ANCEL DS100 OBD2 Scanner With 7 Resets

This OBD2 scanner is packaged nicely in a hard protective case. The scanner itself has shock absorbing edges and a bright, sensitive touch screen. With a USB cable and wifi connectivity, you can keep the software up to date with the latest releases as well as share screenshots from the scanner. With 15 GB of available memory on the scanner, you will have ample space for storing and sharing PDF manuals, screenshots, and reports.

The Ancel DS100 has a powerful interface for reading trouble codes, testing limited systems (e.g., O2 sensors) and monitoring a variety of data streams (e.g., throttle, coolant temp) in real time. It is unable, however, to clear maintenance alerts, or reset systems beyond the DTC. For the DIY user, you will have more data than you know what to do with. For the experience mechanic, you will probably be frustrated at its limitations.

I would recommend this product for ambitious DIY users who want to make data-driven decisions about mechanical issues or who have vehicles a couple decades old with issues cropping up from wear and tear (like engine misfires, etc.). Overall, this seems well designed and appropriately priced for its intended uses.

I have another OBD2 device that is less expensive but was attracted to this one because it seemed more comprehensive and could do code resets. After stepping through the diagnotics on my ancient 2006 Acura TSX, I am unuse if I spent my money wisely.

I had little trouble connecting to my wifi and did this before I hooked the scanner to my car. Hooking the scanner to my car was not trivial as the ODB connector was stuffed away in a difficult place and was loose and hard to get the cable connected. Not the fault of the scanner of course.

The first trial run wasn’t very successful. It couldn’t find the VIN number and most of the tests seemed to fail. At one point it even said I didn’t have an automatic transmission. It also hung at 18% when trying to do a system scan. I put the scanner up and decided to try it again the next day. This time it did better. Or maybe I did better. I reconnected the cable, still taking at least 15 minutes to get it in place. When the scanner couldn’t find the VIN number, last time I just told it the make and model. This time I laboriously type in the VIN number (never could find a backspace key and so this took longer than it should have). And it’s not easy to read the VIN number on an 18 year old car, LOL! Eventually it reported what my car had on it, and this time it had an automatic transmission, thank goodness. The scan hung once but then completed on the next try.

I wasn’t sure if the car had to be running – the manual doesn’t seem to address that until it discusses failure. Or if just the ignition needed to be turned on. Yesterday I just had the ignition on, so today I kept the car running. At one point it started listing protocols and marked them all as ‘failed’. I was beginning to give up but somehow found a manual search, and then it identified the ISO 9142-2 protocol. After that it apparently could proceed.

After that it was smoother sailing. I saw where to do a reset and saw many thing of which I know nothing. I’ve shown a few screens in my photos but have made no attempt to tell a complete story .

The questions for me is are this ODB2 reader worth twice what my other one is? Were many of my troubles because my car is 18 years old? How many of my problems was my own ignorance? Having had an occasion where I had to go hunting someone who could reset a code for me, it is valuable to have a tool to do that although that I may never have the need again. My conclusion is it is probably not worth the price to me (as I may never have to reset a cde) but could be worth the price to more technical users who have a broader need for such a device. Pretty good job!

I was introduced to stand alone OBD2 diagnostic tools about a couple of years ago and since then I have tried about half a dozen, differing models. One of them is a hand held stand alone unit with a hard wired plug-in to the ECU interface port. Simple to use and told me the stories that I have needed to know, as a person with moderate knowledge of basic mechanics. Then I get introduced to diagnostic tools like this one and I immediately realized that I am NO WHERE near knowledgeable enough to even scratch the surface of what these thing can do when used at full potential.

This particular unit is capable of reading and clearing codes for the transmission, engine code reader for ABS/Oil/Brake/BMS/SAS/ETS aming others. It has gear learning features as well as free lifetime updates.

This is a full fledged diagnostic tool that goes FAR further into the car functions, than I can follow in some cases but others around me are very impressed with it. For me personally, I find it easy to use for more basic functions.

The interface with your car is done through a hardline ECU port adapter and menu selections are done via a capacitive screen. The touch capacitive screen is very responsive as well bright and clear to read even in bright surroundings.

The onboard battery is sizeable at 6000mAh and I have yet to need to recharge mine, which is a good thing because I have only used it for about 20-25 minutes total, while learning it.

There are far too many features and abilities to list here (check the product page for those) but it was easy to find, read and clear the most common types of codes and diagnostics that most people are likely to use.

The “tablet” itself appears to be very well made. The rugged casing means that it will definitely takes it’s bumps without failing.

The initial set up was a relatively quick (it immediately did an update) and painless affair. A selection of your preferred language, region as well as a Wi-Fi password for your working environment, were the only requirements to get up and running.

Putting it simply, this is a highly capable device that is fast, easy to read, easy to use and provides accurate readings based on what we already knew the problems to be on a few of the test vehicles that we have used it on. This could be one of my favorites code scanners to date and I feel it is alot of machine for the money.

I definitely recommend this for the advanced DIYer and beyond. While it would serve anyone well, it might be more functionality than a “beginner” would need.

This is probably the only OBD2 scanner I will ever need. Looking at all the features this device offers, I was a little overwhelmed, but I was relieved with how easy it was to set up. There’s no registration needed; everything seems to be fully built in. It offers comprehensive diagnostics for the engine, transmission, braking systems, and much more. It helps me read and clear codes and even perform system tests. I love the auto VIN feature that automatically detects your vehicle’s details for more accurate diagnostics. It’s also nice to know that it comes with lifetime free updates for car models and maintenance software. It works with over 100 car brands, so it’s pretty flexible. The 5” touch-sensitive display is impressive, as it’s nice and clear. Overall, it’s a must-have if you’re a mechanic or just trying to save money instead of going to a repair shop for something simple.