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Bi-Directional Control for Cars:How Much do You Know?

In the promotion of the functions of the car fault diagnosis scan tools, we can always see the words'bi directional control'. So what is bi directional control for cars? How is this function applied in the process of car diagnosis? What are the products of Autel that can be controlled in both directions? What benefits can bidirectional control bring us? Today's blog will answer your questions.

What is Bidirectional Control for Vehicle diagnostics scanner?

Bi directional control in car diagnosis refers to a control method that enables bi directional communication. This control method can not only read data from the car automotive electronic control unit (ECU), but also send commands to the ECU to perform specific tests and functions.

Bidirectional Control of Autel Vehicle diagnostics scanner

Bidirectional Control of Autel Vehicle diagnostics scanner

Specifically, bi directional control allows diagnostic tools to request ECU to perform certain operations and observe the resulting data, thereby quickly locating and repairing faults

How is Bi Directional Control Applied in the process of car diagnosis?

Read and clear fault codes

A car diagnostic scanner with bidirectional control function, which has basic functions of reading and clearing codes. Through bidirectional control, the OBD2 scanner can read fault codes in the ECU, perform maintenance based on the fault codes, and perform the task of eliminating the fault codes.

Through bidirectional control, it can quickly locate the fault location for precise maintenance.

Real time data monitoring

In the process of car diagnosis, bidirectional control can better assist maintenance personnel in real-time data monitoring, such as monitoring engine speed, oil pressure, etc., in order to understand the vehicle's status and assist maintenance personnel in diagnostic work.

Perform specific tests

The diagnostic scanning tool can perform specific tests on the ECU through bidirectional control. For example, if it is impossible to determine which component has a problem during fault diagnosis, specific tests can be performed to determine the location of the fault, reducing the diagnostic process and improving work efficiency

Autel Diagnostic Scanner with Bidirectional Control Capability

Autel Thousand dollar scanning tool

  • Autel MS Ultra S2

MaxiSys Ultra S2 is the latest automotive diagnostic scanning tool launched by Daotong. It has a powerful hardware configuration, including a 13.7-inch screen, an eight core processor, and an operating system based on Android 13.0.

In addition, its advanced topology mapping 3.0, bidirectional control, ECU programming, and AI digital tools can easily adapt to various diagnostic scenarios, promoting the development of automotive diagnosis towards more accurate and faster directions

Autel MaxiSys Ultra S2 Scanner

Autel MaxiSys Ultra S2 Diagnostic Scanner Tablet

$6499.00

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 11 Reviews

Autel MaxiSys Ultra S2 Diagnostic Scanner Tablet With AI, 6-IN-1 VCMI2, Topology 3.0, Enhanced Oscilloscope, 48+ Services, Upgraded from Autel Ultra (US Shipping Only)

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  • Autel MS Ultra

The Autel MS Ultra is Autel's most ambitious diagnostics scanner to date.Based on Samsung Exynos eight core processor, it is extremely fast and smooth; Equipped with a 12.7-inch TFT-LCD capacitive touch screen, the touch is sensitive.

Used in conjunction with MaxiFlash VCMI for easy troubleshooting; Remote programming application, solving difficult and complicated problems online; There is also an exclusive split screen function, making it easy to achieve multitasking.

Autel MaxiSys MS Ultra Scanner

Autel Maxisys Ultra 2025 Top Full System Diagnostic Tool

$3999.00

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10 Reviews

The MaxiSys Ultra is features a 13-inch touchscreen tablet with Android 7.0 OS…test components to confirm repairs.

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  • Autel MS919

Autel MS919 scanner is a 9.7-inch touch screen vehicle intelligent diagnostic scanning tablet based on Android 7.0 operating system and equipped with an octa-core processor. It plays a connecting role in the diagnostic scanning tools launched by Autel.

The diagnostic function of MS919 scanner is also very powerful, which can perform factory level full system diagnosis, support bidirectional control function, and have the same ECU programming ability as Ultra and MS909EV.

Autel Maxisys MS919 Intelligent Diagnostic Scanner

Autel Maxisys MS919 Intelligent Diagnostic Scanner

$3199.00

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10 Reviews

Autel Maxisys MS919 Scanner with Topology Module Mapping and 5-in-1 VCMI, ECU Programming & Coding, Same as MS Ultra (Upgraded of MS909/ Elite II)

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  • Autel MS906 Pro-ts

The MS906 Pro-ts is 8-inch wireless Android-based touchscreen tablet performs comprehensive TPMS servicing including 1-Sensor programming.

It has extensive vehicle diagnostics capability including an all systems scan with ADAS identification,the ability to read/erase codes, view freeze frame and live data, bi-directional control including active testing.

Autel Maxisys MS906Pro-TS Diagnostic Scanner

Autel Maxisys MS906Pro-TS Diagnostic Scanner

$1439.00

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10 Reviews

Autel Maxisys MS906Pro-TS Bi-Directional Control Diagnostic Scanner and TPMS Tool, 2025 Newest All Systems Diagnostics, 36+ Services, ECU Coding, Active Test, Upgraded Ver. of MS906TS

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Autel Hundred dollar scanning tool

  • MX 900

Autel MaxiCheck MX900 OBD2 scanner has an operating system based on Android 11.0, an eight-inch operating screen and a 7700mAh battery capacity. These excellent hardware ensures that there will be no lag or delay when using it for fault diagnosis, ensuring processing speed and battery life.

In addition to the above hardware, it also has powerful diagnostic functions, including all system diagnostics at the factory level, two-way control functions, 40+ service functions, etc. In addition, its price is cheaper than the previous two models, which makes it the most economical and efficient dual-effect scanning tool.

Autel MaxiCheck MX900 OBD2 Scanner

Autel MaxiCheck MX900 OBD2 Scanner

$459.00

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 16 Reviews

Autel MaxiCheck MX900 OBD2 All System Diagnostic Scanner, Bi-Directional Control, DoIP/CAN FD, Read/Clear Code, 40+ Service, Upgrade of MK808/MX808

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  • MK 808S

As a professional bidirectional diagnostic scanner, Autel MK808S not only has more advanced hardware than the previous generation, including upgraded operating system, faster chip, larger screen size and wider coverage, but also has advanced diagnostic functions such as two-way control, auto vin/auto scan, 28+ advanced reset service, etc.

Autel MaxiCOM MK808S/MK808Z Automotive Diagnostic Scanner

Autel MaxiCOM MK808S/MK808Z Automotive Diagnostic Scanner

$369.00

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 11 Reviews

Autel MaxiCOM MK808S/MK808Z Automotive Diagnostic Scanner with Android 11.0, All System Diagnostics, 28+ Service, 3000+ Active Test, NO IP Limitation, 2025 Upgraded of MK808/MX808

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What Benefits can bidirectional control bring us?

Faster Problem Isolation

One of the biggest advantages of bi-directional control is the ability to quickly narrow down the root cause of a problem.

By activating or deactivating specific components on demand, technicians can immediately determine whether a malfunction is due to a faulty part, wiring issue, or a failed control module—saving hours of guesswork and manual testing.

Improved Diagnostic Accuracy

Bi-directional control enables a higher level of precision during diagnostics. For example, if a cooling fan isn't turning on, a technician can send a command to activate the fan.

If it works, the fan itself is likely functional, and the issue may lie in the sensor or control circuit. This interactive feedback loop enhances the accuracy of troubleshooting, reducing misdiagnoses and unnecessary part replacements.

Example of application of bidirectional control function

  • You find that your car won't start properly
  • By connecting a fuel pressure gauge, cycling the key and starting the engine, no fuel pressure is measured. Cannot determine if the problem is with the component, circuit or command
  • Through the diagnostic scanner with bidirectional control function, the fuel pump command is sent to the ECU to start the fuel pump.
  • If the fuel pressure gauge now shows the correct fuel pressure, the fuel pump circuit and pump are functioning properly. The diagnostic focus should shift to the command side of the circuit.
  • The PCM may not be receiving the enable conditions necessary to activate the fuel pump circuit. This could be due to a faulty input sensor, low fuel pressure, or other factors.

Conclusion

The above is an application scenario of the two-way control function. By inputting specific instructions to the ECU, the faulty module can be quickly determined. The whole process does not exceed five minutes. If the fuel pump circuit is to be manually tested, it may take fifteen to twenty minutes.

The diagnostic scanner that can perform the bidirectional control function is conducive to improving the efficiency of maintenance, reducing the process of fault detection, and improving the accuracy of diagnosis.

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