OBD scanner: needed? Autel MS309: what do you think? | FerrariChat

OBD scanner: needed? Autel MS309: what do you think?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by Sunshine1, May 8, 2024.

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  1. Sunshine1

    Sunshine1 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Jan 22, 2011
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    Reading the latest Forza magazine issue, they talk about OBD scanners, which everyone should have to read codes and clear codes. The check engine came up once last year in my Cali30, related to the gas cap (dealer visit). The dealer says the light can come on for many things, most of the time it’s nothing. So, would it be better to buy an OBD scanner so, just in case, I can review the codes before visiting the dealer?

    Forza recommends the Autel MS309 (compatible with Ferraris from 1996 and up). Do you own one, if yes what do you think?
     
  2. flash32

    flash32 F1 Veteran

    Aug 22, 2008
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    Buy the white (old) version of the ap200 for 54 dollars on amazon
     
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  3. Sunshine1

    Sunshine1 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Thank you for the recommendation, going to learn more about that device.
     
  4. Redneck Slim

    Redneck Slim Formula 3
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    Walt Kimball
    I bought one a little more expensive--the AL 319--and it is great to carry around.
     
  5. dm_n_stuff

    dm_n_stuff Four Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    I'm wondering how often a car throws a code. When I bought my Mercedes Wagon, used, maybe three years ago it had thrown a code. No CEL, but had a code stored. I cleared it, and have not had any since. (My OCD forces me to check now and then, as a matter of fact, this thread has planted the seed in my head and I'll check tomorrow.)

    And while I get it, maybe having a code reader is a good idea, the local Auto Zone will read them for free, and if my is running badly and throws a code, it's going to the mechanic (ok, well actually, he comes to me) and it's gonna get checked out and fixed by him.

    So while I find having a reader kind of interesting, I'm wondering how often, if at all, it's saved your bacon by letting you know what to look up on the list.

    D
     
  6. RedNeck

    RedNeck F1 World Champ
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    Having a cheap OBD reader is worth it, especially for the erroneous codes these cars like to throw. Instead of going to the dealer for every code, you can read the codes and ask here to see if it could be something simple or erroneous that could be cleared. I carry a code reader in every car and I have a "good" one for the garage for more in-depth troubleshooting.
     
  7. Sunshine1

    Sunshine1 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Thank you all for your answers. Going to review devices and buy an OBD reader.
     
  8. flash32

    flash32 F1 Veteran

    Aug 22, 2008
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    Please let us know if you find anything more comprehensive and inexpensive than the Ap200 .. appreciate the feedback

    I think that will be a hard find


    Thanks
     
  9. Sunshine1

    Sunshine1 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Will do. The most inexpensive is not the goal, quality and features come first. I’m going to review the devices mentioned in this thread + ask my F dealer for their recommendations + ask a very good independent shop I know for their recommendations too.
     
  10. flash32

    flash32 F1 Veteran

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    #10 flash32, May 9, 2024
    Last edited: May 9, 2024
    ok - not trying to debate you but you are in a forum where the unit has been proven multiple times - just trying to save you time
    I have recommended this and other units for people here and used them to diagnosis various issues
    A dealer, as well as an independent, will probably not know of the unit
    I have recommended this and other units for people here ( depending on need) and used them to diagnosis various issues
    What are you trying to achieve from what you consider the best unit ? - This is very important

    Just as a FYI - there are two software bases for Ferrari that most aftermarket tools are built on - Launch and Autel - Launch is a copy of Leonardo - anything else you find will probably be a name on top of one of those
    The price increases as you increase speed , functions ( not by much on ferrari ) , how many brands are covered, and equipment ( using your phone vs a tablet include)
    This is a statement for Ferrari - not any other brand
    If you told me that you need to work on a BMW or a Bentley - there are other tools I would recommend - e.g. ISTA+, ODIS etc
     
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  11. Sunshine1

    Sunshine1 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #11 Sunshine1, May 9, 2024
    Last edited: May 9, 2024

    Thank you for the additional details. I know nothing about OBDs and simply need a basic device to read Ferrari codes (just in case) and clear them if the dealer says so. I will review all this in the coming week. Thanks again :)
     
  12. flash32

    flash32 F1 Veteran

    Aug 22, 2008
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    Ok - given you are only looking for that on a ferrari cali - the ap200 will be more than enough - one brand - lifetime updates - connects to your phone thru bluetooth
    Search this forum for ap200 - it will assist you in your quest
    I would bet very few, if any, mechanics at an indy shop or a dealer would have heard about this model
    I am not affiliated with any company just passionate and knowledgeable about Ferrari and passionate about helping ( as you can see from my posts here on Ferrarichat)
    Have a great day -
     
  13. Sunshine1

    Sunshine1 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Thanks, will follow your advice and search the forum to learn more about the ap200. I’ve been an fchat member for many years and it’s always full of information from helpful members like yourself :). Have a great night!
     
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  14. Sunshine1

    Sunshine1 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    I searched the forum and many people used the device, thank you for the information. I also did a search on Amazon + internet, noticing very few available AP200 (with that specific name), most available products are called MaxiApp AP200 + AP200C + no AP200 with that specific name on the Autel’s website (but they have the MaxiApp Ap200). Is the AP200 (to be used on a 2013 Ferrari Cali30) the same as a MaxiApp Ap200? Just confused about the names and I know nothing about OBDs. Thanks :)
     
  15. flash32

    flash32 F1 Veteran

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    This one

    https://www.amazon.com/Autel-Bluetooth-Functions-Diagnostic-Advanced/dp/B094XRDH7S/ref=asc_df_B094XRDH7S/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693070740235&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9528482396689481292&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003674&hvtargid=pla-1473318476637&psc=1&mcid=bd9671c7a4c036dc83caa6bb5c9e4672&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3ZayBhDRARIsAPWzx8q2xcEqtO6ztOJ9AnyXPnE6jO6LJ2xUjZ1EaaidFdxYYM6du6B5JxQaAnB9EALw_wcB
     
  16. flash32

    flash32 F1 Veteran

    Aug 22, 2008
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    If you need any help using it .. just send me a PM
     
  17. Sunshine1

    Sunshine1 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Thank you! Members helping members :)
     
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  18. flash32

    flash32 F1 Veteran

    Aug 22, 2008
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    Unfortunately the the old ap200 the white and gray one we all used and loved is no longer for sale on Amazon this is the replacement but I do not have any direct experience with it it is worth a shot but I can't promise you anything

    Sent from my moto g power using Tapatalk
     
  19. FastMev

    FastMev Rookie
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    If you search Amazon.ca they are still available in Canada as I just bought one.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
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  20. flash32

    flash32 F1 Veteran

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    [emoji106]. Great !!

    Sent from my moto g power using Tapatalk
     

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