might get 2 years of software package upgrades but after that how much???
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