Recently I recommended ANCEL X5 to one of my colleagues.
He is a professional tech, and he was looking for a scanner that could support full system diagnosis. I felt that ANCEL X5 could be the most appropriate scanner for him.
This is because I have been using ANCEL X5 for over two months now. Overall I can say that I am satisfied with its performance.
Ancel X5 vs. FX4000 vs. Bluedriver Comparison Chart
 ANCEL X5 |  ANCEL FX4000 |  BlueDriver | |
| Customer Rating |  |  |  |
| Price |  | |  |
| Product Dimensions | 5.9" x 3.7'" x 1.5" | 9.4" x 6.7" x 2" | 2.2" x 1.9" x 1" |
| Item Weight | 5.9oz | 2.9lbs | 2.08oz |
| Pross | Can perform basic and advanced functions; Supports wireless connectivity; Can display live data. | Can perform full system diagnosis; Support Full OBDII Modes; Live data. | Can scan and clear lights of ABS, airbags, stability control systems, and your A/C; Free app, no-fee Updates. |
| Cons | Not support wireless connectivity | Doesn't work on some car models listed as compatible. | Not for Windows; Doesn't support many advanced features. |
| Bottom Line | ANCEL X5 is suitable for DIYers or average car owners. | ANCEL FX4000 is for experienced enthusiasts or DIYers. | Useful and well worth the money; Highly recommend for DIYers and car owners. |
Table of Contents
Just like all scanners, it’s not perfect but can perform diagnostic functions accurately.
Here is what I like and dislike about ANCEL X5.
Ancel X5 Detailed Review
Comprehensive Diagnosis Service System (DSS)
What I like
I own a garage, and scanning vehicles is an everyday activity. My first vehicle to scan using ANCEL X5 was a Chrysler. The efficiency and accuracy of ANCEL X5 got me hooked, and it has now been one year down the line. A client had approached me to perform several tests after her car Check Engine lights came on. To establish the source of the problem, I completed a Diagnosis service system (DSS) test. DSS involves checking the ECU to establish a possible problem.
The PC was connected wirelessly using Bluetooth connectivity to ANCEL X5.
The most exciting part is reading real-time data streams, freeze frames, and clear codes. I replaced the alternators and cleared the codes with a single push of a button.
ANCEL X5 is truly a professional tool that can accurately diagnose most vehicle brands.
What I dislike
It takes longer to establish Bluetooth connectivity between the PC and ANCEL X5. At times I feel that it is slowing me down when I have some vehicles to diagnose.
Expert Service System (ESS) diagnosis
What I like
A friend of mine wanted to buy a used Toyota from a dealer, but he was unsure about the car’s condition. He asked me to help check out the car’s condition, which required me to perform several ESS diagnostic tests using ANCEL X5.
I first plugged in ANCEL X5 and established a connection to my PC using Bluetooth connectivity
Luckily the car was in good condition.
Three months after buying the car, my friend informed me that the car was excellent thanks to the accurate and highly effective ANCEL X5.
What I didn’t like
Over time I have noted that ANCEL X5 can only perform ESS tests on some specific vehicles. When I tried performing ESS on Subaru, I was impressed because all that I got was a system error.
Maintenance Service System (MSS)
What I like
When you leave your car without occasionally starting and leaving the engine to run for a while, it may end up not starting at all, which is what happened to a vehicle owned by one of my colleagues.
He had left his vehicle for a month without starting the engine. When he tried starting the engine, it just couldn’t start.
Using ANCEL X5, I performed many MSS tests that included a battery check, ABS bleeding, TPMS test, and EPS test.
With the scanner’s help, I identified two error codes that included ABS and battery check error. After recharging the battery and resetting the ABS error code, the engine finally roared.
The performance of ANCEL X5 really impressed both my friend and me.
What I didn’t like
It takes longer for the software to load.
Compatibility
I initially chose ANCEL X5 because I wanted a scanner that could scan most cars.
After checking the manufacturer’s manual, I was surprised to learn that it covered more than 70 vehicle brands.
I can scan all gasoline and 12V diesel vehicles manufactured from 1996 onwards on all OBD 2 vehicles.
Another fantastic thing about ANCEL X5 is that I can use my iPad, PC, or tablet to read the diagnostic code because it is compatible with Android and all the windows software.
Pros
- Can accurately read and clear codes
- Supports real-time sensor data
- Performs both basic and advanced functions
- Supports several languages
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- Updating and installing the ANCEL X5’s software is cumbersome
- Takes some time for the tint to deactivate after welding
Who Is ANCEL X5 Built For?
Getting a scanner that can perform both basic and advanced functions is not easy.
I can confidently say that ANCEL X5 is built for a professional tech to perform basic and advanced functions.
Check Price at AmazonThe Bottom Line
I have made significant strides in diagnosis, repair, and maintenance since I bought ANCEL X5, a scan tool that I can confidently recommend to any professional tech who wants to perform advanced and basic scanning.
