The Autel MaxiCheck Pro has been marketed as one of the best OBD2 diagnostic scanners for professional auto technicians and mechanics for the 8 Special service functions it covers. Those functions include ABS Bleeding, SRS, BMS, DPF, Oil Service, EPB Service, SAS, Oil Light, etc.
How does the Autel MaxiCheck Pro stack up to its closest alternatives? Well, Autel has two scanners that come close in terms of price and functionality. They are the Autel MaxiDiag Elite MD802 and Autel MaxiDiag MD808 Pro.
Recommendation: If you want to bleed ABS brakes and are looking for a Scan Tool to cycle The ABS Solenoids and perform various service functions, take Autel MaxiCheck Pro.
Table of Contents
Autel MaxiCheck Pro vs. MD802 vs. Autel MD808 Pro
 Autel MaxiCheck Pro |  Autel MaxiDiag MD808 Pro |  Autel MaxiDiag Elite MD802 |
|
| Customer Rating |  |  |  |
| Price |  | |  |
| Product Dimensions | 15.1" x 9.4" x 3.8" | 12.9" x 10.2" x 4.2" | 7.8" x 4.1" x 1.5" |
| Item Weight | 3.95lbs | 12oz | 1.1lbs |
| Full OBD 2 Functions | Partial | ✔ | ✔ |
| Full-system Diagnosis | -- | ✔ | ✔ |
| ECU Codes | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| SRS/ABS Codes | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Transmission Codes | -- | ✔ | ✔ |
| Oil Reset | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| EPB Relearn | ✔ | ✔ | -- |
| TPMS | ✔ | -- | -- |
| DPF Regeneration | ✔ | -- | -- |
| Bidirectional Control | ✔ | -- | -- |
| Bottom Line | It is suitable for both professionals and DIYers | Autel MD808 Pro is for experienced enthusiasts and beginner mechanics. | Highly recommend for Enthusiasts, DIYers, car owners and also professionals. |
Autel MaxiChek Pro vs MD802
The MD802 is a tad cheaper than the MaxiCheck Pro, and rightfully so. While the latter offers an array of advanced and service functions, the MD802 is primarily a code reader.
It reads and clears codes from the ECU, ABS, transmission, SRS, EPB, and Oil Service. Beyond that, the only other thing you can do is view I/M Readiness status. In short, the MD802 does a better job at pulling and erasing codes, but it offers little in terms of advanced diagnostics and service functions.
Autel Maxicheck Pro vs MD808 Pro
On its part, the MD808 Pro supports all the functions of the MD802. I.e., it can read and clear codes from the ECU, ABS, transmission, SRS, EPB, Oil Service and other available systems. Additionally, it supports viewing of I/M readiness status and freeze frame data.
It’s in service functions where the MD808 Pro comes close to the Autel Maxicheck Pro. It can reset several systems, including Oil Service, SAS, BMS, EPB, and DPF. Good as that sounds, it still lacks some of the advanced functions of Autel Maxicheck Pro.
For example, it doesn’t support the ABS’s bi-directional functionality, can’t open and close electronic brake calipers, doesn’t do SAS calibration, etc. On the upside, it can pull codes from systems that Autel Maxicheck Pro can’t, like the transmission.
Why Buying Autel MaxiCheck Pro?
This scan tool is based on the latest diagnostic platform of Autel.
As such, it offers the best in terms of system access and the ability to detect faults. But how much of that is true? I finally got my hands on the scanner, and this is my honest Autel MaxiCheck Pro review.
Simple Design and Awesome Interface
The first thing you will notice when you take the Autel MaxiCheck Pro out of the box is its compact size. This scanner can fit comfortably in any adult hand with dimensions of 14.6 x 3.9 x 8.7 inches. Its ergonomic design and rubberized sleeve help to give you a firm grip.
It weighs just under 4 pounds, so it’s not a heavy set device. That shouldn’t come as a surprise because Autel has an impressive range of lightweight scanners like the MaxiScan MS509, AutoLink AL319, andMaxiDiag MD802, just to name a few.
One of the nice things about the Autel MaxiCheck Pro is its simple and straightforward interface. When you power it up, it will start doing an auto scan. Remember that it doesn’t have a built-in battery, so it has to be connected either to a PC or an OBD2-compliant car for it to startup.
The scanner’s home screen features a series of diagnostic functions alongside the ‘Setup’ and ‘Playback’ apps. While the ‘Setup’ menu takes you to the scanner’s settings, choosing ‘Playback’ allows you to do just that – playback diagnostic data.
Some of the diagnostic functions you will get on the home screen include OBD2, ABS/SRS, DPF, EPB, Oil Reset, SAS, and BMS. Without getting into so much detail, let me just mention that the menus are impressively intuitive. As long as you know a thing or two about diagnostics, you will find your way around the scanner.
The Autel Maxicheck Pro also enables you to do ABS Bleeding automatically yourself.
To help with your navigation is a 320 x 240 TFT display. It’s sufficiently clear and displays content in full color.
Overall, Autel put a lot of thought into the design and construction of the MaxiCheck Pro. Be that as it may, the functionality of a scanner always takes precedence. So what are the reasons to buy and use the Autel MaxiCheck Pro?
Reading and Clearing Trouble Codes (DTCs)
The Autel MaxiCheck Pro can act as a mere code reader for some of the on-board systems. It can read and clear ECU, SRS, ABS, and EPB/SBC diagnostic codes.
What that means is you can pull the codes, pinpoint the problem and erase the code. By doing so, you will be able to turn off a warning light related to any of those systems. That includes the CEL/MIL, which turns off when you clear ECU codes.
In case you are wondering, the Autel MaxiCheck Pro doesn’t cover transmission or emission-related codes. If it had those, it would undoubtedly be the best in its price range. The DTC functions it offers are handy nonetheless.
A Scan Tool to Cycle The ABS Solenoids to Perform Advanced and Service Functions
Ordinary car owners might be more interested in reading and clearing codes more than anything else. But if you are a professional or DIY technician, then the advanced and service functions of a scanner are equally, if not more important. In that regard, the Autel MaxiCheck Pro offers the following
- As a Scan Tool to Cycle The ABS Solenoids, Autel MaxiCheck Pro supports the ABS’s bi-directional functionality. In addition to brake fluid control, you can activate and deactivate the brake control system.
- Allows resetting service intervals, service mileage, and service lights on some car brands like Benz, BMW, VW/Audi, etc.
- Can open and close electronic brake calipers.
- Performs zero position calibration of SAS in cars that have an Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
- Supports TPMS functionality where you can register and re-register TPMS sensor IDs.
- Offers Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) functionality. Besides reading and erasing DPF codes, you can do DPF regeneration.
- Performs Battery Management Service (BMS). In this case, you can register a new battery and reset battery adaptation.
Displaying Live Data
Like most other OBD2 scanners in this price range, the Autel MaxiCheck Pro supports viewing, graphing, and recording live OBD2 data. It comes with an SD card on which you can record the data for playback later.
Live data generally shows the real-time data of various OBD2 parameters. They help you know such things as fuel economy, performance efficiency, and overall health of the car.
In addition to that, the Autel MaxiCheck Pro also provides Mode 6 and freeze frame data. While the latter shows historical emission-related faults, Mode 6 acts as a store where the engine stores emission-related data when they occur.
Extensive Coverage
Finally, the Autel MaxiCheck Pro is an OBD2 scanner. So if your car is OBD2-compliant, or if you are a mechanic/enthusiast who frequently works on OBD2 vehicles, you have one more reason to consider buying this device.
In case you need to know, OBD2 cars were made and/or sold in the US from 1996 to date. Now, the Autel MaxiCheck Pro covers domestic and foreign brands, including Ford, GM, Jaguar, Land Rover, VW, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Citroen, and Volvo, etc.
The scanner doesn’t have a built-in battery, and it draws power directly from the car battery. It is rated from 12.0 to 18.0 V. That means it’s only compatible with cars and light trucks that supply a maximum of 18V.
Pros
- It works well and doesn’t lag when displaying data
- It comes with free updates for one year
- The package includes a 1-year warranty on the product
- It has a multilingual menu
- Displays code definitions and give recommendations for fixing faults
- Rugged construction that guarantees durability
Cons
- It doesn’t cover some essential systems like transmission
- No built-in battery; therefore, the scanner can’t work unless plugged into a car or PC
- Downloading and installing updates is a long and challenging process
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Autel MaxiCheck Pro offers decent access to DTCs (except for transmission codes) and more than an impressive range of service and advanced functions.
It’s not a basic code reader, so professionals and DIYers might find it helpful. However, it still lacks professional-level functions. For example, you can’t do ECU coding and programming. That is why it can’t be used as the primary OBD2 scanner in a shop.
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