The best Bi-Directional Scan Tool you can buy.
Finding a Bi-Directional Scan Tool that you can rely on is ESSENTIAL for effective diagnostics.
However, finding a Bi-Directional Scan Tool that fits your price point and the duties you’ll need it to carry out is a difficult thing to do.
So, we put together this guide, on the best Bi-Directional Scan Tools you can purchase.
[Compare table here]
Innova CarScan Pro 5610
The first Bi-Directional Scan Tool that we will talk about is the Innova CarScan Pro 5610. Innova is the only American company that provides in-house customer service with the lowest return rate in the industry.
As far as we’re concerned, this is the best Bi-Directional Scan Tool that you can pick up, and it receives our seal of approval as far as Bi-Directional Scan Tools go.
A few features of the Innova CarScan Pro 5610 include:
- In-depth live data for advanced vehicle systems like ABS and SRS
- Ability to cover OBD1 models with accessory adapters (bought separately)
- Extensive reset functions for repair and maintenance
The Innova CarScan Pro 5610 is very adaptable, making it a fantastic tool for diagnostics on basic and professional degrees. Bidirectional control helps test vehicle actuators, which help prevent accidents with braking or fuel issues.
The tool also lets you send commands to your vehicles for better testing. With the all-system network scan, analyzing and troubleshooting coding in modules is very easy. Compared to competitors, Innova CarScan Pro 5610 has a wider range of vehicle coverage.
I have the Innova CarScan Pro 5610 which has some extra features (e.g. enhanced data stream, utilizes data from all 10 OBDII modes, etc.) compared with the 5160. In addition to the basic OBDII modes you expect (generic OBDII DTCs, PIDs, I/M readiness, etc) the 5610 also provides OEM DTCs and does CAN network scanning so that you can see what the available modules are.
This is an excellent product. Just keep in mind that a code-reader is an ‘interpretive’ device. Any decent reader presents codes when plugged into your car and properly run. The INNOVA 5610 is more comprehensive than many. Just be aware that, as with all such devices, the codes can mean one or more issues are in play. Some codes can be intermittent, which may have implications of their own.
In short, Innova CarScan Pro 5610 is everything you’re looking for in a diagnostics tool. Trust us when we say that this scanner will definitely save you a lot of blood, sweat and tears.
TOPDON ArtiDiag100
The next Bi-Directional Scan Tool we’ll cover is the TOPDON ArtiDiag 100.
The TOPDON ArtiDiag100 can be used for diagnosing all vehicle systems and modules. TOPDON is a consumer-centric company that focuses on developing products with smart technology.
A few features of the TOPDON ArtiDiag100 Bi-Directional Scan Tool include:
- Extensive vehicle coverage of up to 42 different car brands
- Multilingual support and access to vehicle information through Wi-Fi
- Android operating system with connectors and adapters
TOPDON ArtiDiag100 can perform oil and steering angle sensor (SAS) resets. It also comes along with 3 other special functions, including diesel particulate filter (DPF), battery management system (BMS) and electronic parking brake (EPB) services.
Does as much as a $2000 autel for a fraction of the cost.
I had several issues with this scanner when I got it. The tech support was through emails and not very quick at that. I had issues with the software and the scanner said I could submit through the scanner, so I did and tech support was unable to see them. I was asked to take pictures with my cell phone and email them. The ease of use was not bad just software issues from the get go. The value of money it costs is not bad if it actually works correctly when you get it.
It seems that the software may have a few issues according to the reviews. Still, there is no denying that TOPDON ArtiDiag1000 is a great deal for the price it costs.
LAUNCH X431 V PRO
LAUNCH X431 V Pro is an advanced bi-directional scan tool that is easy to use and effective.
Manufactured by Launch Tech, the UK-based company is known for its wide range of vehicle diagnostic tools. A few features of the LAUNCH X431 V PRO include:
- Access to ECU coding and over 20 reset services
- Online and offline coding for various vehicle functions
- Live data for active service tests and resets
LAUNCH X431 V PRO works on almost every single ECU vehicle. Through one-key updates with Wi-Fi, you can update your car model and diagnostic software wherever you are. From key programming to automatic vehicle identification number (VIN) detection, this tool can do it all.
To start on this model if you take it out of its case you can insert a Micro SD card to expand its memory! Peel the rubber surround off to get into the Lenovo Tablet. I have had this unit quite a while now and it is very good, it does have some limitations and does not program ALL Keys. It will do some and not others.
Having tested other scanners to try and get proper compatibility with my car; BMW 7 series 730 2016. This ticks all the boxes. The carry case is full of connectors , a Bluetooth 16 pin plug and a Lenovo base tablet. proprietary software took an hour to update and then it successfully diagnosed a difficult fault on the car – it requires a new module as an intermittent fault.”
As a bonus, LAUNCH X431 V PRO supports up to 24 different languages. We believe that this product is a solid choice for those that need to perform vehicle diagnostics often.
ANCEL FX6000
Last but not least, ANCEL FX6000 a Bi-Directional Scan Tool that has comprehensive diagnostic functions. A few features of the ANCEL FX6000 include:
- Advanced ECU coding and programming with direct connection
- Thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display (TFT) screen and simple user interface
- Coverage of most OBD2, EOBD and CAN vehicles dating back to 1992
With over 22 different supported functions, ANCEL FX6000 can be used to run tests on both diesel and gasoline vehicles. You can also set favorite modes and customize your own hotkeys with this tool. However, it is important to note that not every car component can be tested, depending on the manufacturer’s OBD2 system.
First, The buying experience was great! was delivered in 4 days non prime and came on a Sunday USPS Sunday delivery! I am just a retired mechanic looking for a scanner for personal use that has 2 way functions, I have not had a chance to use it much yet, but did plug it into a couple of vehicles to try it out so have not really put it to the test all of its capabilities yet.”
Ancel seems eager to help as they have sent several emails asking how I like their scanner and how to update software and how to contact them if there are any problems. The update process was easy and had the latest software for many brands .If you have a 12v wall wart (doesn’t everyone have a box of psu’s laying around) it is very easy to plug in to pc and update, there is not one included and the unit is powered by the obd2 port in use.
ANCEL FX6000 is an ideal choice for people that like to get things done quickly and efficiently. Even if you are a mechanic yourself, you may be surprised by how many capabilities this bi-directional scan tool has.