When replacing sensors in your vehicle, a relearn is always required for the newly fitted sensors to relay the information to the relevant system.
Relearn functions are quite sophisticated, requiring expensive OBD2 scan tools. The three main types of relearn functions are:
- TPMS relearn.
- Throttle position sensor (or idle relearn)
- Crankshaft position sensor (or case relearn)
I have compiled the top 5 OBD2 scanners capable of performing either of the relearn functions or all of them. Stick around until the end to find out which one is the best investment for you.
Table of Contents
Best OBD2 scanners with crankshaft (case) relearn
| Launch X431 V Pro | Autel MS906BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Crankshaft relearn | Yes | Yes |
| TPMS relearn | Yes | Yes |
| Throttle body relearn | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission relearn | Yes | Yes |
| Full system diagnosis | Yes | Yes |
| Service functions | 31+ | 31+ |
| ECU Coding | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 10,000 mAh |
| Processor | 2.0 GHz Quad-core | 1.3 GHz quad-core + 1.7 GHz dual-core |
| Operating system | Android 9.0 | Android 4.4.2 |
| Storage | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Screen | 8.0 inches IPS touchscreen | 8.0 inches IPS touchscreen |
Launch X431 V Pro
The Launch X431 V Pro is an 8-inch auto diagnostic tablet capable of resolving basic and complex issues. It has a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor, allowing for fast diagnosis complemented by Android 9.0, known for its efficiency as compared to previous versions. The 32 GB of storage with 128 GB extendable is sufficient, and the 5,000 mAh battery has enough juice to keep you going for the day.
Unlike the other scanners I mentioned earlier, the X431 V Pro has many relearn functions but some of the common ones include:
- Crankshaft
- TPMS
- Throttle body
- Transmission
- Brake position
You would need to do a crankshaft relearn when your vehicle’s transmission undergoes mechanical work. The crank relearn establishes a new connection between the camshaft, the crankshaft, and the PCM.
It can also perform a full system diagnosis, allowing users to diagnose and resolve problems in any vehicle component. Besides diagnosis, the scan tool can also perform the 10 OBD2 modes.
When it comes to service reset functions, the X431 V Pro has more than 31 advanced functions.
As an auto technician, the device has you covered with its extensive compatibility with more than 150 car brands worldwide. You won’t run into compatibility issues any time soon.
Equipped with powerful hardware and a huge list of functions, It is a complete tool for advanced DIYers and mechanics.
Autel MaxiSys MS906BT
The Autel MaxiSys MS906BT is an 8.0-inch OBD2 tablet featuring two powerful chipsets, the 1.3 GHz quad-core A7 and the 1.7 GHz dual-core A15. It comes with 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of SSD, fast internal storage. With all the premium hardware, it is kind of disappointing to see the device running on Android 4.4.2.
At just under $1,300, the MS906BT is also capable of ECU coding and the three main types of relearn:
- TPMS
- Throttle body
- Crankshaft
Besides the three main types of relearn, the device can also relearn transmission, steering angle, key FOB, and many other components.
Although you get all three types of relearn with the MS906BT, some of these functions may not be compatible across all ranges of vehicles.
With such impressive hardware, it is a given that the device can access all vehicle modules to diagnose problems and provide fixes. Users can use live data on different parameters and perform the basic 10 OBD2 modes.
Best OBD2 scanners with throttle (idle) relearn
| ANCEL V6 PRO | Autel MK808 | |
|---|---|---|
| Throttle body relearn | Yes | Yes |
| TPMS relearn | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission relearn | No | No |
| Crankshaft relearn | No | No |
| Full system diagnosis | Yes | Yes |
| Special reset functions | 15 | 25 |
| Remote diagnosis | Yes | No |
| Battery | 8000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 32 GB | 64 GB |
| OS | Android 10.0 | Android 4.4.4 |
| Screen | 8.0 inch IPS touchscreen | 7.0 inch LCD touchscreen |
| Processor | 2.0 GHz 4-core | 1.5 GHz A9 (4 cores) |
Ancel V6 Pro
The Ancel V6 Pro is an OE-level diagnosis tool perfect for DIYers, auto technicians, and mechanic shops.
The device comes with a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor running the efficient Android 10.0. The 8.000 mAh battery is more than enough to power the 8.0 inch IPS touchscreen display and gets through the day. 32 GB of internal storage is sufficient to store historic vehicle data for later use.
Now let’s go over the relearn features on the Ancel V6 Pro. The scan tool can relearn the throttle body and also TPMS. However, if you’re looking for a device with crankshaft relearn, consider looking elsewhere.
The throttle body relearn is a procedure that programs the throttle body sensors to provide accurate idle speed when the vehicle computer loses connection with the throttle body. There are a few reasons why you would require a throttle body relearn, some of which include:
- Clearing the CEL
- Replacing the battery
- Disconnecting battery cables
It is also capable of all system diagnostics, including engine, ABS, SRS, transmission, among many other systems.
The device comes equipped with 10 OBD2 modes, including read and clear fault codes, live data, O2 sensor tests, I/M readiness check, and more.
Besides OBD2 functions, the V6 Pro allows users to perform 15 service functions, including:
If things get too complicated, there is an option for remote technical support, which allows users to contact the technical team at Ancel directly through the device. It even has free lifetime updates.
Autel MaxiCOM MK808
The Autel MK808 is a 7.0-inch portable OBD2 tablet that comes equipped with a fast A9 1.5 GHz processor. However, it runs on Android 4.4.4, an outdated operating system when compared to MK808 competitors. The device has a large 5,000 mAh battery and a huge 64 GB of internal storage, more than enough to last you through the day.
When it comes to relearn functions, the scan tool can perform throttle body and TPMS relearn. However, it does not allow for crankshaft relearn.
The scan tool is capable of a full OBD2 system diagnosis and 10 OBD2 modes, allowing car owners and auto technicians to diagnose and resolve problems with the different vehicle parts.
The device offers 25 special reset functions, which is relatively more than what many handheld OBD2 tablets have. Some of these functions include brake bleed, injector coding, and suspension throttle.
What makes the MK808 unique is the shop manager feature, which is perfect for car technicians and their auto shops. The shop manager allows users to store customer data, files, vehicle records, and more, all well organized.
When it comes to vehicle coverage, the scan tool provides extensive compatibility across 56 different car brands. It works well with US, EU, and Asian car models from 1996 or newer.
Best OBD2 scanners with TPMS relearn only
Launch CRT5011E | 2-in-1 tool
The Launch CRT5011E is a multi-use OBD2 device capable of performing 10 OBD2 modes, CEL diagnosis, and also TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) relearn.
The 2-in-1 tool can read and clear engine codes, check I/M readiness status, conduct O2 sensor tests, read vehicle information, provide live data with freeze-frame, and more.
Besides OBD2 functions, the Launch CRT5011E is a great device when replacing TPMS sensors on your vehicle. Users can use the tire pressure diagnosis and activation tool to trigger and relearn the TPMS sensors. More than that, it can diagnose any issues related to tire pressure and use programming to turn off the TPMS light.
With the capability of reprogramming up to 8 sensors at the same time, the CRT5011E can activate the TPMS sensor to help read tire temperature, pressure, and more.
This multi-scan tool comes with five different modes to help users program around 99% of the TPMS sensors on the market.
- Auto-create: Create a new randomly generated ID for each of your vehicle sensors.
- Manual create: Allows users to create a manual ID.
- Copy ID by activation: Scan old sensor and transfer information onto the new sensor.
- Copy by OBD: Read old sensor ID stored in ECU and write on Launch sensors.
- Create Multi-sensor 1-8: Allows users to program up to 8 sensors at a time.
You can also use the following types of relearn methods on your vehicle:
- Stationary relearn: Using the learn mode on the device, users can perform a stationary relearn.
- OBD2 relearn: Using the OBD2 connector, the TPMS tool can write TPMS sensor IDs.
- Auto relearn: This allows a vehicle to learn by simply driving around.
Although it can perform 3 methods of relearn, depending on the car model, these may not be available simultaneously. Moreover, if you’re looking for a throttle body or crankshaft relearn, this is not the one. Scroll down a bit more and find your one true tool!
Cheap solution – VXDAS TPMS relearn tool for GM vehicle
To be clear, this is not an OBD2 scan tool. Other than performing TPMS relearn, this tool can not do any diagnostic functions. However, it’s darn cheap and it’s something you definitely should consider if TPMS relearn is the only thing you need for your GM cars.
Conclusion
Making a decision can often be confusing as everyone wants the best bang for their buck. So which one is a worthwhile OBD2 scanner for you if you’re in the market for relearn features?
If you’re looking to buy an OBD2 scanner with relearn functions, be prepared to cough up some serious cash. The Launch X431 V Pro is a powerful OBD2 auto diagnostic tool with serious internal hardware capable of solving all your car troubles. The scan tool can help with a full system diagnosis and also perform all three types of relearn.
If you don’t have the budget or simply want a specific relearn function (TPMS or throttle), going for a cheaper tool can save you quite a bit of money. Do keep in mind that a scan tool capable of throttle body relearn is very likely to perform TPMS relearn. However, an OBD2 scanner with TPMS relearn may or may not conduct a throttle body relearn.
With that in mind, you have a lot of great OBD2 devices to choose from, especially from the ones I have mentioned. Look at your budget and needs before considering investing in an OBD2 scan tool with relearn functions.
