10 Products
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Labor Day SaleBest Seller19% Off
MaxiCheck MX808S
2026 Bi-directional Scanner, 28+ Services, Active Test, All System Diagnostic, Injector Coding, Upgraded of MX808/MK808, Same Functions as Autel MK808S
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Labor Day SaleNew Arrival15% Off
MaxiCOM MK900-BT
Advanced Diagnostics, Bi-Directional Control & 40+ Service Functions for 10,000+ Vehicles
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Labor Day SaleBest Seller24% Off
MaxiCOM MK808BT PRO
Bidirectional Control | Hot Services| Wireless Connection| Upgrade of Autel MK808BT MK808S MK808Z
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Labor Day Sale40% Off
MaxiSys MS906 PRO
2026 Advanced ECU Coding, Auto Scan 2.0, Bi-Directional, 36+ Services, VAG Guided Function, CAN FD DOIP Protocols, Remote Expert, Upgrade of MS906BT/ MK906BT/ MS908
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Labor Day SaleNew Arrival28% Off
MaxiCOM MK906S PRO2-TS
2026 Newest Diagnostic Scanner, Support MX-Sensor BLE-A001, Full TPMS Functions, ECU Coding, VAG Guided Functions, Active Test, 36+ Services, Upgrade Ver. OF MK906S PRO-TS/ MS906 PRO/ MS906TS
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Labor Day Sale7% Off
MaxiCheck MX900
All System Diagnostic Scanner 2026, Upgraded Ver. of MX808 MK808 MK808Z, Bi Directional Control, 10000+ Vehicles, DoIP/CAN FD Protocol, Pre & Post Scan, Same Function as Autel MK900
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Labor Day SaleNew Arrival27% Off
MaxiPro MP900-BT
2026 Newly Released, ECU Coding, All System Diagnostic, Pre & Post Scan, DoIP CAN FD Protocols Supported, Upgraded Ver. of MP808BT PRO
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Labor Day SaleNew Arrival25% Off
MaxiPro MP900-TS
2026 Newly Released, ECU Coding, Full TPMS Functions, All System Diagnostic, Pre & Post Scan, DoIP CAN FD Protocols Supported, Upgraded Ver. of MP808S-TS MP808Z-TS TS900
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Labor Day Sale2 Years Free Update36% Off
MaxiPro MP808BT PRO
Automotive Diagnostic Scanner 2026, ECU Coding Unlock Hidden, OE-Level Diagnostics, Bi-Directional Control, 37+ Services, Upgrade Ver. of MP808BT/MP808S/MP808/DS808/DS808S
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Labor Day SaleNew Arrival26% Off
MaxiPro MP900
2026 Newly Released, ECU Coding, All System Diagnostic, Pre & Post Scan, DoIP CAN FD Protocols Supported, Upgraded Ver. of MP808S
What Is a Bidirectional Scan Tool?
A bidirectional scan tool is an automotive diagnostic scanner that supports two-way communication with a vehicle's electronic control modules. Unlike a basic OBD2 scanner that primarily reads vehicle information, a bidirectional scanner can also send commands to supported systems and components to perform active tests.
For example, a technician can use a bidirectional automotive scanner to command supported components on or off. This helps determine whether a problem is related to the component itself, wiring, control circuit, or another part of the vehicle system.
What Can a Bidirectional Scanner Do?
Depending on the vehicle and scanner model, bidirectional control may support active tests on a wide range of vehicle systems and components.
* Available active tests vary by vehicle make, model, year, system, and scanner model.
Bidirectional Scan Tool vs. OBD2 Scanner
A basic OBD2 scanner is mainly designed to read and clear trouble codes and view vehicle data. A professional bidirectional OBD2 scanner goes further by allowing technicians to send commands to supported vehicle components for active testing.
| Feature | Basic OBD2 Scanner | Bidirectional Scan Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Read & Clear Codes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Live Data | ✓ | ✓ |
| Full-System Diagnostics | Limited | Available* |
| Active Tests | — | ✓ |
| Command Vehicle Components | — | ✓ |
* Features and vehicle coverage vary by scanner model and vehicle.
How to Choose a Bidirectional Scan Tool
When choosing a bidirectional automotive scanner, consider more than active testing. Vehicle coverage and additional diagnostic capabilities can be equally important depending on the type of repair work you perform.
Autel offers bidirectional scan tools for different levels of automotive diagnostics. Compare the models above to find the right scanner for your repair and diagnostic needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all OBD2 scanners bidirectional?
No. Basic OBD2 scanners usually focus on reading and clearing trouble codes and viewing vehicle data. Bidirectional control is typically available on more advanced automotive diagnostic scanners.
Is bidirectional control the same as active testing?
Yes. These terms are commonly used to describe the ability of a diagnostic scanner to send commands to supported vehicle systems and components.
What can you test with a bidirectional scanner?
Depending on vehicle compatibility, a bidirectional scanner may perform active tests on components such as cooling fans, fuel pumps, injectors, ABS components, windows, locks, lights, HVAC systems, and other supported actuators.
Do bidirectional functions work on all vehicles?
No. Available active tests depend on the vehicle make, model, year, system, ECU, and diagnostic scanner model. Always check vehicle compatibility for specific functions.