Tool Review: Autel MaxiSYS MS908

Feb. 12, 2015
According to both reviewers, the MS908 is easy to use. Even right out of the box, minimal setup was involved.

The Autel MaxiSYS MS908 has been built to offer extreme ease of use, powerful diagnostic performance and much more. A major upgrade has been the addition of an ultra-powerful A9 quad-core processor that offers a 50 percent increase in speed versus competing products, according to the company. This tool features a clear 9.7” LED screen with a high-resolution capacitive touch screen. MaxiSYS has the industry’s first multitasking Android operating system and the comprehensive OE-level vehicle coverage that Autel has become known for. 

The Review

Neil Rowland, owner of AZ Mobile Reflash and Troubleshooting in Mesa, Ariz., and Don Smith, owner of Elite Electronics** based out of the Dallas/Ft. Worth area of Texas, reviewed the Autel MaxiSYS MS908. Both reviewers liked the quick processor speed and boot-up time that this scan tool offers. “It doesn't seem to make a difference what model of car I hook it up to,” Rowland adds, “It’s the fastest (scan) tool I’ve ever used.”

Smith says, “The MaxiSYS (MS908) saves us time on every job we use it on with its quick boot-up time, ability to look at live data and ability to use bi-directional controls while not being bound by a cord.”

The MaxiSYS MS908 included the manual, which was loaded onto a CD. Both reviewers say that because the product is easy to use, there is little need for the manual. This scan tool also included 12V and 120V chargers, a USB cable, non-OBD adapters, a strap/handle and a screen cleaning cloth.

According to both reviewers, the MS908 is easy to use. Even right out of the box, minimal setup was involved. Once the scan tool arrived in the shop, Smith says he only needed to register the device on Autel’s website in order to perform updates. “If you choose to not update it, you can use it out of the box within five minutes.”

Rowland says, “Autel is really good about updating their tools. It’s a tool that you need to check for updates like once a week, because as soon as Autel comes up with solutions, they put them on the internet for you.” Rowland also likes that the updates can be made through the tool, without having to hook it up to a computer, as the tool is fully Wi-Fi capable. He adds, “I’ve updated mine on the road. It saves me a ton of time.”

Rowland has used the MS908 for many advanced functions, which include performing diagnostics and resets on many vehicle makes and models and even programming keys. He says, “I’ve used a lot of OE scan tools. Autel lays out data the same way OE scan tools are laid out.” Because Rowland is familiar with this setup logic, he also said that if technicians are not familiar with a factory menu layout, this may be difficult for some users.

Smith used the MS908 to program keys on several vehicle makes including Ford, Dodge, Nissan and VW. He has also used this tool to diagnose a faulty PCM in a 2010 Dodge Ram and faulty headlight modules on 11 5 Series BMWs. After replacing the new module, it had to be coded and he also had to run reference for the adaptive headlights. He says, “The MaxiSYS performed flawlessly.”

When asked to compare this scan tool to previous versions, both reviewers said that they have used the MS708. According to the reviewers, the MS908 offers improved processor and printing speed and boot time, and the MS908 has offered the reviewers up to eight hours of run-time without the need for a charge. Rowland said that the new Android functions are “plusses,” while Smith likes the improved functionality of the touchscreen.

“The speed of this tool is number one,” says Rowland. “It is capable of doing a lot of factory resets, so I don’t have to drag my laptop to the car. It’s very light and fast. It makes my life a lot easier when it comes to that.” He also says that other functions he likes is that this tool offers 100-percent access on the anti-theft security systems, it allows users to send reports via Wi-Fi to another computer, it comes pre-loaded with direct links to repair info (AllData, Identifix, Mitchell 1, iATN, etc.) and that it stores vehicle histories and complete customer history, which can be retrieved through VIN auto-identification.

Smith also likes the ability to remotely log in for support from Autel, or if he needs to assist one of his technicians. He also said that the tool’s ability to auto-read the VIN and identify the vehicle, as well as keep a history of vehicles scanned, even after disconnecting from vehicles is one of the most beneficial functions this tool offers.

As a suggested improvement, Rowland would like to see added functionality for the pinion factor for Chrysler vehicles, to set speedometers. “Other than that, it’s been fantastic.”

Smith suggests an improvement for the search functionality on available updates. Because the MS908 includes available updates on all vehicle makes and models, including European vehicles not serviced in the U.S., he says, “It is kind of cumbersome to pick and choose the updates that you want. It would be nice to set a profile of vehicles that you work on, or a sort by vehicles that you need.”

Both reviewers gave the Autel MaxiSYS MS908 high ratings. Rowland gave the tool a nine or 10 out of 10. In addition to the many things he liked about this scan tool, he adds that it is reasonably priced for technicians. Smith gave the Autel MaxiSYS MS908 a 10 “We love having a tool that we know will do almost anything we need it to do It is reliable and quick and easy to use.” He also adds, “We have and use almost every factory and aftermarket scanner on the market. The MaxiSYS is our go-to scan tool.”

**Elite Electronics provides mobile mechanical, programming, diagnostics, air bag, theft and vandalism repair for body shops and service shops. Elite Electronics has about 25 full-time employees in three states, with 22 of them being mobile technicians.

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