As a seasoned auto repair expert at autelfrance.com, I’ve had my hands on numerous OBDII scan tools over the years. When the Autel AutoLink AL319 landed on my workbench for review, I was intrigued by its compact size and promised functionality. Having experience with larger, more complex scanners, I was keen to see how this user-friendly, entry-level tool would perform in real-world automotive diagnostics. After putting the Autel AL319 through its paces, here’s my comprehensive review, focusing on its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value for car owners and DIY enthusiasts.
First Impressions and User Experience
Upon unboxing the Autel AL319, the first thing that struck me was its remarkably small footprint. Compared to my older Actron 9180 scanner, the AL319 is significantly more compact, making it truly portable. The device feels robust despite its size, and the bright color screen is a welcome feature, offering clear visibility even in varying lighting conditions.
Getting started with the AL319 is straightforward. Connecting it to the OBDII port was seamless, and the device boots up incredibly quickly, a notable advantage when you need to diagnose a vehicle issue promptly. However, the initial user interface experience presented a minor learning curve. With only three buttons – two for navigation and one “ENTER/Exit” button – navigating the menus wasn’t immediately intuitive.
My initial instinct was to use the “ENTER/Exit” button to go back to the previous menu, but this wasn’t the case. Instead, menu navigation requires using the scroll buttons to find the “Return” option. While this is a minor inconvenience and easily overcome with a quick glance at the manual, the absence of a dedicated “Exit” or “Back” button might initially confuse users accustomed to more traditional interfaces. This slight UI quirk is a minor drawback in an otherwise user-friendly device.
Another point to consider is the attached cable length. At approximately 2 feet, the cable is non-detachable and shorter than what I’m used to with other scanners. While sufficient for basic diagnostics when the car is parked, the shorter cable could be limiting in certain situations. For instance, when using a lift and wanting to keep the scanner visible from under the vehicle, or when trying to monitor live data while driving and needing to place the device where it’s easily viewable, the cable’s length might prove restrictive. For typical code reading in a parked vehicle, however, this is unlikely to be an issue.
Key Features and Performance Highlights
Despite these minor usability points, the Autel AL319 truly shines in its core functionality and feature set, offering impressive capabilities for its price point. Here are the standout features I appreciated:
1. Rapid Boot-Up: As mentioned earlier, the AL319’s fast boot time is a significant plus, allowing for quick diagnostics when time is of the essence.
2. Bright Color Display: The vibrant color screen enhances readability, displaying codes and data clearly, even in bright sunlight or dimly lit garages.
3. Dedicated I/M Readiness Key: The inclusion of a one-click I/M (Inspection/Maintenance) readiness button is a fantastic feature for quickly assessing a vehicle’s emissions status. The intuitive color-coded LED system – Green for Pass, Yellow for Not Ready, and Red for Fail – provides an instant emissions check, saving time and effort before heading for an official inspection.
4. Generic and Manufacturer-Specific Codes: The AL319 not only reads standard OBDII codes but also detects some manufacturer-specific codes. When a manufacturer-specific code is identified, the device prompts you to select the vehicle’s make and model, demonstrating a more advanced diagnostic capability than basic code readers. It’s important to note that this tool is designed for basic engine code reading and doesn’t access systems like Transmission, ABS, or Airbag modules, which is consistent with its advertised functionality and price range.
5. Live OBDII Data Stream: The ability to display live OBDII data is a valuable troubleshooting asset. Monitoring real-time parameters such as coolant temperature and O2 sensor readings can provide crucial insights beyond simple code interpretation, aiding in more accurate diagnoses and moving beyond just replacing parts based solely on error codes. Impressively, the AL319’s live data refresh rate is fast and smooth, making this feature genuinely practical and useful, unlike some scanners where slow refresh rates render live data less helpful.
6. Responsive and Fast Navigation: Beyond the initial UI learning curve, menu navigation is generally quick and responsive. The device reacts promptly to button presses, making the overall diagnostic process efficient.
7. Broad Vehicle Compatibility: I tested the AL319 on a range of vehicles from various manufacturers, including Honda, Toyota, Subaru, VW, and Nissan, and experienced seamless code reading across all of them. As long as your vehicle is OBDII compliant, the Autel AL319 should provide reliable diagnostic access.
Conclusion: A Highly Recommended Portable Scan Tool
In summary, the Autel AutoLink AL319 OBDII & CAN Scan Tool has become my new go-to portable code reader. Its compact size, rapid performance, user-friendly features like the I/M readiness button, and live data capabilities make it an exceptional tool for everyday car diagnostics. While the user interface navigation and cable length have minor drawbacks, the AL319’s strengths significantly outweigh these minor issues, particularly considering its affordability and intended use as a basic, portable scan tool.
This device is an excellent choice for car owners looking to understand and address check engine light issues, perform pre-emissions checks, and gain valuable insights into their vehicle’s health without the complexity and cost of professional-grade scanners. Its ability to display coolant temperature also makes it a useful tool for specific tasks like fine-tuning performance modifications that require temperature monitoring. For a reliable, compact, and capable OBDII scanner, the Autel AL319 is a highly recommended option.
