For DIY car enthusiasts and home mechanics, having the right diagnostic tools can make all the difference. In the realm of automotive diagnostics, bidirectional scanners stand out for their advanced capabilities, allowing users to not just read trouble codes, but also to send commands to the vehicle to test components and systems. The Autel MS906TS is one such tool that has garnered attention for its comprehensive features. This review delves into a user’s experience with the Autel MS906TS, exploring its strengths and weaknesses as a potential candidate for the Best Obd2 Bidirectional Scanner for home use.
One user shares their experience with the Autel MS906TS, a tool positioned above basic code readers but below professional-grade, module-coding capable scanners. Opting for the MS906TS several years ago, the user, a DIY enthusiast, made a conscious decision to forgo module coding capabilities, primarily due to the added complexity and subscription costs associated with manufacturer data access. Purchased for around $1300 approximately four years prior to writing their review, the tool has proven its worth in a variety of diagnostic scenarios, predominantly on European vehicles such as BMWs, Mercedes-Benz, and Range Rovers.
The Autel MS906TS demonstrated a broad spectrum of functionality across these European makes. On Mercedes-Benz vehicles, it was instrumental in tackling intricate systems like air suspension, NOx sensors, and DEF heaters, alongside general diagnostics. For BMWs, the scanner primarily served to reset maintenance lights and aid in brake work procedures. Range Rover diagnostics included addressing DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) issues, throttle body recalibrations, and activating solenoids to pinpoint emissions-related fault codes. In all these instances, the live data streaming and graphing capabilities of the MS906TS proved invaluable in accurately diagnosing the root causes of various automotive problems.
Despite its robust capabilities, the Autel MS906TS isn’t without its drawbacks. The user highlights the significant cost of software updates as a major concern. Initially bundled with two years of updates, subsequent updates are priced at a substantial fraction – roughly half to two-thirds – of the tool’s original cost. This cost factor discourages frequent updates, especially for users who primarily work on older vehicles. Another point of frustration is the near absence of detailed operating instructions. The tool’s interface and procedures vary across different vehicle manufacturers, leading to a considerable amount of trial-and-error and time spent navigating the system. The user notes that this complexity seems to stem more from the variations in car manufacturer systems rather than shortcomings of the Autel tool itself.
However, in terms of build quality and performance, the Autel MS906TS receives high marks. The tool has proven durable over years of use, maintaining excellent battery life and consistent speed of operation. For a DIY mechanic focusing on European vehicles and needing bidirectional control for systems testing and diagnostics, the Autel MS906TS emerges as a powerful and reliable tool, albeit with considerations around update costs and a learning curve due to limited instructions. While the question of whether it’s definitively the “best” OBD2 bidirectional scanner is subjective and depends on individual needs and budget, the MS906TS certainly presents a strong case for being a top contender in its class for advanced DIY automotive diagnostics.
