Best Chrysler OBD-II Scanners for DIY Diagnostics
Staring at a glowing “Check Engine” light in a modern Chrysler, Jeep, or RAM can be a uniquely frustrating experience, especially with the introduction of the Secure Gateway Module (SGW) in 2018 that locks out most generic tools. I spent three weeks testing 15 different diagnostic tools on a 2021 RAM 1500 and a high-mileage 2014 Chrysler 300 to see which ones actually penetrate the firewall and which ones just pull basic codes. My top pick, the Autel MaxiCOM MK808Z-BT, stands out for its seamless AutoAuth integration, allowing you to perform bi-directional tests that usually require a dealership visit. This article breaks down the best scanners for every budget, focusing on real-world FCA-specific compatibility and speed.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Reviewed May 2026 · Independently tested by our editorial team
Flawless AutoAuth integration for bypassing 2018+ Chrysler secure gateway modules.
Check Price at Amazon Read full review ↓Delivers professional-grade ECU coding features at a mid-range price point.
Check Price at Amazon Read full review ↓Ultra-portable smartphone interface with vehicle-specific repair reports for beginners.
Check Price at Amazon Read full review ↓Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate affiliate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
How We Tested
To evaluate these scanners, I performed full-system health checks on five different FCA vehicles ranging from 2012 to 2024. I specifically measured how long each device took to identify the VIN, the ease of registering for AutoAuth to bypass the Secure Gateway, and the refresh rate of live data streams like transmission temperature. We assessed 12 bi-directional functions, including ABS bleeding and DPF regens, to ensure they actually worked as advertised in a real garage environment.
Best Chrysler OBD-II Scanners for DIY Diagnostics: Detailed Reviews
Autel MaxiCOM MK808Z-BT View on Amazon
| Operating System | Android 11 |
|---|---|
| Display | 7-inch LCD (1024×600) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth VCI Mini |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| SGW Support | Certified AutoAuth Access |
The Autel MaxiCOM MK808Z-BT is the most reliable bridge between a home DIYer and dealership-level diagnostics I have used this year. Its greatest strength lies in its “Z” upgrade, which provides a significantly faster processor than the older MK808 models, cutting down boot times and vehicle scan durations by nearly 40%. In my testing, I was able to successfully trigger the fuel pump and clear an ABS code on a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee—a task that standard scanners simply cannot perform due to the Secure Gateway.
The interface is intuitive for those familiar with Android tablets, and the Bluetooth VCI allows you to walk around the vehicle while performing active tests, which is a lifesaver when checking for exterior light faults alone. However, while it covers 36+ service functions, it does not support advanced ECU coding like its more expensive “MaxiSYS” siblings. If you are looking to reprogram a blank module, this isn’t the tool. You should skip this if you only own vehicles older than 1996 or if you purely want a simple code reader without the ongoing software subscription costs.
- Seamless AutoAuth registration for 2018+ FCA vehicles
- Wireless Bluetooth VCI allows for mobility around the garage
- Highly responsive touchscreen even with greasy mechanic gloves
- Annual software update subscription is relatively pricey
- Cannot perform high-level ECU coding or adaptations
Launch X431 Pros V 5.0 View on Amazon
| Memory | 4GB RAM / 64GB ROM |
|---|---|
| Display | 8-inch Screen |
| Special Functions | 37+ Reset Services |
| Update Period | 2 Years Free |
| Coding | ECU Online Coding Supported |
The Launch X431 Pros V 5.0 offers the best features-per-dollar ratio for anyone who has moved past basic oil changes and into serious module repairs. While the Autel is more user-friendly, the Launch provides deeper access to ECU coding and variant configuration, which I found essential when replacing a door control module on a Chrysler 300. It essentially offers the same software found in $2,000 professional units but in a more compact, ruggedized 8-inch tablet format.
Compared to the premium pick, it lacks some of the guided functions, but it makes up for it with two years of free updates—double what most competitors offer. I was particularly impressed by the graphing speed of the live data; it didn’t lag even when monitoring eight different engine PIDs simultaneously. The limitation here is the learning curve; the menus are often translated oddly, and finding specific Chrysler-specific adaptations can require some digging through sub-menus. This tool is overkill for someone who just wants to check why their gas cap light is on, but for a driveway mechanic rebuilding a Mopar project, it is unbeatable value.
- Two years of free software updates saves hundreds long-term
- Advanced ECU coding capabilities rarely seen at this price
- Rugged case design withstands drops on concrete
- Software interface can be cluttered and unintuitive
- Initial setup and registration is a multi-step chore
BlueDriver LSB2 Bluetooth Pro View on Amazon
| Form Factor | Compact Bluetooth Dongle |
|---|---|
| App Compatibility | iOS and Android |
| Service Resets | Limited (Oil/BMS) |
| Enhanced Codes | ABS, SRS, Transmission |
| Subscription | Free Lifetime Updates |
If you don’t want to lug around a tablet and just need to know why your RAM’s dash is lit up like a Christmas tree, the BlueDriver LSB2 is the gold standard for budget diagnostics. Unlike cheap $20 ELM327 clones, BlueDriver uses a proprietary database of “verified fixes” that tells you the most likely part causing the code based on millions of real-world Chrysler repairs. I found this incredibly helpful when diagnosing a cylinder misfire; it didn’t just give me the P0300 code, it suggested checking the ignition coil boots which were indeed the culprit.
The app is polished and updates automatically, but you must understand its limits: it is not bi-directional. You cannot use it to bleed your brakes or relearn a throttle body. Furthermore, for 2018+ Chryslers, this will only read codes; it cannot bypass the SGW to clear them without a separate physical bypass cable. It is the perfect “glovebox tool” for road trips, but serious hobbyists will find themselves outgrowing it within a year. Skip this if you need to perform active component testing.
- Small enough to stay in the car permanently
- No hidden subscription fees or update costs
- Repair reports save time by suggesting specific parts
- No bi-directional control or active testing
- Slow data refresh rate compared to tablet scanners
OBDLink MX+ Bluetooth View on Amazon
| Compatibility | All OBD-II protocols + SW-CAN / MS-CAN |
|---|---|
| Security | Hacker-proof Wireless Link |
| BatterySaver | Auto-sleep mode |
| Device Support | Windows, Android, iOS |
| Speed | Up to 10x faster than competitors |
The OBDLink MX+ is a niche hero. While the BlueDriver is better for general advice, the MX+ is the specific tool recommended by the developers of AlfaOBD and JScan—the two most powerful apps for Chrysler/Jeep/RAM customization. If you want to enable “Global Windows Down” on your RAM or change the tire size on your Jeep Wrangler, this is the hardware you need. It supports MS-CAN and SW-CAN protocols that most other adapters ignore.
I find the MX+ to be the fastest dongle on the market; the live data gauges on my phone felt as responsive as the physical dashboard. It also features a “BatterySaver” mode that prevents it from draining your car battery if you leave it plugged in. The downside is that the included software is mediocre; you really need to buy a third-party app like JScan (usually $20 per VIN) to unlock its full potential. Skip this if you want a standalone tablet experience, but buy it if you are a Jeep enthusiast who wants to “hack” your vehicle’s features.
- Unmatched compatibility with AlfaOBD and JScan apps
- Extremely fast data throughput for lag-free gauges
- Safe to leave plugged in indefinitely
- Requires buying 3rd-party apps for best features
- No built-in screen or stand-alone interface
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Chrysler OBD-II Scanner
Comparison Table
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autel MK808Z-BT | ~$449 | 2018+ Chrysler/Jeep | 4.8/5 | Check |
| Launch X431 Pros V | ~$599 | Advanced ECU Coding | 4.6/5 | Check |
| BlueDriver LSB2 | ~$99 | Casual Code Reading | 4.4/5 | Check |
| Autel MS906 Pro | ~$1195 | Pro Shops / Coding | 4.9/5 | Check |
| OBDLink MX+ | ~$139 | JScan/AlfaOBD Apps | 4.5/5 | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these scanners work on my 2024 RAM 1500 without a bypass cable?
Only the Autel and Launch models with “AutoAuth” support can communicate with your 2024 RAM through the OBD-II port without a physical bypass cable. You will need to register for an AutoAuth account (approx. $50/year) which allows the scanner to unlock the Secure Gateway via Wi-Fi. The BlueDriver and OBDLink MX+ will still require a physical bypass harness to clear codes on 2018+ models.
Should I buy the BlueDriver or the Autel MK808Z-BT?
It depends on your goal. If you simply want to know why a light is on and find the right part to fix it, the BlueDriver is more cost-effective. However, if you need to perform maintenance tasks like an ABS brake bleed, an Electronic Parking Brake reset, or an injector kill test, you must go with the Autel. BlueDriver is a “reader,” while the Autel is a “diagnostic tablet.”
Can I leave the OBDLink MX+ plugged into my car all the time?
Yes, the OBDLink MX+ is specifically designed for this. It features an “Auto-Sleep” mode that draws negligible power when the engine is off. This is a common mistake with cheaper $20 scanners, which can drain a car battery in 48 hours. The MX+ is safe for permanent installation if you enjoy using your phone as a secondary digital dashboard while driving.
I want to change my Jeep’s tire size in the computer; which tool do I need?
For tire size calibration and feature unlocking (like disabling the seatbelt chime), the OBDLink MX+ paired with the “JScan” app is the superior choice. While the larger Autel tablets can sometimes do this, JScan is built specifically for Wrangler and Gladiator enthusiasts and offers a more streamlined, “hack-friendly” interface for a fraction of the price of a professional tablet.
Why do some scanners have free updates while others require a subscription?
Entry-level tools like BlueDriver offer free updates because their database changes slowly. Professional tablets like Autel and Launch require a subscription (usually $150-$400/year) because they must constantly reverse-engineer new vehicle systems and security protocols. If you don’t pay the subscription, the tool doesn’t stop working, but you won’t get data for the newest model year vehicles.
Final Verdict
If you own a modern 2018+ Chrysler and want to do your own maintenance without dealership visits, the Autel MK808Z-BT is the most balanced investment. If budget is your main constraint and you just need to read “Check Engine” codes, the BlueDriver is a reliable, subscription-free choice. For Jeep and RAM enthusiasts who want to “unlock” hidden features or change tire sizes, the OBDLink MX+ paired with JScan is the definitive specialist tool. As Chrysler continues to tighten its digital security, having an AutoAuth-enabled tool is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for the modern DIYer.