The MaxiScan MS300 CAN OBD-II Code Reader provides auto enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers with an easy, portable and economic way to check Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and their definitions for OBD-II compliant vehicles. OBD-II is the second generation of onboard diagnostics and has been a mandatory requirement for all vehicles sold in the US since 1996, both domestic and imports. The MS300 supports all current OBD-II protocols--communications between your car's components and systems--including the newly released Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol. The included CD containing 7,000 DTC definitions allows you to troubleshoot a wide variety of generic, manufacturer-specific and pending trouble codes, and drawing power from your car's own electrical system the unit does not require batteries or an AC adapter. Simply plug it in via its standard 16-pin OBD-II connector at the first sign of trouble and start diagnosing, regardless of your post-1996 car's make or model.

Customer review

The MaxiScan MS300 does read the codes and is easy to hook up and use. Functionally, it works.

However, there are some serious problems:

- As reported earlier, the CD is entirely useless - the code database does install (although install menu looks like it was written for Win98), however once that database is installed on your PC, when you go to look up P-code numbers there is no information on them - all you get is 'no data'. You are left with the product's User Manual as your sole reference to the codes.

- The manufacturer's website ([...]) does have a link for downloading the DTC codes, but it's a dead link and goes nowhere - again, entirely useless.

Please note that these issues also apply to the MS500 as they share the same CD.