Obdlink Scanners: Cx, Mx, Lx – Which Is Best?

Table of Contents

• Key Takeaways
• Affordability and Convenience
• Features and Compatibility
• Advanced Diagnostics
• Frequently Asked Questions
  • Are the OBDLink scanners compatible with electric or hybrid vehicles?
  • Do the OBDLink CX and LX work with older vehicles made prior to 1996?
  • Can the OBDLink LX be used with Apple devices?
  • Do the OBDLink scanners diagnose BMW motorcycles?
  • Is there a cost for firmware updates for the OBDLink scanners?

OBDLink scanners are popular tools used in home garages to diagnose and monitor vehicle performance. With their wireless Bluetooth connectivity and low power consumption, these scanners offer convenience and reliability to car owners. However, with three different models available, choosing the best one for your needs can be challenging.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive review and comparison of the OBDLink CX, MX+, and LX scanners to help you make an informed decision.

To begin with, we will explore the affordability and convenience of each scanner. We will discuss their pricing, ease of use, and compatibility with different vehicles.

Then, we will move on to their features and compatibility, including their ability to read and clear engine codes, monitor real-time data, and connect to various mobile apps.

Finally, we will delve into advanced diagnostics, such as access to manufacturer-specific codes and live data, to determine which scanner offers the most comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.

By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the differences and similarities between each OBDLink scanner and which one is best suited for your needs.

Key Takeaways

• OBDLink CX, MX+, and LX are affordable and convenient wireless OBD2 scanners that retrieve diagnostic data and send it via Bluetooth to a phone, tablet, or computer.
• All three scanners have low power consumption and share core features, including the ability to use the free OBDLink app for instant access to live data streams and engine error codes.
• OBDLink CX is the most unobtrusive scanner and best for BMWs and Minis since it can perform advanced coding and customization functions on these specific vehicles.
• OBDLink LX is compatible with any vehicle that uses OBD diagnostics, except for electric or hybrid vehicles which may not be supported, and comes with a trip logger and OBDwiz for Windows. OBDLink MX+ offers enhanced diagnostics for 5 manufacturers and supports proprietary networks like GM-LAN and Ford MS-CAN, making it the top choice for more advanced home mechanics.

Affordability and Convenience

Regarding affordability and convenience, the OBDLink CX, MX+, and LX wireless OBD2 scanners are affordable and convenient options for home garage mechanics. These scanners are designed to plug into the vehicle’s OBD2 port and retrieve diagnostic data, which is then sent via Bluetooth to a phone, tablet, or computer. All three scanners have low power consumption and can be left plugged in full-time without draining the vehicle’s battery, making them convenient for everyday use.

The OBDLink CX, MX+, and LX are cost-effective diagnostic tools that provide instant access to live data streams and engine error codes. These scanners share core features such as the ability to use the free OBDLink app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. Moreover, firmware updates are free for life for all three tools, and you can install them on the OBD2 scanner using the same device you’ve paired for the software.

Overall, the OBDLink CX, MX+, and LX scanners are affordable and convenient options for diagnosing and troubleshooting engine issues in a home garage.

Features and Compatibility

The compatibility of the three wireless OBD2 scanners is universal for OBD2 diagnostics, with the OBDLink CX, MX+, and LX providing reliable and consistent diagnostic data for any vehicle that uses OBD diagnostics. However, there are a few notable differences in their compatibility with certain vehicles and protocols.

1. The OBDLink CX is best suited for BMWs and Minis as it can perform advanced coding and customization functions on these specific vehicles.
2. The OBDLink LX supports OBD2 and all its global variants, including EOBD for European vehicles and JOBD for those made in Japan, making it the top pick for everyday drivers due to its broad vehicle and device compatibility and easy OBD2 diagnostics.
3. The OBDLink MX+ can read live data from the ABS, SRS, and TPMS systems, and supports proprietary networks like GM-LAN and Ford MS-CAN, making it the top choice for more advanced home mechanics.
4. It is important to note that:

• The OBDLink CX and LX do not work with older vehicles made prior to 1996.
• The OBDLink CX and LX do not diagnose BMW motorcycles.
• The OBDLink LX works with diesel engines that use OBD2, EOBD, or JOBD protocols, but heavy trucks with diesel engines may use a different diagnostic protocol that may not be supported.

Advanced Diagnostics

Advanced diagnostics capabilities are an important factor to consider when choosing a wireless OBD2 scanner. The OBDLink MX+ stands out in this regard as it provides enhanced diagnostics for five specific manufacturers, namely Ford, GM, Mazda, Nissan, and Toyota. This feature allows users to access additional live data from the ABS, SRS, and TPMS systems of these particular vehicles, providing a more comprehensive analysis of the engine’s performance. Moreover, the OBDLink MX+ supports proprietary networks such as GM-LAN and Ford MS-CAN, which are not available in the other two scanners. This feature makes the MX+ a top choice for more advanced home mechanics who require a more comprehensive analysis of their vehicles.

While the OBDLink CX and LX scanners do not have enhanced diagnostics capabilities, they are still useful for everyday drivers and home mechanics. The OBDLink CX, for instance, is the most unobtrusive scanner and is best suited for BMWs and Minis since it can perform advanced coding and customization functions on these specific vehicles.

On the other hand, the OBDLink LX is compatible with any vehicle that uses OBD diagnostics, except for electric or hybrid vehicles that may not be supported. It supports the full range of OBD2 functions, including conducting tests of the EVAP and fuel system, reading oxygen sensor data, and reading/clearing trouble codes. Additionally, it comes with OBDwiz for Windows, which is similar in its functions to the OBDLink app, though with a more streamlined interface that some users appreciate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the OBDLink scanners compatible with electric or hybrid vehicles?

The OBDLink CX and LX are compatible with any vehicle that uses OBD diagnostics except for electric or hybrid vehicles which may not be supported. The OBDLink MX+ is not limited to OBD2 and can read live data from ABS, SRS, and TPMS systems, but its compatibility with electric or hybrid vehicles is not specified.

Do the OBDLink CX and LX work with older vehicles made prior to 1996?

The OBDLink CX and LX do not work with older vehicles made prior to 1996. They are designed to be compatible with any vehicle that uses OBD diagnostics, except for electric or hybrid vehicles which may not be supported.

Can the OBDLink LX be used with Apple devices?

The OBDLink LX is not compatible with Apple devices. However, it works with any vehicle that uses OBD diagnostics, except for electric or hybrid vehicles which may not be supported. It supports OBD2 and all its global variants.

Do the OBDLink scanners diagnose BMW motorcycles?

The OBDLink CX, MX+, and LX scanners do not diagnose BMW motorcycles. They are compatible with any vehicle that uses OBD diagnostics, except for electric or hybrid vehicles which may not be supported.

Is there a cost for firmware updates for the OBDLink scanners?

Firmware updates for the OBDLink CX, MX+, and LX are free for life and can be installed using the same device as the software. This information is independent of the comparison between the three scanners.