MaxiScan MS509 OBD-II/EOBD Scanner

I bought the Autel MS509 because I wanted a scanner I could use at home to run diagnostics on my three, soon to be four, family cars.I researched several brands, liked the reviews and price of the Autel line, and narrowed my search to the MS309 and MS509. For the majority of my needs, I could have used the MS309, which cost about half of the price of the MS509. I went for the MS509 because it includes 3 additional scans the MS309 does not. These are Mode 5, 6, and 8, which are Oxygen Sensor tests, Non-Continuously Monitors Systems, and Special Control Modules tests.I was interested only because some of those apply to vehicles I have owned.So, what's in the box?* The MS509 scanner* Serial to DLC cable* Serial to USB cable* Nylon carrying case* Maxi-Link software on CD* User ManualI had no issues using the MS509. I followed the basic instructions, Locate the car's DLC connector, connect the MS509, then turn on the ignition. You usually do not need to start the engine, just set your ignition to the `On' position.The device powers on as soon as you connect it to the DLC. The DLC is the Data Link Connector, typically under your dash. The device enters Set Up mode, which is very simple to navigator.The device keyboard is pretty intuitive, and simple. It has Power, Enter, Esc(ape), up/down/left/right, and Help (?)The scanner is lightweight but feels durable. It has a black bumper all around its edges to help prevent damage. The display is large and bright and you can adjust the contrast. The back holds a 9 volt battery, not included, for power when you are not connected to a car or PC.I tested by scanning three cars, two which I knew had no errors and one which had a Check Engine light on. The scanner worked on all three without issue, and found the code on the car with the error light and diagnosed it and also reset the Check Engine light when I wanted.The cars I tested were a 2001 Volvo S60, 2002 Dodge Durango, and 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager.I think the scanner is very easy to use, and I didn't really need the manual for most functions.I also installed the Maxi-Link software. I installed it on a Windows 7 32 bit PC, but did have a small issue. Initially the install failed, reporting it could not find and install the driver. I did not download any drivers. I just ran the installation software again and it worked fine. This is not uncommon in some hardware devices you connect to a PC via USB. Sometimes if you launch an installation before you connect the device to the laptop, you get a false `can't install driver' message. I've had it happen on TV remotes, other small wired devices such as a label printer, and now the scanner. But in the end, the software did load. The software is minimal, but does have a list of codes and the ability to update software, etc.I would absolutely recommend this product. It is reasonably priced, easy to use, and has a lot of features.

Quite simply: This is the best scanner I have ever used! This baby is BETTER than the Actron scanners of comparable feature levels, for a fraction of the price of Actron!Physically: It's a nice rugged sturdy unit; The buttons work well, with a good tactile feel. The unit does not feel cheap or cheesy at all- it feels solid- which is amazing, considering the low price. ONE CAVEAT: The screw which holds the battery door in position, is not secured to the door in any way...so be careful you do not drop and lose it when installing/changing the battery!Accessing all of the features/navigating the menus is fast, easy and intuitive- No need to even read the manual.Connectivity: I was impressed when hooking up this unit to one of my vehicles, how it instantly communicated with that vehicle- whereas a much more expensive Actron unit had a lot of trouble reading that same vehicle, and required several tries.The display is easily readable.It works flawlessly with my OBD II-compatible vehicles (All Ford trucks).I am amazed at the quality, and for such a low price! You can have live data, and snapshot data, etc. just like the pros; just like units costing many more times what this unit costs.....for a price which is less than some units which do nothing except read codes!I was leery of ordering this at first, because of the fact that it offered so much for so little...seemed too good to be true- but it IS true! It does everything it claims to, and looks and feels to be of higher quality than those $250 Actrons which offer the same features.I have not tried the software, as it is not compatible with my Linux OS- so I can't report on that- but I do plan on experimenting to see if there are any work-arounds, like using it like an MSC device on the computer- but even if not, I don't really care.The very first time I used this, it paid for itself, as it saved me more than it cost, on just that one use! Gotta love it! (For fellow Linux users: I'll update if I make any progress linking it to my computer).I was just about ready to pull the trigger on a $250 Actron, as I wanted "a good one"- but I couldn't resist trying this MaxiScan when I saw the price, and read a lot of positive reviews, here and elsewhere- and saw some videos on Youtube, showing it in use. Now I'm so glad I got this one! Not just because it was significantly cheaper...but because it is better! I know...it's hard to believe, considering the price- but it's true. I like this MaxiScan better than my friend's $1500 SnapOn scanner which I used to borrow!Buy this- you'll love it! No need to look any further.