Is Thinkcar Thinkdiag2 worth buying? Good or not?
Thinkdiag2 is better than Thinkdiag as it supports more functions. It is equipped with 5.0 Bluetooth, has a built-in CAN FD protocol, and comes with double side indicators, an upgraded soft rubber sleeve, and an OBD2 cable. Moreover, it can support the latest GM vehicles manufactured after 2020 (Click here to review).
Here are some reviews from customers who have been using it for some time.
Review 1: Great tool!
This thinkdiag2 obd2 scanner found my car steering wheel had one fault code.
Review 2: Scanned Ferrari 360
Thinkdiag 2 replaced the clutch and throw out bearing needed software to bleed the F-1 system and it worked like a charm.
Review 3: Great scanner
Scan everything system on the vehicle and give code. Quick and fast. Connect to my phone fast. Just like turning on the light switch.
Review 4: Nice diagnostic tool
The ThinkDiag2 is a nice diagnostic tool that works with iOS and android devices. You can read and clear your code, view data stream graphing what’s really nice is it has bi directional control and actuator test, highly recommended.
Review 5: Perfect, Excellent!
I’m professional mechanic with over 23 years of experience and I used a lot of scanner from snap on, OTC, since I had this Thinkdiag2 scanner my life working turns more faster and productive, use my phone, save my reports, don’t need a big monitor or interface around me, build in a professional software I can retract caliper’s, active testing, battery tester, TPMs service relearn function’s etc. 100% recommend.
Review 6: Great Product
Thinkdiag 2 scanner did exactly what i wanted it to, have diagnosed several different vehicles makes, GMC, Isuzu, VW, Buick, multiple ford vehicles, chevy, Jeep. Also my own F250 diesel.
Review 7: Must have tool for DIY Mechanic and Professional Mechanic
I work on vehicles for a living and always have my main scan tool tied up with another vehicle.
This pocket scanner is great for fast scans and routine services and special functions!
I use Thinkdiag2 all the time to put cars in brake maintenance mode, check readiness monitors, and quick scans.
I was shocked that it supports some advanced features found on Dealership Level scan tools; like transmission relearn and power balance.
This scanner goes everywhere with me and I bought another to keep in the car. Once people find out you’re a Mechanic, they always ask you to look at their car. My friends think I paid hundreds of dollars to scan cars with my cellphone, but you and I know I didn’t.
This scanner pays for itself after a single use!
The average shop charges $150 just to scan a car, so why not use this tool to do it yourself?!
Review 8: A useful tool for new cars
I have a 2023 Kia Sportage NQ5e car. Sometimes I have a message, check hybrid system” and MIL indicator light on. I went to service as requested by user manual. There informed me that maybe it’s just a sensor bad reading, it has message Lost Communication with Motor Electronics Coolant Pump. They cleared the error and informed me that I can drive the car, it’s not big deal.
That error randomly appeared and disappeared and because I don’t want to spend all time in service and cancel my trips I wanted an OBD readear that it will give me the exact problem.
I searched a little and in this price range the best coverage/functions that are included for my car was Thinkdiag2. I ordered the device and shortly it arrived.
When I have the error I put my device to work and identified exactly the problem (code U111600). I also searched by standard OBD code but the problem was not exactly described (code U1116), so it’s important to scan for exact car functions you have, not all are exposed to OBD in a meaningful way.
So scanning was fast and accurate and results were presented in an intuitive mode.
I also saw specific live data from my car, including GPF status, it’s a very good device.
Review 9: Worth the money!
What you pay compared to what you get is a great deal! Personally, I think the updates are also a great deal as seen below. Granted the scan tool will only use the basic OBDII if the subscription runs out, but keeping the subscription active is much cheaper than keeping the Autel MS608 active for $800.
“Thinkcar Thinkdiag 2 only supports 1-year full software function use and update, after 1-year, if you don’t renew it, you can only use the basic OBDII full function.
By subscribing to an annual membership, you gain access to the full system and function of all compatible car models during the validity of the subscription:
1-year membership need 99.95 dollars
2-year membership need 159.95 dollars
5-year membership need 339.95 dollars
To subscribe to one car brand need 49.95 dollars/Year (after subscription, you can get full system functions and special functions of all compatible models under its brand)”.
The Thinkdiag2 gives me just as much data and bi-direction control as my Launch x431 and the shop’s Autel’s. Since I bought the Thinkdiag2 I have been using it more than the two scan tools I mentioned. It’s more convenient to use by holding my phone in one hand than holding a big tablet.
Yes, the Thinkdiag2 has a few issues that need to be resolved, but so do the Launch and Autel scan tools. They don’t do everything and that’s the reason why professional automotive technicians have more than one scan tool.
So far the only problems I had with the Thinkdiag2 it did not work well with a 2002 Ford Thunderbird, it did not communicate well with it and on the Fords Power Balance test it will stop working after about 5 seconds on CANBus systems, you have to exit the program and start over. Non-CANBus system’s Power Balance works fine.
I use the APP on a cheap Samsung AO1 TracFone, the only issue I have is a lack of space, the APP and ThinkDiag2 work well with it. The APP may not work with a tablet, it’s not made to, which is stated in the description of the product.
The product is well made and comes with a nice sturdy case. The cable and scanner are separate, that way if the cable gets damaged you can replace the cable and not the scanner. I have uploaded photos of the unit and several screenshots from the scan tool.
To be continued…