Are you a mechanic looking for a new automotive diagnostic scanner for your repair and service shop? Want a fast and reliable scan tool with excellent vehicle coverage? Then you’ve come to the right place. The Autel MS906 automotive diagnostic scanner is a favourite among professional technicians, offering accurate readings with an easy to use and intuitive operating system. This Autel MS906 review will go through all of the fantastic features of this scan tool, so you can find out if the MS906 is the right device for you and your repair shop.
The Autel MS906 is an upgrade on the Autel DS708, which was already a great scan tool. However the MS906 packs some brand new features that really take this user friendly diagnostic scanner to the next level. Read on to the MS906 review to find out more about these features.
Product Overview
The Autel MS906 is a classic automotive diagnostic scanner. It includes all the features you would expect from a scan tool, such as ABS and SRS adjustments, check engine light turn off, and oil reset. The MS906 completes all of these tasks fast and accurately, so you don’t have to be waiting around for the results. But it is the other features of this scan tool that set it apart from the competition.
Firstly, the MS906 has the capability to conduct an active test. Think of this as a vehicle check up, which tests wipers, windows, door controls, air conditioning and idle control, amongst many other things. The scanner then reports on these actuation tests via its live data function, so you can spot if there’s any issues across the vehicle’s electronics. This is an excellent feature, and particularly useful for technicians and mechanics.
Next, the Autel MS906 comes with 25 useful service functions built in. We’ve already talked about a couple of the standard ones, such as ABS and engine light adjustments. However, this scan tool also has the capability to investigate fuel injection, suspension and throttle, and give live data feedback on all of them. These special functions are all reliable and conducted in a super fast time, and are great functions for a diagnostic scanner.
The MS906 can be so accurate and fast, with effective live data playback, thanks to its operating system. The MS906 uses an Android operating system, which is well known for its reliability and up to date nature. Having an Android operating system is quite rare amongst scan tools, and the fact that the Autel MS906 uses Android really sets it apart. You don’t need to worry about your scan tool getting out of date either, Autel includes one year free update for the Android system when you buy the scanner. The updates are done over wi fi.
Another interesting feature of the MS906 is its ability to do ECU coding. ECU coding is basically reprogramming some of your vehicle’s functions to be better suited to your needs. This is not only great for professional mechanics and technicians, but also for budding DIYers who want to customise their builds as much as possible. The ECU coding capability is compatible with every vehicle though, so its worth looking up if yours will be compatible if you only want this scan tool for its ECU coding feature.
Finally, the design of a diagnostic scanner is another important consideration when thinking about the best device for you. The Autel MS906 has a lovely, bright LED touchscreen. The screen is 8inches, which is impressive and even more so thanks to its 1024p x 768p resolution. This clarity makes it really easy to read the live data and error codes, and makes the scan tool a true joy to use. The fantastic touch screen is housed in a protective plastic and rubber casing, which ensures protection of the device in a messy workshop environment. Don’t worry about dropping this device, it will hold up just fine.
For the next part of the MS906 review, we’ll look into some of the features we’ve outlined above in more detail. We’ll also talk about the MS906’s wide range of vehicle coverage and layout the the key features of this diagnostic scan tool.
Pros
- Impressive 8 inch display screen
- Excellent functionality with a variety of special features
- Great vehicle coverage – 80+ different brands
- Android software
Cons
- Quite pricey so should be seen as an investment
- Instructions are quite small but user manual is online
Autel MS906 Compatibility
Perhaps the most important consideration when choosing an OBD2 scanner or diagnostic scan tool is how compatible it is with different vehicles. Ideally you want your scan tool to work with as many vehicles and car manufacturer companies as possible.
The Autel MaxiSys MS906 has excellent coverage. From Mercedes Benz, BMW to Land Rover, this diagnostic scan tool is sure to have you covered. In fact, the MS906 is compatible with a staggering 80 car manufacturers. 80 car manufacturers is a very impressive total, and makes the scan tool absolutely ideal for a workshop and for mechanics and technicians.
The older version of this device, the Autel DS708, covered around 40 different car brands. So the MS906 is a big upgrade if you’re considering the Autel MS906 vs the Autel DS708.
Autel list the following vehicle makes on their website, and this is only a handful of the compatible brands:
Abarth, Acura, Alfa, Audi, Bentley, Mercedes Benz, BMW ,Bugatti, Citroen,Dodge, Dacia, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Daihatsu, Fiat, Ford, Gm, Holden, Honda, Isuzu, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Lexus, Lancia, Kia, Land Rover, Maybach, Mazda, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Saab, Porsche, Renault, Scion, Seat, Skoda, Subaru, Smart, Sprinter, Suzuki, Toyota, Vauxhall, Volvo, Volkswagen!
MS906 Functionality
The Autel MaxiSys MS906 diagnostic scanner has exceptional functionality, all built into an easy to use package. We’ll go through some of the main features and services that the scanner can complete, so that you can buy the Autel MaxiSys MS906 with confidence:
AutoVIN Technology – The MS906s AutoVIN technology is a smart piece of software that automatically recognises your vehicle’s make and model as soon as you connect it up to the car. This saves a lot of time, and the scanner knows which diagnostic tools it can use for each vehicle, without you having to do loads of research.
Service Functions – The Autel MaxiSys MS906 includes a whopping 25 different service functions for your vehicles needs. The first of theses is an Anti Braking System check, which is standard amongst OBD2 scanners, but this scan tool really does this function well. Like all of its functions, the MS906 checks the ABS system fast and accurately and gives live data feedback so you locate any problems with ease.
Other service functions include SAS (steering and suspension), throttle and headlamp checks. A particularly nice inclusion in the diagnostic tools is the ability to prepare the car for brake bleeding. This is quite a unique feature and definitely a selling point for the MS906.
OBD1 and OBD2 Diagnosis – The Autel MS906 diagnostic scanner can, quite impressively, perform diagnostics for both OBDI and OBDII compatible vehicles. OBDII vehicles are those produced after 1995, whilst those built in 1995 or earlier are usually classed as OBD1 vehicles.
Being able to use the Autel MaxiSys MS906 with both of these variations is very useful, and pretty rare for a diagnostic code reader like this. This basically increases the vehicle coverage even further, and saves you a lot of money since you don’t have to buy a separate OBD1 scanner for your workshop. This is perfect for small repair shops and their mechanics and technicians.
Brake Caliper Service – Another interesting and impressive feature of this diagnostic tool is its ability to open and close electronic brake calipers. This allows you to control the brake calipers, whilst be able to look at them directly and see where they’re going wrong. This is also useful if the calipers have become stuck down, and the brake pedal isn’t working correctly. You can then isolate what the issue is and deal with it accordingly. A great idea for an all in one diagnostic tool like the Autel MaxiSys MS906.
Operating Temperature – The scan tool can operate in a wide range of temperatures, specifically from -10 to 50 degrees celcius. So it doesn’t matter where in the world, or what time of year you need it, it will always be able to function. You can also store the Autel MaxiSys MS906 at temperatures between -20 and 70 degrees celcius, so there’s no need to worry about leaving the scanner out overnight in the workshop. Storage temperature won’t be a concern. All these features add up to make the Autel MS906 incredibly usable and versatile.
Android OS – The Android OS that runs on the MS906 diagnostic scanner is exceptionally user friendly and a pleasure to use. The navigation menu simple, and can operate all its functions with one touch buttons. It’s underpinned by a Exynos 5260 6-core processor which packs a serious punch. This processor is what really helps the MS906 operate so quickly.
The 32gb internal memory SSD hardrive allows the user to store information about previous vehicles, which you can bring up for comparison on the waveform graphing analysis feature, which is ideal for data interpretation. This is a lot of storage space and internal memory, so is perfect for a repair shop that is dealing with a lot of different vehicles every single day. Internal memory may not be a big worry for you when looking into diagnostic tools, but it’s definitely worth considering.
Autel include a one year free update allowance when you buy an Autel MaxiSys MS906, so you don’t need to worry about your device going obsolete in that time. After that time, you can simply pay for further wi fi updates.
Touch Screen – Android OS is used as software for thousands of different touch screen devices, and the one touch software works excellently on the Autel MaxiSys MS906. This is thanks to the large and responsive 8 inch screen, which is LED backlit and provides great clarity when displaying error codes and data logging. The navigation menu is particularly easy to use. This display screen really is a stand out feature amongst other scanners at this price point, and is durable enough to stand up to heavy usage in the repair shop.
Rugged Design – The impressive touchscreen is housed in a very strong plastic and rubber casing, which really helps protect the device in the workshop. You don’t have to be gentle with the Autel Maxisys MS906, it can definitely look after itself. The scanner also includes an 8 mega pixel rear camera. The rear camera allows you to take pictures of any vehicle problems and send them straight to the manufacturer or anyone else who can give extra insight into the issue.
Battery Life – The 5000 mAh Lithium polymer battery offers 6 hours of continuous operation. Being a tablet type tool, the battery can then be recharged via the included USB cable. 6 hours is a pretty good battery life, and will last an entire working day.
The following part of this automotive diagnostic tool Autel MS906 review will go over its key features.
Key Features
1 Fantastic Vehicle Coverage
The vehicle coverage that the Autel MaxiSys MS906 achieves is second to none. It is compatible with around 80 different car brands. It covers vehicle brands sold in the American, European and Asian markets, so will be able to deal with whatever comes through the workshop door. From Ford and Chevrolet to Hyundai and Jaguar, this scanner has you covered, literally.
2 OBD1 and OBD2 Diagnosis
This is one of the most impressive features of the Autel MaxiSys MS906. Being able to conduct diagnosis for OBD1 and OBD2 compatible vehicles is fantastic, and means you only need one device to do both. Whether your vehicle is pre 1995 or 1996 and later, this scanner will be able to read the vehicle systems, engine codes and give vehicle diagnostics. This is a big saver of both time and money!
3 Android OS
The Android software that the device is built on is definitely one of its best features. The easy to use navigation buttons and instant one touch response make the Autel MaxiSys MS906 an absolute breeze to use. When this is backed up by the Exynos 5260 6-core processor, you’re left with a powerful device, that won’t be lagging when you need it most. The storage space is also useful, and 32gb of storage space is particularly great.
4 Top of the range functionality
The scanner offers every feature that you’d want from a great diagnostic scan tool, and includes loads of extra bonus capabilities. Checking the car battery, resetting the tire pressure monitor, and general vehicle inspection is made as easy as it can possibly be by the Autel MS906BT. The update option throughout the first year ensures all your scan tools are up to date and bug free, always maintaining its high performance standards.
The Verdict
So, you’ve probably realised by the end of this Autel MaxiSys MS906 review that we are big fans of this device. This is one of the best diagnostic scanners around for data interpretation, uncovering car problems and actuation tests. Not only does it have fantastic functionality, but also a great design and interface that makes it one of the most user friendly and intuitive devices on the market today. The long battery life is also ideal for the professional environment. The bottom line is that you’ll struggle to find another scanner with these excellent features in this price range. Check out https://obdstation.com/ to pick up your Autlet MS906 now.
FAQs
The scanner package includes two cables. One to connect to OBD1 compatible vehicles, and the other for OBD2 vehicles. It really is as easy as simply plugging the cable in, and getting to work. The AutoVIN software will instantly recognise your vehicle’s make and model, by reading its VIN number, then it will bring up the menu for that car.
You can then quickly perform the range of diagnostic tasks that the scanner offers, all through simple taps of the screen. You’ll be clearing codes and observing live data in no time at all.
Once connected, the device can also perform a variety of resets, such as oil and service light resets, and steering angle sensor recalibration.
Have a read through out Autel MS906 review for more information about the device. There we go through the Autel MaxiSys MS906 and its features and functionality.
Follow these steps to get your device running the latest firmware and up to date with new vehicle information:
1 – Turn the display on and ensure it’s plugged into a power source and your wi fi connection is steady and won’t be interrupted.
2- Head to the Job Menu and tap the Update Application button that appears. The update application screen will now say that it’s searching for updates.
3 – Once the new updates appear, decide whether you want to download all of them, or just want a few of them. If you want them all, tap Update All button. If not, select the ones you want and click the update buttons on those.
4 – The updates should have started as soon as you pressed them. If you want to pause the updates for any reason, if your wi fi isn’t working for instance, then just tap the Pause button.
5 – When the update is complete, the new firmware should install automatically, and the old one will be removed.
4.5 / 5