March 28, 2023
Autel MaxiSys Ultra Review: Pros and Cons
Mr. Ben and Tyler were going to compare notes on their experiences with theAutel Maxisys Ultra/MS919/MS909 platform. Maybe you're considering buying one? Maybe you already own one and hate it? Maybe you think it's the best thing since sliced bread. Let's hear it!
After nearly two years of owning mine, I'm still very happy overall. It brought all the features I needed it to, plus some features that I didn't know I wanted. But I'll be the first to tell you that it's not perfect.
Love it
-Code scan speed.There's now a strong list of manufacturers that support their Autoscan 2.0 feature that makes getting that initial code scan painless. I'll have to get a screencap up here at some point. It's FAST. From no codes to all modules scanned in seconds.
- They've also added the ability to share code reports via email or text message straight from the scanner. Super handy when sharing info with other technicians, shop management, customers, whoever.
-The wireless scope has become invaluable.Super easy to get the scope set up in the engine bay, jump behind the wheel and crank the engine or snap the throttle as needed. Much less likely to trip over cables. Way more convenient than getting another tech to stop what their doing and help. Easier to use -> More likely to get used.
- Ignoring the wireless function, the scope itself has still been a great addition to the arsenal. Again, easy to set up, quick to get squiggly lines on the screen. Enough power user functions available to keep geeks like me happy. It's not Pico-equivalent, but it'll easily do 95% of what most auto techs need a scope to do.
- Updates aren't cheap, but they're frequent and valuable. There's new model years added, sure, but the real value is in the features that get added (Autoscan 2.0, Cloud Reports, like that). Using a currently updated Ultra is far different from two years ago.
- The J2534 function has always worked well for me. No issues when using FJDS, FDRS, Techline Connect (none related to the interface, anyway), NERS, HDS. The VCMI firmware gets updates regularly, just like the scan tool itself.
Cons:
- The bus inspection tool isn't quite as game changing as I thought it would be. Maybe it's where I'm working? Or the cars I'm seeing? But there just haven't been that many times that Bus Inspection was a benefit. At best, it might have saved a trip or two to the toolbox for a breakout box. If it could measure network resistance, I might move it up to the Pro section.
- Waveform generator and actuator drive are largely the same way. Definitely cool. But I've had to go out of my way to find applications for both in the day-to-day of auto repair. Used the signal generator to test ABS wiring a few times. Used the actuator drive to run a fuel pump relay by remote once. Not saying they're stupid or useless. If you're using these features regularly, please chime in.
- Storing and retrieving scope waveforms needs work. For example, there's an easy-to-use system available for tagging your captures with the YMME and waveform specifics. But the vehicle list is missing years, models and several big manufacturers.That makes your captures difficult to search for later. You can tag a scope trace as a solenoid or a fuel pump, but there's no option for pressure transducers of any kind. And there's almost no options for exporting your captures. There's an option to upload your capture to an online library, but I can't find a single benefit in doing so.
- Surprisingly, bidirectional tests and resets. One of the big reasons I got the Ultra was to fill in the gaps in Snap-On and Launch coverage. It's done that for the most part. But I still need to reach for another scan tool at times. More often than I thought I would. For a tool company famed for its magic button pressing abilities, this is a bit frustrating.
Ugh
- Graphing scan data. It's just... Not good. Especially if you come from Snap-On. Yes/No, On/Off, True/False PIDs can't be graphed. The scaling options always leave something to be desired. There are no cursors, so taking measurements from your data is a chore. Definitely not my first choice in scan tool when graphing data is needed.
- Reviewing your saved data isn't much better. No options for exporting your captures.
- It's big, no innuendo intended. Spends a lot of its life in the way. Takes up a lot of space on top of your toolbox, and in the car. This VCMI holder has helped.
Had another lead short the signal and the ground circuits to each other inside the insulation. Found that out when I stuck a fuel injector wide open inadvertently.
After nearly two years of owning mine, I'm still very happy overall. It brought all the features I needed it to, plus some features that I didn't know I wanted. But I'll be the first to tell you that it's not perfect.
Love it
-Code scan speed.There's now a strong list of manufacturers that support their Autoscan 2.0 feature that makes getting that initial code scan painless. I'll have to get a screencap up here at some point. It's FAST. From no codes to all modules scanned in seconds.
- They've also added the ability to share code reports via email or text message straight from the scanner. Super handy when sharing info with other technicians, shop management, customers, whoever.
-The wireless scope has become invaluable.Super easy to get the scope set up in the engine bay, jump behind the wheel and crank the engine or snap the throttle as needed. Much less likely to trip over cables. Way more convenient than getting another tech to stop what their doing and help. Easier to use -> More likely to get used.
- Ignoring the wireless function, the scope itself has still been a great addition to the arsenal. Again, easy to set up, quick to get squiggly lines on the screen. Enough power user functions available to keep geeks like me happy. It's not Pico-equivalent, but it'll easily do 95% of what most auto techs need a scope to do.
- Updates aren't cheap, but they're frequent and valuable. There's new model years added, sure, but the real value is in the features that get added (Autoscan 2.0, Cloud Reports, like that). Using a currently updated Ultra is far different from two years ago.
- The J2534 function has always worked well for me. No issues when using FJDS, FDRS, Techline Connect (none related to the interface, anyway), NERS, HDS. The VCMI firmware gets updates regularly, just like the scan tool itself.
Cons:
- The bus inspection tool isn't quite as game changing as I thought it would be. Maybe it's where I'm working? Or the cars I'm seeing? But there just haven't been that many times that Bus Inspection was a benefit. At best, it might have saved a trip or two to the toolbox for a breakout box. If it could measure network resistance, I might move it up to the Pro section.
- Waveform generator and actuator drive are largely the same way. Definitely cool. But I've had to go out of my way to find applications for both in the day-to-day of auto repair. Used the signal generator to test ABS wiring a few times. Used the actuator drive to run a fuel pump relay by remote once. Not saying they're stupid or useless. If you're using these features regularly, please chime in.
- Storing and retrieving scope waveforms needs work. For example, there's an easy-to-use system available for tagging your captures with the YMME and waveform specifics. But the vehicle list is missing years, models and several big manufacturers.That makes your captures difficult to search for later. You can tag a scope trace as a solenoid or a fuel pump, but there's no option for pressure transducers of any kind. And there's almost no options for exporting your captures. There's an option to upload your capture to an online library, but I can't find a single benefit in doing so.
- Surprisingly, bidirectional tests and resets. One of the big reasons I got the Ultra was to fill in the gaps in Snap-On and Launch coverage. It's done that for the most part. But I still need to reach for another scan tool at times. More often than I thought I would. For a tool company famed for its magic button pressing abilities, this is a bit frustrating.
Ugh
- Graphing scan data. It's just... Not good. Especially if you come from Snap-On. Yes/No, On/Off, True/False PIDs can't be graphed. The scaling options always leave something to be desired. There are no cursors, so taking measurements from your data is a chore. Definitely not my first choice in scan tool when graphing data is needed.
- Reviewing your saved data isn't much better. No options for exporting your captures.
- It's big, no innuendo intended. Spends a lot of its life in the way. Takes up a lot of space on top of your toolbox, and in the car. This VCMI holder has helped.
Had another lead short the signal and the ground circuits to each other inside the insulation. Found that out when I stuck a fuel injector wide open inadvertently.
Posted by: jean at
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