Why You Need To Own An Autel MX900 OBDII Scanner

One of the most valuable tools to have as the owner of a modern car is a competent OBD scanner. The OBD-II system instituted around 1996 made diagnosing issues much easier, but it has since expanded, connecting nearly every system of the car into a single port through which anyone can access. While basic scanners still hold their merit, more advanced units like the Autel MX900 have far more value, especially if you’re an avid DIY’er. 

The Autel MX900 MaxiCheck

Working on any vehicle newer than the early 2010s requires more from a code scanner than just the basics. Brake jobs and water pump replacements need electronic resetting, and even batteries need coding, making even the relatively simple jobs of old unaccomplishable without technology. If you’re going to DIY, a competent scanner is a must, and it’s hard to get more than Autel’s MX900 MaxiCheck. Its capabilities rival those of professional-grade products, so any conceivable procedure needing an advanced scanner won’t be a problem. 

The MaxiCheck is a tablet with an 8-inch touchscreen LED display housed in a shop-safe plastic and rubber body. Inside, the Android-11 operating system ensures quick loading times and responsive inputs as you perform your maintenance tasks. Once plugged into a vehicle, it can automatically read the VIN and present you with an expansive list of options covering maintenance tasks, live data recording, and model-specific special function capabilities. However, it doesn’t require a computer science degree to operate. With remote access to technical support and online operating guides, using this advanced piece of kit can be a breeze. 

Autel MX900 Features 

The entire benefit of owning the MX900 is in its features. Maintenance may be easy on older models, but contemporary offerings often need a computer just to reset the parking brake or install new fuel injectors. Fortunately, the MaxiCheck doesn't have any trouble with those. It can support far more involved jobs like key coding, sensor resets, and drive-by-wire brake system bleeds. 

• Read/clear codes for all available systems

• Display live data in text, graph & analog for easy data review

• Auto VIN technology can automatically identify the vehicle’s make, model, and year information in no time

• Relearn parking brake pad after replacement

• Support Immobilizer functions (Keys)

• Support forced DPF regeneration and adjusting injectors

• Reset Steering Angle Sensor (SAS)

• Reset service mileage and service intervals

• Support Basic TPMS sensor relearn

• Support battery registration and reset

• Electronic brake bleeding activates pumps and solenoids in certain cars. It works on Mercedes SBC systems and resets pedal counter values.

• Adjusts injector values

• Throttle body adaptation

Along with the service-assisting features, the MX900 also displays and records live data as your engine runs, allowing you to measure various parameters on the fly. This can be critical while diagnosing something in the charging system; watching for any drops or spikes in voltage can highlight a specific problem spot. It’s also highly useful for anyone who regularly swaps from winter to summer wheels and tires. The TPMS light that pops on after every switch typically requires a trip to the dealership to reset the calibration, but not with the MX900. In just a few minutes, you’ll be free of all warning messages, and your onboard computer will be reading the tire pressure of your freshly fitted summer or winter tire set.

Other Great Autel Options For Older Vehicles

There really aren't any alternatives to the MX900 that will perform the same job. However, you don't need to break out the big tablet for simpler checks or older vehicles. Without injectors to code, parking brakes to reset, or steering angle sensors to reset, the MX900 is a bit overqualified for the job. Recent classics are plenty modern but don’t require that level of compatibility, so a scanner like the AL629 or AL329 is a much better fit.

The AL629 has all the functions of a basic scanner but includes ABS and SRS (airbag) connectivity, making it the best choice for avid DIYers. The latter two systems are the only ones that may give off individual trouble codes in an older car and prevent an OBD-II system from passing a yearly inspection. However, both systems are critical areas of safety, so if you’re not the kind of person to take on those jobs, something like the AL329 handheld scanner will work perfectly. 

The AL329 is as simple as possible, making it a great tool or gift for the entry-level DIY'er. It only functions as a traditional scanner, which can read engine codes, reset the computers, and turn off the MIL. It can also read and display live emissions data and retrieve VIN information. Even if you have an MX900, the AL329 compliments it perfectly by fitting much easier into a glove box or center console. Realizing that our favorite Euros are getting older and will require more time hooked up to a scanner can make daily driving more anxiety-inducing, so having one ready should work to combat that.

However, the AL329 isn't the only option. Autel also offers the AP200 Bluetooth scanner. Instead of a traditional scanner plugged in and handheld, the AP200 is a simple dongle that'll fit in the palm of your hand. Once you plug it in, simply connect your phone and have all of the tools of the AL329, and a handful more, at your disposal. If you think you need more functions, you can upgrade your coverage using the Autel app.

Whichever scanner you choose, you'll never be without the right tool for the job.

• Autel AP200
• Autel AL329
• Autel AL629

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Written by :

Christian Schaefer

Car and motorsports-obsessed writer/editor for FCP Euro's DIY Blog. Constantly dreaming of competing behind the wheel or searching for another project. Owner of a turbo Subaru Forester and a ratty Porsche 914, both of which are running.