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With today's modern cars, it's not a question of whether you should buy an OBD scanner, it's a question of which one to buy.
In this article, you can read about the specifications of the SC301.
If you’re not in the mood for reading, you can watch a YouTube video review on our YouTube channel.
To actually buy the scanner, you can click here.
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CGSULIT SC301 OBD CODE READER
Item weight: 1,12 pounds
Product dimensions: 6.3 x 2.9 x 1 inches
Size of display: 2.8 inches TFT color screen
Supported protocols: J1859-41.6, J1850-10.4, ISO9141, KWP2000 (ISO 14230), and CAN (Control Area Network ISO11898)
Number of keys: 9
I/M Readiness test: Yes
Cable length: about 90 cm
Warranty: 1 year
Power supply: 8-18V vehicle power (no external power source needed, starts working when connected to the OBD port).
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
- Works with all OBDII/EOBD compliant cars, light-duty trucks, SUVs, minivans, and hybrid cars sold worldwide.
- Reading/erasing DTC and I/M readiness hotkeys makes it easy to use this tool right out of the package
- They provide quick access to emissions readiness status, DTC information, and erase function
- Red, yellow, green LEDs and built-in speakers indicate emission monitor status. They can also help catch intermittent problems or confirm repairs during a drive cycle
- Supports multiple code requests. generic, manufacturer-specific, pending, and permanent codes
- Clears codes, turns off check engine lights (MIL)
- Reads freeze frame data which shows engine conditions such as fuel trim, engine coolant temperature, etc at the time the check engine light appeared
- Shows records, graphs, and playbacks of live sensor data
- Reads live O2 sensor/onboard monitored test data
- Retrieves vehicle information (VIN, CID, and CVN)
- Automatic VIN acquisition and decoding makes it much easier to read manufacturer specific codes and enhanced mode 6 data
- Thousands of code troubleshooters to help you determine your engine problems faster and easier
- Multilingual menu options and code definitions: English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese and more)
- Unique one-click updates and automatic update reminders let you stay up to date with the latest technology
- Free software and firmware updates with included USB cable
- Easy to read 2.8 inch TFT screen
- Possibility of printing data through a computer
- Limited one-year warranty and lifetime free tech support
HOW DOES THE SC301 ENGINE LIGHT READER PERFORM IN PRACTICE?
From getting started to using it for the first time, you’ll probably get the notion of a serious product.
The plastic is of very good quality. It’s not flimsy and seems to be pretty resistant to scratches and stains.
For anyone who is going to use this more often, this characteristic is very useful. If you don’t have any experience with an OBD tool, click here to read our article which will help you learn the basics.
Plastic packaging can be easily opened and reused for later storage. Inside it is a user’s manual and a small compartment for the USB cable (used for linking the OBD scanner to the computer).
Furthermore, the SC301 is, at least in my humble opinion, properly sized. It is comfortable to use, holds correctly in the hand, and can be operated with one hand when needed.
Next, the cable (from the scanner to the OBD port) is of good quality, very elastic, and seems resilient. One more good thing is the 90 cm length which will come in handy for sure.
The OBD2 connector is also made sturdy, giving the impression that numerous connections will not cause it to become flimsy nor damage the OBD port on the car. It slides in without problems, making a good and firm connection.
Buttons are also made to last. You’ll notice from the start that extra effort has been made to give them a long life span. They might seem a bit more rigid at the beginning of usage but it’s easy to get used to. In any case, one more major point where the product gives off seriousness.
Regarding the TFT screen, it’s of good quality and what’s expected from this class of scanners. The graphics are colorful, big enough, and easy to read.
The whole system of menus is much like other scanners in this class. It’s intuitive and works on the YES/NO backward, forwards system. Very easy to learn, use and there shouldn’t be any problems there.
If problems appear, there is a pretty good manual that will (in good English) walk you through all the steps. Reading the manual would be good anyway since the SC 301 has a lot of options and knowing all of them will come in handy for sure.
Very useful features (among others) are the quick I/M readiness test as well as the illuminated tab under the TFT screen. These give a quick preview of the vehicle status. Besides this, the scanner has its own inventory of trouble codes, so you don’t have to search on the internet for every code meaning.
One more cool thing from our company is the technical assistance. The OBD scanner can be updated via our website for free so you can stay up-to-date.
CONCLUSION
So in the end: should you buy it?
The answer is certainly yes. Avoid it only if you have greater expectations of an OBD scanner tool in terms of more professional possibilities and options.
In that case, check out the next upper, more expensive scanner series.
However, if you want a reliable, well-built and easy-to-use OBD scanner in this range, this is certainly for you. It won’t be money thrown away that’s for sure.
More than enough in the realm of DIY repairs. It's not even ashamed of semi-professional or professional work due to the variety of options.
To sum up this OBD scanner review: the SC301 has a very good price to value ratio and is a purchase you probably won’t regret. In this class, a product which is among the best.
If you have any second thoughts, keep in mind that, on average, a diagnostic read or code erase costs as much as this scanner tool.