QUICK OVERVIEW
Quality of Build
Value For Money
Ease of Use
What We Like
What We Don't Like
If you’re a home mechanic or certified automotive technician looking for a diagnostic scanner that does more without breaking the bank, look no further than the Autel MaxiLink ML629. This device is far more than just a simple OBD II scanner for pulling and resetting DTCs on a vehicle.
You can read and erase DTC descriptions, diagnose issues with the SRS system, check the ECU and CAN for problems, take smog readings/run emissions tests, and diagnose transmission system trouble codes.
That last feature is what generally makes this a first choice for professionals, as troubleshooting transmission problems often requires far more expensive and bulky vehicle diagnostic tools. Not convinced? Here are just a few of the many reasons the Autel MaxiLink ML629 is going to give you the most value for your money:
Autel MaxiLink ML629 Review
- PRODUCT IMAGES
- pros & cons
- resources
Look and Feel
The color scheme is black grips and housing with a grayish-white face and backlit black buttons with white lettering. It’s got a good heft, but doesn’t feel like it would be too heavy to hold in your hand for a long time.
The USB and OBDII dongle both have side screws that thread into the scanner port. This means no twisting or straining the internal connections that require the cable to be replaced from bending and twisting wear and tear. Most important of all though, the Autel MaxiLink ML629 feels like you could drop it multiple times on a daily basis and not damage it.
Connectivity
Plugs in via a standard OBDII dongle and connector port. You can stream telemetry from the vehicle live or freeze-frame it and print it out later. To print out DTC codes, freeze frames and graphs, all you need to do is plug in the included USB cable and connect to a Windows PC.
It runs with any version of Windows going back to about Windows 7, but it works best on current Windows 10 systems.
Functionality
Here’s a rundown of everything you can do with the Autel MaxiLink ML629:
- ABS system DTCs and suggested fixes
SRS system DTCs, code resets, suggested manufacturer fixes - Updatable database with TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) from major manufacturers automatically associated with manufacturer OBDII trouble codes
- Full engine DTC database with explanation and expanded information
- Full transmission DTC database with detailed explanations and expanded information
- Complete OBDII diagnosis functions with updatable code information and database via an internet connected Windows PC.
- Searchable DTC database
- Live diagnostic data can be displayed as text or a graph
- All data capture can be printed via Windows PC with installed Autel Software
Bluetooth/Wi-Fi: No
ABS/ESP:Yes, full diagnostic and code reset capability
Engine Codes: Yes
Memory Card Support: No
Live Data Stream: Yes, with Live Recording for graphs or text
Smog Test: Yes
Wireless Keys Coding: No
ECU Reprogramming: No
Check Engine Light Reset: Yes, you can clear and reset the CEL on any vehicle in the database.
Ease of Use
Autel’s user interface is well-known for being easy to navigate and use, and the ML629 is no exception to this reputation. It may not be a touch screen interface, but as long as you can figure out the directional buttons, OK button and multi-function soft keys you will be just fine.
Video
Conclusion
All in all, the Autel MaxiLink ML629 is designed for DIY mechanics and certified technicians who demand more from their OBDII scan tool.
It has all the key features you need to troubleshoot engine codes without useless fluff or flashy add-ons that don’t make it any more useful than its class competitors.
Check one out for yourself if you need an OBDII scan tool for ABS and transmission trouble codes, too.