Review of ANCEL OBD II Enhanced Universal Car Fault Code Reader

Taking a look at this Ancel Fault code reader, what’s it capable of and how good is it based on reviews and testing.

First lets just begin with a brief explanation on what exactly we are looking at here, specifically we are talking about the Ancel AD310 classic Enhanced OBDll  Car fault code reader.

The unit sells for around £35 so for sure it looks to be very good value for money, specially if you think what it could cost if you had to book into a Car dealer for a diagnostic check it would probably cost more than £35 for a single check.

The features are Reading Fault Codes, Erasing Codes, Live Data, Freeze Frame, Show vehicle info.

16 Pin OBD socket

If you are unsure where a fault code reader can be plugged in, your car will have a 16pin OBD (On Board Diagnostics) plug situated inside somewhere under the dash or in a fuse board etc, it may be hidden under a cover but usually can be found fairly easily.

The OBD2 port is often under the dash, or under a panel below the handbrake in the centre console.
Simply plug into the OBD II port on your car and turn ignition on and you ready to go

Reading fault codes is one thing but the additional feature on this one is showing on screen what the fault code actually means, I think this is a great feature normally only available on more expensive machines.

Another brilliant thing is the ability to read most protocols including ISO9141, KWP2000, J1850 PWM, J1850 VPW and CAN, as far as I know this covers most vehicles after the year 2000 but also includes vehicles back to 1996.

Ancel sell several different units and this one is not the top of the range but certainly is a useful piece of kit to have in your toolbox, it is listed as just for Engine faults so don’t expect anything more, if you get it then that’s a bonus.

Display: Backlit, 128 x 64 pixel display wit contrast adjustment
Operating temperature:0 to 60 °C (32 to 140 °F)
Storage temperature: -20 to 70 °C (-4 to 158 °F)
External power: 8.0 to 18.0 V power provided via vehicle battery
Product weight: 300g
One year warranty

The good bits are, quick response times and a great information on the screen and easy to use, basically plug it in and away you go. Also its priced very reasonable considering what it does.

The bad bits, well to be honest the only thing I could think of was it would not re set a service light, but of course it will clear an Engine warning light and read codes then display the fault information on the screen.

So as a Mechanic, would I buy the Ancel AD310, well yes I would, the price is right and it does what’s expected.

OK that’s enough for now, thanks for reading and I hope you find this of some use, if you are wanting to buy then here is my link ANCEL AD 310

Cheers, George.