DIY Automotive Diagnostic Tools: What Do You Need?

[@BigDog50001]

*Tools* This channel earns a small commission using some of these links - at no additional cost to you. Harbor Freight Test Light: bit.ly/2AJt1K4 Inexpensive Test Leads: amzn.to/2Ha48d1 OTC 3636 Test Light: amzn.to/2KHboze Harbor Freight Multimeter: bit.ly/2DjXQHD Autel AL319 code reader: amzn.to/2ZdfkvU Better Multimeter: amzn.to/31Nz1w0 Topdon OBDCAN Elite: amzn.to/2Zaop8D Power Probe 4: amzn.to/2Zcj1Sg AESWave uScope Basic: bit.ly/2Rxinvh Inexpensive Scope Alternative (DSO): amzn.to/31M5Yst AESWave uTest Kit: bit.ly/2O7Iuea Autel MS906: amzn.to/2Hdh6qC Autel MS906BT (newer version): amzn.to/2Zcs0mF Lisle 69300 Relay Test Kit: amzn.to/2Zd9B98 OTC Breakout Box: amzn.to/2YZKrzT Snap-On Vantage Ultra: bit.ly/2qqO4et The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: www.amazon.com/shop/bigdog50001automotive

[@BV-Auto]

I would throw in a radiator pressure tester kit.

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

Good tips for DIY'ers! This all will help to start diagnoses.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks Mike, I always appreciate your comments (and commentary)!

[@Mr2004MCSS]

Great video. I'm just a DIY'er but I became interested in this stuff after trying to fix a parasitic draw on my fiancé's car last year and while I eventually found it, I could have found it faster and without tearing apart as much stuff as I did. Over the past year I have bought some of the more expensive stuff that you show like the AES wave uTest advanced terminal test kit, the Lisle relay kit you have, an Innova 5610 scanner, an Innova power probe knock off, and several better test lights and Multimeters. I have also bought Scannerdanner's book and am a member of his premium channel. I've learned a lot from both of those. While I would like a better scanner, I can't justify an expensive one for occasional use. I plan on getting the Uscope at some point too.

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you for the comment and the input!

[@topstardieseltruckssolutio865]

Good job bigdog, love you advice over the different scan tools being display, kudos you sir

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks 👍!

[@mr.nobody9630]

So many toys is like candy land.Two thumb's Up for the video. I have the power probe II on my wish list hopefully my covert fund will be ready when I needed.

[@BigDog50001]

Hopefully you get one, thanks for the comment!

[@Usmanthemecano]

This channel has to grow! Excellent content and editing

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thank you!

[@joehyundaitech7961]

I just saw your channel tonight and I really enjoyed all the videos that I have seen so far and have learned a lot as well thank you for the information. I have subscribed

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you, I appreciate the comment! And welcome!

[@rusty1187]

ten seconds in.... 'But first, COFFEE!!!!" I subscribed!

[@BigDog50001]

lol, welcome!

[@wyattoneable]

Mike beat me! Great subject matter. Tools are great if you know how to use them. I'm working on that. I like your idea on making the test leads from old connectors. In a recent video Keith mentioned he loved that single channel scope.

[@BigDog50001]

It won't replace a 4 channel Pico, but it is a darn good little scope. Thanks for the comment Wyatt! Oh yeah, Mike is pretty quick lol.

[@BigDog50001]

Be sure to subscribe for more tool and car repair videos! kzbin.info twitter.com/BigDog50001 instagram.com/bigdog50001/ Disclosure: This channel earns a small commission using some of these links - at no additional cost to you. The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: www.amazon.com/shop/bigdog50001automotive

[@aurthorthing7403]

You can get the Shell Scope for around 40 bucks. And you can get an even cheaper scope if you can put it together yourself.

[@pl5882]

Aurthor Thing That’s what I did. I still have the Hantek for when sht gets real.

[@aurthorthing7403]

@@pl5882 I need to get one of these pocket scopes just so I can start learning how they work. Right now I just want one for basic audio amplifier and power supply troubleshooting. Do you think the $40 shell scope will work for this?

[@FrankRizzo707]

What is the best scan tool for around 2,000 bucks?

[@jvinsnes]

got a mini laptop with Delphi, PP2000 and WoW, but my cheap ELM wifi adapter for android works great for quick simple diagnosis on the road

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment!

[@themechanic6117]

Nice recommendations. So that autel ms906 does offer bi directional? So I'm assuming the Bluetooth ms906bt is the same tool but cordless ? I'm looking to get a new scanner would you say the ms906 is a good buy ?

[@BigDog50001]

Yes, the MS906 definitely has bidirectional capabilities. I haven't found anything yet that I wanted to bidirectionally control but couldn't (I'm sure there are some things out there). From what I understand the BT version is exactly the same, just wireless connections. Like most scan tools you have to pay for updates each year, which are like $500. I know in the past some authorized sellers have included 2 years of updates when you purchase tool and that can help save money. I would have no problem buying another Autel MS906 right now. Thanks for the comment Jonathan!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I could use the pro caliber stuff like the vantage pro or ultra and the asewave kits

[@BigDog50001]

They are excellent tools to have.

[@RolyTheHolyPaladin]

0:06 - Coffee? Looks more like warm milk lol. Edit* Great video, thank you. Enjoy that warm milk won't you too.

[@rbilardo47]

I know this is an old video and I hope you can still answer a question I have. I have the Foxwell NT510 multi-system scanner, and I have to pay $70.00 for each automobile I want to diagnose. Does the scanner you are using here for the DIY'er have access to all autombiles without having to pay extra for each vehicle? Thank you. I love all of your videos, you explain very clearly so we can understand.

[@BigDog50001]

Scanners like those typically require a fee to add additional vehicle makes (Honda, Chevy etc.) in order to see *manufacturer specific* data and add some bi-directional functions, but most should let you see generic OBDII data for any vehicle that has an OBDII DLC for free. I don't pay to update or add coverage to any of the cheaper scanners that I have, I only use them for OBDII data and emission monitors. I have more expensive scanners that cover all manufacturers and allow me to see all modules (like ABS/SRS/Body modules etc) but in order to keep the information up to date I have to pay subscription fees each year (several hundred dollars each year). The scan tools will still work and do everything with expired subscriptions but at some point they will not work on newly manufactured vehicles. If you work on (or scan) a lot of different vehicle makes and want bi-directional control, manufacturer specific data and be able to scan all modules, then it may be more cost effective to pay more up front for a better scan tool that works on all makes (even if you don't pay each year to keep it up to date). Autel MS906BT and the Launch X431 Pros Mini are the two scan tools I currently use the most (and both have full coverage on all makes). If you only want to read engine codes and see generic OBDII data, then just about any cheap scanner will do that for free with no additional charges.

[@rbilardo47]

@@BigDog50001 Thanks for getting back with me and for the info you provided. You were crystal clear as usual. Love your videos, keep them coming.

[@KLeeson]

Just seen your vids, awsome, Subscribed..... I really enjoyed..... Time for my Coffe.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks and welcome!

[@AlwaysDiagnoseVehicleFirst]

Good Evening, first time i watched your video and loved it from beginning to end, i have a 2003 dodge caravan and would like to know what scanner would be best for it? im a beginner very interested in wanting to be a mechanic but i need a scanner that can tell me what problems this van is having, how to diagnose it and repair it.

[@ag100pct]

Always love your videos. I think I have at least 3 of the cheap HF meters. I also have a basic GreenLee DMM. I have an Ancel AD310 scan tool. Recently the radar sensor (used for "Honda Sensing") get knocked and set a code....which basic scan tools can't touch. Would one of your higher end tools be able to reset that sensor? I realize the system needs to be aimed properly, but when it goes out your dash lights up like a Christmas tree. It even lights "Brake System". Any recommendations appreciated.

[@BigDog50001]

Typically in order to properly work on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) they need to be calibrated with special equipment that is very expensive. Unfortunately I don't really recommend this for DIY due to the safety concerns of an improperly working ADAS system. Dealers and larger repair shops are usually the ones that will have this equipment due to the size of the equipment and the cost. I appreciate the comment, thank you!

[@fredymredy]

I really did not understand why would you need an oscilloscope? Can anyone tell me some examples what can you check with it in car?

[@BigDog50001]

Sometimes you can get away with not having one but some things are too fast for a voltmeter and need to be seen with a scope to diagnose (fuel injector control/pulse width modulated signals/Mass Air Flow signals etc).

[@scottyhaines4226]

What's the best affordable scan tool? Not a code reader but one with live data and abs codes

[@BigDog50001]

The Topdon that I showed in this video does live data and ABS codes (but will not show all manufacturer specific live data). For a full featured scan tool with bidirectional controls then I would look at something like a Launch X431 Pro or the Autel MS906 that I showed in this video.

[@bushwalker2673]

Hi Would Love to see a tool box tour from you :-) thanks for your videos!

[@BigDog50001]

Maybe one of these days, thanks for the comment!

[@arthurfricchione8119]

All your videos get a 👍. Excellent presentation for tools for the diyer. As I see you use specific tools I go and get them especially if they pertain to Hondas. No snap on scopes but I do have a 4 Channel and 2 channel u scope and a launch Bi directional scanner. My next purchase will probably be a MIG welder. Nothing big been researching Eastwood and Lincoln. Any good ideas? Thanks, Dave.

[@BigDog50001]

I like Lincoln. Thanks for the comment!

[@arthurfricchione8119]

@@BigDog50001 Thanks for the reply

[@calimesacox]

I need the adapter that you have for the you scope. ... where did you get it?

[@BigDog50001]

It came with it when I purchased it from AESWave. You might be able to buy just the connector from AESWave.

[@calimesacox]

@@BigDog50001 thank you. I will go to thier Web store and look. I bought my Uscope though the local parts house. And man did I get a deal. Thanks again for the quick response.

[@billarroo1]

Nothing works right without, COFFEE !!!😆😆

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@kennyc388]

Kona and Guatemalan are in my tool box.

[@billwilliams6338]

BIG DOG50001 AUTOMOTIVE , /// ''' can you give examples of using the Breakout box Pin#1 thur Pin#15 what kind of common failures you have seen when troubleshooting cars using Pin#1 thur Pin#15?

[@BigDog50001]

I will see what I can do for a video on it.

[@billwilliams6338]

@@BigDog50001 thank that would help out a lot to explain how to use it better

[@Blackmage50]

Great stuff. I use the launch creader3001 code reader for fast code retrieval. I really like that it has live data. Its not my modis but it's much more convenient/faster and it's only $25....heavy on the only $25. Lol

[@BigDog50001]

I like Launch too, for $25 you can't go wrong! Thanks for the comment and the input!

[@Blackmage50]

I watch the launch and autel stores on AliExpress. They did a half off day awile back so I got mine for about $13 with shipping. Worth a look anyways.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great video brother

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@sandyande]

Thanks for great video and for catering for all in the DIY market cheers sandy

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment!

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

will a 9006 bulb from something other then a Honda work??? Chevy probably won't work!!!!! hahaha!

[@BigDog50001]

Oh no, those 9006 Chevy bulbs won't work!!! lol

[@Rick-Williams59]

Chevy bulb will make it go faster. ;)