That $400 scan tool I picked up on clearance ended up being junk

Snagged a launch CRP123 from a closing parts store for cheap, figured it would be good enough for the basic diagnostic stuff I do on the side. Worked okay for a month, then it started freezing up and giving me false codes on a Honda O2 sensor test. Anyone else have luck with the cheaper tablets, or should I just bite the bullet and get a snap-on unit?

3 comments

3 Comments

aaron_mitchell1mo agoTop Commenter

Ditched a cheap Autel after it kept misreading a Ford misfire as a transmission issue. Grabbed a used Innova 5610 from a buddy for a hundred bucks and it’s been solid ever since. Handles live data fine and even cleared a tricky VW airbag code that the other one couldn't touch. Not as fancy as a Snap-on but way better than those clearance bin tablets for daily use. You might find a decent used midrange scanner on Facebook Marketplace instead of dropping big money.

pat_moore1mo ago

My buddy grabbed a clearance Innova tablet last year and it couldn't even talk to his 2018 F-150 for basic ABS codes. He spent more time resetting it than actually diagnosing stuff. I keep telling him to just hit up Facebook Marketplace for a used Autel or something, but he's stubborn.

smith.nancy1mo ago

Same boat here. Got a cheap Topdon scanner off Amazon, thought it was a steal. Worked fine for about two weeks, then started throwing random U-codes that made no sense. Took it back and swapped for a used Autel MaxiCOM MK808 off a guy on Craigslist. Night and day difference. Handles live data on my Subaru and my buddy's BMW without glitching out. Those clearance bin tablets are just a gamble, man. Better to buy used midrange than new junk.