ANCEL FX6000 Review: A Reliable Professional Auto Scanner

ANCEL FX6000 OBD2 Scanner is a professional automotive diagnostic tool / ECU Programmer / Key Programmer. You won’t spend an arm and leg for it.

Despite that fact, it offers a host of basic and advanced diagnostic features.

The two comparable to the FX6000 in terms of price and functionality are Launch CRP Touch Pro and the Autel MK808.

So what functions would you get from the Ancel FX6000 but can’t get from the other two? And what do they offer that you won’t get in the FX6000?

Here’s a comparison table.

ANCEL FX6000 Vs. LAUNCH CRP Touch PRO Vs. Autel MK808

Does it support all the functions you need for basic and advanced diagnostics? And who is it suitable for? Read on for answers to those and more questions that might be bugging your mind. This review is based entirely on my experiences after purchasing and using the Ancel FX6000.

ANCEL FX6000 Detailed Review

In The box

The scanner comes in a well-packaged carrying case. It is tucked nicely inside the case, which by the way, you can use to carry the device and all its components.

Speaking of components, the box also contains a diagnostic cable, an OBD2 connector, a CITROEN-16C connector, a USB cable, and a user manual.

That is the complete package. You won’t need to buy anything else.

The Scanner

When you take the scanner out of the box, the first thing you will notice is its compact size. It looks and feels like a smartphone and can fit into anyone’s hand comfortably.

The weight is just about 4 pounds. With that size, it would be accurate to say that the Ancel FX6000 is one very portable diagnostic tool.

If you are a mechanic whose work involves moving around, then carrying this device won’t be an issue.

The same goes for car owners or DIY enthusiasts who need a scanner that can fit in a toolbox or the driver’s compartment.

Another noticeable thing is the interface. There are only 7 buttons. There’s the OK’ button for selecting an item, the Esc’ button for exiting, and four navigation buttons.

It helps when you need to customize shortcuts to favorite functions that you use frequently.

At the center of the scanner is a large-enough TFT display. When it is on, the screen shows items with crisp clarity. You would think you are using a smartphone.

Compatibility

Ancel FX6000 is quite a comprehensive scanner. It is made to cover all OBD-2 vehicles, both gasoline and diesel.

Just in case you are not aware, OBD-2 vehicles are all 1996 and newer models.

Having said that, the Ancel FX6000 only works on vehicles that use no more than 12V of power.

And if it is compatible with your vehicle, there’s every possibility that it will support all 10 OBD2 protocols.

That is amazing and all, but even more impressive is that this scan tool can diagnose vehicles manufactured as early as 1992.

It is primarily an OBD2 scanner, but you can purchase an OBD1 cable and use it on 1992 to 1995 vehicles.

What I like:

You won’t find many scanners in the Ancel FX6000’s price range that support OBD1 and OBD2 diagnostics.

So as far as compatibility, this one is beyond impressive.

Also, the package includes 13 OBD connectors for different car makes.

What I didn’t like:

It doesn’t work on all vehicles, including some that are OBD2-compliant. In some cases, it fails to connect with the car’s computers. It only displays an error message.

A few of the vehicles you might run into this problem with are the 2002 Honda Accord, 2003 Ford F250, 2000 BMW 750il, and Chrysler PT Cruiser.

Features And Functionalities

Setting Up The Ancel FX6000 For Use

Preparing the Ancel FX6000 for use is a breeze. You only need to update its firmware, and you will be good to go.

If you fail to do so, you may encounter functional and compatibility issues when using the scanner.

The good news is that the upgrade process is a straightforward one. Simply visit Ancel’s website, open an account, and register your scanner using its serial number.

Once that’s done, you can proceed to download the latest software update.

Also, make sure you list all the vehicles that you want to test when prompted to specify the cars you need the scanner to cover.

What I like:

The whole setup procedure is simple. You only need a PC and internet connection, and you will be set.

In the unfortunate event that the update process fails, simply disconnect the scanner, reconnect it, and then try again.

What I didn’t like:

If you don’t have access to a Windows PC, you are out of luck. The Ancel FX6000 doesn’t update on Mac systems.

Ancel FX6000 Diagnostics

This scanner can check just about any onboard system. It is especially excellent for pulling and clearing codes.

With it, you can read and erase codes for the engine, transmission, SRS, and ABS systems.

Other systems that the Ancel FX6000 checks include the SAS, audio systems, air conditioning, DPF, ACC, doors, and windows. This diagnostic tool can also work as a key programmer, ECU Programmer / Coder.

In short, this is as good as mid-range scanners come.

What I like:

The FX6000 takes just about 20 seconds to pull codes and under 2 minutes to clear them.

For its price, you won’t find a faster scan tool. For ease of use, it has a built-in library that contains code definitions (for generic codes).

Additionally, it comes with a booklet that contains a fairly comprehensive guide on OBD2 diagnostics.

All that information makes it easy to use, even for newbies.

What I didn’t like:

I already mentioned that the Ancel FX6000 has compatibility issues with some vehicles. In others, it connects to the car’s computers all right but fails to check some systems.

For instance, it could not pull engine codes on a BMW 135. Neither could it read or erase ABS codes on a 2006 Jeep Liberty and SRS codes on a Honda Odyssey.

Another issue is that the scanner doesn’t save codes. You cannot recover them once they are erased.

Emission Tests

In addition to checking codes, you can use the Ancel FX6000 for smog tests.

It supports I/M readiness and O2 sensor tests. Those are two tests that will keep your mind from worrying about emission checks.

What I like:

To most car owners, a scanner’s ability to read codes and do smog tests is what matters.

Nobody fancies visiting Autozone or any other auto shop just to do emission checks. Luckily the FX6000 saves you from that.

What I didn’t like:

Not much to complain about here. This device is excellent at doing smog tests.

Advanced Functions

Additionally, the scanner can diagnose your vehicle’s powertrain, body system, chassis, SAS, DPF, and TPMS sensors. It also resets EPB oil service.

What I like:

This scanner is much more than a code reader. The advanced functions can tell you a lot about your vehicle’s systems.

It basically offers the same functions that high-end scanners do. And you get to view the diagnostic data in text as well as graphical formats.

What I didn’t like:

Advanced functions don’t work on all vehicles. The issue of selective compatibility is a persistent one.

You may want to inquire from Ancel if your vehicle is fully supported before you go shopping for this tool.

Who Is ANCEL FX6000 Built For?

The Ancel FX6000 is obviously a very reliable scanner / key programmer / ECU programmer. If it is compatible with your vehicle, then it will bring so much to the table. But is it suitable for you?

Absolutely yes, if you are a car owner or DIY enthusiast. The simple menu and sufficiently elaborate user manual make it easy to use.

And you get basic as well as advanced diagnostic functions.

What about professional auto mechanics? It’s a bit lacking. You may like its programming and coding, but they only work on selected vehicles.

Plus, you can’t do other essential tasks like battery service. But it makes a great complementary diagnostic tool for any auto shop.

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The Bottom Line

You will find that the Ancel FX6000 is not a perfect scan tool, but it is ideal for a particular demographic.

First, make sure it is compatible with your vehicle. And then don’t plan to use it as your primary diagnostic tool if you are a professional mechanic.

Otherwise, you will be disappointed by its limited range of functions.

But to car owners and DIYers, it is the perfect tool for checking and testing systems. It offers a lot more than most other scan tools of the same price range.

Read more: Best ANCEL Scanners Review and Comparison 2021