The ANCEL HD3100 and HD3200 are both professional diagnostics scanners. At first glance, they might appear to have the same features. However, some noteworthy differences set them worlds apart.
Vehicle care is expensive, but an ideal truck diagnostics scanner can save you a lot of money and time on repairs. The tool will help you identify the problem before approaching an auto mechanic. If you are a DIY person, you can even fix the problem.
Vehicle diagnostics scanners aren’t a luxury but a necessity. Continue reading to find out which ANCEL HD scanner is better for your HD truck.
Table of Contents
ANCEL HD3100 vs. HD3200: The Similarities
Build and Operating System
Both scanners boast 5-inch touchscreen displays. Additionally, they run on the Android 7 Operating System that allows for wireless internet connectivity via Wi-Fi. With a push of a button, you can update the scanners’ systems and share diagnostic reports via G-mail.
Speaking of updates, ANCEL provides lifetime software updates on both scanners. For as long as the scanner is valid, you’ll get the latest bug fixes and newly supported vehicles added to the list.
In-The-Box Items
ANCEL is among the few diagnostic tool manufacturers always looking to improve their vehicle libraries. Therefore, they do their best to make sure most of their scanners are compatible with a wide range of engines. Both scanners come with 6-pin, 9-pin, and 16-pin adapters.
Full OBDI-II & EOBD Functions
From their names, most people acknowledge them as heavy-duty truck scanners. However, they can also do full On Board Diagnosis for cars with OBD-II engines for all 10 test modes including:
- Reading Codes.
- Erasing Codes
- Freeze Frame Data.
- Live Data Stream.
- I/M Readiness.
- VIN Information.
- EVAP System.
- DTC Lookup.
- O2 Monitor Test.
- On-board monitor.
Full System Diagnostics
Unlike most scanners that only support OBD diagnostics, these support all available electronic modules on easy-to-use menus. The supported modules include:
- Engine.
- Transmission.
- ECU.
- EBS.
- AT.
- DCU.
- Inverter.
- Brakes.
- Meter.
- Immobilizer, etc.
Supported Protocols
Both scanners support diesel-powered engines of 12 and 24 Voltage in compliance with OBD standard protocols, including the SAE J1850 PWM, SAE J1850 VPW, SAE J1939, SAE J1708, ISO 14230-4, ISO 15765-4, ISO 9141-2, and the ISO 27145-9. Additionally, they support Class 4 to Class 8 HD trucks manufactured from 2006 onwards.
Vehicle Coverage
Since the ANCEL HD3100 and 3200 scanners major in truck diagnosis, they have specialized menus for different truck brands like Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Ford, International, and Mack. That said, they also support an additional wide range of truck models from the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
As mentioned earlier, both diagnostic tools are 2-in-1 scanners that support both trucks and cars. Therefore, they have an extended library covering OBD-II & CAN 1996 US-based, 2002 EU-based, and 2005 Asia-based, or newer vehicles.
Print and Graphical Data Functions
The Android operating system in both scanners allows for multitasking to present real-time data in graphical and chart formats. Also, if you wish, you can get the inbuilt printer to get your truck’s diagnostics data on paper. All this further helps with easy data review and analysis.
The PIN Detect Feature
Both scanners come with the elusive PIN Detect Feature that measures the voltage of your vehicle’s PIN OBD Interface. After judging the pin positions of the K and CAN lines, it will let you know if the port and scanner are in good working condition.
Note: The ANCEL HD3100 and HD3200 Scanners are the ones on the market with the PIN Detect Feature.
The Simulate “DEMO” Menu
Unlike other scanners, these come with a fully functional DEMO menu to help you understand how to use them. The DEMO menu contains real data from an actual vehicle test—This is crucial since vehicle diagnostic tools have a reputation of being confusing and hard to understand.
ANCEL HD3100 vs. HD3200: The Differences
Advanced Service Functions
Unfortunately, the ANCEL HD3100 Scanner doesn’t have advanced service functions. However, the HD3200 does. It offers exclusive DPF Regeneration and Oil Reset Services for Isuzu, Hino, Fuso, UD, Hyundai, and Kia trucks.
If you didn’t know, the ANCEL HD3200 is the only scanner in the market offering DPF Regeneration services for UD, Isuzu, Kia, and Hyundai trucks.
ANCEL HD3200
Supported Protocols
The ANCEL HD3200 is an upgrade of the HD3100. Not only does it support standard diesel HD OBD protocols, but it also accommodates private protocols for heavy-duty trucks by Isuzu, Hino, Fuso, UD, Volvo, Kia, and Hyundai.
Vehicle Coverage
By now, it is clear that both scanners support full-system and OBD-II functions for trucks and cars manufactured post-1996. However, the HD3200 offers more. It can also perform OEM-level diagnostics for Asia-manufactured heavy trucks and construction machinery.
Pros and Cons
ANCEL HD3100
Pros
- It supports full system diagnostics.
- It offers full OBD-II functions on the engine system.
- It’s compatible with a wide range of trucks and cars of standard protocols.
- It comes with a one-click internet Wi-Fi connectivity plus lifetime updates.
- It can present graphical data with the option to print.
Cons
- It has zero advanced service functions.
- It doesn’t support some private protocols for Asia-made HD trucks.
- It doesn’t come with a 12V power adapter in-box.
ANCEL HD3100
ANCEL HD3200
Pros
- It’s capable of full system diagnostics.
- It can handle all OBD-II functions on an engine system.
- Not only is it compatible with standard protocol trucks and cars, but it also supports Asian-made private protocols and construction machinery.
- It has the exclusive DPF Regeneration and Engine Oil Reset advanced service functions.
- One-click internet connectivity with lifetime updates.
- It can print diagnostic reports with the push of a button.
Cons
- It has fewer advanced service functions compared to other scanners.
- It doesn’t come with a power adapter. You’ll have to buy a separate 12V generic one from your convenience store.
ANCEL HD3200
Recommendation
The ANCEL HD3200 is the better diagnostic scanner for your HD truck because its comprehensive vehicle coverage. However, you can consider the HD3100, if you want to save some money. That said, be careful. You might regret your purchase if the HD3100 doesn’t support your truck.
ANCEL HD3100
Read more: Best Ancel OBD2 Scanners 2023 [Review]
