XTOOLIP500 for GM OBD2 Scanner, Bidirectional Scan Tool with Full Systems Diagnostic for Buick/Chevrolet/Cadillac/GMC, Code Reader with All Reset Services-Oil/ABS Bleed/Crank Relearn, Lifetime Update

The media could not be loaded. Why did you pick this product vs others?:My family and I currently have 3 Toyota products, including a Lexus GX-470, an Lexus LS-430 and a Toyota Avalon. I provide 99% of my auto maintenance and repair work and have been doing so for many years. I have used several scan tools over the years, from those with advanced programming and coding to scanners that are designed to provide more basic features to assist in identifying, troubleshooting and resolving issues. Some tools provide universal coverage, while others are focused on specific manufacturers. One of the benefits of having a tool that is specific to your vehicle is that it is focused on manufacturer specific diagnostics and thus provides better and more complete coverage. I had several main criteria that I was looking to meet when searching for a new OBD-2 scanner. One criterion included that it is manufacturer specific. Another was that it be compact, as I needed a tool that could fit in my glove box or hidden in some other inconspicuous area. I also needed it to be rugged and well built, not flimsy and light-weight like many of the products I see listed online. It was also important that it be well supported and provide cost-free updates. This is a lot of criteria I know, but the IP500 was one of very few options, and perhaps the only option at the time of my investigation that met all these criteria. It's important to understand what these tools are, and to be clear on technical expectations and limitations.The goal here for this tool is to provide in-depth information and to assist with diagnosing vehicle specific problems related to emissions and other manufacturer specific features. This is where I found this tool to be helpful. I did not expect to find a tool at this price point that would also provide bi-directional features, but I am very happy to discover that it offers this feature as well. I decided to immediate use on two vehicles.The first use was on the Toyota Avalon. For this I wanted to see if it would pick up a simple but common issue. I decided to test the functionality of the Mass Air Flow Sensor to see if the scanner would correctly identify an issue. For this test, I unplugged the sensor and started the engine. Of course, a check engine light appeared, as expected. I then connected the (IP500), and ran an auto-scan, which correctly identified the vehicle and model, along with the VIN number. So far so good. I then scanned the vehicle. The IP500 correctly identified the problem which triggers several codes, including a (permanent) code for the MAF sensor circuit. I then cleared the codes and rescanned but initially found that the “permanent” code would not clear. A quick search using the scanners diagnostic look-up feature, confirmed that once a permanent code is triggered, it cannot be immediately deactivated by (any) scanner. The IP-500 did exactly what it was supposed to do. This issue needed to be resolved by driving the vehicle for several cycles to inform the vehicles (ECU) the issue was resolved, which would then deactivate the code. The ECM needed proof that the problem was resolved! The sensor needed to report data through the proper channels of communication! Also, this was a hidden code, and no check engine light appeared, so this was all happening in the background. I later confirmed that the code had been cleared by re-scanning the vehicle. This is an example where someone might have easily mistakenly expected the scanner to clear the code and how you must also use a basic understanding of how these systems work. The great thing was that the IP500 listed the code as being (permanent), which gave me a clue on why the code would not clear. I just needed to confirm it via Google. I learned something during this experience regarding how “permanent” codes work.My second test was on a 2008 Lexus GX470. For this I decided to disconnect one of the ignition modules. Of course, this would also immediately trigger a check engine light as it would prevent one of the spark plugs from firing! I then scanned the vehicle and once again I received not one but several codes (Toyotas always throw multiple codes). I then reconnected the ignition module and restarted the vehicle to let it run for a few minutes to clear its brain and smooth out the rough idling. Next, I turned the vehicle off and then turned the ignition (key) switch to the proper position to rescan and clear the codes. The process worked like a charm and all codes were immediately cleared as I had hoped. In addition, this tool has some great features, including that it allows you to both save an email the diagnostic reports to be printed or saved on an external device as well. It also has a search option which provides details on what the codes mean and common issues. Essentially it has a built-in search engine to the internet. These are but a few of the benefits that I found. I can also add that the support team is very responsive and open to questions. I found them to be very helpful. I would highly recommend this product for basic to advanced troubleshooting and repair.

I love this newest tool for my shop! I am a DIY fellow and my home shop features a wide variety of tools. I recently purchased a IP500-BCC to help me diagnose a problem with my Buick Lucerne. It had a problem with my heater not working and needed to know exactly what the problem was before I tore into it. With the IP500-BCC I was able to use the bi-directional command capabilities to work all the inside the dash components while monitoring the signals going to the system. I have another scanner but it told me nothing but engine codes. I wanted a fully bi-directional unit that would do it all! Unfortunately those units were out of my price range at many hundreds of dollars. That is until I got a IP500-BCC. It is dedicated to GM products so I don’t need to pay for something I just don’t need. I own two GM cars. A Buick and a Cadillac. This does both nicely. While exploring my Lucerne (heater problem was a broken blend door actuator), I also learned it had remote start (I bought it used and didn’t know) I learned it using the live data function in the IP500-BCC while testing all the remote functions. Now, on cold winter days I can warm up the car without going outside to start the car. I would have never learned it without my new IP500. I like the large display and the intuitive menu that walks you through the entire process. Since it features free lifetime software updates, it will always have the best software available. It installed 5 updates as soon as I started the first time. I connected it to my WIFI and it automatically detected all the parameters of my Buick. It even automatically provided a detailed diagnosis report that I can email to myself or anyone else.As soon as I connected the first time, it ran a full diagnostics scan of all systems with a color coded display of problem areas. I had a check engine light but it was simply due to a loose gas cap and I reset the light and ran the tests again. All good!I do like the easy to read design and the logical workflow of the process. Error detection is automatic and vehicle specific. I get virtually dealer level diagnostics in my home shop without paying dealer level prices. The live data function features real time graphics. You select the parameters you want to see and it provides a graph of operation. It is easy to see how various things interact. I am almost looking forward to my next engine problem! I spent several minutes studying various engine parameters and how they interact. It was very educational. This scanner make it easier to understand what is happening inside and how complicated things work.Bottom line, this thing is an excellent value. It does everything I need for my cars and I feel like it is an excellent value. Yes it is designed for GM vehicles only and I have not tried it on a Ford or other, but I believe that XTOOL has created a great tool at a great value because I am not paying for capacity and software I don’t need and would not use. When I finally do need a new car, I will probably get a GM just so I can always maintain it myself with this cool tool! I also have a Grandson that likes cars. With this tool, I can teach him how things work. I plan to use the live data function to teach him how things like mass air flow and temperature interact together to make the injection system work properly. It will be fun and he might even think Grandpa knows his stuff!

This advertised that it can change tire size but I see no such function on this device. That is literally the only reason that I bought it. We’re leaving on a cross-country trip next week and I really wanted to ensure that our speed and fuel mileage was accurate since we upgraded our tire size quite a bit.