A review of the Foxwell NT809 automotive diagnostic scan tool. This is a mid-level, pro grade scan tool with bidirectional control (also called actuation tests) that will pretty much handle about 99% of things that you could need to repair your own vehicle. It is very well built, it has a nice bright touch screen, with a kickstand on the back, and it’s very intuitive to use. If you can operate a modern day smartphone, then you should be able to easily operate this tool. The included, printed owner’s manual is very well written, easy to read, and includes definitions for all abbreviation that are found on the scan tool. This is handy for users who may not be familiar with all the abbreviations and/or acronyms used in the auto repair world. This Foxwell NT809 scan tool comes with a hard formed canvas case with a handle, the scan tool itself, the OBDII cable, the charger cable with USB-A to USB-C, owner’s manual, and quick start guide.
I did notice the OBDII cable is a tad shorter than I would like, but inexpensive OBDII extension cables can be found all over the internet. In fact, I believe all corded OBDII scan tools could benefit from an extension cable regardless of how long the included cable may be. This way you can easily move about the vehicle while staying connected during auto repairs. Also, I noticed the tool does not come with a power brick (charger). Again, not a big deal because by now, most people probably already have a bunch of these laying around from other devices…. But I still feel it should’ve been included with the tool.
Bottom line, I’ve used many different brands and models of automotive scanners…. This tool seemed very well built and very easy to use. The software was intuitive and functioned smoothly. If you’re in the market for a mid-level pro grade scan tool with bidirectional control, be sure to put this one on your consideration list.
XTOOL D7 vs D8 Comparison. Differences Between These Two Diagnostic Scan Tools
A quick video about the differences between the XTOOL D7 and XTOOL D8 diagnostic scan tools. I did separate review videos about each of these OBDII scanners a while back but there have been many questions about the differences between the two. See the links below for those review videos. Some of the differences pointed out in this video were sent to me by XTOOL, and some of the differences I have discovered myself. This may not be a 100% complete list.
I was able to review the Autel MaxiCOM MK808BT OBDII scan tool a while back. There are several reasons why I like this scanner, and a few reasons why it’s not so great. First, lets cover the main reasons why I like the MK808BT.
YouTube video below.
PROS:
1) It will communicate with every module on any OBDII vehicle. Every vehicle made has different modules that monitor and control certain systems of the vehicle. This OBDII scan tool will scan for codes and provide live data from every module in the vehicle that it’s connected to. Most cheaper OBDII scan tools will only scan and display data from the the ECM. (Engine control module) Well, that’s great, but what about the other 5 or 10 (or more) modules in that vehicle? Abs brake module, SRS module (air bags), fuel pump module, body control module, transmission control module, etc, etc… This scan tool will scan and display trouble codes and live data from every module in the vehicle.
2) It has full live view data. The live data list for any given module is 100% complete. If the data PID exists in any given module, it will be displayed on the screen. A lot of the cheaper OBDII scan tools will only display a few of the most common PIDS and hide the rest. This scan tool displays all data PIDs
3) The Autel MK808BT will also display generic OBDII data from any vehicle…. which is data without the manufacturer’s (vehicle make) overlay. It’s just raw data from the vehicle.
4) It has wireless Bluetooth connectivity between the scanner and the vehicle – VCI. When you power-up the scan tool, about one second later you’ll hear a loud BEEP. That beep lets you know that the scanner and the VCI are connected to each other and they are ready for use. This happens automatically, every time you turn the scan tool on. I’ve never NOT had it connect immediately. The Bluetooth data connection between the vehicle’s OBDII port and the Autel scan tool is very good. I did not walk very far away from the vehicle to do an overall distance test, but I did walk around the vehicle inside the shop, and outside in the driveway and I never lost connection. The speed of the connection also seems to be very good. I did notice that it took about a half to maybe 1 full second to fully populate a full live data list but I’ve noticed that same delay with my MK908P which is a much more expensive scan tool. That short delay could have also been caused by the computer in my test vehicle. Either way, it was such a minor delay that it was barely worth mentioning. I only noticed the delay because I was specifically looking for it. Another thing I liked about the wireless Bluetooth VCI is that it comes with a mini USB port so if something happens to your wireless connection, you can simply connect a USB cable between the VCI and the scan tool and it now becomes a wired connection. I did test this and it worked flawlessly.
5) It offers all the main “service functions” like EPB, DPF, SAS, ABS, BMS, TPMS, auto brake bleed, oil reset, etc. Most of the cheaper OBDII scan tools do not come with the ability to perform ANY of these typical service functions… but this comes with pretty much every service function you could need. The list of functions are “possibilities”. Keep in mind, if some (or all) of these function do not exists in your vehicle’s computer, then this scan tool will not be able to command those functions. For example: EPB, which is electronic parking brake. My 2006 GMC 1500 pick-up does not have electronic parking brakes so that function does me no good because the computer in my truck wouldn’t know what to do with that command. lol.
6) This Autel MK808BT has SOME bi-directional controls. For example, I can operate the blend doors in my dash for the HVAC system, open and close all eclectic windows, lock/unlock the doors, etc, etc. The scan tool will be able to operate some functions inside the vehicle depending on the make/model. My test vehicle is a 2006, if you tried it on a newer vehicle it may operate more functions as cars became more computer dependent, and more modern over the years.
7) Other pros worth mentioning: The scanner runs on the Android operating platform and it feels like it’s physically very well made, it does not feel flimsy at all. It comes in your typical blow mold case with owners manual, power brick and two USB cables. (one long, one short)
CONS:
1) The MK808BT does NOT have full bi-directional control. Sure, I mentioned earlier that it had some control, but I haven’t been able to find any power train controls. I am not able to cycle the fuel pump, I am not able to open/close evap solenoids, etc, etc. Unfortunately, if you NEED bi-directional controls, then you will need to step up $300-$400 dollars more and buy a higher end model. However, if you are good at diagnosing modern cars, you may not need bi-direction control. The fact that this scanner has FULL live data for all modules, that should be enough to diagnose MOST problems on today’s vehicles.
2) Annual updates are NOT free. This isn’t the end of the world because having to purchase annual updates is fairly common with mid to high end scanners but it still sucks for your average guy to pay for updates that may only get used a few times per year. If you’re a mechanic working in a busy shop and use your scan tool every day, then it’s not such a big deal.
Conclusion
The Autel MK808BT is an excellent OBDII scan tool for serious DIYers, backyard mechanics, and even full time mechanics. If you’re looking for a scanner that will display ALL data for any given vehicle (whatever you’re plugged into) along with having the ability to perform all service functions, then this tool will be hard to beat! If you absolutely NEED bi-directional control, then skip this tool and keep going up the line to find another model that will fit your needs.
Please check out my YouTube video review about the MK808BT below.
I made a youtube video to show how an affordable ABS scan tool can auto bleed ABS brake systems and ABS module just like a pro scanner. You don’t need a 5 or 10 thousand dollar GM Tech2 or Snap On diagnostic scanner (or any other high end vehicle manufacturer specific diagnostic scan tool) to preform an auto bleed on an ABS brake system. https://youtu.be/fUqmBqYIEAE
While searching online to find this affordable solution, I also found a few other low priced ABS scan tools that are supposed to also do an auto bleed. They are, The Foxwell NT630 Plus: And the OTC 3210: Please do your own research to be sure these scanners will work with your vehicle. The Foxwell seemed to be the cheapest, and the OTC was the most expensive. TO ME, the Autel seemed to be the best decision because it wasn’t the most expensive, but at least it was from a company that I had heard of before. OTC is a good, well known brand (Originally from my home state) but because of that, it seems that you are somewhat paying for the name. The Autel MaxiCheck Pro was middle ground for me. After using it to bleed my brakes, I can say that I am very happy with my purchase. I’m sure there are others out there but at the time of my YouTube video, these seemed to be the cheapest three (that I could find) with auto bleed capability.
It’s important to keep in mind that not every make and model of vehicle is capable of performing an auto bleed. The vehicle must have that function programmed into the ECM to begin with. It is the computer (ECM) in the vehicle that is actually performing the function, the Autel MaxiCheck Pro OBDII scan tool (or any other brand of scan tool) is only commanding the vehicle’s computer to run the auto bleed. The Scan tool itself is not doing anything other than commanding the auto bleed function that is programmed into the vehicle’s ECM from the factory. I suggest doing a google search for your make and model to see if your vehicle has the ability to auto bleed the ABS brake system before you buy a scanner.
And just to be clear…. I manually bled fluid from all four wheels before AND after performing an auto bleed with the scan tool. Once the air is moved out of the ABS module, (with scan tool) it must then be physically bled out of the system at each wheel. I did this entire process twice. And another side note: I use the Motive Products Power Bleeder to bleed my brakes. All other forms of bleeding may work eventually, but using a power bleeder (any brand) is absolutely the quickest, easiest and most reliable way to remove air from the brake system…. Your mileage may vary.
Check out my video below on YouTube to see how easy it was to perform an auto bleed on my 2006 GMC Sierra 1500.
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