Is The Autel MaxiCom MK808ts The Best Scanner For DIY?
Searching for a comprehensive scan tool that could perform TPMS relearns and vehicle diagnostics in one platform? In this article, I will cover a game changer, the Autel MK808ts scan tool. I’ve spent a lot of time using this tool. I chose the Autel MK 808ts mainly because of the TPMS diagnostic capability and generous features.
What is the Autel MK 808ts scan tool?
At the price point of $699, the Autel MaxiCOM MK808TS is worth a look.
The Autel Mk 808ts is a touchscreen tablet that brings new capabilities to the auto technician, shop owner, or weekend warrior – without killing your wallet. This automotive scanner allows you to scan and diagnose almost any vehicle you could imagine. The TPMS capability is fantastic, allowing you to test TPMS sensors and program replacement Autel tire pressure sensors is a huge plus, especially in a tool that is under 1,000 dollars.
What comes in the box?
- Autel MaxiCOM 808TS
- Maxi VCI Mini OBD head
- Owners manual
- Quick start guide
- USB cable for PC
- Charging cable and plug
There are scan tools that sell for thousands of dollars, and scanners that have full bi-directional control. These are major steps above this tool no doubt, however, for the price of this tool it’s hard to beat for what it does.
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A few of the features that make this tool great are.
The limits are set pretty high for the price, this adds real value to the weekend warrior or the mechanic looking to keep a personal scanner in their toolbox.
What the Autel MK 808ts can’t do 🙁
Programming and coding….. This model scanner does not perform vehicle programming. Programming and coding vehicles require training and shouldn’t be attempted unless you have a full understanding of the correct procedures involved. Programming should be left for the shop with factory platforms and damn good battery maintainers designed specifically for programming.
Software programming with a cheap tool – It’s not worth it
In all honesty, I would stay away from all non-factory systems if you are looking to do programming and coding. You can do some major damage to your customer’s vehicle, anytime you manipulate a vehicle’s software you are taking a chance of something going wrong.
Even with factory systems, things happen. That is why battery voltage is so important along with training and a full understanding of what you are doing.
What can it do?
For the technician or do-it-yourselfer, this tool is a great asset, allowing you to do quick scans and resets, all without paying a ridiculous amount of money. I like that the scan tool records data and scan reports so you can look back to check codes or data later on. This can be super helpful when you need it.
The scan tool has a very good data screen with multiple pids, it records fairly quickly so you can monitor temps, fuel trims, voltage signals, etc. On the fly!
This tool allows you to diagnose, quickly and efficiently.
Some key features of the Autel Maxicom 808ts
- Advanced TPMS diagnostics
- Activates 98% of TPMS sensors
- Reset the steering angle sensor
- Reset service intervals
- Auto VIN technology identifies vehicle info automatically
- Parking brake relearn
- DPF regeneration
- Battery Registration
The Autel scanner runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat and uses a cortex -A9 processor. It comes with 32 GB memory and the battery lasts around 7 hours or so, which is a plus. I’ll be honest, I could care less about these specs but some people do, so I want to cover them.
What makes this tool so convenient?
One very cool thing I do with this tool is email the customer the vehicle’s code report instantly. This helps when explaining the repairs to the customer. Customers like to have the code list. It makes you look professional, especially if you are doing side work.
The bad
It can’t be all good RIGHT? I have to be honest here there is one thing I absolutely can’t stand about this tool. The scanner will not print unless you download the Autel pc link or buy an adapter.
I still can’t get mine to print and it makes me nuts. I can’t understand why they would skimp on this.
It sucks
The menu is straightforward to navigate, it also functions as a tablet. Although a kind of crappy one, you can do some stuff but it’s not great.
Ease of use
Another thing I don’t care for is the diagnostic and service menu are separate options in the tool’s menu.
Service is where you will find resets and activation, diagnostics is more of a true scanner. Sometimes you need to back out of one menu and read the VIN# all over again to go into the next. An example is if you want to scan a car and then reset the oil light.
You have to back out of either section to use the other.
Let’s say, you diagnosed an o2 sensor and now you just want to reset the oil light because you did a minor service first. You would need to back out of the codes menu and open up the service section there may be a way to switch easier but I haven’t found it.
Some great surprises
One great feature integrated into this tool is the maxi fix.
When you scan the vehicle and retrieve trouble codes you can automatically look up the code description online to see what people are saying and what fixes they have done.
Pretty handy especially for the diy weekend warriors.
TPMS Function
The TPMS portion is located in a separate menu. You can program TPMS sensors, check, relearn, and get VIN-specific information for your car. The TPMS feature is really what makes this tool shine. You can test TPMS sensors fast.
I have had certain issues with some vehicles not being supported by this scan tool however these are very far and few between situations though. The Autel MK 808ts does prompt you to connect to a WiFi network for the TPMS service function to work.
This gets annoying when wanting to road test a vehicle and recheck sensors on the road.
How about software updates?
Updates with the tool are easy, just press and go. Once you get the tool on a network it is pretty straightforward. So no issues there.
Overall impression
For the money, the Autel MK808ts is a great option. I wish the screen was a little bigger, the 7-inch LCD is plenty to get the job done, however. The OBD VCI connector is wireless.
You can put the scanner in your toolbox and still perform all functions with the vehicle. All while you are having coffee. With that being said sometimes the wireless head won’t connect right away.
Again this is rare but it does happen. The other bad thing is, the VCI head is easy to leave in a vehicle, it does warn you to remove it when you back out of the diagnostic menu.
This keeps you from donating your VCI to the lost tool black hole that every tech fears.
Wrapping it all up
To conclude, the Autel mk808ts is a great tool for stepping into a scan tool platform that is affordable for the techs toolbox or the DIY mechanic. It’s not a complete package as it does not have BI-directional control of systems and it does lack in a few areas. for the cost, however, there is not a better value out there.
For the money I spent, it has paid for itself already a few times. It has allowed me to do jobs at home that I would have said no to in the past. To me, that’s a big win!!!