Autel MaxiScan MS300
Summary
When looking for a scan tool that can simply read, and clear diagnostic trouble codes the Autel MS300 would be a good fit. Many friends of ours that purchase this tool find it does exactly what is stated in the description. It reads, and clears diagnostic trouble codes for most vehicle that are equipped with OBD II, and Can. It will give you the code, and description of the code.
We’ll be frank. The Autel MaxiScan MS300 is one of the best corded OBD2 scanners for the price! When we decided to write the Autel MaxiScan MS300 Review, we had no idea just how much vehicle information this scanner would show you at the press of a button!
Autel MaxiScan MS300 Review
You cannot go wrong with an Autel branded OBDII scanner!
Being able to communicate with a vehicles computer is very important with the current technology that is being used by manufacturers. When a check engine light is illuminated on the dash there are many different components that could cause that light to be on. The only way to know what is going on with the vehicle is by retrieving the code stored in the computer. This can only be done using a diagnostic scan tool that is compatible with the technology equipped on the vehicle. There are many different scan tools on the market to choose from at different price points. If the consumer is simply looking to find a scan tool that can pull trouble codes, and give a general direction of where to go in the diagnosis procedure then there is no reason to invest in a large scan tool with multiple features.
The Autel MaxiScan MS300 would be a perfect scan tool for anyone that wants to add some basic diagnostic ability to their toolbox. This scan tool is able to communicate with most OBD II, and CAN compliant vehicles. It is small, lightweight, and inexpensive compared to some other scan tools on the market.
I found the lowest price on the Autel ms300 at Amazon here
Easy Use
Some scan tools can be very complex, and difficult to use. These scan tools normally give the user a ton of information about what is going on with the vehicle during a failure. This information in some cases is needed in order to properly diagnose a problem that is occurring. But here’s the thing, we’re lazy too, and like to know what’s going on with our cars with the push of a button! The Maxiscan MS300 makes life easy for us lazy folks!
In some cases a large amount of information is not needed to either diagnose, or have an idea of what is happening when a trouble light is illuminated on the dashboard. All this information can easily confuse someone that is not properly trained on how to read the information. The Autel MaxiScan MS300 is an easy to use scan tool that will give the consumer just enough information to know a direction of where to go with diagnosis. The two button design makes this tool very easy to navigate when trying to read, or clear diagnostic trouble codes. This quick access gives you both piece of mind, and the information needed to proceed on what course of action is needed to fix your car (or truck).
Code Descriptions
Access to diagnostic trouble codes is only part of the information needed to diagnose a vehicle. Knowing what the code definition is can be more important than having the code itself. There are many different codes that can be stored in a computer, and all of them will have different descriptions. The Autel MaxiScan MS300 gives you different ways to access what the description of each code stored is. The scan tool will retrieve the code stored. On the same screen that will give the consumer the code will also give the consumer the description. The description of the code can also be found on CD catalog that is supplied with the scan tool. You can also find the Autel MaxiScan MS300 user manual here: http://www.auteltech.com/u/cms/www/201209/07033345uqvu.pdf
The code definitions start on Page 20 of the manual.
Access To Vehicle Identification Number
No more squishing your head between the dashboard and glass trying to read your VIN!
Anyone that has attempted to buy parts for their vehicle will know the importance of having all of the information for that vehicle available. In some cases the full vehicle identification number will be required to locate the correct parts. The vehicle identification number can be found in multiple locations. Some manufacturers place it on a sticker in the door frame, and on a plate that can be seen through the windshield on the dash. Unfortunately, sometimes the identification number can not be easily read at these locations. The Autel MaxiScan 300 makes finding the vehicle identification number less complicated. This scan tool can read the vehicle identification number for most vehicles 2002, and newer. This easy access can make it easier to have the information needed when purchasing parts.
Communication
Technology is constantly changing. The automotive industry is no different. The two primary systems used for communication in a vehicle are OBD II, and CAN. Without a scan tool that is capable of access to these systems there will be no communication with the vehicles computer. The Autel MaxiScan MS300 allows communication with most U.S., European, and Asian vehicles equipped with these systems.
Specifications
When looking for a small, lightweight, easy to use, and read scan tool the Autel MaxiScan 300 may be the perfect fit. This small scan tool will fit in anyone’s toolbox, and makes retrieving diagnostic codes easy.
- 11.4 Ounces in weight
- 6.3 x 2 x 9.1 inches in size
- Backlit display
- Code, and description present on screen
- Lithium ion batteries are required
- Model number is MS300
Final Thoughts
There are many different scan tools to choose from on the market. Not every scan tool is created equal. Depending on the scan tool, and features each scan tool can perform different jobs depending on the need. That’s why we’ve created this site and written the Autel MaxiScan MS300 review to help you find out if this is the best obd2 scanner for your wallet!
Grab yourself the Autel MS300 here
One nuance that you might not enjoy is that this obd2 scanner only retrieves codes. This means that it is lacking in features of higher-end models, like real time monitoring, no updates, and no printing capability. For most mechanics and tinkerers who are looking for basic information, these features wouldn’t even be used. Real time monitoring information is only needed when actually trying to diagnose an issue with a vehicle that is complicated. This tool is simply perfect for retrieving trouble codes to gain some knowledge as to what is going on with vehicle when the check engine light is illuminated. This OBD2 scanner is a cost effective option for anyone that simply wants to become a little more educated before bringing the vehicle into a repair shop.
When looking for a scan tool that can simply read, and clear diagnostic trouble codes the Autel MS300 would be a good fit. Many friends of ours that purchase this tool find it does exactly what is stated in the description. It reads, and clears diagnostic trouble codes for most vehicle that are equipped with OBD II, and Can. It will give you the code, and description of the code.
Did this Autel MaxiScan MS300 review help you decide on the best OBD2 scanner for you? If not, we’ve review a TON of OBD2 scan tools and want to help you find the perfect fit. Check out the ScannerAnswers guide to finding the best OBD2 scanner or leave us a comment if you have any questions!