Autel OBD2 Scanner MS309 Universal Car Engine Fault Code Reader

Curated from 105 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: April 4, 2025

Autel OBD2 Scanner MS309 Universal Car Engine Fault Code Reader

Brand: Autel
Price: $17
Snoop Score:
8.7
Sentiment
10.0
Popularity
10.0
Technical
7.6

Snoop's Take

The Autel OBD2 Scanner MS309 is a universal car engine fault code reader designed to help users diagnose vehicle issues efficiently. It allows users to retrieve and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), check engine light status, and monitor emission systems with ease. Consumer sentiment around the Autel MS309 is overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its ability to save money on diagnostic fees and quickly identify issues with vehicle systems. One user noted, "It helps detecting minor issues that can lead to something bigger, so that I can treat it in time." Additionally, buyers appreciate the product's affordability and extensive coverage for different vehicle makes, indicating that it provides good value for money in the diagnostic tool market. Given the strong user feedback emphasizing its effectiveness and ease of use, the Autel OBD2 Scanner MS309 is highly recommended for anyone looking for a reliable and cost-effective diagnostic tool for their vehicles.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Code Readers & Scan Tools

I bought one and I might not use every single future but it saved me literally thousands.

Positive Feedback

I promise you won’t make use of a full diagnostic tool, nor will you find one at an affordable price.

Insightful Chatter
Product
8.7
Autel OBD2 Scanner MS309 Universal Car Engine Fault Code Reader
Check Engine Light Diagnosis
8 / 10
Fault Code Reading and Clearing
8 / 10
Live Data Monitoring
8 / 10
Vehicle Suitability Verification
7 / 10
See how this compares to all Code Readers & Scan Tools

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Saves money on diagnostic fees
I bought one and I might not use every single future but it saved me literally thousands.
Best scan tool with built-in module programming? I'm looking for something that can program new and
Regular pass thru programming is super complicated and costly.
ICON Scan Tools We'd heard about the $2,000 scan tool here a while back from one of our friendly ins
Quickly identifies issues with the vehicle systems
The code reader isolates which system in the car is out of spec.
It’s the most functional scanner over ever had.
Extensive coverage for different vehicle makes
I’ve heard mixed reviews about Autel, but they do seem to offer extensive coverage.
Hard to justify spending 1k as a shade tree mechanic but cars these days need 5k dollar scan tools to diagnose a 5 dollar relay.
Affordable price with good capabilities
I was always impressed by Autel's price points and capabilities.
Autel for me. I'm a diesel tech for Ford.
my only issue is, why the heck did they have to call it foreskin, I mean forscan.
Really loving this thing so far, especially the bidirectional ability!
Useful for both professional and side work
been running it for a year or 2 with an expired subscription and doesn't hinder me at all.
Extensive features compared to competitors
Autel maxi sys far outweighs the usefulness of snap on solus and other clones.
Easy to use and understand
It really just connects to the "carputer" and reads info.
Can help prevent bigger issues
it helps detecting minor issues that can lead to something bigger, so that I can treat it in time.
Affordable price for basic diagnostics
can it help prevent bigger issues? Like for example it helps detecting minor issues that can lead to something bigger.
I literally rock a 8 dollar Bluetooth one and a 5 dollar app (torque pro).. been using it for a decade.
Quickly identifies vehicle issues
Your 40 dollar one will give you a trouble code and description and let you clear the code and that's it.
Good value for money
Autel would be the way to go, your dollar goes further with them.
Provides independence for diagnostics
It will give you independence for making diagnostics on your car.
Helps identify vehicle issues
Then you have an idea about what's wrong.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II ScannerANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner$26
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Autel Scanner MaxiCOM MK900BTAutel Scanner MaxiCOM MK900BT$659
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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Various OBD2 language complexities
if you really want to do a lot of work on a car (esp. a newer one) then a slightly more expensive reader that has model-specific reading ability will give you a lot better details and a lot more functionality.
Diversity of needs for scan tools
Every scanner should be able to work with common UDS commands, but to be able to work with manufacturer-specific commands it should be constantly updated.
Modern OBDII readers can access more codes than older models.
I have an old BAFX OBDII reader I bought almost a decade ago.
Your app/device may not be up to today's standards, there are more 'generic' codes then there used to be.
A scan tool that reads all of those costs big bucks.
Most of the cheap readers under $100 today can't read ABS, SRS, and many more.
Various scanner options available with different features
I seem to grab the Solus more but I know that scanner won't be cheap.
They just came out with their wireless module and mobile app unless you prefer a laptop.
I think that's the cheaper way to go than getting one scanner that does it all.
Varying needs for scan tools among users
Yes, cause they're cheap & give you an idea of what is wrong with your car.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Full diagnostic tools can be expensive
I promise you won’t make use of a full diagnostic tool, nor will you find one at an affordable price.
Most auto parts stores will read the code for free, hoping to sell you the parts.
Automotive scan tool What are other automotive techs using for 3rd party diagnostic scan tools? Real
I have 2 friends that run shops. One is exclusively SnapOn scanners, the other has a SnapOn and an A
Comparison with other tools
Blue Driver Driver Pro gives good info and live data across gas and diesel engines for about $100+.
All of Innova's scan tools come with FREE LIFETIME subscription.
Everyone has different needs for scan tools
I have not been able to find a scan tool that I like because “there is no perfect scan tool” I’ve heard over and over in countless videos I’ve watched.
everyone's got different needs, and it seems like you're looking for something that goes beyond basic code reading.
I’m really trying to decide which way to go.
What’s a good but budget friendly scan tool that can do buzz tests, code reading, work on Cummins and duramax also?
Good diagnostic tools can be expensive
Good tools are BIG money.
Advanced features may be locked behind higher prices
I needed a scanner that could actually do something, not just read basic codes like BlueDriver.
Comparison with other brands
I'm positive that they are overpriced for what ya get and the updates are ridiculous.
Free OBD scanners available for borrowing
It really doesn't offer any "fun" outside of reading CEL... Which if you don't have any then you wasted $15.
Advanced features may vary by model
Mine was a little over $200 IIRC and has saved me lot of time with manufacturer-specific issues already that my cheap OBD2 scanner would just say "no error codes".
$1000+ is where it starts doing advanced functions but even then there’s some stuff that’s limited specifically to manufacture/dealer only software.
Free scanning options available at Autozone
Autozone will scan for free.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Programming modules can be complex and costly
Getting into programming your own modules is expensive and usually requires subscriptions from the automaker in addition to the hardware.

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