Review on 🔧 2021 Newest XTOOL A30D Bi-Directional Control Bluetooth Scanner - All Systems Diagnostic Scan Tool with 11+ Services, ABS Bleed, Injector Coding, Oil DPF EPB Reset, Suspension - Upgraded Version of A30 by James Fisher

The Xtool A30D scanner can do advanced OE level diagnostics but at a price only slightly higher than a basic universal OBD2 code reader. If you are a DIY auto repair shop or small workshop, read on. When I was diagnosing electronic issues in the engine and trying to monitor real-time camshaft sensor data and see if I could toggle the OCV solenoid valve on my 2008 Hyundai Sonata, I found that my generic OBD2 scanner wasn't up to the task. So I started looking for scanners with features that are more than a normal scanner and found that there are two main types of scanners on the market: 1. Universal OBD2 scanners or code readers. and 2. OE-level bi-directional scanner. Both types plug into the vehicle's general OBD2 connector, but #1 can only read or clear trouble codes and some basic live data like engine RPM and speed, and costs less than $100, while #2 doesn't just do advanced brands and can read car models. specific code and operating data, but it can also power the car's electromechanical components such as solenoid valves, motors, pumps, but costs $500 or more. ), but the key aspect is that these types have a dedicated OE database with monitoring and control functions that needs to be updated regularly. And most of these tools on the market with full OE diagnostics either charge a huge upfront fee or require an annual vehicle subscription to continue using the OE specialty feature, which is an expensive choice for do-it-yourself repairs and small garages . When I stumbled across the Xtool A30D, I found that it is a category #2 with full OE diagnostics, but it costs a lot less than other similar tools and also talks about free lifetime OE database updates . So I contacted Xtool customer service to get more details about the product and was very impressed with the quick response to all my questions. Please note that unlike most type #2 bi-directional instruments that come with a dedicated tablet or display, the A30D is just a wireless Bluetooth dongle that can be accessed via an app via any Android/Apple phone or tablet, but still has the same functionality as dedicated displays. I prefer this dongle over a dedicated display because the dongle will work even if the display fails or becomes obsolete (most displays are Android tablets). The lack of a display also reduced the cost of this product. If you prefer a dedicated display, Xtool has another product, the A30 Pro, which costs about $100 more and offers a bit more features. The product itself is well made with built in LEDs and a rechargeable battery which comes in very handy when looking for the orientation of the OBD2 connector under the dark cover on the driver's side to connect to the port. The rubberized edges ensure a good grip and a firm feeling in the hands. A small LCD screen shows the voltage of the car battery. In my Sonata, the orientation of the OBD2 connector is such that when plugged in, the LCD screen faces the ground, rendering that display invisible and useless. The name of the app is Anyscan by XTOOL, and for Android, I originally downloaded it from the Google Play Store. After installation, the scanner must be registered in the application using the serial number and activation code from the box. Only after registration is the entire database loaded for a specific car and 11 special features. It takes up to 10 minutes for the database update to complete. If you haven't plugged and paired the dongle to your car's OBD2 port, you can't do anything with the app at this time. You cannot navigate through the available diagnostics menu without connecting to the dongle. It just freezes and doesn't report a Bluetooth connection when you press any manufacturer key. I wish you could view the menu options offline without a key so you can view and define live data options or trip test items as you please and schedule the use of selected items when you are in the car. Later I discovered that the version of Anyscan app in Google Play Store is 1.3 which is outdated and last updated in 2018. So I checked xtooltech.com website and they have latest version 1.10.2 and better menu like automatic VIN scan reading car number. VIN number automatically so you can go straight to the diagnostics menu. So they seem to be actively updating and improving the app, but for some reason they don't upload the latest version to the play store and you have to download it from their website. Even with the latest version, the app looks basic but decent and functional enough. I was able to view live camshaft data at a reasonable speed and control the OCV to listen for solenoid clicks. Those are the two main reasons I was looking for a tool like this and the A30D did a good job. are useful because their trace color is barely visible and more than one parameter cannot be combined in the same graph. I also wish they could update the app to show the trigger menu button when viewing live data. For example, if you want to activate a cam phaser test while observing the rotation angle of the camshaft sensor, you can't do that now and have to do it individually. Another simple but important trait they lack is memorization. Your vehicle, so you don't have to select make and model every time and remember previously selected live data settings to name a few. When I compared the A30D live data menu for my Sonata to the factory menu in the Anyscan app. Hi Scan Pro Scanner menu (from his manual), Live Data menu is exactly the same! I don't have any other cars to try the A30D, but in Sonata's experience this tool has the same functionality as a factory scanner and is therefore the closest thing to a factory diagnostic tool. But I'm not sure how it compares to other car models and manufacturers. Xtool's customer service is excellent. There were some problems with the delivery of the goods, but they were rectified immediately. Her reply was prompt. Also the xtooltech.com website under Support -> Update Notification will show the latest version of the vehicle database which is constantly being updated and added to the app. Overall this is a great purchase and a powerful car repair tool at a very reasonable price.