Data Logging Function

Autel MaxiCOM MK808 vs. Autel MaxiDAS DS808

Many people ask us, what’s the difference between Autel MaxiCOM MK808 and Autel MaxiDAS DS808 diagnostic systems? Which one is the best? Which one we should buy? Scroll down for details:

Autel MK808 vs DS808

Autel MaxiCOM MK808	Autel MaxiDAS DS808
32 GB tablet memory Large LCD screen Easy-To-Use Android Software Read and Erase Engine Codes	32 GB tablet memory Large LCD screen Easy-To-Use Android Software Read and Erase Engine Codes
Read and Erase Manufacturer-Specific Codes (ABS, Airbag, Oil, ETC)	Extensive Engine Diagnostics Read ECU Information
A great tool for turning off any dashboard indicator or doing basic scans	A good tool for fixing engines specifically

Autel MK808 & DS808 detailed Review

Autel MaxiDas DS808

The Maxidas DS808 is a slightly difference. It focuses on working with engine and ECU diagnostics more extensively. In other words, it’s designed to diagnose engine problems instead of turning off the airbag light. This is the best tool to see what’s going on inside an engine.

FEATURES

Like the MK808, this scan system comes with a tablet and an OBD2 cable. The tablet has a large, clear screen, 32 GB of on-board storage, and a powerful processor that can easily read and interpret scan data.

The DS808 has full support for all vehicle electronics. It’ll work with fault codes, view live data, and even view manufacturer-specific engine sensor data. It can view what the ECU is doing and sensor output,too.

Furthermore, the software of DS808 has plenty of extra features for professionals. You can easily view old data and manage customer information.

PROS:

• Unrivaled OE-level diagnostics for ultimate engine analysis
• Read and clear basic engine codes and perform deep diagnostic scans
• View sensor data in real time
• The roomy touchscreen makes viewing data easy
• Fast processor ensures scans execute quickly
• The professional software works with virtually all makes and has advanced business features

CONS:

• Doesn’t clear manufacturer specific codes (like airbags, ABS, etc)
• Have to charge the tablet

WHO SHOULD BUY IT?

The MK808 is for automotive professionals. It’s the superior choice if you find yourself diagnosing car engines often. It’s definitely the tool of choice for people who need the deeper scans and advanced diagnostics it offers.

Autel MaxiCom MK808

FEATURES

The best part about the MK808 is its wide compatibility. In other words, it’ll work with every make and model of car and read almost any manufacturer-specific code.

To be clear, the MK808 doesn’t just work with basic OBD2 codes. It also can read more advanced manufacturer specific codes from domestic, Asian, and European brands. This means that you can use it to perform an oil reset or read DPF/TPMS/IMMO/EPB/SAS codes.

The MK808 is a fast, modern tablet scanner. It lets you work with a big, vivid touchscreen, and lots of power processes. Moreover, it is recharged faster than a normal OBD2 scanner. This means codes come up faster and the live data display is incredibly useful.

PROS:

• A big screen and easy to use interface
• Fast processing power and memory
• Virtually unmatched compatibility
• Professional software and  more extra features

CONS:

• You need to charge the tablet
• Doesn’t have the advanced engine functionality of the DS808

WHO SHOULD BUY IT?

The Autel MaxiCom MK808 is marketed towards car enthusiasts and average vehicle owners. The incredible compatibility and ease of use make it a top choice for anyone working with cars professionally.

RECOMMENDATION

The MK808 is compatible with every car made after 1996 and can clear tricky manufacturer trouble codes. If you want a scanner that can solve the broadest range of problems on the broadest range of cars, it’s the one to choose.

On the other hand, the DS808 offers deep diagnostics that make diagnosing engine problems a breeze. If you want to view live ECU data to get to the heart of an engine issue quickly, the DS808 is the right choice.

How to Use an OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner to Diagnose Car Problem

Onboard Diagnostics II scanners can do so much more than simply read and clear problem codes in a car’s onboard computer. Using an OBD2 scanner can actually log other more complex and more advanced troubleshooting codes to help car owners and mechanics better understand the ‘health’ of their vehicles. For ordinary car owners, OBD2 Bluetooth scanners provide exceptional versatility and convenience as they can easily use their smartphones or tablets to communicate with the car’s onboard computer. It is important, however, to know how to use these devices to help you diagnose a problem in your car. Here’s how.

How to Use the OBD2 Scanner?
Step 1: Turn the ignition off and find the Data Link Connector;
Step 2: Plug OBD2 scanner diagnostic cable into the DLC;
Step 3: Turn the ignition on and wait for the screen to light up;
Step 4: Simply press one-click I/M Readiness Key to determine the emission status;
Step 5: Select the Read Codes to find out the root cause of malfunctions and make some fixes, and then select Clear Codes to turn off MIL.

Get a compatible OBD2 Bluetooth scanner
If your car was manufactured in 1996 and later, chances are it already has the OBD2 interface. The good thing with this setup is that scanners already come with a standard diagnostic connector complete with a set of trouble codes that are considered universal. Unfortunately, there are car manufacturers that may have a different diagnostic link configuration. Also, different OBD2 scanners may not work with certain make and year models of cars. Make sure the OBD2 scanner you are going to get supports the year, make, and model of your car.

Locate the diagnostic connector
Determine the location of the diagnostic connector. Most car manufacturers put their connectors under the dashboard usually near the steering column. Some manufacturers put it in the same bay as the fuse panel. A few others may hide it in the car’s center console usually behind the ashtray. Still there are car manufacturers that put the connectors in a really difficult-to-find location. You can actually search online for the location of your car’s diagnostic connector or check the owner’s manual. The diagnostic connector will have a rectangular shape with 16 small holes arranged in 2 rows. Some connectors will be designed like a trapezoid.

Establish the Bluetooth connection
Make sure your vehicle is turned off. Now plug the Bluetooth OBD2 scanner into the diagnostic connector. Once plugged, turn the ignition key to the ACC position or the position before the actual engine start. This will provide power to your car’s electronics such as the radio, lights, and of course the diagnostic connector.
Get your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or tablet. Go to the mobile device’s Settings menu and activate the Bluetooth. Alternatively, you can simply swipe down from the screen the Bluetooth shortcut of your mobile device. Give it a few seconds to scan Bluetooth devices that are within range. Once you see the name of the OBD2 scanner on the list of Bluetooth devices within range of your smartphone or tablet, click on this to start the pairing process. OBD2 Bluetooth scanners typically come with passwords. Make sure you have the password for your scanner before you can establish the pairing.

Perform the scan
Depending on the brand and model of your scanner, you will have to use the recommended app on your mobile device. Give it time to communicate with the Bluetooth sensor on the device and for the information to show on your smartphone or tablet. If there are problems in your car’s system, they will appear on the scanner app’s window. You will also be presented with the different trouble codes that may be present.

Learn what the trouble codes mean
The trouble codes that the scanner will provide you are merely a combination of a letter and numbers. You will need to search the internet or even your vehicle’s manufacturer on what these trouble codes mean. For instance, getting a “P0128” may indicate a problem in the engine cooling system whereby it is not getting ‘hot’ enough for optimum operating efficiency. A “P0456” code will indicate a possible leak in the evaporative emission system.
Learning how to use a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner can help vehicle owners get a clearer picture of the condition of their cars.