It seems that I am obsessed with “check engine” light error code scanners. Just as Michelangelo spent years working on the Sistine Chapel, I am investing my life in a quest to find the perfect OBDII scan tool. I’ve previously praised the Autel MS300 (http://goo.gl/fCyreK) as “the best thing since sliced roast beef, piled high.” I’ve also reviewed the MS409 (http://goo.gl/P9ebnc), finding it the best little scan tool in Texas . Now I’ve got another to consider… Behold: the MS309 (http://goo.gl/adl9NK).
The MS309 is a little larger in size than the MS300, with a screen display that showcases error codes. (Click the pic for more info.)
I feel a little dirty. Why am I cheating on my trusty MS300? after all, the plucky MS300 is a fine little scan tool. It’s inexpensive, easily portable, and has never failed to squash troublesome OBDII error codes. It’s everything you need and nothing more.
So what does this interloper called the MS309 bring to the party? Mainly a bigger screen. But along with the bigger screen are a few additional capabilities.
Yes, the MS309 is equipped with a larger screen. The larger screen is actually able to display code definitions, unlike that of the MS300.
The MS309 is equipped with a basic on board library of OBD2 error codes, so the error code in question is displayed directly on the screen of the unit. This saves you the step of researching the code separately on the Internet. Obviously this only works for codes that are in the database. If a vehicle emits a newer code note in the database, you are out of luck.
The larger screen and on board library of code definitions makes the MS309 a more powerful tool. In fact, the MS309 is remarkably similar in function to the more loaded MS409.
The MS309 retains a slim profile and is quite portable. (Click the pic for more info.)
In theory you can update the MS309 software on the Internet. However, this doesn’t work so well in actual practice, so I wouldn’t count on it.
In testing the MS309 I’ve found the device works exactly as it should, having tried it on both a Ford F250 diesel truck and (via an adapter) a BMW 3-Series sedan. In each case, the MS309 booted, scanned, and erased.
Really, the only reason to get the MS309 over the MS300 is the screen. The MS309 only costs a few bucks more than the MS300, so if you feel the extra functionality is worth it, by all means get the more premium unit.
On the other hand, if you value simplicity and want to save a few bucks, go for the MS300. It’s cheap, small, and erases codes faster than Speedy Gonzales.
If I seem obsessed with OBD2 scan tools, this is because the lights on my vehicular dashboards resemble Clark Griswald’s house; in fact, we didn’t even need to decorate our home at Christmastime this year. We simply let my dashboards do the talkin’.
