The Autel AP200 is an incredibly handy diagnostic tool that will let you assess your car’s diagnostics using live data sent to your own smartphone. It uses its scan tools to scan live data for fault codes, perform a vast array of vehicle servicing features, bleed brakes, read and clear check engine light, oil reset, etc.
This will save car owners (and by extension mechanics) a lot of time and manual labour when figuring out vehicle issues. In this article review we are going to give you all the necessary information about how to use the Autel AP200 and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of this handy do-it-yourself device.
Firstly, we’ll be providing a handy and in-depth Autel AP200 product overview. This will give you a detailed review of its features and functions. Following this we will give a quickfire list of pros and cons so you can easily weigh up the product.
Throughout this article we will also give information on the Autel AP200’s compatibility and functionality, answer some FAQs and provide a list of stand-out features, and give our final verdict on its overall value for money and features.
If you’re interested in learning more about what the Autel AP200 Bluetooth adapter will add to your life as a mechanic or car-enthusiast, keep reading on for our review and the finer details.
Autel AP200 Product Overview
A crucial element of the AP200 Autel diagnostic tool is its Bluetooth smartphone connectivity. The device and its free software are compatible with nearly every Bluetooth-enabled Apple, Android and Windows OS phone, as well as tablets and phablets. The vehicle diagnostic is displayed live on your smartphone via a free application available on Google Play and the App Store (which should be installed on your phone before you try to use the AP200). This allows you to easily keep track of your vehicular health with a mere tap of your touch screens.
The Autel AP200 is built to save a large amount of time and effort on the part of mechanics, and its user-friendly format won’t intimidate car owners who want to diagnose issues without paying for an expert straight off the bat.
Key Autel AP200 Features:
Physical Product and Autel MaxiAP AP200
In terms of the physical product, the Autel AP200 (sometimes called the HT200 OBD2 scanner) is very lightweight and no bigger than an MP3 music player. It can easily be slipped into a pocket for convenience when it isn’t installed in a vehicle. The smartphone app (Autel MaxiAP AP200) can be downloaded using the included QR code and your phone’s QR code reader. It is synced to your AP200 using a verification code. The user interface on the smartphone is sleek and easy to navigate.
Your phone’s camera will scan the device in order to ‘bind’ your product with the application on the phone. Once your vehicle is detected your application can establish communication with the detected firmware version. This allows it to view the vehicle’s diagnostic as it displays any issues onscreen. The Bluetooth OBD2 scanner connectivity is reliable and will not break at any point on your travels.
Clear Readings and User Interface
The Autel MaxiAP AP200 application and the Autel AP200 device work together to show your car’s Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) onscreen for each aspect of your car’s executive functioning. The main Functions menu will let the user access a wide array of specific functions and vehicle information. Each aspect of your car’s vehicle systems is displayed in easy-to-navigate horizontal scroll list, making it simple to locate what you’re looking for and find your vehicle diagnosis.
Full OBDII functions with Auto VIN retrieval
Using Auto VIN retrieval the app is able to display the full OBDII functions. The Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool will read and clear the check engine light and all other vehicle systems. It will accurately communicate any faults or glitches in the system via the smartphone screens. The Autel AP200 also contains the solutions to over 19 special features. Among these are OLS, EPB, BMS, SAS, DPF, TPMS and IMMO.
If faults codes are detected by the Autel AP200, the Diagnostic Trouble Code scan tool will display live data and suggest potential solutions to the issue. It will read fault codes from multiple auto systems such as the ECM (Engine Control Module – sometimes known as the Engine Control Unit), TCM (Transmission Control Module), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), SRS (Supplement Restraint System), etc.
You can erase the trouble codes after retrieval and repairs. You can also save these codes and repair reports in a PDF format to view outside the app/print off.
Via the touch screen interface, the mechanic or car owner can check I/M Readiness for readiness of the monitoring system and emission control. They can also view On-Board Monitor test results (particularly useful after servicing), view Vehicle Information (including vehicle identification number (VIN), the calibration identification, and the calibration verification number (CVN) etc.) and view current condition of the vehicle via the Vehicle Status option.
When the Live Data option is selected, the AP200 and its app will automatically detect the vehicle and display live vehicle data within seconds. The data displayed includes both analog and digital inputs and outputs as well as system status information.
Multitude of Servicing Options
From the Service button you can access a wide array of specific functions for vehicle servicing in one place. This will quickly give the user access to specific vehicle systems for any service and maintenance performances (with specific functions including Oil Reset, EPB, BMS, SAS, DPF, TPMS). The Service menu will be able to guide you through the various service operations as you follow the instructions onscreen. The commonly performed service operations an Autel AP200 owner might use are as follows:
Oil Reset Service: The Oil Reset will reset the Engine Oil Life system and calculate the ideal engine oil life change interval depending on the current climate and vehicle driving conditions.
EPB Reset Service: The EPB reset is able to safely maintain the electronic braking system using a multitude of applications. The EPB Reset Service applications include activating and deactivating the brake control system, assisting with brake fluid control, replacement of the brake pad, brake bleed, disc replacement, etc.
BMS Service: The Battery Management System service helps you keep tabs on the status of the vehicle’s battery. It can evaluate the battery charge state, monitor the close circuit current, register battery replacement, and activate the vehicle’s rest state. It’s worth noting that this feature, however, is not compatible with all vehicles.
SAS Service: The Steering Angle Sensor Calibration is carried out after the steering wheel or steering wheel angle sensor is replaced, after wheel alignment or wheel track adjustment etc. This service stores the current steering wheel position as the straight-ahead position in the steering angle sensor EEPROM, and after calibration is complete the SAS reset clears the steering angle sensor fault memory.
DPF Service: From here, you can carry out a number of functions relating to the Diesel Particulate Filter system. You can manage DPF regeneration as well as DPF component replacement teach-in and DPF teach-in once the engine control unit has been replaced.
TPMS Service: The Tire Pressure Monitor will let you monitor the tire pressure directly from your device in real time. You can also perform a sensor test and perform TPMS replacement.
IMMO Service: This safeguards against car thieves starting your car using hot-wiring. This particularly useful technological feature activates automatically without the car owner needing to activate it manually. The IMMO disables one of the systems needed to start a car engine (often the ignition or the fuel supply) using radio frequency between the ignition key and a radio frequency reader located in the steering column.
As the key is placed in the ignition a signal with a unique identification code is sent back to the radio frequency reader. A receiver in the car’s computer control module picks up the code. The receiver will allows the car (by activating the fuel supply/ignition) to start if said code is correct. If the code does not match, the system is disabled and the vehicle will not start until the correct key is placed in the ignition.
With the IMMO service you can also disable any lost vehicle keys and also program the replacement key fob (either one replacement key fob or more if needed).
Vehicle History
The Autel MaxiAp AP200 History screen helpfully displays test vehicle history records and repair reports. This includes tested vehicles information as well as the retrieved DTCs from a past vehicle diagnosis. The information is presented in a table list of summarized details. Other information (e.g. about the test vehicle, diagnostic logging etc.). It also provides access to a previously tested vehicle. This means that the user can go back to restart a previous diagnostic session without having to go through the vehicle identification process again. This is overwhelmingly helpful and saves a lot of time.
Can Be Used in 15 Different Languages
The Autel app can be used in 15 different languages, so it can be used by car owners all across the globe with ease.
Pros:
- The Autel AP200 diagnostic tool is incredibly good value
- The device is lightweight and compact
- Connection process is easy
- MaxiAP AP200 application interface is easy to navigate
- All OBDII features are free to access with the purchase of the Autel AP200
- Can support up to 19 specific and diagnostic functions
- Records of previously tested vehicles are stored on the app
- The software is available in over 15 different languages
Cons:
- Extra cost if you have a second car. For the specific diagnostic soft ware you only get the first one free.
- Cover can only be expanded through in-app purchases.
Autel Ap200 Compatibility
The Autel A200 and the MaxiAP200 app are compatible with most European, American and Asian OBDII-compliant vehicle models manufactured post-1996. The app itself is compatible with Android and iOS devices that are Bluetooth enabled.
With the purchase of the AP200 and the free app download, you get free access to the vehicle specific diagnostic for a particular car make (for example, BMW). The MaxiAP200 app comes with free lifetime updates for this vehicle specific software. This software is available for Benz, VW, BMW, Chinese vehicles, Asian vehicles, European vehicles, and vehicles from North America. Soft ware for second vehicles must be purchased in-app as an add on.
Autel Ap200 Functionality
Communications: BL 4.2 Dual-Mode
Wireless Frequency: 2.4 GHz
Input Voltage Range: 9 VDC to 26 VDC
Supply Current: 100 mA@12 V
Sleep Mode Current: 3 mA@12 V
Operating Temp.: 0°C to 50°C
Storage Temp.: -20°C to 70°C
Dimensions: (L * W * H)59.2 mm (2.33’’) * 48.5 mm (1.91’’) * 24.6 mm (0.97’’)
Weight: 35g (0.07 lb.)
The Autel AP200 Verdict
User Experiences Review:
Those who have tried and tested vehicles with the AP200 have raved about its compact, convenient size. The pocket-sized dongle differentiates it from other models of diagnostic reader.
Additionally, those who review it claim that the interface is incredibly user-friendly and easy to navigate, so it won’t alienate non-professionals or those new to automobile technology. The connection process is also particularly straightforward. Considering the vast number of functions and servicing options available to owners of the Autel, it is incredibly good value.
It functions very well on the vehicles tested, picking up accurate live data with the scan tool. The versatility of the AP200 and its ability to get an accurate reading on the vast majority of automobiles is truly unique and impressive.
The ability to save fault codes in PDF format is useful if you need to take the next step of showing your vehicle diagnosis to a mechanic.
The one very miniscule drawback is that if you have a second vehicle you will need to purchase that specific vehicle’s software. Even so, the annual fee for your second vehicle soft ware is still pretty cheap all things considered.
Final AP200 Verdict:
In short, if you’re looking to purchase a vehicle diagnostics system that won’t break the bank and will accurately diagnose your vehicle’s issue, look no further. The AP200 OBD2 scanner is fantastic value for money, easy to use, lightweight and will save customers a lot of unnecessary hassle around diagnosing their car’s problem. Our review is that this nifty little tool is well worth purchasing.
If you found this review helpful and you’re wondering where you can purchase the Autel AP200, you can buy it from our own site – just head to https://obdstation.com/ so you can pick up yours today!
FAQs
The Autel AP200 is designed specifically for the use of car owners without the aid of an expert mechanic. Because of this it very easy to set up and use and can be set up in no time at all.
Install the Autel MaxiAP AP200 application onto your chosen device. This can be done via Google Play/App Store or by scanning the QR code. At this point you can then use your phone to scan the Autel AP200 Bluetooth dongle. This allows you to ‘bind’ the dongle to your MaxiAP AP200 app.
Next, purchase and install the necessary vehicle specific soft ware via the Autel AP200 ‘Mall’. The first vehicle-specific soft ware you download is free. Plug the AP200 Autel dongle’s connector into your car’s DLC (Data Link Connector). The DLC is often located underneath the vehicle dashboard.
From here, you will switch the vehicle ignition to the ‘Key On – Engine Off’ setting – the dongle’s LED should light up green to confirm that it’s ready to go.
You can now connect your phone to your Autel AP200 dongle via Bluetooth. This will differ slightly for Android and iOS devices, so check the relevant instructions.
After this simple process is complete you will be ready to scan your vehicle with the scan tool and use the Auto VIN retrieval to display the OBDII functions onscreen. You can now proceed with functions such as engine oil reset, EPB reset, check engine light, SAS reset, sensor test etc.
The Autel MaxiAp AP200 app is free to download and use and the OBDII diagnostics are free to access. However, for the vehicle brand download you will only get the first one free. A second would need to be purchased in-app. For example, if you had the European car software and purchased a second vehicle from North America, you would need to pay to access the USA vehicle diagnostics.
When a new version of the Autel MaxiAP AP200 software is available you will see an ‘update’ option within the app. Tap this to update. If a new version of the firmware becomes available go to Tap Me > VCI Management > Detect firmware and this will update it.
4.5 / 5