Any cheapo OBDII scan tool from FleaBay or similar, including the Bluetooth ones, should be able to read the basics from the car but not write anything back, then you can use apps like Torque Pro, BtSSM, or similar to view them on pretty displays on your phone or tablet.

Note that the Bluetooth readers are a touch laggy with the information send, so your display will be handful of milliseconds behind what the car is doing, but they still work well.

 

At what price point/level would one get a reader that could go beyond the basics and could write back?

 

I have an OBDLink MX+ that works with apple (but I have android) but it's not a bidirectional scanner.

Even bidirectional scanners are not all the same, and functions generally increase with price. Some bidirectional scanners aren't that much more than a good code reader dongle.

Be aware that bidirectional functions may not work with all brands of vehicles, so when it claims it does this or that, it may do it with some vehicles but not necessarily Subarus.

Here's an inexpensive (limited) bidirectional one, with a discount coupon:

Amazon.com

ArtiDiag500

In 2021, TOPDON launched the ArtiDiag500, driven by in-depth market research and consumer feedback on rival products. By 2024, Artidiag500 garnered recognition from technicians and enthusiasts in 80+ countries.Drawing on two years of valuable consumer insights, TOPDON revisited existing clients...

www.topdon.us

Here's a thread about some:

https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/topdon-comparision.565163/

 

I just stumbled upon this unknown brand unknown quality bidirectional scanner that claims to be specifically for Subaru:

CGSULIT SC530 Subaru Scan Tool OBD2 Scanner with Bi-directional Control For All System Diagnosing

Get the CGSULIT SC530 Subaru Scan Tool for complete vehicle diagnostics. Supports 25+ reset services, bi-directional control, and OBD2 modes. Perfect for Subaru owners.

www.cgsulitstore.com

 

I just stumbled on that too and found this thread with a search. I need to update my 25 year old innova scanner and this one looks pretty good. Price I could spend. I know Autel have been recommended but $150 is ok with me...$300 not so much. Anyone have any experience with this one? Maybe I should start a new thread. One big thing I wanna do is reset TPMS every season with tire swaps.

 

Please be aware that none of the aftermarket scanners will fully support a 2022 to 2025 vehicle.

Aftermarket scanners are around three years behind so sometime this year they will support the 2022 models.

Having said this, aftermarket scanners should support the basic OBD2 functions OK (but not the vehicle specific and bi-directional features).

Seagrass

 

Thanks. It sounds like I should start off with one of the basic models, and then wait 'til the 2025 is fully supported to get a more involved model.

 

I don't think the Tactrix and RomRaider works with newer Subarus because the definitions are not available.

 

That is correct. When someone figures out the newer protocols, a firmware fix will magically make it start working.

 

Be aware that the bidirectional scanners may need updates for the more recent models and for some brands it's a subscription and for others it claims lifetime updates but the devil is in the details.

 

Yeah I would verify what functions it actually has - I just watched a video of it on a Subaru Outback and I didn't see anything about rear parking brake or other active functions - maybe it was in a different part of the menu?

 

Good advice. So I did...emailed them...after seeing on their website that it has TPMS reset..see link below. I stated I have three Subes and they responded it will not reset TPMS on ALL of them. So I then asked ANY of them and they said no. So I just replied saying they need to update their website. Back to the shopping board! I want a new scanner but only if it has TPMS reset....and not a gazillion dollars. Autel look comprehensive but maybe overkill for my needs. Looking at Innova as that was brand of my 27 year old one.

 

You would think that if there was a legitimately good Subaru specific scanner, Subaru communities would be all over it, but the most mention of that scanner seems to be people who were given it for free.

 

Innova says none of theirs do true TPMS reset....might have to start a new thread to find one.

 

Check out the Gearwrench Blue Tooth scanner (GWSMARTBT) that connects to a phone or tablet. MrSubaru recently recommended it and I believe it supports TPMS and also has bi-directional support for more than 20 functions.

When I checked earlier this week is was on special on Amazon for around US$100.

Also has FREE lifetime updates.

Seagrass

 

Check out the Gearwrench Blue Tooth scanner (GWSMARTBT) that connects to a phone or tablet. MrSubaru recently recommended it and I believe it supports TPMS and also has bi-directional support for more than 20 functions.

When I checked earlier this week is was on special on Amazon for around US$100.

Also has FREE lifetime updates.

Seagrass

Thanks man. looks promising. says it does tpms reset which don't mean it do...but...price is more than right. free ship and returns with prime...so long as the app is decent could be a winner. gonna give it a whirl and will try to remember to report back.

 

I've not seen much mention of BlueDriver...is that not a decent scanner for our Gen6 Outbacks?...
but then I found this...

https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/scanner-compatibility.517874/page-2

 

I picked up a TopDon ArtiDiag600 Pro for $170 last month, it supports all systems on my 23OB and 25 Forester. If you want Bi-directional, this doesn't have that feature. Free lifetime updates.

 

Pardon my ignorance but can you please tell me where the OBD2 port is located on the 2025 Outback? TIA

 

Left of steering wheel, under the dash.

 

Thank you!

 

I bought a BluedDriver bi-directional ODB2 scanner back in early December. It uses bluetooth and they provide an App which runs on Android phones and tablets as well as Apple iPhones and iPads. Updates to the device are free and performed using their App. Bought it on Amazon for $95. Works great. It's currently listed for $84.95.

Amazon BlueDriver link

 

I picked up an Otofix D1 lite on sale, but it's still on the expensive side for a DIY mechanic. I liked the idea of the Topdon topscan, but once your 1yr subscription expires it becomes basically as good as a $3 aliexpress obd2 scanner, where you lose all bi-direction control. The Otofix (basically Autel) comes with 2 years of a subscription, more functionality, and a dedicated tablet that will at least keep bi-direction control when the subscription expires, so that's what I got and seems to work pretty well!

 

I ended up grabbing the Gearwrench unit Mr. Subaru endorsed (and made mention of in here earlier.) I haven't hooked it up yet, but I'll get it later today.

I tried the Ancel AD310 that gets good reviews. It works, but will NOT clear stored codes. (at least it didn't on my 2022 Premium.) That's a no go for me.

 

Curious if yours will auto detect. Having trouble with mine not doing that.

 

Well, this one's a no go. No matter what I did, it wanted me to manually enter the VIN. Even after that, it would only allow me to go full manual input, North America, Subaru and THEN only up to model year 2022. This one goes back, BIG ding on Mr. Subaru too.

 

You will be hard pressed to find an OBD2 scanner that currently supports any vehicle later than 2022/2023.

The software for these scanners is always two or three years behind due to the fact that the manufacturers need to get access to the new vehcile systems and then write software to suit. The other issue is that generally speaking, there is no market for the market segment that is still under warranty.

Having said all of this the scanners also have an OBD2 function (not vehicle specific) and this function will read and delete DTC’s from any vehicle that is OBD2 compliant (even the 2025 models).

Seagrass

 

I'm going to give the Ancel AD310 a try here in a bit. It had no issues auto connecting to my 2022 Premium. And, it read DTC's without issue too. Plus, it's $30. So, if it works on the 2025 that's the one I'm keeping.

Edit: It works just fine. Keeper!

 

I tried the Ancel AD310 that gets good reviews. It works, but will NOT clear stored codes. (at least it didn't on my 2022 Premium.) That's a no go for me.

I'm going to give the Ancel AD310 a try here in a bit. It had no issues auto connecting to my 2022 Premium. And, it read DTC's without issue too. Plus, it's $30. So, if it works on the 2025 that's the one I'm keeping.

Edit: It works just fine. Keeper!

Earlier you said the Ancel wouldn't delete codes. Did you solve that issue?

 

I did not. I hooked it up to my new 2025 Wilderness and it auto connected without issue. Even read the VIN no sweat. But, there's no codes to try and clear!

So, I have no idea if it will ultimately clear codes or not. But as a reader, it works perfect. For ~ $25 after the coupon code on Amazon.

If something better comes along that will indeed clear codes (and is priced reasonably), I'm all ears.

 

Strictly a DTC reader when things go South… that’s all I bought it for.

 

I totally get wanting more information. Too much can make life too confusing, in certain instances, but I don’t think this is one of them. I have an old scangauge II and have been debating if the III would provide more information or not.
I am curious though, if you rig up a contraption that will hold a laser temp gun on the CVT pan as you’re going down the highway, please post pictures and videos 😀

 

I totally get wanting more information. Too much can make life too confusing, in certain instances, but I don’t think this is one of them. I have an old scangauge II and have been debating if the III would provide more information or not.
I am curious though, if you rig up a contraption that will hold a laser temp gun on the CVT pan as you’re going down the highway, please post pictures and videos 😀

So far I like the the SG II now has my CVT and engine oil displayed. I did go for a short drive yesterday and while I don't want to admit I was on my hands and knees in the Walmart car park looking under my car, I did find the laser thermometer read 10ºF lower than the SG on the CVT oil.