GEARWRENCH Professional Bi-Directional Diagnostic Scan Tool

Curated from 85 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: April 4, 2025

GEARWRENCH Professional Bi-Directional Diagnostic Scan Tool

Brand: GEARWRENCH
Price: $149
Snoop Score:
7.4
Sentiment
8.3
Popularity
5.4
Technical
7.7

Snoop's Take

The GEARWRENCH Professional Bi-Directional Diagnostic Scan Tool, model GWSMARTBT, is designed to provide comprehensive diagnostics for various vehicles directly from your smart device. This powerful tool enables users to perform OE-level diagnostics, live actuation tests, and supports a wide range of vehicle reset and relearn functions, making it a valuable asset for both professional mechanics and automotive enthusiasts. Consumer feedback highlights several strengths of the GEARWRENCH scan tool, noting that it can save users significant money on diagnostics: "I bought one and I might not use every single future but it saved me literally thousands." Additionally, users appreciate the lifetime free software updates, saying, "No charge for software updates" is a major plus compared to competitors. Many prefer the standalone device format, emphasizing that they prefer a tool that "doesn’t rely on an app," which adds to its appeal for practical use. Based on the feedback, the GEARWRENCH Professional Bi-Directional Diagnostic Scan Tool is highly recommended for those seeking an effective diagnostic tool that combines affordability with robust features, particularly for users who value independence from mobile apps and ongoing costs.

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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.

Negative Feedback
Product
7.4
GEARWRENCH Professional Bi-Directional Diagnostic Scan Tool
Check Engine Light Diagnosis
7 / 10
Fault Code Reading and Clearing
7 / 10
Live Data Monitoring
9 / 10
Vehicle Suitability Verification
6 / 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 diagnostics
I bought one and I might not use every single future but it saved me literally thousands.
Lifetime free software updates
it’s lifetime. The D7 comes with 3 years of free, you’re right.
Standalone device preferred for diagnostics
A dongle is sure convenient but I rather have a standalone device.
I much rather having a tool that doesn’t rely on an app.
Offers bi-directional scan tool functionality
this is a game changer.
The gearwrench one (and others) have live data and bi directional control.
No charge for software updates
No charge for software updates. Autel scanners are excellent.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Limited utility for inexperienced users
I promise you won’t make use of a full diagnostic tool, nor will you find one at an affordable price.

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion about specific vehicle support
it has documents that list supported diagnostic functions for many brands, but not Honda/Acura.
Does that mean Acura isn't supported by the A30M?
Discussion about alternative tools and their features
Lifetime updates for free and it uses your phone which is more powerful and will always be with you.
They also provide free updates, granted I don't know how often new updates are actually posted.
Mention of specific vehicle compatibility
I want something for good codes data abs etc for cars some key programming/tpms capabilities and maybe even some bidirectional diesel regen stuff.
Mention of various brands and their performance
We have an autel at work. It works but it's not 100% and no scan tool will be.
At only $4k usd compared to similar models from Bosch and snap on its worth it in my opinion.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion about alternative options for diagnostics
What Scan tool should I buy? Hello everyone! I’m looking for an affordable scan tool for my diesel w211 so I can read codes on the go.
The best option is Xentry that you can use with a passthru device like a Tactrix Openport or a SnapOn.
I have an authentic one, you get what you pay for.
Xentry is an OEM Mercedes-Benz scan tool.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Comparison with free auto parts store diagnostics
Most auto parts stores will read the code for free, hoping to sell you the parts.
Mention of alternative products in the market
Blue Driver Driver Pro gives good info and live data across gas and diesel engines for about $100+.
Discussion on various diagnostic tools
Really considering the new gear wrench 7"tablet scan tool but also possibly an autel.
I'm still learning to navigate the software, but so far I'm fairly impressed.
Best I've found for the money and no fees afterwards.
if this is your living get an autel.
Discussion on varying needs for scan tools
I have not been able to find a scan tool that I like because 'there is no perfect scan tool'.
everyone's got different needs, and it seems like you're looking for something that goes beyond basic code reading.
I needed a scanner that could actually do something, not just read basic codes like BlueDriver.
Mention of other brands and tools
Good tools are BIG money.
Otofix via Autel.com, the $1000 level has those functions.
Price considerations for diagnostic tools
Good tools are BIG money.
Discussion about the price of diagnostic tools
What scanners have you guys been using that don't require a second mortgage, are decently built and functional, and are not so freaking evil?
Look into XTOOL D7 or D8..... 3 years free updates.
The Topscan is actually a pretty good bi-directional tool.
Autel scanners are pretty good. Good enough for franchise mechanic shops.
Comparison with other scanners
The D7 is MUCH faster than the mobile version and I recommend checking it out.
Yeah the D7 is pretty good for the price and does most functions these $2k+ scanners do.
I looked at that tool you have before, isn’t it a rebranded Launch?
Discussion about different scanner brands
Snapon scanners suck. I can't stand the bi-annual updates and the absurd money they ask.
I'll agree the snap on scanners are costly and have limited capabilities compared to the autels.
Mention of alternative budget scan tools
TopDon and ThinkTool are based off Launch though.
Discussion about alternative diagnostic tools for BMWs
I need to reset my airbag light, and T-shooting some misfires, lean conditions, VVT, and under voltage codes 😅
You can download the BMWs tools online, INPA, and it does all these things with a $20 usb to obd2 adapter.
it takes some time but it will have everything you need and the only purchase you need to make is for the cable and it's like $20 USD.
INPA, PASoft BMW Scanner 1.4 with an old windows laptop and ODB Fusion on phone.
Discussion on the need for multiple scan tools
My question to you is what scan tool and where to buy would you recommend. This is my lively hood and my name on the building so I would like something that can "do it all".
Unfortunately to have a “do it all” scan too you need multiple scanners.
Discussion on differences in scanner capabilities based on price
What is the real difference as you move up to different levels of OBDII scanners? [deleted]
What I've noticed in the difference between scanners as you go up in price is how much data you can analyze and certain types of features it will have.
I can reprogram every single computer in my Ford with a USD 50 OBD tool.
Sounds like FORSCAN. Great tool for Fords and Mazda that it covers.
Discussion about the cost structure of diagnostic tools
What magical hardware is worth a couple thousand bucks?
It can tell you what the designer had for breakfast and the name of his cat.
So do scan tool makers pay a fee to get that decoder or data from OEMs?

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Comment on the variability of diagnostics tools
Genuinely curious, what does this do that a $30 code scanner can’t do?
Experiences with specific models of scan tools
The Pro V 4.0+ is my go to, and has been a work horse for like 3 and a half years now.

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