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Where do we begin? We can all agree that cars are a great mode of transportation. You can go from point A to point B without having to worry about how you’re going to get there. Having a car is great and all until you start seeing the check engine light on your dashboard appear. You’ll slowly start to feel the dread and frustration kicking in. What does it mean? Why is the vehicle malfunctioning? The check engine light could mean anything from a loose gas cap to a severe engine problem.
If you want to figure out your car problems before taking it to a mechanic, OBDII scanners are the way to go. After all, taking your car to a mechanic for a diagnostic and getting it fixed can seriously hurt your bank account. OBDII scanners are the perfect solution if you want to have one on hand or if you want to DIY your car troubles. Just plug it in and you’ll be getting your diagnostic in the palm of your hand. OBDII scanners are versatile and have been made to work with multiple models and make of vehicles.
Autel AL629 Review
- pros & cons
- resources
Look and feel
The Autel AL629 scanner is designed for DIY and car enthusiasts who want to repair their vehicles.
Its design is small and light enough that you can keep it with you on hand. Think about it, the scanner weighs 0.5lb and is a literal palm sized device, so it is easy to transport around.
The device has powerful software with easy-to-use navigation.
It also has an operating temperature of 14℉ (-10℃) to 140℉ (60℃), which makes it user-friendly for car enthusiasts residing in cold or hot climates.
If you live in an area where the temperature can go as low as -4℉ (-20℃) or as high as 158℉ (70℃), you don’t have to worry about whether leaving it in your car will damage the device.
Connectivity
The Autel AL629 has multilingual support such as English, Spanish, French, etc.
The device has a USB mini 2.0 and is internet updatable via the USB.
The data produced by the scanner can be printed by PC.
Functionality
Whenever you step on the brakes your car should maintain traction between the tire and the road. Good traction means better control of your car as it slowly comes to a stop.
However, if you notice a dragging or a skidding effect when stepping on the brakes there could be an ABS issue. The AL629 is designed to support ABS functions to pinpoint the fault’s exact source.
The scanner will retrieve the code and define the code for easier interpretation and analysis.
Resetting SRS lights can be costly and time consuming with the constant mechanic trips everytime it blinks. This scanner can reset your SRS lights.
The transmission system has many moving parts and is prone to wear and tear. The Autel AL629 can recover specific DTCs for each fault.
If you own a vehicle from 1996 or newer the Autel device will read and erase DTCs for ABS, SRS, Engine and Transmission on most of these vehicles. Additionally, this simple device can also work on most domestic and import vehicles that are 1996 or newer.
Generic, manufacturer specific, and pending code can be obtained with the use of this device. The generic codes being P0, P2, P3, and U0. Manufacturer specific codes, P1, P3, and U1.
The device's simplicity will turn off MIL, which is the Check Engine Light, and ABS warning lights. The device will clear codes and reset the monitors.
Live PCM data stream and live sensor data will be read, stored and playback is also provided.
If you need vehicle information such as the VIN, CALID, and CVN the device is the to-go scanner to help you with that.
The scanner will retrieve troubleshooter code tips that can guide technicians to the root cause of trouble codes faster, if you plan on taking your vehicle to the mechanic.
The AL629 has a 2.8” LCD with a resolution of 320X240, and graphs data.
This scanner can be used in a variety of languages and it’s multilingual functionality offers English, French, Spanish, etc. If English isn’t your first language, the AL629 is your new best friend.
FAQs
Why do you need an OBDII scanner?
Having an OBDII scanner on hand or at home is a helpful tool for those who have no experience in repairing vehicles. Running the OBDII scanner, such as the Autel AL629, you can find error codes that will give you an idea of the issue of your vehicle. Having this information will help you in making a decision about whether the problem can wait or if the car needs to be repaired immediately.
What is OBD and OBDII?
OBD is the short term for onboard diagnostics. OBDII is the second version of this specific hardware. Its first appearance was in the mid-1990s with a universal port. The universal port allows the device to scan multiple makes and models of cars. The OBDII scanner is compatible with vehicles from 1996 and newer.
Some OBDII scanners are wired, where a cable runs from the scanner port in the vehicle to the scanner, and will deliver data. There are other scanners that will communicate data via USB, bluetooth, or WiFi connection. To retrieve data from these types of scanners, connect the scanner with another device. This device can be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or PC.
Autel AL 629
Autel specializes in Research and Development, production, sales and service of automotive intelligent diagnostics, detention and analysis systems, and automotive electronic components.
Their products are mainly sold to more than 50 countries and in regions such as the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Whether you reside in the United States or outside of the U.S. this product is widely available with its multilingual features.
The Autel AL629 will help you to resolve most of the common repair problems. This device makes it suitable for car enthusiasts, beginners, or DIYers, who want the hassle-free of sending their car to a mechanic.
Conclusion
When looking for a professional OBDII scan tool, with the best quality, it can be a stressful and time-consuming task.
Does the scanner fit the budget? Is it compatible with your vehicle? What are the features of the scanner? Where do you start looking for the right scanning tool?
We’ve found the right scanner. The Autel AL629 comes packed with a simple and lightweight design that will offer you comfort in your hand. Diagnostics has never been so simple.