DIY Scan Tool Test - KINGBOLEN Ediag Elite Bluetooth Dongle First Impressions
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Date: 2026-04-12
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Comments and reviews: 20
thetinpin
I own the Ediag Elite and the older Ediag. I bought the Elite because it was cheaper to buy it rather than renew the subscription on the older one. The older Ediag worked wonderfully with every vehicle I plugged it in to, however the Elite simply refuses to connect to my 2006 Chevy Colorado - the main vehicle I wanted to use it on. I went through all the troubleshooting options available to me (like updating firmware) and nothing worked. The unit connects to and functions with my 2007 Town Car and a handful of my friends cars (2023 Kia K5, a 2018 Cadillac flavored Equinox, 2003 Ford Ranger, and a 2006 Chevy Tahoe) without any issues at all.
I contacted Kingbolen about the problem with the 2006 Colorado and was very disappointed in their response: There are some bugs we cannot fix with the Ediag Elite.
I mean. seriously
I ended up renewing just the GM subscription on the older Ediag (giving them even MORE money) so that I could work on the Colorado!
One more thing I thought was odd with that 18 Cadillac I mentioned earlier, as well as my Town Car. There are fewer special functions and actuation tests available on the Elite vs the regular Ediag! There is an entire menu missing on the Elite that contains a slew of relearn functions like throttle body relearn and cam/crank relearn are NOT available on the Elite and ONLY on the regular older Ediag. I have to wonder if the exclusion of some very useful features has something to do with the free lifetime updates on the Elite, vs $50 a year for one manufacturer or $120 a year for all makes on the regular Ediag. Kinda weird don't you think
I'd give the Elite a 6. 5 out of 10 because of the strange feature exclusions vs their older product and the one sentence middle finger I got from their support department regarding the inability to connect to my truck.
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I own the Ediag Elite and the older Ediag. I bought the Elite because it was cheaper to buy it rather than renew the subscription on the older one. The older Ediag worked wonderfully with every vehicle I plugged it in to, however the Elite simply refuses to connect to my 2006 Chevy Colorado - the main vehicle I wanted to use it on. I went through all the troubleshooting options available to me (like updating firmware) and nothing worked. The unit connects to and functions with my 2007 Town Car and a handful of my friends cars (2023 Kia K5, a 2018 Cadillac flavored Equinox, 2003 Ford Ranger, and a 2006 Chevy Tahoe) without any issues at all.
I contacted Kingbolen about the problem with the 2006 Colorado and was very disappointed in their response: There are some bugs we cannot fix with the Ediag Elite.
I mean. seriously
I ended up renewing just the GM subscription on the older Ediag (giving them even MORE money) so that I could work on the Colorado!
One more thing I thought was odd with that 18 Cadillac I mentioned earlier, as well as my Town Car. There are fewer special functions and actuation tests available on the Elite vs the regular Ediag! There is an entire menu missing on the Elite that contains a slew of relearn functions like throttle body relearn and cam/crank relearn are NOT available on the Elite and ONLY on the regular older Ediag. I have to wonder if the exclusion of some very useful features has something to do with the free lifetime updates on the Elite, vs $50 a year for one manufacturer or $120 a year for all makes on the regular Ediag. Kinda weird don't you think
I'd give the Elite a 6. 5 out of 10 because of the strange feature exclusions vs their older product and the one sentence middle finger I got from their support department regarding the inability to connect to my truck.
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wurly1
Software looks the same as the Thinkdiag I have. Amazingly powerful, like you say.
I’ve compared it against oem ODIS (VAG) and PIWIS (Porsche) that I also have and can do all the live data, all the bi-directional and all the special functions.
Limitations are no system architecture/topology and others simply because of screen size (number of graphs supported at the same time, as well as the obvious ones on just simply seeing graphs in large format, seeing enough data streams at once etc.
Also the Thinkdiag is subscription (originally comes with two years free updates included in purchase price then annual after - if you want to keep getting updates) but it’s so cheap, that’s not really an issue.
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Software looks the same as the Thinkdiag I have. Amazingly powerful, like you say.
I’ve compared it against oem ODIS (VAG) and PIWIS (Porsche) that I also have and can do all the live data, all the bi-directional and all the special functions.
Limitations are no system architecture/topology and others simply because of screen size (number of graphs supported at the same time, as well as the obvious ones on just simply seeing graphs in large format, seeing enough data streams at once etc.
Also the Thinkdiag is subscription (originally comes with two years free updates included in purchase price then annual after - if you want to keep getting updates) but it’s so cheap, that’s not really an issue.
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GSRDUDE80
I have given a couple Topdon Topscan Pro’s away to family members as gifts. I personally have the Topdon Topscan Master, not sure of the differences between the Lite, Pro, and Master. They’re just Topdon’s versions of an all makes/models full system App based bidirectional tool. It’ll do most all your common relearns, resets, active tests, and Special Functions. It’s CANFD, DOIP, and Auto Auth compatible. Looks very similar in set up and functionality to the Kingbolen unit you have there, minus the cool lil carrying case
I usually keep it in the laptop bag along side the Topdon RLink J2534, a MPVI 4, and a Tactrix Openport 2. 0 adapter, pretty cool what a little app based tool is capable of
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I have given a couple Topdon Topscan Pro’s away to family members as gifts. I personally have the Topdon Topscan Master, not sure of the differences between the Lite, Pro, and Master. They’re just Topdon’s versions of an all makes/models full system App based bidirectional tool. It’ll do most all your common relearns, resets, active tests, and Special Functions. It’s CANFD, DOIP, and Auto Auth compatible. Looks very similar in set up and functionality to the Kingbolen unit you have there, minus the cool lil carrying case
I usually keep it in the laptop bag along side the Topdon RLink J2534, a MPVI 4, and a Tactrix Openport 2. 0 adapter, pretty cool what a little app based tool is capable of
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TH-1207
I have two scan tools.
One is a dongle style that works with my phone VIA Bluetooth. That's an XTool A30M and it has bidirectional control and lifetime updates.
My other scan tool is a mucar 892BT and is bidirectional. This one is a dedicated 8 tablet with a Bluetooth dongle type VCI. The mucar can present up to 12 separate graph plots on the screen at once just like the bigger scanners. Neither one does a topology display. They both list all the modules that they discovered and scanned. They both do generic OBD2/EOBD2 and readiness monitors as well as stored and permanent codes.
I like the mucar best and I have the companion snake camera for looking into things.
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I have two scan tools.
One is a dongle style that works with my phone VIA Bluetooth. That's an XTool A30M and it has bidirectional control and lifetime updates.
My other scan tool is a mucar 892BT and is bidirectional. This one is a dedicated 8 tablet with a Bluetooth dongle type VCI. The mucar can present up to 12 separate graph plots on the screen at once just like the bigger scanners. Neither one does a topology display. They both list all the modules that they discovered and scanned. They both do generic OBD2/EOBD2 and readiness monitors as well as stored and permanent codes.
I like the mucar best and I have the companion snake camera for looking into things.
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--_DJ_--
I learned the trade (probably more of what not to do) from an old guy who would drive anything. We had a fleet of absolutely junk trucks and it wasn't uncommon at the time for a brake line to rot out. We'd get in the shop truck, drive to wherever the truck was and he'd hop in it and drive it back to the shop. He didn't care if it was 10 kms of backroads or 100 on the highway in full blown Toronto stop and go traffic down the 401. He didn't need no brakes.
The first time I ever had to drive the shop car he had, a crusty old cutlass supreme, he told me no panic braking. I obviously asked why, and he said oh you'll blow a brake line for sure.
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I learned the trade (probably more of what not to do) from an old guy who would drive anything. We had a fleet of absolutely junk trucks and it wasn't uncommon at the time for a brake line to rot out. We'd get in the shop truck, drive to wherever the truck was and he'd hop in it and drive it back to the shop. He didn't care if it was 10 kms of backroads or 100 on the highway in full blown Toronto stop and go traffic down the 401. He didn't need no brakes.
The first time I ever had to drive the shop car he had, a crusty old cutlass supreme, he told me no panic braking. I obviously asked why, and he said oh you'll blow a brake line for sure.
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billsmith2212
At 6: 32 you state check cylinder compression . Will it do a relative compression test I had a 2008 Honda Pilot with 216 K that ran great. It abruptly cut out and was a crank no start. Has a tach signal and spark. It had no injector pulse and I think Honda cuts off the fuel if it detects another problem. No codes and the the cadence seemed off while cranking. However. it burped out of the intake plemum ans farted out of the exhaust. I think the timing belt jumped and likely bent valves. The second owner bought it at about 115 K and never replaced the belt. There were a few other things wrong and it was time for the glue factory !
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At 6: 32 you state check cylinder compression . Will it do a relative compression test I had a 2008 Honda Pilot with 216 K that ran great. It abruptly cut out and was a crank no start. Has a tach signal and spark. It had no injector pulse and I think Honda cuts off the fuel if it detects another problem. No codes and the the cadence seemed off while cranking. However. it burped out of the intake plemum ans farted out of the exhaust. I think the timing belt jumped and likely bent valves. The second owner bought it at about 115 K and never replaced the belt. There were a few other things wrong and it was time for the glue factory !
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GetReal3327
I have been using the Moto Power diagnostic tool OBDII/EOBD code reader scanner M/N: Mp69035 since 2022. For DIY tool it does a hello a lot for the money. OBD diagnosis, Real-time car data graphs, etc. I use it before my car inspection date and fix whatever before (if needed) and I pass. I have no choice in DIY my car at 70 years old. The cost of living is skyrocketing out of control. The everyday working-class American is living from day to day, week to week and the BORN Old American Citizens are being total F-over BIG TIME by Trump MAGA Greed Over People Today's America is for the wealthy and corporate welfare tax free system
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I have been using the Moto Power diagnostic tool OBDII/EOBD code reader scanner M/N: Mp69035 since 2022. For DIY tool it does a hello a lot for the money. OBD diagnosis, Real-time car data graphs, etc. I use it before my car inspection date and fix whatever before (if needed) and I pass. I have no choice in DIY my car at 70 years old. The cost of living is skyrocketing out of control. The everyday working-class American is living from day to day, week to week and the BORN Old American Citizens are being total F-over BIG TIME by Trump MAGA Greed Over People Today's America is for the wealthy and corporate welfare tax free system
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johnhufnagel
tempted to buy it and see if it can do wheel size change on an 07 Jeep Liberty.
note, Autel MS906Pro with Chrysler v6. 30 (yes I know there's a newer version. Yes I know i'm out of date. No i'm not paying $700 to update to supposedly fix it. TopDon Ultra Diag as of their early 2026 software could do it, but I sent it back because while it cost the same as the Autel's update it didn't do anything more than my Autel at its current revision level, since I don't focus on newer vehicles)
For $100 I wonder how good it's data logging and graphing abilities are. Could the software be run on a cheap android tablet
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tempted to buy it and see if it can do wheel size change on an 07 Jeep Liberty.
note, Autel MS906Pro with Chrysler v6. 30 (yes I know there's a newer version. Yes I know i'm out of date. No i'm not paying $700 to update to supposedly fix it. TopDon Ultra Diag as of their early 2026 software could do it, but I sent it back because while it cost the same as the Autel's update it didn't do anything more than my Autel at its current revision level, since I don't focus on newer vehicles)
For $100 I wonder how good it's data logging and graphing abilities are. Could the software be run on a cheap android tablet
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richardbaron7106
The no-brakes reminds me of a friend who wanted to leave her car with me instead of on the road for a few weeks while she went overseas to see her folks. Got in her car to drive it and the brake pedal went almost to floor before stopping the car. That'll wake you up! Replaced the seals in the master cylinder and brake pedal back to normal - made her test the brakes when she came to pick up the car so she was aware they were now fixed. Turned out she'd been driving the car like that for several months and didn't know it was sub-optimal
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The no-brakes reminds me of a friend who wanted to leave her car with me instead of on the road for a few weeks while she went overseas to see her folks. Got in her car to drive it and the brake pedal went almost to floor before stopping the car. That'll wake you up! Replaced the seals in the master cylinder and brake pedal back to normal - made her test the brakes when she came to pick up the car so she was aware they were now fixed. Turned out she'd been driving the car like that for several months and didn't know it was sub-optimal
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PailAndTear
I got the OBDLink MX back when they were $100.
Extended Software downloads for life for most makes
Garage Pro App picks up where this leaves off but it costs,
$105 lifetime extended - another $105 for lifetime spec funct
. they offer yearly for each at $23 per package
I do the yearly Forscan for Fords
Techstream with cord for Toyotas
$50 Lifetime Chrysler with AlfaOBD
Car Scanner & CarBit for Old Nissans
And Autel TS508WF for all the TPMS's
That's a Mouthful!
I think maybe your way is better
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I got the OBDLink MX back when they were $100.
Extended Software downloads for life for most makes
Garage Pro App picks up where this leaves off but it costs,
$105 lifetime extended - another $105 for lifetime spec funct
. they offer yearly for each at $23 per package
I do the yearly Forscan for Fords
Techstream with cord for Toyotas
$50 Lifetime Chrysler with AlfaOBD
Car Scanner & CarBit for Old Nissans
And Autel TS508WF for all the TPMS's
That's a Mouthful!
I think maybe your way is better
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dropinbiking92
Eric! It was my birthday yesterday! I got some gift cards so I can buy some tools. My family is smart and nice enough to not buy me tools, but let me choose my own.
I NEED a recomendation on some nice long handle pivot head ratchet. Like a 3/8 drive or maybe a 1/2 drive. Think about breaking caliper bracket bolts loose or wheel hubs loose. I find myself using swivel sockets or pivot heads to get the clearance to break stuff free, seems like a solid pivot head ratchet would solve a lot of my hassles.
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Eric! It was my birthday yesterday! I got some gift cards so I can buy some tools. My family is smart and nice enough to not buy me tools, but let me choose my own.
I NEED a recomendation on some nice long handle pivot head ratchet. Like a 3/8 drive or maybe a 1/2 drive. Think about breaking caliper bracket bolts loose or wheel hubs loose. I find myself using swivel sockets or pivot heads to get the clearance to break stuff free, seems like a solid pivot head ratchet would solve a lot of my hassles.
reply
courier11sec
I'm planning to get a similar unit when I get around to it. There's an 80 dollar unit from Mucar with bi-directional control, a dozen or so service resets, and a ton of goodies that's small enough to just live in my pocket. I have an elm327 for that right now but the latancy is bad and the connection to some cars is a little finicky and the Mucar one comes highly recommended. I'll look into this one too before I pull the trigger. So glad to see this stuff firmly no longer being gatekept by snap on, etc.
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I'm planning to get a similar unit when I get around to it. There's an 80 dollar unit from Mucar with bi-directional control, a dozen or so service resets, and a ton of goodies that's small enough to just live in my pocket. I have an elm327 for that right now but the latancy is bad and the connection to some cars is a little finicky and the Mucar one comes highly recommended. I'll look into this one too before I pull the trigger. So glad to see this stuff firmly no longer being gatekept by snap on, etc.
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SCrombie2
I. ll defo watch this but I sent mine back, after trying to sell it on ebay be aware its a one time ownership i had to pay back the buyer, but they accepted the return after a month but it still cost me. I bought a Vdiag D200 its to me much better. Kingbolen Ediag Elite is not as good as Thinkdiag but its life time update, but Kingbolen kicks you out of the scan if trying to go out of app. its annoying and it doesnt connect bluetooth as good as thinkdiag, im happy with my vdiag d200 has 26 resets
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I. ll defo watch this but I sent mine back, after trying to sell it on ebay be aware its a one time ownership i had to pay back the buyer, but they accepted the return after a month but it still cost me. I bought a Vdiag D200 its to me much better. Kingbolen Ediag Elite is not as good as Thinkdiag but its life time update, but Kingbolen kicks you out of the scan if trying to go out of app. its annoying and it doesnt connect bluetooth as good as thinkdiag, im happy with my vdiag d200 has 26 resets
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maxkendal5152
The problem I found with these DIY dongles is it's very hard to find out exactly what they offer for bi-directional control until you've bought and tested it. I had the Topscan (broke two weeks after renewing the subscription - the one year license was well hidden) and it lacked features that I got on my Gearwrench dongle. This one has many bi-directional controls that don't seem to work on my 2016 Ford. At least it's got lifetime updates.
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The problem I found with these DIY dongles is it's very hard to find out exactly what they offer for bi-directional control until you've bought and tested it. I had the Topscan (broke two weeks after renewing the subscription - the one year license was well hidden) and it lacked features that I got on my Gearwrench dongle. This one has many bi-directional controls that don't seem to work on my 2016 Ford. At least it's got lifetime updates.
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ahmadghosheh3104
This uses the same software on the phone as ThinkCar scanner. Both use the same type of dongle except ThinkCar has a cable. But the software is the same, both are very powerful. It has bi-directional, has special functions, has AI recommendations, saves reports, etc. I love the ThinkCar. Remember, the first year us free subscription, after that on the ThinkCar it's $99 a year, although they offer discounts and I get the renewal for $40
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This uses the same software on the phone as ThinkCar scanner. Both use the same type of dongle except ThinkCar has a cable. But the software is the same, both are very powerful. It has bi-directional, has special functions, has AI recommendations, saves reports, etc. I love the ThinkCar. Remember, the first year us free subscription, after that on the ThinkCar it's $99 a year, although they offer discounts and I get the renewal for $40
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johnpenwell6402
I bought the Gearwrench bi-directional Bluetooth scanner a few weeks ago, similar price and it can read all the modules which was a big improvement from my two button Autel dongle that can only read engine codes.
They’re handy. Turns out for Subaru a failed torque converter lockup solenoid will trigger an engine code but a failed AWD solenoid doesn’t and you’ve gotta be able to read the transmission control module to see it.
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I bought the Gearwrench bi-directional Bluetooth scanner a few weeks ago, similar price and it can read all the modules which was a big improvement from my two button Autel dongle that can only read engine codes.
They’re handy. Turns out for Subaru a failed torque converter lockup solenoid will trigger an engine code but a failed AWD solenoid doesn’t and you’ve gotta be able to read the transmission control module to see it.
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1337Mo
For a not so plug and poke around solution a DIYer might wanna take a look at Scanmatic 2 Pro.
If you search around for some you will soon be pointed to the magical place of MHH Auto where you'll find the latest and correct firmware and software. You'll learn greatly along the way how to scan and how a scanner works which in my opinion is more important to know than to plug in something and read what it says to you
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For a not so plug and poke around solution a DIYer might wanna take a look at Scanmatic 2 Pro.
If you search around for some you will soon be pointed to the magical place of MHH Auto where you'll find the latest and correct firmware and software. You'll learn greatly along the way how to scan and how a scanner works which in my opinion is more important to know than to plug in something and read what it says to you
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Bob-xc2us
I have something similar that has a blue tooth dongle that talks to a windows lap top. The dongle was about the same price as yours and the program was free with life time updates. It has some bidirectional controls and graphing of various live data etc. It's no Autel or Snap-On but it has been very handy. My unit is an XTOOLANYSCAN A30M. So far I have been quite happy with it considering the price.
Cheers: BJ
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I have something similar that has a blue tooth dongle that talks to a windows lap top. The dongle was about the same price as yours and the program was free with life time updates. It has some bidirectional controls and graphing of various live data etc. It's no Autel or Snap-On but it has been very handy. My unit is an XTOOLANYSCAN A30M. So far I have been quite happy with it considering the price.
Cheers: BJ
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AnthonyLovato
I was excited to get the Ediag, but I was quickly disappointed when it finally arrived.
It would not scan my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ-no option, there is also no option for the ZJ.
It wouldn't scan in OBD mode.
On my Grand Caravan, it said I didn't have an ECU.
It's pure crap, don't waste your money or time on the Ediag.
I bought the X-Tool A20 for the same price and I'm all smiles.
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I was excited to get the Ediag, but I was quickly disappointed when it finally arrived.
It would not scan my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ-no option, there is also no option for the ZJ.
It wouldn't scan in OBD mode.
On my Grand Caravan, it said I didn't have an ECU.
It's pure crap, don't waste your money or time on the Ediag.
I bought the X-Tool A20 for the same price and I'm all smiles.
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johnt. 848
From all the reviews I have seen that Kingbolen dongle that connects to your phone via an App is pretty solid.
I have a Kingbolen Scan tool which costs a few hundred more, as well as another brand, and both have free lifetime updates and no need to download software as it is preinstalled in the device, and only needs to download if there are updates.
I try to avoid anything with paid subscriptions.
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From all the reviews I have seen that Kingbolen dongle that connects to your phone via an App is pretty solid.
I have a Kingbolen Scan tool which costs a few hundred more, as well as another brand, and both have free lifetime updates and no need to download software as it is preinstalled in the device, and only needs to download if there are updates.
I try to avoid anything with paid subscriptions.
reply
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