Who this is for

This guide is for the DIYer who does more than just check “Check Engine” lights. If you perform your own oil changes, brake work, tire rotations, you need a tool with bi-directional control. Without the right scanner, your car’s maintenance reminders will keep counting from the old baseline, air trapped in your ABS pump won’t clear with manual bleeding alone, and new TPMS sensors won’t register with the car’s computer.

You’ll learn which scan tools can actually reset oil service lights, bleed ABS pumps, relearn TPMS sensors, and handle airbag codes—and which ones can’t—so you don’t waste money on a tool that leaves you stuck.

You should look for a mid-range, all-system tool if you want to reset service counters or bleed brake modules. Cheap, entry-level readers often cannot communicate with your ABS or airbag modules at all; they only read engine codes.

Specific tasks require these specialized tools:

  • Oil service resets: These aren’t a standard feature of basic OBD-II readers. A scanner is necessary to reset the service counter so your car knows the oil is fresh.
  • ABS bleeding: Manual bleeding only clears air from the brake lines. To clear air trapped inside the solenoid valves of the ABS pump, you need a scanner to run the pump.
  • TPMS relearn: When you replace a sensor or rotate your tires, the car needs to know the unique ID of each new sensor. A scanner “relearns” these IDs by writing them directly into the car’s computer.

What each reset actually does (and what it cannot)

A scanner is a communication tool, not a magic wand. Each reset has specific limits.

Oil Resets An oil reset does not actually check your oil or measure its quality. It simply resets the service counter or the interval the car uses to track maintenance. If you don’t reset it, the system keeps counting down from the old baseline, making the car “think” your new oil is already old.

ABS Bleeding This function uses the scanner to activate the ABS pump to purge air from the system. Because running the pump draws a lot of electricity, you must use a battery charger or maintainer to keep your voltage above 12.5V during the process. Also, note that this only works on vehicles that support the automated function.

TPMS Relearn About 30% of vehicles—mainly Japanese, Korean, Chrysler, Fiat, Land Rover, and Jaguar models—require an OBD relearn via a scanner. The scanner writes the sensor IDs directly into the car’s computer. The car’s computer won’t pick up these IDs automatically; you have to tell it they are there.

Airbag Resets This is where many people get disappointed. No standard OBD2 scanner can clear “deployment” or “crash data.” This data is permanently locked in the module’s memory to prevent people from hiding an accident. If a car has crashed and the airbag light is on due to stored crash data, you will need an EEPROM programmer, not a standard scanner, to fix it. Clearing other codes without fixing the underlying fault just hides a disabled safety system.

Price tiers & product groups

You can generally group scanners into three categories based on what they can actually do for you.

Budget Tier (~$125) These are mostly code readers. Some, like the Autel ML629, can read and clear airbag and ABS codes on certain cars, but they lack the ability to perform full bi-directional resets. The Innova 5310 is a rare value in this price range because it can handle oil resets along with ABS/SRS code reading.

Prices in this guide are vendor listings as of 2026-08-11 and can change, so confirm the current price on the seller page before you buy.

Mid-Range Tier ($250–$500) This is the “sweet spot” for most DIYers who want the “all four resets” capability.

  • Autel MK808S: Frequently cited as the best all-around choice for DIYers, offering 28+ service functions.
  • Foxwell NT716: A solid mid-price option (around $249–$299) that covers nine reset families, including ABS bleeding and TPMS.
  • Topdon AD600S: A great value at roughly $270 for those needing eight maintenance resets.
  • Innova 5610: Recommended for those who want ABS, SRS, and TPMS resets without a subscription.
  • Launch CRP123X Elite: A reliable pick that offers full-system coverage and lifetime free Wi-Fi updates.

Specialty & European Focused Some tools are aimed at specific markets. For example, the iCarSoft MA200 V6 offers six service functions specifically aimed at European cars, including oil and TPMS resets.

Compatibility traps to check before buying

Before you tap “buy,” watch out for these common issues that lead to returns.

  • Brand-locked software: Some tools, like the Foxwell NT510 Elite, allow you to download one vehicle model for free, but they charge an extra $80 for every additional brand package you want.
  • Missing coverage: Just because a tool says it does “airbag resets” doesn’t mean it works on your specific car. For example, some reviewers found that the Mucar CS90 lacked coverage for Mercedes vehicles. Always check the manufacturer’s website with your exact VIN.
  • Method differences: A basic code reader cannot perform a TPMS relearn for vehicles that require the OBD method.
  • System communication: Remember that cheap readers simply cannot “talk” to the ABS or airbag modules. If you need those functions, you must move up to a mid-range all-system tool.

Setup & use notes

To avoid a botched job, follow these practical tips:

  1. Keep the power steady: When doing an ABS bleed, always use a battery charger to keep the voltage at 12.5V or higher.
  2. Complete the work first: For oil resets, finish all mechanical work before resetting the service flag. If you reset it too early, the values can become wrong or the module might store error codes.
  3. Watch the engine temp: On some vehicles, a manual oil reset will only work if the engine is completely cold.
  4. Don’t disconnect the battery: On modern cars, disconnecting the battery to reset things is a bad idea. You can lose your radio presets, clock settings, and even the transmission’s “adaptive learning” data.

Avoid-if guidance

  • Avoid cheap readers if you need more than just engine codes.
  • Avoid universal scanners if you own a BMW and only care about oil service (CBS) resets. In that case, brand-specific tools like Foxwell, Schwaben, or the Bimmerlink app often work better.
  • Avoid tools without Wi-Fi if you want long-term value. Tools like the Launch CRP123X Elite offer lifetime free Wi-Fi updates, which prevents your tool from becoming obsolete as car software changes.
  • Avoid standard scanners if your airbag light is on due to a deployment/crash event. No amount of scanning will clear that data.

FAQ

Do I have to pay for updates? It depends on the model. Some tools, like the Autel MK808S or Launch CRP123X Elite, include free lifetime updates. Others, like the Foxwell NT510 Elite, may require fees for additional vehicle brand packages. Always check what you’ll pay over time, including update fees.

How can I be sure a tool works for my specific car? Never rely solely on the “all makes” claim. Always verify coverage for your exact VIN on the manufacturer’s website before purchasing.

Can a scanner fix a deployed airbag? No. While a scanner can clear some airbag codes, it cannot clear deployment/crash data stored in the EEPROM. If the light is on due to an impact, you’ll need an EEPROM programmer.