New ODB2 tool available - "Thinkcar"
09-05-2019 | 12:42 PM
#1
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 163
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From: Fairfield, CT
New ODB2 tool available - "Thinkcar"
I was wondering if anyone else was able to get in on the Kickstarter for this new ODB2 sensor for DIY troubleshooting?
After watching the video review by Scotty Kilmer, I figured what the hell and pulled the trigger on one for a bit over $40 (normally will be $79). It comes with a handful of debug modules and additional manufacturer modules are available for anywhere from $19 - $50. I'm guessing the modules for some vehicles like BMW and Mercedes are upwards of $50. They say those prices are not quite locked in yet and they'll add more modules over the next several months. But out of the gate they have all the most common manufacturers.
The kickstarter campaign is here:
Thinkcar ODBII Kickstarter
Their claim is that this new ODBII tool uses modules for various vehicle manufacturers and get in to areas where usually only the much more expensive scan tools, or even the manufacturer tools, can get access to. In Scotty's video he shows how the Thinkcar compares to Bluedriver, which is another popular DIY scanner (I have this one currently and it's pretty good). I decided, for the price of one unit, I would take the plunge and see if I really can get to more data points with it. I'm hoping I can. I've left an annoying VSA dashlight active just for this, since Bluedriver can't properly reset that. I also have a generic TPMS error that pops up randomly, but from Bluedriver it doesn't state which tire is triggering the error or any other global systemic error within the TPMS module.
I just recieved an email that my unit should ship out next week. I'll report back with my results once I get it.
After watching the video review by Scotty Kilmer, I figured what the hell and pulled the trigger on one for a bit over $40 (normally will be $79). It comes with a handful of debug modules and additional manufacturer modules are available for anywhere from $19 - $50. I'm guessing the modules for some vehicles like BMW and Mercedes are upwards of $50. They say those prices are not quite locked in yet and they'll add more modules over the next several months. But out of the gate they have all the most common manufacturers.
The kickstarter campaign is here:
Thinkcar ODBII Kickstarter
Their claim is that this new ODBII tool uses modules for various vehicle manufacturers and get in to areas where usually only the much more expensive scan tools, or even the manufacturer tools, can get access to. In Scotty's video he shows how the Thinkcar compares to Bluedriver, which is another popular DIY scanner (I have this one currently and it's pretty good). I decided, for the price of one unit, I would take the plunge and see if I really can get to more data points with it. I'm hoping I can. I've left an annoying VSA dashlight active just for this, since Bluedriver can't properly reset that. I also have a generic TPMS error that pops up randomly, but from Bluedriver it doesn't state which tire is triggering the error or any other global systemic error within the TPMS module.
I just recieved an email that my unit should ship out next week. I'll report back with my results once I get it.
12-09-2019 | 01:59 PM
#3
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 163
Likes: 30
From: Fairfield, CT
So far it's a big dud for the 2005 RL. I've been in touch with the vendor several times. They just keep telling me "it's coming soon".
The device does update it's firmware all the time. So far it can't read anything. In the meantime I've been sticking with BlueDriver. If the status changes I'll post a follow-up.
The device does update it's firmware all the time. So far it can't read anything. In the meantime I've been sticking with BlueDriver. If the status changes I'll post a follow-up.
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