I believe this is first bi-directional scanner that comes with OEM ECU coding but without any subscriptions. I tried it to see if it is worth buying and tried it on older VAG vehicles that can be a challenge for a lot of scanners.
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Think car Thinkscan 689BT does it all. You have full-system scan/erase faults and data + all the service and coding features you might need as a DIY or semi-professional mechanic.
But with an amazing bonus. Free lifetime updates which is extremely rare in scan tools like this.
Get $99 OFF on the official website while it lasts.
Who tested product & wrote this review?
Tester & Editor for this review: Juraj Lukacko
Hello, I am Juraj (Yuri) and I tested this product to help you decide if it is something you would want to buy, and if yes, show you how to use it.
I make honest reviews based on personal testing in my own garage and If I see the product is bad, I will make it very clear in review.
Read more about how I do reviews on Iamcarhacker.com in my review policy.
Video: @iamcarhacker reviews Thinkscan 689BT
Testing Thinkcar Thinkscan 689BT
It is smaller and thinner than I expected but feels pretty solid-built. I wouldn’t throw it around like diagnostics toughbook, but it seems to be cabaple of surviving harder garage conditions.
Bluetooth vs wired?
Bluetooth version is easier to operate, especially when doing live data logs while driving. There is also built magnetic space to hold your connection adapter on the back of the thinkscan tablet.
On the other hand, the wired thinkscan689 version will require less charging since it can steal battery power from a connected car when you use it.
Also, there is less risk of failure in the long-term if you plan on keeping it for several years (and make use of those free lifetime updates).
Service procedures + ECU coding
Accessing all control modules, and full live data with graphing, logging, and sampling I showed in the video.
But a scanner in this price range is standard for all these features to be available. But let’s talk about more advanced stuff like service & coding.
Thinkscan 689BT will give you access to 34 service procedures, including vehicle coverage tables, and maintain information that will guide you through most of these procedures.
Everything you will need as DIY to the semi-professional mechanic is included to service even the newest cars.
OEM ECU coding
Unlocking hidden features and coding new modules after replacement is the #1 feature that would make the scanner go from free updates to a paid subscription.
Not only you have these without a subscription (and even updated for free), it can even do OEM coding features.
For example for VAG cars that means coding, long coding, adaptations, basic settings, etc…
All professional functionality that only the best VAG scanners have, now you can have in the all-brand scan tool.
I 100% approve
As a DIY mechanic myself If I bought only this scanner, it would make up for 95% diagnostic tools I have in the garage combined.
I can approve, Thinkscan 689BT is worth buying.
Features
| Feature | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Connection Type | Bluetooth |
| Device type | Scan tools |
| Need extra device | No |
| Need internet | Only some features |
| Own software | Yes |
| Can use 3rd party software | No |
| Subscription/Update | Free updates, no subscription |
| Vehicle coverage | 150+ brands |
| Global OBD Modes | Yes |
| Live data graphs | Yes |
| Data logging | Yes |
| Scan other modules | Yes |
| Diagnostic report PDF | Yes |
| Full live data | Yes |
| Bi-Directional | Yes |
| Service Procedures | 34 |
| ECU coding | Yes |
| Full review + video | https://www.iamcarhacker.com/thinkcar-thinkscan-689bt-owners-review/ |
| Price range | Around $500 |
| Current price | https://bit.ly/thinkscan689bt |
One of the best scan tools I have tried, for more information + $99 OFF discount code visit the official website.
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Hi, I am Juraj “Yuri” Lukacko. I got frustrated by unhelpful and scammy mechanics, so I decided to learn everything about car diagnostics myself. I test dozens of new car diagnostic tools every month along with learning new strategies to fix and customize cars. About Juraj Lukacko (Yuri)