Bidirectional Scan Tool THINKSCAN 689BT OBD2 Scanner for Car

The ThinkCar bidirectional scan tool is a major upgrade over basic OBD2 devices. Equipped with a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter, it offers wireless diagnostics—no cables cluttering your dashboard. Research shows the ThinkScan 689BT model supports OE-level full-system diagnostics, bidirectional active tests, ECU coding, and 34+ maintenance services, with free lifetime updates and no subscription fees. In my experience, setup was smooth—just pair the dongle to the Android-based tablet. The interface is responsive, and connecting vehicle modules (ABS, airbags, transmission, etc.) took only seconds. The build quality feels robust, suitable for shop or field use. For the price, it’s a bit of an investment, but if you’re a mobile technician, shop owner, or experienced DIYer, it delivers the depth and reliability of higher-end lab tools. Q&A: Q: Does this support bidirectional (active) tests and ECU coding like premium diagnostic tools? A: Yes, models like the ThinkScan 689BT support bidirectional control, including active tests (e.g., pump, injector, fan, window), plus ECU coding and 34+ maintenance resets—all at no extra cost. Q: Is the Bluetooth connection stable and easy to use? A: Very stable. The Bluetooth OBD2 dongle connects quickly, and diagnostics run smoothly—no wires to manage. Q: Are updates free and does it require a subscription? A: Yes, ThinkCar offers lifetime free updates, with no subscription fees. The tool keeps getting new car coverage and features

Top notch scanner for DIY. Able to make keys for cars with chips in minutes and able to scan manufacturer specific codes and run tests like a pro mechanic. It’s easy to forget the wireless dongle so be careful with that, but there is a wired cable that can be used in case the battery is weak. Rechargeable unit is a plus. The wifi is not as great as a typical tablet at auto-connecting.

Excellent scanner it won’t let you down it keeps up with the bigger scanners easy to use does a lot of bidirectional procedures and resets

Great scanner tool, it worth the money 💰 will save hundreds.

This scanner arrived in a condition that completely undermines trust: it was already registered to another account. That alone would merit a refund, but it turns out the registration issue was just the first of many failures. Advertised as a professional-level bidirectional scan tool with wireless updates and advanced features like ECU coding, CANFD, DoIP, and AutoAuth for FCA vehicles, the THINKSCAN 689BT couldn't even get the basics right. Out of the box, I expected auto-search to scan and identify the vehicle system with minimal input. What I got instead was an error-prone guessing game that forced me to manually enter basic vehicle information- something even cheap generic OBDII tools do automatically and correctly. I spent more time navigating failed connections and incomplete module detection than diagnosing anything useful. It felt like this tool had the guts of a budget scanner buried under a flashy touchscreen and inflated claims. The user interface feels clunky and outdated. Menus are inconsistent, scanning speed is painfully slow, and the bidirectional functions are hit-or-miss at best. Many of the functions I tried either failed to execute or required multiple retries just to connect. It promises full system diagnostics, but several ECUs couldn’t even be accessed on vehicles where I know communication is possible. I tested it on a late model FCA vehicle and a mid-range GM model, both of which required multiple retries just to consistently pull the same DTCs I can pull from my 2 other scanners. We are not even talking advanced advanced diagnostic scans. Just basic codes. Wireless updates? The process froze during the initial update and device restarted. I eventually got it updated, but the first experience was anything but confidence-inspiring. When I dug deeper into reviews across seller platforms, I found a disturbing pattern: many buyers also received pre-registered devices. Others mentioned having to contact the company to clear account lockouts. That means THINKCAR is either repackaging returns as new or has an inventory control problem that allows used units to be sold again. Either way, that's unacceptable. The worst part is that none of this is priced like a budget tool. This unit sits in the mid-to-upper tier range and for that, it has to deliver. It didn't. The combination of misleading sales practices, half-baked firmware, and a basic failure to deliver even entry-level performance is a deal-breaker. Support is a condescending joke. They ignore all questions that require any knowledge of how to use the product and pick and choose anything else based on whatever sounds the most condescending. I absolutely abhor this product and their support. Pros: Device physically appears sturdy On paper, feature list seems impressive Cons: Device arrived already registered to another user Auto vehicle scan failed many subsystem and package detections Interface is confusing and poorly optimized Bidirectional functions often fail to connect or perform their expected function Basic DTC reading is unreliable across common vehicles Wireless update can fail providing 0 user feedback just a reboot and retry Customer support response times are atrocious Marketing claims do not reflect real-world performance Other buyers have reported the same registration issue Hot Take: What THINKCAR delivered here is a bloated tool that pretends to be high-end while failing at even the basics. Getting a used device labeled as new is already grounds for distrust, but when you add in failed scans, broken auto-detection, and buggy software, and the absolute worst customer support, the THINKSCAN 689BT becomes an overpriced paperweight. The best thing this scanner did was convince me to return it and never look back.

Update: I cpuld finally get real support. Some of the failures on Mercedes they are working on an update for that. I still think is a good prpject running on a good debloted hardware. Lets just hope they keep updating the software. First, I did an extensive test, and I gave it a second, third, and fourth opportunity. It kept failing, but mostly, support was REALLY bad. The good things: The hardware is OK. It worked mostly smoothly, everything loaded fine, and updates did not take long. I downloaded them via 5GHz Wi-Fi, and even “heavy” packages, like 200MB, installed in seconds. After tons of updates, it still worked smoothly. It is an Android tablet with a very modified ROM. They did a great job removing most of the bloatware and leaving only the necessary options. BUT, Google will pop up now and then saying Chrome is not official, or that you need Play Services to use Chrome, etc. I also love the magnetic holder for the OBD dongle. That is a great feature. This is not the cheapest scan tool. There are several others with good reviews, but I rolled the dice on this one, and lost. The cons: It threw tons of errors while reading a 2007 Volvo. Eventually, going into the modules manually somehow worked, but the reset that I needed was still not there. On a 2022 Mercedes Sprinter, tons of modules showed “Unknown variant.” I primarily got this for the Volvo, and it failed there, but I tried hard to keep it, so I tested my second “excuse” to keep it. It failed there too. I contacted support about the issue. After very delayed replies, they told me to open a feedback ticket and send the info (video, screenshots, system log, etc). I did. Two days later, the reply was basically, “couldn’t find anything, contact the company for support.” Literally, the reply was “contact the company.” YOU are the company. I started another chat with a basic question about how to use the Volvo OBD to Ethernet connection, and the guy kept pasting a reply about Wi-Fi connection. I told him, please, take a second, read again, I’m about to return the product. He said “yes sure,” and then pasted the same canned reply again. If this works for what you need out of the box, perfect. The hardware is great for the price, and the software is decent. But if it does not work right away, forget about support. Support is a joke. More than a joke, it feels like an insult. I really do not like returning products. I gave the company plenty of opportunities to help me fix the issue, but they pushed me hard to return it. The support was totally unacceptable. Other stuff: - Seal was broken - Chat with support from the device is super buggy. Will lag when typing so you will miss some letters, and always will not send the last word unless you hit enter at the end of the phrase before sending it.... So if even the support app is broken.... - Sending feedback ask for email address to update of any changes, never got any notification (yeah is not in spam either). I had to manually go into the devices to check the status of the feedback.

I purchased this scanner because of all the hype about the free lifetime updates but mainly because the advertised ECU coding/ Programming feature. But after using it for a few days my thoughts were the following. This is nothing more than an overpriced code reader with a Bluetooth option. What good are lifetimes updates if the scanner can’t do anything but read and clear codes? The truth is I was wrong about many things regarding this scanner and others. I need to be honest. This little scanner won’t do what the ridiculously overpriced ten thousand dollars unit does. But It will definitely help you diagnose your car trouble. I have a 2014 Dodge Durango and I’ve been using AlfaOBD with my android phone for years. I wanted something with what I though would be the same or more features than the AlfaOBD. The AlfaOBD app combined with a OBDLink MX+ from Amazon and my phone can access a few more features on my car than the Thinkscan 689BT. One of the biggest misconception is that If an item is more expensive, it should be able to do more than the less expensive one. Well, I can admit that I did just that due to my lack of knowledge regarding car scanners. So, I immediately decided the Thinkscan 689BT was not a good option. Another issue that was that I purchased the separate FCA unlock feature not knowing that I did not needed to purchase this option because my Durango is a 2014. Chrysler introduced the scam-firewall on the 2018 and later models. After returning the Thinkscan 689BT I found out that once purchased, the FCA feature is not refundable. After the Thinkscan 689BT, I purchased two other more expensive units and I can honestly tell you that they couldn’t do much more than the Thinkscan 689BT. All these units on the market are pretty much the same. Bigger companies like Launch and Topdon have many, many more models than Thinkcar but they are all marketed to squeeze the most out customers. They all pretty much use the same device but changed features here and there to force you to buy one of more devices because this unit has something that you need but your current unit does not have the capability of performing. They all do it folks. We see it daily with our smart phones. They change the outside then change a feature here and feature there and call it a new android or iPhone. When in reality is pretty much the same device in different shell. But its a human nature to want the newest and later toys. We’ve been program to be this way. Car scanners are no different. The bottom line is that No scanner can do it all. One of the very good feature about the thinkcar is that they do offered lifetime updates. The larger brands will sell you a unit that may have a few more features. But they’ll force you to paid half the unit price on yearly subscriptions. The thinkscan 689BT is more than capable to diagnose your vehicle, Keep in mind that they all have their limitations. It depend on the car brand and model. In most cases is not due to the scanner itself, but from greedy car manufacturers. They are the one who limits car owners from doing their own repairs. In my opinion, You should be able to do whatever you want to “YOUR” car. Amazon doe not allow you tube links. Please look for and watch this video to gain more knowledge about scan tool , regardless of brands. Are Autel scanners USELESS - MS906BT - MUST WATCH BEFORE PURCHASING I honestly regret returning the 689BT without acquiring much more knowledge about all it features. I thought I was done with Thinkcar but Thinkcar was clearly not done with me. A few weeks after I returned the thinkscan 689BT I was surprised with an email from them. They offered me a refund of the $128.00 dollar FCA fee and I was honestly not expecting that. If you need and fairly inexpensive car scanner that can clearly do more than a code reader, then this is the one for you. I just wish that I knew then what I know now. My advice to Thinkcar. Keep adding features to the scanner, If you can add features like topology and keep offering lifetime updates. You will dominate the market. Consumers want more bangs for their money. A concept that the bigger companies clearly forgot. I will give the Thinkscan 689BT four stars because its a very capable unit with LIFETIME updates and I will add an extra star for Thinkcar good customer service. For reaching out to me weeks after returning the device.

I love it and it does things that I didn’t know.

Estoy feliz con el equipo al momento a funcionado perfectamente recomiendo 1000%

AMAZING SCANNER WONT BUY ANY MORE FOR ME THANKS THINKCAR

Il THINKSCAN 689BT è uno degli strumenti più utilizzati dai professionisti del settore automobilistico per la diagnosi e la risoluzione di guasti legati alle componentistiche dell’auto. Tecnicamente è uno scanner OBD2 di ultima generazione che analizza le singole parti dell’autoveicolo generando un report con i relativi stati di funzionamento. I problemi riscontrati vengono visualizzati sotto forma di codici numerici in modo da essere analizzati localmente ed eventualmente resettati. Questa funzionalità permette al neofita di ripristinare autonomamente alcune funzionalità dell’auto o, in caso di guasto, di fornire preziose informazioni all’officina di fiducia per i possibili interventi tecnici. Punto di forza dello scanner è il poderoso database integrato che permette di leggere qualsiasi componente attraverso svariati protocolli di comunicazione, quali ad esempio l’ECU (Engine Contol Unit), il SGW (Security Gateway), il CAN FD e il DoIP NODE che utilizzano la Rete per trasmette velocemente dati attraverso Internet. Per garantire la completezza delle informazioni, l’azienda produttrice mette a disposizione un nutrito elenco di marchi automobilistici memorizzati nello scanner oppure recuperabili direttamente dal suo sito previo semplice registrazione di un account. Il THINKSCAN 689BT arriva in una confortevole custodia imbottita assieme a un adattatore Bluetooth ODB2, un connettore multiplo a tre prese, un adattatore LAN-USB, un cavo USB per la ricarica, un alimentatore da 5 Volt e una guida stringata in lingua inglese. Questi accessori permettono di effettuare collegamenti cablati o wireless in modo da garantire comunicazioni bidirezionali sia per la lettura che la scrittura dei codici di manutenzione. Per velocizzare la gestione dello scanner, l’azienda ha previsto un hardware con prestazioni decisamente superiori rispetto alla maggior parte dei dispositivi presenti sul mercato. Non a caso, il THINKSCAN 689BT è un Tablet da 8 pollici basato su ANDROID 10 con tanto di CPU a 4 core, 4GB di RAM e 64GB di ROM. Il sistema operativo non è dei più aggiornati, ma posso assicurare che rende incredibilmente fluide e leggere tutte le applicazioni installate per la manutenzione dell’autoveicolo. Sebbene non sia possibile installare file APK o altri software, è presente un browser nativo per navigare su Internet e consultare il supporto tecnico del produttore. Come da prassi, il funzionamento dello scanner richiede l’interfacciamento con l’adattatore ODB2 da inserire nell’apposita presa a 16 PIN prevista dal collegamento diagnostico DLC. Solitamente si trova sul lato sinistro del cruscotto, ma potete consultare il manuale della vostra auto per maggiori informazioni. Il collegamento Bluetooth comporta l’accensione di una spia sull’ODB2 e la ricerca automatica del codice identificativo del veicolo. Se è presente una connessione Internet, il codice VIN dovrebbe essere automaticamente visualizzato sul display del Tablet, altrimenti sarà possibile recuperarlo manualmente dal libretto di circolazione o dall’adesivo incollato sulla portiera del conducente. Inizialmente la scansione avviene ad auto spenta con il solo quadro degli strumenti acceso per esaminare le componenti elettroniche principali. Con il motore acceso si possono esaminare le centraline di propulsione per le auto a Benzina, Diesel e Ibride. La scansione completa non richiede che pochi minuti, ma molto dipende dalla cilindrata dell’auto e dai servizi richiesti per la diagnosi di eventuali guasti. È possibile selezionare singole componenti da esaminare, nonché inviare e stampare report su Mail e altre piattaforme di comunicazione. Sebbene la visualizzazione dei codici non sia di immediata interpretazione, è possibile consultare il manuale tecnico per capire se si tratta di errori di lettura o di guasti veri e propri. In genere una falla del sistema dovrebbe essere segnalata dalla spia del cruscotto MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light), accompagnata dal codice OBD del componente eventualmente danneggiato. Il fatto che venga visualizzato un codice non significa necessariamente che sia necessaria una riparazione immediata. In tal caso è sufficiente resettare l’errore di funzionamento utilizzando l’apposita funzione di ripristino. Nel suo complesso, il THINKSCAN 689BT rappresenta un sorprendente strumento diagnostico per addetti ai lavori e semplici automobilisti come il sottoscritto, in quanto consente di effettuare manutenzioni preventive dell’autoveicolo prima che possano verificarsi danni più seri. Grazie agli innumerevoli servizi integrati, lo scanner è in grado di elaborare informazioni come i giri del motore, la velocità del veicolo, i codici diagnostici di guasto, il consumo di carburante, la temperatura dell’olio, la temperatura del liquido di raffreddamento, i sensori dell'ossigeno e molto altro. In definitiva, lo consiglio espressamente agli amanti del “fai da te” per la manutenzione dell’auto e a tutti coloro che desiderano segnalare problemi alla propria officina di fiducia. Cinque stelle ampiamente meritate.

Nice package nice seller nice delivery

This Thinkcar Scan tool is absolutely amazing!!! I am so thrilled with how well-made it is, how easy it is to use, and how much it does. The kit comes in a really beautiful, zippered hard case, and it contains chargers, and instruction booklet, the tool itself, which is like a tablet, the device you plug into the car to read the car, and even adaptor plugs for different countries. The first thing that really impressed me is what a dream the tablet is to use!!! This is a really beautiful quality touchscreen tablet in a protective case. It has a little magnetic holder in the back to hold the adaptor that plugs into the car. Once you power, the tablet on, the interface comes up very quickly. It is so incredibly intuitive to use even if you’re not super tech savvy. The organization of icons is outstanding, I can get around to where I need to be very easily. It is super responsive and switches modules and pages very quickly. One of the first things I did was connected to my Wi-Fi and this was probably the easiest Wi-Fi connection I’ve ever had to do in my life. I had it hooked up and ready to go in under a minute. The very first thing I did, was going to settings and update the software, which was easy and seamless. One really great thing about this product is that it does not require any subscriptions, and it has lifetime updates at no charge. I am so impressed with this feature. I was able to update modules and apps very quickly once it was connected to my Wi-Fi. At that point, I was ready to actually use it on our cars. The adaptor plugs into cars, and the instructions for this say it will work on any car from about 1996 onwards. None of our cars are old, so it was super easy and I knew it would work with them. What is the adaptors plugged into the car, and the ignition (not engine) is turned on, you use the tablet to locate the car. It’s pretty amazing that it finds and displays the car’s vin number, make model, etc. in seconds! It has a number of modules you can run, but I was interested in doing a Health check. Again, this health check takes a minute or two at most and you get a report about the car. At the time I received this tool, all our cars were in perfect working order, so I actually did not have any problems identified. However, when there is a problem, the software in the tool can really help to either dig deeper into what the problem is, or in some cases it is able to repair certain malfunctions. Because all our cars are newer, every so often we get an error code on the display, and this will allow me to dig deeper into what the error is all about as opposed to have to take it in to have our mechanic look at it. In that regard, this will pay for itself because I will be able to diagnose a lot of things at home. My overall assessment of this thing is wow. I am delighted to have this in our house, the technology is outstanding, the ability to understand, diagnose, and potentially repair problems in all of our family cars is phenomenal. It is so well-made, the interface is incredibly well designed and easy to use. Could not be happier.