Car fuel system, transmission system and Engine are essential to simply run a car. However, we depend on the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) a great deal in times of crisis. Imagine seeing a twisted metal wreck ahead and not being able to brake or a high-speed collision with malfunctioning airbags.
We have the technology at our fingertips to ensure our ABS and SRS are functioning the way they’re supposed to. To help you out, we’ve compiled a review list of devices you can use to do exactly this. Whether you’re a professional or a concerned car owner, consider these devices to ensure things work properly when it counts.
Comparison Chart
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EDITOR'S CHOICE |
1. Bluedriver OBD2 Scanner with ABS SRS
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2. ANCEL AD610 Elite OBDII ABS Airbag Scanner
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3. Foxwell NT630 Plus
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4. Autel MaxiLink ML629
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5. Launch Creader CRP123
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Check Price |
Our Recommendations for Airbag and SRS OBD2 Scanners
1. Bluedriver OBD2 Scanner with ABS SRS
Unlike other scanners, this thumb-sized device does not have a screen of its own. Instead, it links to your smartphone or tablet via BlueTooth and an app to use your device’s display screen. Some see it as a disadvantage but imagine not having to carry around another bulky device to do your scanning.
This is among code readers for someone trying them out for the first time. The device works on both iOS and Android devices and is perfect for DIY enthusiasts and mechanics. It features an excellent UI that is easy to navigate, and it offers the functionality you expect from top-of-the-line scanners.
Don’t let the device’s size fool you; it’s a top-of-the-line diagnostic scanning tool. It allows users to analyze live data, clear codes and determine the root causes for flashing warning lights. Its accuracy and efficiency will save you precious diagnostic time.
It can scan just about every major brand of car, both foreign and domestic, made after 1966.
- Pros/cons overview
2. ANCEL AD610 Elite OBDII ABS Airbag Scanner
The ANCEL AD610 Elite allows users to cover more than 60 brands and multiple vehicles. Use it to identify vehicles through their VIN numbers and run bi-directional control tests. The device reads and clears codes for ABS and airbags, greatly increasing the efficiency of identifying problems.
It displays all the relevant diagnostic trouble codes ABS diagnostic trouble codes so you can pinpoint exactly what repairs to do.
Imagine your airbags not deploying properly in a crash or deploying suddenly while you’re out for a drive. The ANCEL AD610 helps troubleshoot issues when SRS lights come on and point you in the direction of the problem. It roots out the sources of issues and displays them for you.
Whether you’re a mechanic or a DIY grease monkey, this device will give you the accuracy you need to fix the issues.
It runs off the vehicle’s engine, so don’t be concerned about charging the battery while you work on the vehicle.
- Pros/cons overview
3. Foxwell NT630 Plus
This device lets you see the live data to help you diagnose problems like other scanners. However, the Foxwell NT630 Plus is also highly ergonomic and has a clear display for the device’s findings. It only weighs 3.24 lbs, which makes it highly portable and easy to store when you don’t need it.
Updating the NT630 helps to really extend its usefulness in your shop, and you only have to pay the initial purchase price. If you feel more comfortable reading in another language, you can toggle between a wide variety. Perhaps your mechanic doesn’t speak English well, and you want to share test results.
You’ll find all ten OBD2 test modes in the device, and it checks ABS, SRS system and a scad of other systems. Moreover, it isn’t limited to the tech-savvy; it has a great UI and is easy to learn.
The main thing is that if you must debug vehicles, you won’t have buyer’s remorse. This is one of the best tools made by one of the best companies out there.
- Pros/cons overview
4. Autel MaxiLink ML629
The Autel Maxilink ML 629 helps diagnose problems with SRS warning lights by pulling up the SRS diagnostic trouble codes. Finish your repairs on the system, and you can use the device to reset the lights. This is pretty standard, but the device does a good deal more.
Checking transmission problems usually requires a specific toolset that isn’t exactly easy to tote around. This tool easily brings up transmission system trouble codes to highlight exactly what needs fixing. Wash, rinse and repeat for other systems like the engine.
Print test findings by connecting to any PC with Windows 10, compatible up to Windows 7, with the USB cable. Sometimes it’s good to have a nice, physical copy of tests to explain things to customers or mechanics. It’s easier than huddling around the device or passing it around so everyone can take a look.
Autel did a great job with the design for the device as well. It has the sturdy look and feel of a device that you’d find in a shop.
- Pros/cons overview
5. Launch Creader CRP123 OBD2 ABS SRS Scanner
The device has a nice, large display and a solid build that’s able to withstand the day-to-day activities in a shop. It has an excellent UI for amateurs and professionals alike and offers seven different languages.
It can test Engine, ABS, Transmission and SRS Airbag systems quickly and bring up error codes and explanations. It displays live data streams so you can see more detailed information about what is happening in your vehicle. You will be able to determine what is wrong with your car quickly and can start solving the issues immediately.
You can also hook it up to a PC and print off all the data from the device. You can share it easily with customers in your shop or take it to the mechanic handling your vehicle.
After all is fixed, you can go back to reset codes and remedy that maddening “check engine” light. Another plus is its compatibility with a whole host of foreign and domestic cars and a lifetime of free software updates.
- Pros/cons overview
Frequently Asked Questions
What are ABS and SRS codes?
We need to define what ABS and SRS are before talking about their codes. ABS stands for “anti-lock braking system,” and SRS stands for “supplementary restraint system.” Reading ABS and SRS codes pinpoints where issues in the ABS and/or SRS are so mechanics can make repairs.
How do SRS airbags work?
Some see the “SRS” in front of “airbag” in a car and think they are different from regular airbags. SRS airbags work the same way regular airbags do. A crash triggers sensors, which set off small explosive charges to rapidly fill an airbag with nitrogen gas from a chemical reaction.
Can BlueDriver read short and long-term fuel trim data?
BlueDriver can most definitely read short and long-term fuel trim data (STFT and LTFT, respectively). You can read how your vehicle’s engine computer changes the fuel to air ratio at specific points and over time. “Lean” and “rich” fuel mixtures can be signs of possible issues.
FINAL VERDICT
Of the devices we have reviewed here, we recommend the Bluedriver OBD2 Scanner with ABS SRS. Sure, it requires you to have a smart device, but a smartphone screen far outclasses other device displays. It’s an excellent scanner that’s easy to update and fits as easily into your pocket as your BlueTooth earphone box.