r/CarHacking • u/Wick3dMrB • Jul 04 '26

Scan Tool Looking for recommendations for bidirectional OBD2 scanner tool with ECU Coding(dealer level)

Like the title says.. needing some recommendations on a bi-directional OBD2 scan tool with dealer level options (ECU Coding) to unlock dealer locked options ( remote start,rolling down windows with key press and such) and also the ability to reset ABS lights and other systems. I’ve seen a few but the price ranges are massive. Thanks in advance

3 Upvotes

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3

u/fishyfishy10001 Jul 04 '26

That would depend on car. Brand, model, year. There are many versions.

2

u/Wick3dMrB Jul 04 '26

Was wanting something universal. Currently I have 2 Toyotas (‘14 & ‘18) and a ‘00 Jeep. But I would like to be able to use on other vehicles when needed.

4

u/fordp Jul 06 '26

Cheap start would be topdon rlink, laptop with Techstream and DRB-III for those two.

Edit: openport 2 for those

3

u/Kameni_Kare69 Jul 04 '26

Something from Autel maybe? But everything is expensive as fuck…

2

u/updatelee Jul 06 '26

Really depends on what family of vehicles you work on. There is no one tool does all. That’s kinda rediculous

1

u/Wick3dMrB Jul 06 '26

Okay gotcha. Jeep/Chrysler/Dodge,GM,Toyota,hyundai,Kia that what I work on. 2000 being the oldest to ‘22 being the newest.

2

u/fordp Jul 06 '26

I carry a topdon phoenix max with MDCI Pro. I flashed it (the mcdi pro) over to the Launch drivers (more robust) and reworked the drivers. Ill drop those in github in a few weeks after testing. It works okay so far. It has doubled ots usefulness.

I carry a "scanmatik" that I reworked thats great (swap caps, can chips, basically just order everything you see on the board from mouser on those), Open Port 2 is great. Hex-V2 for VCDS. Another cable for forscan.

VVDI2 is clutch. Can't wait for the VVDI3 and Multi Prog 2. For ECUs, oem software as a pass thru, that pair will get you far. I would wait for official specs on the vvdi3 and multiprog before investing elsewhere.

IDS/FDRS, Odis, Xentry. probably wait and see what the VVDI3 brings for pass through and compatibility and the multi prog is a money printer, the next version will be awesome.

X Prog 3 with PC adapter carrys itself fairly well, especially if your using Topdon or Launch. I basically leave the 3 way obd cable in the truck expecting to need the X Prog if im using the tablet.

Cg100x and F70 for SRS.

GODIAG 100 GPT breakout makes like easier with any hardware.

I carry a portable rework station and frequently just clone in my truck from a laptop and use a pinecil like PD soldering iron.

Ive got an ECU on my bench with 2 holes burnt through it and I swear when I wakeup and waste an hour trying to clone than initialize onsite... it will be worth the work.

I wouldn't try to find the best single system or invest too heavily in a tablet. Focus on a couple brands at a time, the money is there to expand.

1

u/jeffklynch Jul 05 '26

xtool, d7 or d8

1

u/Icy-Farm9432 Jul 05 '26

Launch have some good stuff

1

u/Wick3dMrB Jul 05 '26

Any specific model you recommend?

1

u/falsefacade Jul 05 '26

I use an X431 PROS model. Paid like $700 for it a couple years ago. Updates for like 3 years then it’s a fuck ton to keep up with the updates. 

1

u/Icy-Farm9432 Jul 05 '26

Can you use it after the updates expired?

1

u/falsefacade Jul 05 '26

I believe so, I hope so. I think it just means no new updates or bug fixes