GEARWRENCHProfessional Bi-Directional Diagnostic Scan Tool | GWSMARTBT

Very solid unit for the price. Initial setup is quick and simple - mine on an Android based phone. Normal Play Store app install and then a few demographic entries for registration and license key activation. First use then goes into vehicle specific data downloads. Expect 5-10 minutes as this unit has compatibility with many vehicles makes and models.Once initial config of the app is done and the unit is plugged into the vehicle OBD port the app connected quickly. Once connected to the unit the app gives you the option of doing vehicle specific diagnostics either automatically or manually. The auto detect function worked well for multiple vehicles - BMW, 2015 and 2024 Subarus. Speed of the diagnostic scan depends on the actual vehicle as each of mine varies but all were extremely fast when compared to my other scanners (hardware and software based). The initial scan auto detects VIN, make, model, etc. and then scans all of the vehicle's available modules. Once scanned you can view a large amount of module parameters and states. A few examples - for the 2015 Subaru it was stated on a different forum that the GW tools do not have CVT fluid temp, which is key to proper filling procedure. Well, I can confirm that it does w 1/10th degree resolution. While I was in there, I was able to read and clear all errors across many modules. While in the transmission module, the BT unit has a broad number of good monitors for many different states (e g., shows live state of each gear) and a nice feature is it gives the normal value ranges for the numeric monitors. Just to check, I went into a few other modules and was please to see the same broad range of monitors (for example, live state of brake light switch) which makes troubleshooting and ruling out certain components so much easier. Unlike other scanners, you don't have to setup a data display screen to see every value. You do have the option to monitor the value trends and then generate a report. For the BMW, it actually has BMW error codes vs P codes and a large number of diagnostics when compared to my other BMW specific scanner. The unique item I wanted to try was the FCA Autoauth function which allows you to bypass the firewall on newer FCA vehicles (e.g., Fiat, Chrysler, Ram, etc.). Tried the unit in my 2019 Ram 1500 - unit auto prompts to enter an Autoauth account - I was able to quickly login w my Autoauth account and it was able to get through the secure gateway to do full diag and actuation - this is a big bonus.Aside from diagnostics, the unit has a robust set of functions that you can perform (of course these are vehicle specific). As an example, with a button push or two I was easily able to place the emergency brake in maintenance mode on all my vehicles with this unit.All in all, a pretty decent unit for the money especially for multiple makes. Of course this does not do what it isn't designed for - so it is not a programmer and doesn't claim to be. So for those with dealer lever tools (like ISTA for BMWs) this won't give you module layouts, troubleshooting plans or maintenance plans - but what it advertises itself as it did an exceptional job across my 4 different vehicles.

Let me start off by saying I work full time as a mechanic and own more scanners than I can remember, both hi end tablet style and little Bluetooth ones like this one. This little thing exceeded my expectations. It has so many features that you would normally need to buy a dedicated scan tool to do like bi-directional controls and accessing all modules on your vehicle, not just the standard PCM and ABS that most of these little Bluetooth dongles do. It gives you live data on every module too, not just current codes. If you need a DIY scanner or you’re a pro that needs something you can keep in your pocket for quick checks this is the one to get. I’ve got 6 different Bluetooth scanners and this is the best one. The only downside I can see is it’s locked down to using the Gearwrench app, where the OBDLink MX+ will work with many different programs, but the OBDLink app isn’t nearly as versatile as this app and any apps or programs that are more powerful that it works with are going to cost you considerably more. From what I can tell this tool is made by XTool, but with a different user interface, no volt gauge built into the case of the tool and a much cheaper price point.

I got this only a few hours ago. I have some mechanical training and a few years of wrenching. I was able to fix some issues that have been plaguing one of my cars. This Bluetooth dongle with its bidirectional capabilities allowed vsc reset, testing and actuation of a number of system actions. I can read the values of complex sensors in real time. Quite possibly the most important tool I have now.There’s a latency lag of course. Not as bad as some reviews I have seen online make it out to be. There is a learning curve with these items and it takes some persistence and a bit of resourcefulness to get the desired action. The layout is fairly intuitive but if you haven’t dealt with bidirectional capabilities before, you may end up googling and YouTubing left and right. I certainly did a fair share of it.The fact this has all the capabilities built in with NO subscription is the best feature. Some say there’s a connection issue and reconnect fixes it, I had no such issue using it for about an hour and a half getting to know it and using it. Connect Bluetooth through your phones settings menu and the app connects when you open it.Super excited TPMS not only reads all aspects of the system but you can rewrite to the computer the id of each sensor. True bidirectional features.I have at least 10 dongles, Bl**d***er was an except for mode 6. Even tried another brand Th***di*g and you have to pay for each and every bidirectional capability and for annual access to use the dongle other than obd2 code reading.Some special features just aren’t available with every vehicle and the app will tell you.Everything built in and free forever in this one. You can update and download certain functions or all of them. Firmware seems to be either auto upgrade or not upgradable at least at the moment.Wish list:-I do think maybe a pro and novice mode or added features could be very helpful. Novice to include tutorials and more in-depth instruction and information on the use of each feature.-Add mode6 reading as well.-As is, you select the special feature you want to use then select your car. It would be nice to select or auto select your vehicle first then all features open to you. It’s very time consuming with the UI as is. Learning the capabilities I was in and out of each feature multiple times trying difference iterations and reach and every time you must either auto select or manually select your vehicle over and over and over again. Another device I have operates in a similar fashion to my request and is markedly easier and faster to use.-decrease latency more. When you’re reading a bunch of values at the same time it is slow to show the initial values let alone update. Just a few at a time it is faster. I have a number of readers that a much faster than this one.Again I’ve only had this a couple hours. I’ll update as I get more use out of it Good or bad