THINKCAR ThinkDiag OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth, Full Systems Diagnostic Bluetooth Car Code Reader. Car Diagnostic Scanner for Bi-Directional, ECU Coding, 16 Special Functions with EPB, TPMS,SRS,SAS, etc.

If you're a DIYer trying to diagnose more complicated issues involving the electronics of your vehicle, this is the tool for you. Prior to buying this tool, I diagnosed a bad PCM on my 2011 Acura MDX. After replacing it with a salvaged unit, I needed my VIN and keys coded to the new unit but the closest dealership is over 50 miles away. None of the shops in my small town would touch it or they simply didn't have the right programmer for it (not a lot of Hondas/Acuras in my area so I get it). Found this tool, saw a bunch of sponsored videos on YouTube that made it look like the right one, and decided $100 wasn't much to lose if it could potentially save me hundreds in towing and dealership charges. I see others were able to install two manufacturers but I've only tried installing one so far. Yearly subscriptions are super reasonable at about $50-60 per car make or about $200 for all compatible makes.Received this a day faster than expected, thanks to Amazon, downloaded the app to my iPad and plugged it in right away. In less than 30 minutes from receiving this unit, I had my VIN written into the PCM and my keys worked with no additional programming. Amazing! I don't care if this doesn't do anything else for me because it seriously saved me hundreds of dollars in a matter of minutes. Now I can finally replace my one lost key for a reasonable cost knowing I won't have to pay someone $100 to program it for me. And with two 200,000 mile cars in the family, I know I will have plenty more opportunities to save money with this thing.The interface is a little buggy and slow. It's clearly meant for folks who know what they're doing as there isn't a ton of on-screen guidance and code descriptions are sourced from Google search results. But it's not something I would trust to support a busy shop environment. For DIYers trying to do their own diagnostics and maintenance or even a shade-tree mechanic not ready for a $4,000 computer from the big brands, this will get you moving in the right direction for a fraction of the cost.Here's a tip for making it this far in my review: If you'd like to know what functions are possible with the make/model of your car, you can download the Thinkdiag app from your app store and view the release notes for the add-on that matches your vehicle. Remember, each make has a price in the Thinkdiag app but you get at least one free download with the purchase of this dongle.

The reason this device did not receive five stars from me is because it did not allow me to reflash my PCM in my 05 PT cruiser. Which was the main reason I bought the device. However with that said this device does quite a bit. I am very impressed with what it does do, and is definitely worth the money that I paid. It allows me to rewrite the VIN/ESN meaning if I can't figure out how to reflash without paying a dealer I can go out to a junkyard rewrite the VIN to the one for my vehicle and stick it in. This ability in itself is well worth the money but it also gives me the ability to reprogram the SKIM unit not only for the change in the module I am now planning but it also allows me to program entirely new ignition keys, which is another feature that in and of itself is worth the money that I paid for it.finally it allows me to do things like a quick learn on my transmission, actuation tests on all of the lights on my dashboard, my radio, my outside lights. I am extremely pleased with this device even though as I mentioned at the beginning it did not do what I initially purchased it to do.

I will update this review as I get some more experience with this scanner but so far I am very impressed! I am just getting into automotive diagnostics (so keep that in mind when you read my review) and didn't want to spend $800 - $3600 on a pro scanner. I am very happy with the capabilities of this scanner. I used it on my 2019 Equinox to test the bidirectional testing and was able to control the console lights and a few other simple and low risk tests. It really is incredible to have that capability for such a low price. I would buy this again if I lost it or broke it.Cons:1. You get two Makes for free for one year then you have to subscribe. For example, I chose GM and that lets me scan my Equinox and Silverado. I read it will also work on the Pontiacs in my extended family but I have not tested that yet.2. Speed - This thing is not as fast as the pro scanners I see on YouTube. This is not an issue for me but I am not doing this for a living.3. Bluetooth Losing Connection - When I first started using it the bluetooth connection dropped several times. After the first 4-5 attempts I had no further issues with it. I was sitting in the driver's seat very close to the ODB port so I'm not sure what the issue was.Pros:1. Price2. I was able to see data that my cheaper scanner couldn't do.3. True bi-directional testing!4. Downloading the app and setup was very easy.5. Connecting to the device from my Samsung Note 8 was easy too.

As soon as I opened the package, I was impressed. The packaging reminded me very much of the care Apple takes in packaging their products. The device itself is sturdy and feels well built. It looks like it will be quite durable and quite frankly just looks and feels expensive. As a geek and car enthusiast, things like this matter to me. The iOS app is well engineered as well. The first thing I noticed about the app is the intuitive micro-transaction type of setup. It is very clear that there is no trickery here. You pay for what you need, and not what you don’t. If you will be using this as a professional, be sure to look at the deals and bundles before you start purchasing the tools because they definitely have you in mind! In my case, I will just be using this on my personal vehicle so I only need to purchase the bundle for my manufacturer. Although I already can tell that I may look into buying the manufacturer bundles for a couple buddies’ cars. One important thing to note is this is pretty bulky (compared to a simple bluetooth OBD READER) so be sure to buy an extension cable or similar like I did (I bought one with an in-line power switch) or just wait until you get this device because they appear to include a nice coupon for an extension cable!