What is the difference between the Thinkdiag 2 and the original Thinkdiag?

The Thinkdiag 2 adds built-in CAN FD support, so it can talk to newer GM vehicles from 2020 on, and it runs through the ThinkDiag 2 app. The original lacks CAN FD.

Does it work on 2020 and newer GM vehicles?

Yes. CAN FD is built in, and the maker lists 2020-2021 Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC models such as the Tahoe, Suburban, Escalade and Yukon.

Do I need a phone to use it?

Yes. The dongle plugs into the OBD2 port and connects over Bluetooth to the ThinkDiag 2 app, which shows the data and runs the tests.

Can it do more than read engine codes?

It reads all systems, runs 15+ maintenance functions such as adaptation and IMMO key matching, and supports ECU coding and bi-directional active tests on supported brands.

Does it cover Audi and VW well?

Owners report shallow coverage on some Audi and VW models, including the A6 C6. Check your model and year in the app's vehicle list before relying on it for those brands.

Yes. The app can send the vehicle report to a PC for printing.

Where is the THINKDIAG 2 cheapest?

At THINKCAR, for $159.00, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the THINKDIAG 2?

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1,468 ratings. Buyers like: Works well on multiple car brands; Deep reading on BMW and Mercedes; Practical, light and easy to use. Common complaints: Some menus still only in English; Shallow coverage on Audi/VW (e.g. A6 C6).

THINKDIAG 2

Best price now

$159.00at THINKCARChecked Nov 9

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit THINKCAR

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

What reviewers say

4.8 / 51,468 ratings

Owners rate it 4.8 out of 5 and call it practical, light and easy to use, with deep reading on BMW and Mercedes and solid results across several brands. Complaints center on English-only menus and thin coverage on some Audi and VW models.

What people mention

Brand coverageMixedBuyers say it works well on many brands and reads BMW and Mercedes deeply, but coverage on Audi and VW is thin.
Ease of usePraisedOwners describe it as practical, light and easy to set up and use.
CAN FDPraisedThe built-in CAN FD protocol lets it reach newer GM vehicles that older OBD2 tools cannot.
LanguageCriticisedSome menus are still only in English, which frustrates non-English speakers.
Diagnostic depthPraisedFull-system reading and bi-directional tests go well beyond basic code reading.

About the THINKDIAG 2

The Thinkdiag 2 is a Bluetooth car diagnostic tool that plugs into a vehicle's OBD2 port and pairs with the ThinkDiag 2 app on a phone or tablet. It supports OBD2 and CAN FD protocols, which covers newer GM vehicles built after 2020. Other covered makes include Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Holden, Daewoo, Pontiac, Saturn and Hummer.

It offers full system diagnostics, 15+ maintenance functions, ECU coding, bi-directional (active) tests, adaptation and IMMO key matching. It can scan the vehicle's VIN automatically. It can show 4 data readings in 1 graph, and vehicle reports can be printed from a PC.

The scanner has indicators on both sides and an upgraded soft rubber sleeve. It connects over dual-mode Bluetooth 5.0 BLE and comes with a 23-inch diagnostic cable.

Protocols

OBD2 and built-in CAN FD

CAN frame data

8 to 64 bytes

OBD2 standards

SAE J1850, ISO9241-2, ISO14230-4, ISO15765

OBD2 functions

Maintenance

15+ functions

Other functions

Full system diagnostics, ECU coding, bi-directional control, adaptation, IMMO key matching

Data graph