Xtool A30M software install and product review

Collaboration with ‪@PanzerPlatform‬. Xtool sent me an A30M to check out and film an instructional video for. I have had good luck with prior Xtool purchases and was happy to check out this new product. It is a bidirectional scan tool that can read and interact with all the systems in your vehicle, not just read "check engine" codes.
Panzer Platform video: • XTOOL A30M OBD2 Bi-Dir...
Xtool A30M: amzn.to/31iql64
Xtool D7: amzn.to/349ThhD
Xtool KC501 EEPROM key writer: amzn.to/3HxJOzo
Xtool extension cord: amzn.to/3zjK16e
#wjhandydad #xtool #scantool #DIY
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of WJ Handy Dad, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. WJ Handy Dad assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. WJ Handy Dad recommends safe practices when working on vehicles/homes and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of WJ Handy Dad, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not WJ Handy Dad.
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[@PanzerPlatform]

Right on Handy Dad, Very thorough review. You showed a ton of stuff I didn't. My favorite parts were the Odometer Programming, and EULA legal analysis. -Chuck

[@larrypetty4315]

How was it thorough? It was useless. I don’t care about some privacy policy or general access to photos, I care about the bidirectional control, which he clearly couldn’t demonstrate.

[@PanzerPlatform]

@@larrypetty4315 Have you seen my review? That might help. Just KZbin Search "Panzer Platform A30M" -Chuck

[@SlipFitGarage]

I understand the concern when allowing permissions.... I feel the same way. However, 99% of the time when you allow access to photos, media, and files it's because without those permissions the software wouldn't work properly. Example: Giving permission to access "files" allows the anyscan software to access IT'S OWN files. Without that permission, it can't even run it's own software. As for media and photos.... In the XTOOL software (at least on the A30 Pro, the D7 and the D8) it will allow you to take pictures, screen shots of data and even video screen capture. Without the permission to access "media" it wouldn't even be able to save a picture or video to the memory of your device so those functions would not work properly. It's not about XTOOL looking at your private data, it's about having enough permission for it's own software to run correctly. Now, with that said, is it possible for those permissions to be use for nefarious purposes? Probably. Is it likely? Probably not. Nice video, Sir!

[@PanzerPlatform]

Right on Brian, Glad to see you back, I agree 100%. For the conspiracy theorists, that's why I mentioned the option of using the A30M with a "dedicated" $20 pre-paid smartphone, or $60 Walmart tablet. That might minimize the personal data collection. -Chuck

[@johnmitchell8925]

This was a nice honest review Thank You

[@Banditt42]

Another free product review.

[@paulicelhizon677]

Do you need to renew the subscription and reset function yearly? Thanks. Nice video btw.

[@WJHandyDad]

it's supposed to have "lifetime" updates. I have no way to verify that, but every time I hit "update" on my D7 I get a bunch of updates. On my A30M I don't see updates as often. It claims all my software is up to date. I suspect that they are better about updating the more commercial D7 than they are about the A30M since I update them simultaneously and the D7 always seems to have updates.

[@Tukwilapilot]

Driver door module needs vehicle speed to auto lock the doors when you are moving forward. Not sure if a retired police car would have it active.

[@WJHandyDad]

mine actually does the auto lock at 3mph thing because I set it with Forscan.

[@Kris-jh7tk]

Can you install it again on another phone if the current phone dies

[@WJHandyDad]

as far as I know you can install it on as many devices as you need to. But that would be a great question for their tech support. I have installed it on multiple devices, including switching phones, and it worked fine.

[@joebagofdoe4762]

Great Video!! Hey quick question , How safe is this to use on a daily driver? Or your only car you can afford lol

[@WJHandyDad]

I've had no issues. The only issue I had was the previous model (A30) temporarily erased my odometer on Avalanche. But the Xtool company was helpful and just before we were going to take it to a dealer to fix it came back on its own.

[@OLIVER949OC2]

I have ip616 and I had internet issues with my unit wouldn't connect to any internet source so i factory reset but the app is gone.... how could I reinstall it

[@WJHandyDad]

they have excellent tech support if you are having trouble downloading and installing

[@OLIVER949OC2]

@@WJHandyDad it's been 2 weeks since I heard from them I emailed them @techsupport

[@pigeonsil240sx]

im looking for a tablet that can hold the space for all those updates and be able to scan fast any recomendations on what to look for and preferabbly the cheapest that has enough space and speed?also does it have to be android?thank you.

[@WJHandyDad]

I put it on my Kindle and it worked fine. As far as I know, it must be an Android based tablet.

[@merlincalo6877]

Thanks for the review this was very helpful. What are your thoughts on the A30M compared to the A30D model? Is it worth upgrading. Do you know if all the features are supported for an Acura TSX (2008) vehicle by any chance.

[@WJHandyDad]

I have used mainly the A30M and D7. I like the D7 better personally, but the A30M is very convenient when you consider you just need your cell phone. They seem to update the D7 more regularly. I am not familiar with differences between A30M and D - I'll check with my contact there and see if I can get a simple summary of differences

[@merlincalo6877]

@@WJHandyDad Can you diagnose and reset the VSA with the A30M?

[@WJHandyDad]

@@merlincalo6877 I contacted support with your question since I don't have an Acura TSX to check it on. They are great about answering questions. They did say the M has at least 10 more special function features than the D

[@WJHandyDad]

@@merlincalo6877 according to Xtool it can diagnose but not reset. None of their current tools can reset according to tech support.

[@robm3063]

Couple questions for you. 07 silverado and a 15 equinox both have the special function area grayed out. Does that mean these vehicles do not have any functions? Second question is how does one move the app to a different devise? I put the app on my android tablet and when I tried to install app on an old android phone it would not let me. I can install the app but it wants me to register it again but that fails.

[@WJHandyDad]

those would be great questions to ask the good folks at Xtool tech support. They are top notch at answering questions and providing updates if things aren't working 100%

[@canaldojoao820]

mine arrived, not turning on the flashlight and no led. what could possibly be with him?

[@WJHandyDad]

I would reach out to the Xtool support as they would know better than me. My thoughts would be possibly you have a blown fuse on your OBD port. It's possible you got a defective A30M. I don't know, but it's also possible that the unit needs to "charge" by being plugged in to the OBD for a bit, which wouldn't happen if your OBD fuse is blown. On the Crown Vic it's the same fuse that gives power to the cigarette lighter plugs

[@gavinb5784]

Hello, does A30M cover Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500Ls? Thank you

[@WJHandyDad]

I don't own nor have access to either of those vehicles. But I would assume so. It seems to have every vehicle on the planet. And customer service is top notch, so if you have issues they will make it right.

[@gavinb5784]

@@WJHandyDad thank you. Can I please get from you their customer service email. Cheers.

[@WJHandyDad]

[e-mail]

[@johnmitchell8925]

I have the d7 if you don't, update it every 30 days it will not work,so when the free updates run out im not sure how thats gonna work out for all the folks that dont want to pay for new updates

[@WJHandyDad]

I haven't noticed that, but I do tend to update frequently

[@Relevantminded]

Until these scantools can remove p1745 and p0868 transmission codes for a 62te transmission they're pretty much all the same to me.

[@nowthenad3286]

I need to reset the learned values for the EGR valve. Is that something that can be done using the A30M? Thank you

[@WJHandyDad]

there isn't a specific setting that I can see for "EGR valve reset" but that doesn't mean the tool can't do it. You might even be able to do it by disconnecting your vehicle battery. Some vehicles practically do a factory reset if you disconnect the battery long enough.

[@nowthenad3286]

@@WJHandyDad Thank you very much - that's really helpful advice.

[@guyteigh3375]

It looks a good bit of kit - BUT seems to be useless for Vauxhall Vivaro (certainly the 2013 models) as it wrongly diagnoses the engine type and will not let you select the correct one. As such, can only access the Vivaro's Nissan engine with basic OBD2 and NOT the proper diagnostics. I did message the company in the hope that they could help - but had zero response.

[@WJHandyDad]

that's shocking... I have always had great luck with their tech support

[@reiannaidoo]

Your video sounds and looks like it was made in the 70's. 🤣 Thanks for all the hard work though.

[@WJHandyDad]

I was made in the 60's, maybe that's why???

[@andreik1775]

Thanks, Gary. Can you reset the auto lock / unlock and dark mode with A30M?

[@WJHandyDad]

I don't know. Will check and do a follow up.

[@andreik1775]

@@WJHandyDad thank you! When I contacted xtools about the odometer programming on a 2011 CVPI , they mentioned that they didn’t have it but would program it and let me test if I buy it. Good to know that you confirmed it is already working on some years.

[@PanzerPlatform]

Hey Andrei & Handy Dad, Please excuse my interuption. lol I've got a video on Auto-Lock Disable / Enable, (no tools required). -Chuck

[@andreik1775]

@@PanzerPlatform thank you, Chuck! I will look for it immediately.

[@andreik1775]

@@PanzerPlatform used your video to make the switch, thank you; Chuck! It worked the first time I tried, although, the horn didn’t beep after the change, like yours.

[@KhanKhan-fh7ff]

This OBD work in pakistani car

[@WJHandyDad]

that would be a great question for Xtool tech support. They are very responsive to questions.

[@sixpacksandsrts9122]

Would like to see some live data streamed on one of these. Can you do multiple graphs at a time ? Is it laggy?

[@WJHandyDad]

I haven't tried what you are wanting to do, but I haven't found any lag problems with anything that I have needed to do on it

[@lousep1964]

I wish I could get these functions to work on my 2013 Hyundai Genesis sedan but they don't. Right now all I need to do is access the four speed sensors in the electronics stability control tab but no dice. I would also like to access the brake bleeding as you did in the video the tab is there but it doesn't execute the function it doesn't even allow me access.

[@WJHandyDad]

I would reach out to their customer support. They have been wonderful to work with in my experience. They will update the software if necessary. They may be completely unaware of the issue unless you reach out to them

[@lousep1964]

@@WJHandyDad Thank you. I have contacted them let's see what happens and how long it takes.

[@lousep1964]

Update: Customer support responded within a few days and were spot on on their assessment after I sent them some videos it was discovered that a faulty circuit on the abs module was to blame and once corrected the A30M was able to communicate like it should . I'm liking it quite a bit and would recommend it for what it has been designed. Thanks again.

[@nedunonnyp704]

I thought This Scanner Does it all. I Just bought this Tool with Hope that Does everything Except Programming.. But I Just Realized that It Does not Do ECU/Module Coding.. I Think that's One thing I'm Missing Here.. I Replace Parts/Modules all the Time and It'd Me Nice to have a Tool That's able to Just Pair it with the Car. Even the $60-$70 ThinkDiag Scanner Have this ECU Coding Feature..

[@WJHandyDad]

I would reach out to their customer support. They are wonderful and very responsive and always making upgrades to the software

[@nedunonnyp704]

@@WJHandyDad Sounds Good. Thanks.

[@Eco-autos]

Please what is the name of this application XTOOL A30M?

[@WJHandyDad]

Anyscan

[@nedunonnyp704]

The One Feature I need is ECU Coding.... Is there an Xtool Scanner with Similar Features that Have ECU Coding in this Price Range?

[@WJHandyDad]

The D8 and D9 have *some* ECU programming. For Fords you can get the free Forscan app and a

[@nedunonnyp704]

@@WJHandyDad Does the D7/D8 Come With Free Lifetime Updates On All Manufacturer? And No I don't necessarily need Programming Capabilities. Programming is kind of More and involves Buying Software from That Brand Manufacturer.... I mean Plain Ole Module Coding. Pairing Modules to car when you replace it.

[@WJHandyDad]

D7 & above come with "3 years free updates." I would reach out to their customer support and find out which model you need before buying

[@kaosmax4u]

There's no darn "Anyscan" on Google play ... what the hey :-?

[@mattl3156]

I just purchased this product and having the same issue !!!

[@johnmitchell8925]

I bet a whole lotta used car salesmen will be purchasing this tool to do one thing 🤑

[@WJHandyDad]

hopefully not!

[@paulgeorge9614]

For some reason my interface isn’t like yours

[@WJHandyDad]

maybe you got (or need) an update?

[@paulgeorge9614]

@@WJHandyDad i think they don’t use the same interface for ios I’m very disappointed the reason I got this was because I had the d8 and liked the interface so wanted a more portable version

[@WJHandyDad]

you should contact Xtool support. They are very nice, friendly, and helpful. I'm sure they could figure out what's going on. I did notice the software was different on the Kindle (for me) than it was on my Android phone

[@paulgeorge9614]

@@WJHandyDad yes i will do that thanks