Purchasing a used Auto Xray EZ Link OBD II scanner can seem like a cost-effective way to diagnose your vehicle’s issues. Many DIY mechanics and car enthusiasts turn to tools like the Autoxray Ez Link Obd Ii Scanner for its reported capabilities in reading diagnostic trouble codes and offering insights into vehicle health. However, as one user discovered after acquiring a unit at a swap meet, there can be unforeseen complexities, particularly concerning feature access and compatibility.
The user in question acquired an older Auto Xray EZ Link scanner, complete with cables for Chrysler, Ford, and GM, and a manual detailing both OBD I and OBD II testing. This suggested a versatile tool capable of servicing older and potentially newer vehicles. Excitement quickly turned to frustration when attempting to use the scanner on a GM system. The device indicated that the GM feature was not supported, despite the included cables and manual suggesting otherwise.
It turns out that some older Auto Xray EZ Link scanners, potentially from the late 1990s or later models, might have their functionality locked to specific manufacturers upon initial purchase. To unlock features for other brands like GM or Ford, users may need to contact the manufacturer and obtain special access codes. This process often involves providing the scanner’s serial number and a “seed number” displayed by the device, and then paying a fee to receive the corresponding unlock code.
This pay-per-manufacturer access model can be unexpected, especially when buying a used autoxray ez link obd ii scanner. The original owner might have already paid to unlock certain features, but this access doesn’t necessarily transfer to subsequent owners. Without a way to contact the original owner, new users can find themselves with a scanner that doesn’t fully meet their needs out of the box.
For those encountering this situation, several questions arise:
- Has anyone successfully obtained access codes for their used Auto Xray scan tool? Experiences from other users who have navigated this process can provide valuable insights.
- Is there a way to calculate the access code based on the serial number and seed number? While less likely, a community-developed workaround could offer a free solution.
If unlocking the autoxray ez link obd ii scanner for different manufacturers requires additional investment, it’s crucial to weigh the costs against the benefits. For users who don’t own vehicles from the originally unlocked manufacturer (in this case, Chrysler), the scanner’s utility becomes limited. In such cases, exploring alternative OBD II scanners that offer broader compatibility without hidden unlock fees might be a more practical approach. Before purchasing a used autoxray ez link obd ii scanner, it’s advisable to research potential locking mechanisms and factor in possible additional costs for full functionality.
