OBDLink MX Bluetooth OBD-II Automotive Scan Tool for Android and Windows

I've had a few different OBD-II scanners over the last few years. First I tried a wired Actron CP9125 PocketScan Code Reader I picked up from an auto parts store. While it worked, it was a little too basic for my needs and it was difficult to navigate with only two buttons. I bought a PLX Devices Kiwi Bluetooth Wireless Trip Computer and OBDII Scanner, which is much nicer, but I stopped using it both because they seem to have abandoned support after IOS 7, and because it developed serious problems maintaining a wifi link (a common problem in their forums). Considering the price, I was very very disappointed with it. But since I work on cars for fun (both my own and friends), I wanted a reliable scanner. So, here we are.I purchased the ScanTool 426101 OBDLink MX Bluetooth OBD-II scanner a few months ago, and have been very happy. I feel like it's lived up to my expectations, so it was worth the money to me.If you haven't spent much time looking at OBD-II scanners, please keep in mind this model (426101) only works with Android.Apple devices won't work with this scanner because Apple limits access to bluetooth (probably licensing?) so it won't connect. You'll need an android phone or tablet to use this device. It works with Windows too. From what I've read, the iPhone/IOS compatible ScanTool Wifi device is NOT reliable (as of this writing) and I wouldn't recommend it. But this model (426101) gets consistently good reviews for reliability, and my experience matches that.This scanner isn't cheap, but it's complete. It offers basic OBD-II functionality, plus access to SW-CAN and MS-CAN bus information. This means it can give you a lot more state information about various systems on your car, if your car supports it. If you google "SW-CAN MS-CAN ELM327 FORSCAN" you can build a device with similar functionality for probably half the cost of this item. So why would you buy this item instead of doing it yourself?a. Time. It will take at least an hour to disassemble the knockoff product, solder on a switch/wires, and reassemble. If there's a mistake, do it all over again. b. Reliability. If the cheaper product blows up or wears out, they're not going to send me a new one. c. You'll have to flip a toggle switch on each read to get all the data. Not a big deal, but it's still an issue. d. Support/Software. This comes with free software that's actually pretty good. But their software verifies you're using their hardware, so you can't use it with a knockoff product. The last reason, which is less important, but still worth mentioning, is that this particular device is faster than everything else I've used. I connects quickly, and it updates data quickly.This scanner also works with Torque and Dash Command without issues. According to their forums, it also works with FORSCAN (some amazing looking and free diagnostic software for Ford vehicles) but I haven't tried it yet. I presume it works with other software without problems, but those are the two I own, they're popular, and they work well.The only question for me at this point is, will it be reliable? I thought the PLX was a pretty awesome device for $100 and I hoped to use it for 10+ years, but it died pretty quickly so it was wasted money. If this ScanTool device lasts for a while, I'll be really really happy with it. If I see any issues I'll come back and update this review.

I have a 2012 ram and purchased this along with software called AlfaOBD. Let me tell you. This is one awesome tool. I was able to add features to my truck that the dealership said was impossible. My truck had all the wiring but they needed to addd a sales code to my TIPM. (Totally Integrated Power Module). What the stealership has to do is call WIC (Warranry Information Center) and add sales codes to your vin. Once done use starscan to enable the sales codes on your truck.AlfaOBD eliminates this all together. You can connect to your BCM (Body Control Module) and enable a slew of features.I added TPMS Premium, Auto Dimming (EC mirror) rear view mirror, overhead compass, folding mirrors with puddle and turn lamps and so much more!! You will not be disappointed! You can enable LED light options on 2013 and up Rams so you don’t have bulb out warnings or flickeringnwirh his. Also will stop canbus B lights from shutting off due to failing to read the resistance drop over time the light is on. This was designed to prevent people from putting the wrong light into the truck and causing a fire due to high heat and incorrect wattage.AlfaOBD allows you to also change tire pressure thresholds as well as tire size and axel ratios. There is support for chrysler 300, 200, jeep, fiat, Ram, and more! Check out AlfaOBD.There is so much more you can do! It also comes with its own software that you can buy enhanced software for to change tire size and tire pressures as well as axel ratios. Check out their website. Their software is amazing and allows you to graph data.I highly recommend this tool. It also has a feature that you have to physicAlly access the tool to connect to it. Not like WiFi OBD tools that they are open and don’t require code. And you can’t change the pass. Or Bluetooth OBD scanners like cheap elm327 thatnthe default is 0000 or 1234. You have to press the button and with in 90 seconds you have to pair and accept the code. Very secure! Imagine running a WiFi tool and have a hacker pull up next to you and connect. Then shut your engine off or more!! It can also go to sleep and draw low current. Bluetooth BLE.THIS IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH APPLE AT RHIS TIME. I do not know if they plan on supporting it, however, Windows 7,8,&1.0 are supported along with windows phones and android.AlfaOBD is also supported only on windows laptops and phones as well as android.With this tool and it’s native proprietary software there isn’t anything you can’t fix on your own car!! I would give this product 1000 stars if I could!