The Autel Autolink AL319 is an OBD2 scanner and diagnostic tool, designed to assist vehicle owners and mechanics in their servicing and repair jobs. The AL319 scan tool can be used to uncover problems with your vehicles, as well as adjust certain vehicle functions and tune cars to your own requirements. In this AL319 review, we’ll give a good overview of the product, to help you decide whether this is a scan tool that is suitable for you and your workshop.
The first part of the Autel Autolink AL319 review will outline some of its features, and provide a rough description of what the device is all about. After that, the AL319 review will delve more deeply into the scan tool’s compatibility and functionality. Finally, at the end of the review, we’ll highlight the key features, and give our own verdict on the product.
Autel AL319 Product Overview
The Autel Autolink AL319 is a budget friendly OBD2 scanner that is packed with a number of features that you might not expect from an affordable device. It does all of the things that you would expect from a high quality scan tool, and also has some innovative features that help it stand out from its competitors.
The Autel Autolink AL319 can complete all of the classic OBD2 scan tool functions without any trouble. For example, the device can deactivate the check engine light, as well as other vehicle warning lamps. This is a useful feature since it means that the mechanic can get rid of the warning lights after they have fully completed a repair. You don’t want to be driving around with the check engine light on when you know that the car has been fully repaired.
Another basic function of the AL319 is its ability to read and clear error codes. Not only can it read and clear error codes from across a variety of different vehicle systems, but this OBD2 code reader can do it quickly and accurately. The AL319 reads the error codes, and then provides a short description of where the problem originated. This can save a mechanic loads of time and money. Without an effective scan tool, a mechanic would have to spend a lot of time investigating their vehicles to locate issues.
After the repairs have been completed, the Autolink OBD2 code reader can then be used to clear the error codes from the system. This is pretty essential, since like the check engine light, you don’t really want your customers driving around with error codes still on their car. There’s no way to know if the problem reappears if the error codes weren’t properly cleared.
Perhaps the best feature of the Autel Autolink AL319 is its live PCM data stream. This data stream retrieves vehicle information and displays it in real time. This means you can see exactly what is happening within your vehicle systems. The live PCM data stream is another feature that makes it easy to locate vehicle issues and saves lots of valuable workshop time. The vehicle information that is displayed will be things like throttle position and engine RPM.
The AL319 also has an interesting feature called freeze frame data. This feature works alongside the live PCM stream and captures snapshots of live data at a particular moment in time. This could be at the moment the accelerator pedal is first pressed, for example. Freeze frame data can be saved to the device for later comparison. This is useful if you need to complete a similar repair in the future.
The Autel Autolink AL319 is made even easier to use thanks to its automatic VIN reading feature. This feature reads your vehicle’s VIN number as soon as it is plugged in to the OBD II diagnostic port. The Autolink AL319 then retrieves vehicle information and will let the user know the make and model of the vehicle, as well as its year of manufacture. Obviously this is useful for a mechanic completing repairs, but it’s also good for a car buyer who wants to confirm that the true age of a vehicle that they are thinking of buying. Unfortunately, sellers aren’t always honest with the age of their vehicles!
The AL319 can also run an ignition test on an OBD II compatible vehicle. This ignition test investigates the ignition system and also the battery that is used to power the ignition. Ignition problems are very common when someone brings a car in to be repaired, so being able to use the AL319 to quickly locate the problem is extremely useful. Lots of scan tools don’t run ignition tests, so to have that with the Autel Autolink is a big advantage.
The design of the AL319 is simple but effective. It has a bright and clear TFT color screen that is very easy to read and understand. This screen is controlled by large, heavy duty buttons below it. These buttons are large enough so that you can still use the device when wearing gloves, which is actually quite a nice feature.
The Autel Autolink software itself is fast and responsive and doesn’t lag when you’re trying to run tests. The screen is protected by a hard plastic and rubber shell, which ensures the device won’t break if you drop it. Accidents happen in the workshop all the time, so it’s no good having a code reader that won’t be able to look after itself.
The scan tool is small and very portable. This means is a great tool to take out on call or on a long road trip. It is also pretty lightweight, which only increases its level of portability. Having said that, its not so small that you’ll be constantly losing or misplacing it.
Autel include free updates for the lifetime of the device when you purchase a new Autel AL319 scan tool. These updates usually bring bug fixes to keep the device running smoothly, as well as increasing compatibility and adding extra features. These updates make sure that the scan tool is not getting left behind its competitors, and is always at the front of the pack.
For some extra peace of mind, Autel also throw in a 12 month warranty that protects the buyer from any manufacturer defects or build quality issues. If your device develops any defects that weren’t your fault, then Autel are happy to replace your AL319 free of charge. However, you’re very unlikely to need this service, since all Autel Autolink products are extremely well built and reliable.
Overall, the Autel Autolink AL319 is a great little scan tool that has a great set of features that defy its very reasonable price point. The nice color display and solid build quality make the device very easy to use and the professional level functionality means it can be used in many situations. With this scanner, Autel have done a lot right.
Pros
- Intuitive, easy to use design
- Live data functions
- Freeze frame data
- Emissions readiness test
Cons
- Very popular tool so might be hard to find in stock
- Instructions are quite small
Autel AL319 Compatibility
For a budget scan tool, the Autel Autolink has an excellent level of vehicle compatibility and coverage. It is an OBD II tool, which means that it is compatible with 1996 and newer vehicles. Those built in 1995 or earlier are known as OBD 1, and often require a second tool if you want to run diagnostics on them. The Autel AL319 is compatible with a variety of domestic and import car makes and models.
Compatibility is important when looking for a new vehicle scanner, especially if you are a professional mechanic that is working with a variety of different vehicles every single day. You want an adapter kit that will be compatible with whatever is brought into the workshop next, since it’s impossible to predict what you’ll be asked to work on next. Having a tool like the Autel Autolink AL319, which has a good level of coverage, means that you’ve got the best chance of being able to use it with more vehicles, and therefore complete more jobs per day.
Autel AL319 Functionality
At the start of this Autel AL319 review we already talked about some of the impressive functionality of the Autel Autolink AL319. In this section of the review, we’ll look at some of the best features in a little more depth.
Read and clear
Like all great OBD2 scan tools, the Autel AL319 is an effective code reader. It will read trouble codes from across vehicle systems quickly and efficiently. Whether you want to investigate the engine, ABS, SRS or emissions systems, the AL319 will be able to assist in your diagnosis procedures.
After you’ve completed repairs, the scan tool will be able to lear the error codes from your system. This is a good way for a mechanic to keep tabs on the progress of their repairs. Although reading and clearing error codes is a standard OBD II function, this code reader completes this function well. You won’t experience any annoying lag like you sometimes do with other code readers.
Smog Test
The Autel Autolink AL319 is able to complete a State emissions readiness check. This feature scans your emissions system and lets you know how likely the vehicle is to pass an external emissions test, this is called its readiness status. Knowing the readiness status of your vehicles is extremely useful since you know if a vehicle is going to pass before you send it for an expensive State emissions test. The readiness check is a big time and money saver.
The smog test will use sensors either side of the catalytic converter to work out the readiness status. The smog test is also a good indicator as to whether the catalytic converter is working as it should.
Check engine light
The AL319 code reader can also complete other standard OBD functions, such as disabling the check engine light. Turning the check engine light off after an engine repair is an important final step. There’s no point completing a repair if the customer has to drive around with the check engine light still illuminated. Furthermore, you need the check engine light ready to come on if a new problem develops, which it won’t do if it hasn’t been reset.
The Autolink AL319 can turn off the tire pressure monitor, check oil and transmission malfunction indicator light in addition to its check engine light feature. These functions are important for exactly the same reason as turning off the check engine light after a repair.
Live data
Live data is a feature that all professional mechanics look out for when purchasing a new scan tool, and the Autel Autolink AL319 delivers a solid live data feature. The scan tool will display real time data from across different vehicle systems. The fact that the data stream is in real time makes it easy for mechanics and technicians to locate problems within vehicle systems and they can even input vehicle functions to see how it affects the readings. For example you could press the accelerator whilst observing the information stream, to see whether the throttle position responds as expected.
Languages
Unlike some other code readers, the AL319 scan tool can be used in a variety of different languages. In fact, it supports an impressive 7 different languages. This is ideal if you run a workshop with a multi-lingual staff base since everyone will be able to get the most out of the scan tool.
Having many language options only makes the AL319 even more user friendly and versatile. The menus can all be altered to any language that you choose.
Design
The Autel Autolink AL319 has a simple but effective design. It features a bright, TFT color screen that is very easy to read even in bright light levels. The color display also makes all the live data and readings even clearly to visualise and understand.
The color screen is protected by a hard plastic shell, that is accented with rubber for extra grip. This protects the code reader from accidental breakages – this scan tools can definitely stand up to a beating.
The durability and dimensions of the Autel AL319 make it an ultra portable device that is ideal for long road trips, or for taking on call away from the garage.
Key Features of the Autel Al319 Scan Tool
Easy to Use
The Autel Autolink AL319 is extremely easy to use. It has a bright and clear TFT display that is readable in even the brightest of light levels. The large buttons are easy to press and can even be used when the user is wearing gloves.
Vehicle Coverage
The Autel Autolink AL319 has great vehicle coverage across nearly all brands that are OBD2 compatible. OBD2 cars are 1996 and newer vehicles. This scan deals with this range of vehicles comfortably. The free updates also regularly add more car makes to the compatibility list.
Wide Ranging Functionality
The Autel AL319 has a very impressive range of functionality that you might not expect from a scan tool at its price point. Not only can it read codes and turn off a malfunction indicator light, but it can also run a smog test and display freeze frame data. You’d struggle to find a more functional scanner at this price point.
Comprehensive Multilingual Menu
The menu system is very easy to navigate thanks to the scanners well designed buttons and screen. Moreover, the scan tool can run in 7 different languages. This is ideal if you manage a multi-lingual staff team and want everyone to be able to get the most out the scanner.
The Verdict
In conclusion, the Autel AL319 is an excellent budget code reader and diagnostic tool that can compete with scanners that demand a much higher price tag. Whether you just need a device that can effectively read trouble codes, or want to be able to do more complex procedures such as an emissions readiness test, the Autel will be able to offer you a lot. We definitely recommend this product to professional mechanics and vehicle owners. You can buy yours now through https://obdstation.com/.
FAQs
The scan tool plugs straight into your vehicle’s diagnostic port. This is usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side (occasionally it is found near the passenger door). Once you’re plugged in, the Autel will automatically read the VIN number and let you access vehicle information.
You can then commence OBD checks or a smog test from the main menu. For more information about what this device can do, check out our AL319 review above.
To update the scanner, it is as easy as connecting it to your computer via the included USB cable, and then heading to Autel’s website to obtain the update. Once it’s downloaded, follow the steps to install the new firmware on your device.
The new updates will bring bug fixes and improve functionality. For more update information, read our AL319 review above.
4.5 / 5