The Autel scanners sold on our website typically come with a one- or two-year Autel scanner update service. During your Autel subscription period, you can receive regular software updates, gain access to FCA and AutoAuth, expand your vehicle's diagnostic coverage, and perform special functions such as ECU coding and programming.
But what happens when our free subscription expires? What features will we still have, and which will be restricted? This is a question many Autel scanner users are very concerned about, especially since some software update services can be a bit pricey. Let's take a look today.
What Happens When I Lose a Software Update?
When you lose the software update service, your current version of the Autel scanner will be retained, the Autel diagnostic tablet will still function normally with diagnostic and service features, no software will be deleted, and your downloads will still be present and functioning properly.
However, when the subscription expires, Autel scanners will no longer support online functionality, and automatic authentication and server subscriptions will become unavailable. The topology features supported by the Ultra series scanners also require a valid software subscription to access the server, which can affect diagnostic accuracy.
What Still Works On an Autel Scanner Without a Subscription?
Reading Trouble Codes
This is a fundamental function of any car diagnostic tool. If even this function is unavailable, then losing your subscription is essentially the same as getting a brick. However, even after your Autel subscription expires, the ability to read fault codes remains, and you can access all modules and perform a perfect scan of all systems.
Service Reset Functions
Autel scanners generally offer a wide range of maintenance services, including ABS bleed, oil level reset, throttle body resetting, BMS resetting, EPB resetting, and other system maintenance functions. These basic services will continue to function normally even after your Autel scanner subscription expires, without any impact.
The service functions normally after the subscription expires.
Active Test
Autel flatbed scanners all feature bi-directional control capabilities. This function plays a crucial role in identifying faulty modules, improving work efficiency, and ensuring communication with the vehicle's ECU. For example, identifying a specific misfired cylinder or determining if the fuel pump is damaged can all be achieved through active testing.
Even after your Autel subscription expires, the active testing feature will still work and will not be affected.
TPMS Features
Autel scanners ending in TS have full TPMS functionality, supporting TPMS sensor relearning and programming. This functionality remains operational even after your subscription expires, allowing for normal activation of the tire pressure monitoring system sensors.
TPMS functionality will still work normally after the subscription expires.
Print Report
When using the Autel scanner, you can generate your diagnostic reports and print them via Wi-Fi or other means. Even if your subscription expires, you can still generate and print reports.
What Can't an Autel Scanner Do Without a Subscription?
Once you lose your subscription, all your online features will be unavailable, including online programming. Furthermore, some vehicles have higher safety ratings and may not even be able to perform these simple functions, as they may require a safety gateway such as the FCA for subsequent diagnostics. Obtaining a safety gateway is only possible during the subscription period.
At the same time, some advanced features such as topology mapping and Motor TruSpeed Repair are also unavailable.
You can refer to the video below for information on features that will function properly after the subscription expires.
FAQS
Q: Can diagnostics continue for all vehicle models after the subscription expires?
Answer: No. Only car brand software downloaded during your subscription period, and cars that you've diagnosed with using an Autel scanner, can perform these basic functions. After losing your subscription, you will not be able to download plugins for new car brands or receive the latest model updates.
Q: After the subscription expires, can I use the backup to restore the Autel tablet?
Answer: Yes. You can back up your Autel scanner data regularly during your subscription period. When your subscription expires, you can import the backed-up data and use your Autel scanner normally without it becoming completely unusable.
Q: Where can I buy a subscription for cheaper?
Answer: You can purchase Autel software update services at a cheaper price on our obdprice website. We are an officially authorized Autel reseller, and all software upgrade cards we sell are genuine and reasonably priced, with some models available for as low as $85 per year.
Q: Can I still receive after-sales service if I don't subscribe?
Answer: Yes, of course. Even if you no longer subscribe to software updates, you are still our valued customer, and you can contact us for assistance with any problems you encounter.
Q: Do I really need to renew my Autel scanner subscription?
Answer: No. It all depends on your needs, and you have the right to choose whether to continue your subscription. If you need more advanced diagnostic functions such as ECU programming, topology mapping, or if your vehicle requires a security gateway unlock, it's best to renew your subscription to use these functions properly.
