McMarlen is rare. But we got a few customers asking what diagnostic tool is for normal operation, read DTCs on all modules, also reset airbag and service functions.
Which diagnostic tool? Mclaren’s MDS, DiagCode, Autel MaxiSys?
Here is the clue.
1.McMarlen MDS
MDS= McMarlen Diagnostic System it is the dealer level diagnostic scanner for McMarlen vehicles.
MDS scan tool is an official McLaren diagnostic tool with no annual fees and no VIN limit.
It performs a wide range of diagnostic functions, including oil resets and other essential tests. The downside is that it doesn’t support the newest models like the Artura.
MDS is now prohibitively expensive ($6500USD).
2. Autel MaxiSys scanners
Autel is one of the first mainstream tools to cover diagnostic functions for Mclaren. AUTEL is cheap comparing MDS! They don’t want to pay anything to McLaren, so their diag tool has the least features possible. When Autel first announced this scan tool, the only Sequence available was to reset the service indicator light.
Supports functions: AutoScan, Trouble codes, ECU information, Live data, and service reset.
Autel tool does not have the “Change Car Configuration” or the “Seat Calibration” functions. Autel cannot program keys and cannot perform other functions that probably don’t apply to the sport series (570S, 600LT) like air brake calibration. Autel seems like the most economical solution.
It is a universal scanner. Generic DTC it will be fine. I have several other vehicles the Autel unit will diagnose and do advanced services with, for the McLaren it isnt vin specific and does most everything I need.
Which AUTEL version tools works on McLarens and does all the modules reading?
These Autel scanners support McLaren diagnostics. Autel units that have the McLaren software are mostly the high end(read expensive) units. Top units will be Maxisys MS909, MS919, Ultra, it has now been added too MS908ProS, MS908S, MK908 II, MK908 II Pro, Autel Elite and a couple of others with “Pro & ADAS”.
It will scan all modules. Once your subscription expired you are unable to connect to a McMarlen for anything other then OBD DTC’s.
For example, here is the diagnostic report of 2019 McLaren 600LT Coupe. Autel MaxiSYS will scan every module and has bi-directional control.
It will do service reset function.
3.DiagCode
It goes for a lot less than the MDS.
Current version of McLaren Diagnostic software include:
1 – Automatic model recognition
2 – Scan the available modules in the vehicle
3 – Connect and diagnose all available modules in the vehicle
4 – Reading the identification, software, hardware, serial numbers from the modules, reading identification number (VIN)
5 – Read and erase DTCs
6 – Detailed display of DTCs
7 – Read freeze frame data (faults recorded by time ,milage , speed , date , time etc )
8 – Actual values (dynamic real-time values of systems / sensors)
9 – Actuators (testing actuators such as window motors, lights, fans, injectors , seats etc )
10 – Reset service intervals/Guided Functions
11 – Activate/De-activate Transport Mode
12 – Activate/De-activate DYNO mode – 2WD/4WD
13 – Read and program VIN on modules
14 – Key Learning (Add key only)
15 – Reprogramming/Re-flashing of modules. All supported models so far can reflash these modules: ECU, BC, CRCM, DML, DMR, HVAC, SBC, TPMS, EPHS, EPB, SAS, PCCU, TCU, PDC (need to have Reflash Box hardware)
Diagcode can program the used controls as well as the keys. The list of the batteries diagcode can change from Ion to liquid more than what comes in MDS which is very important to all the users instead of buying lithium battery.
What will happen when the subscription is over? If your subscription expires, the software does not stop working. Functionalities 1 through 8 will continue to operate without any problems.
This applies to both the Single VIN & Unlimited VIN versions.
All software with an active subscription has automatic updates (after starting the software and connected to the Internet, the software will be upgraded to the latest version).
You lose the ability to reset service and do some other stuff if you don’t renew. That’s for the single vin.
Several functions STOP WORKING if the yearly update is not paid! The most important being the Service Reset function!
Single vin is useless. most of us change cars too often to make it worthwhile or helping a non mechanically inclined friend is always a good thing,and some have more than 1 mac.
Would pay $2k+ and small yearly ($100 to 200) sub to keep it going but above that, dealer is not much more expensive for a simple maintenance light reset.
In sum:
Do not compare MDS and Diagcode to Autel, they are nothing alike, All Autel mclaren does is read and clear codes and service reset for some models (also require subscription to work). MDS and Diagcode does way more than Autel.
Anything more complex it would go to the MDS/DiagCode or dealer anyways. You need a tool that does everything you need. And certainly the tools are like MDS or something close to it at least.
