ThinkDiag OBD-II Scan Tool - Best Car Scan Tool For the DIYer

[@RetroCarGuy530]

I recently purchased a Thinkcar ThinkDiag bluetooth scan tool to see how it would work with my 2004 Chevy SSR pickup and my 2014 Chevy Caprice PPV. I created a review video with my findings. ⏲ Video Chapters ⏲ 00:00 - Intro 00:40 - Product Overview 05:30 - Thinkcar Tech User Account 06:32 - Activation / Install 08:04 - ThinkDiag LED Color Ring 09:47 - First Time Use - Quick Tour 12:45 - 2014 Chevy Caprice Bi-Directional 16:53 - 2004 Chevy SSR Bi-Directional 20:47 - Final Thoughts

[@Roy1]

Great informative video....Just bought one this morning ..Do you think it is better to use iPhone or iPad?

[@RetroCarGuy530]

So far, I've only used it on my iPad. My iPhone is very old (iPhone 6S Plus), so the iPad was a much better choice for me. I'm older so having the larger screen on the iPad is helpful as well.

[@Roy1]

@@RetroCarGuy530 Yes my eyesight is not great anymore either, I will go with the iPad.. thanks

[@EPHRAIMKekana-u7d]

Can I hook up any android tablet with this thin daig

[@RetroCarGuy530]

Regarding what iOS/Android device are supported: ThinkDiag App supports smartphones with Android 5.1 to Android 11, IOS 9.0 and above. Thinkcar UK website's statement about Android tablets: The Thinkdiag app does not officially work on tablets and is not shown on the google play store however you may install the app manually and it should work without any issues. We can not promise it will work on a tablet but we have yet to have a customer that the app did not install on manually. To install the app manually you will need to go to the downloads section on the website. The UK "Download" page: thinkdiag.co.uk/download.php

[@nedunonnyp704]

I wanted to see the ECU Programing/Coding Function. Just saw a another Video that shows it seem like it's Done Online? I Replaced a Front Steeting Control Module on infiniti Q50 3.7L and want to know if I can Program the Module to the Car. If that's what they Mean By ECU Coding... ??

[@RetroCarGuy530]

It depends on whether that manufacturer has made available a special function that allows that task to be performed or adjustable parameters that a third party scan tool can access and change. Depending on the module, it may need to be programmed using a J2534 compatible device (this is not a J2534 compatible device) which allows manufacturer calibration files to be installed and configured. If there are features that can be adjusted when the calibration files are present, then you may be able to tweak those settings. You should check what features are available for your vehicle on the thinkcarus website. Looking under Nissan for your vehicle. h5.thinkcar.com/coveragetk/all?type=thinkcar

[@nedunonnyp704]

@@RetroCarGuy530 I might be lucky. So if I see the Functions on that Website then it's Supported Correct? Under the ThinkDiag Selected Tool. I do see EPS Electronic Power Steering Module... 🙂🤞Keeping My 🤞 that it'll do it 🙂

[@RetroCarGuy530]

@@nedunonnyp704 look at the functions supported for that ECU to make sure it's what you're looking for. Listing the ECU means it at least can communicate with it, but you need to see a special function or actuation test that corresponds to what you're trying to accomplish.

[@mohamedgamaleldien4216]

does it interface the chevy malibu 5 th gen 1998 model year?

[@RetroCarGuy530]

Using the ThinkDiag coverage lookup within the GM module, there is limited support for that vehicle. h5.thinkcar.com/coverage/all Model Year System Function Malibu - (N) 1998 Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Active Test Malibu - (N) 1998 Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Live Data Malibu - (N) 1998 Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Trouble Code Malibu - (N) 1998 Body Function Controller (BFC) Active Test Malibu - (N) 1998 Body Function Controller (BFC) Live Data Malibu - (N) 1998 Body Function Controller (BFC) Trouble Code Malibu - (N) 1998 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) Active Test Malibu - (N) 1998 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) Live Data Malibu - (N) 1998 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) Trouble Code Malibu LS - (NE) 1998 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) Active Test Malibu LS - (NE) 1998 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) Live Data Malibu LS - (NE) 1998 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) Trouble Code

[@mohamedgamaleldien4216]

@@RetroCarGuy530 what it means by N and NE?

[@RetroCarGuy530]

That usually corresponds to a generation identifier or model variation. The "Malibu" entry has a model year range of 2012-2024. "Malibu - (N)" has a model year range of 1997 to 2003. "Malibu LS - (NE)" 1997 to 1998. "Malibu - (Z)" 2004 to 2012. "Malibu Hybrid - (Z)" 2008 to 2010.

[@mohamedgamaleldien4216]

@@RetroCarGuy530 thanks sir for your response and care. mine is ls malibu i need in first place to read code for ABS, transmission and SRS as simple scaner can't do. hope this device can do for my car.

[@RetroCarGuy530]

The list for the 1998 Malibu - (N) surprisingly does not include the powertrain control module nor the transmission. Based on the limited scope of modules in the list, this scan tool may not be the one for you. The other possibility is the coverage list is incomplete. I just don't know which is true.

[@ck6958]

Wth your buying a obd2 then you have to pay $50 per year just to use some of the functions that they are advertising that this tool can do. Anyone else think this is completely nuts?

[@RetroCarGuy530]

Most of the scan tools that have bi-directional capabilities have some sort of software subscription model. Thinkcar has just revised the subscription model (yet again) recently. They have a "VIP membership" (subscription model again), but it has different price points based on how long you're willing to commit to and it gives you full access to all of the different vehicle diagnostic modules and all of the maintenance modules. One year = $79.95, two years = $139.95 and five years = $319.95. My Autel MaxiSys MS906 costs over $300 per year to keep my subscription up to date.

[@jdubsteachings]

I run my own mobile business and I'm getting into a shop currently so I'm a pro and the 80 bucks a year that costs is nothing for everything this tool does. It can be slightly slow in the app sometimes but the autel is worse imo. I can force a dpf regen and retract those electric parking brakes and do abs automated bleed. It makes me way more than it costs. Just make sure you have external memory or a dedicated device. By the time you download all the different makes and functions you'll be about 11 gigs into it. A micro SD would be fine also. But this tool is something I rave about

[@MelodyMan69]

This product has no support for many GM cars outside of USA. Crap

[@RetroCarGuy530]

You may have already checked on the thinkcar website to see if your vehicle is covered, but if not check out the h5.thinkcar.com/coverage/ page to see if it covers your vehicle.