GEARWRENCH Diagnostic Scan Tool | GWSMARTBT (Open Box)

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.