The best diagnostic device | MUCAR CS
All car brands & functions
When searching for a suitable car diagnostic device, you will now come across countless offers on the internet. But which diagnostic device is worthwhile for the simple hobby mechanic? Does it have all the functions you need? Does it evaluate the error codes and display them clearly? Is it inexpensive? We believe we have found just such an "all-round diagnostic device" and would like to introduce you to the MUCAR CS product series in this article!
1) Why MUCAR CS for the hobby mechanic?
The devices from the MUCAR CS product series have all the essential functions that a Hobby screwdriver required. In addition to the simple OBD functions and fault diagnosis, the devices offer various maintenance functions. Depending on your needs, you can opt for a certain Configurations of the five available to you. These will then be for life and free of charge made available.
What is the point of Step 5: Read out the fault memory and what options are available can be found in the linked article.
Up to 28 Maintenance and reset functions and access to all systems in the car offered as a package. The MUCAR CS4, for example, has access to 4 systems in the car and has 5 maintenance functions (throttle position, EPB reset, etc.). Accordingly, the price is reasonable, as it is a one-off payment and you receive free lifetime updates for all functions.
The devices from MUCAR evaluate the Error codes rich in detail off. We had the same car with the same errors read out once by the ÖAMTC and once with our MUCAR CS4. The protocols were almost identical. (see photos).
2) All configurations of the MUCAR CS series
In this table you will find the most important properties of the individual configurations of the MUCAR CS series. The devices are all in principle the same in the hardwareHowever, they have different software and different numbers of functions.
*Affiliate links, information in footnote or here.
Which configuration is the best?
When it comes to the question of which configuration you should buy, it ultimately depends on your needs It depends. Do you want the Reset throttle position and pay less for the device, your choice is more likely to fall on the CS4 Configuration. Are you planning a DPF reset and want to be able to read out several systems, your choice is more likely to be the CS6 or CS99. However, these are more expensive in terms of price (as they also offer more functions).
The detailed error analysis, the live data and the conventional OBD2 diagnostics are of course included in all configurations. It should be mentioned that the devices were subject to a major price change. The reason for this is mainly the restructuring of the configurations. It is therefore possible that the prices have been adjusted again by the time you read this.
3) MUCAR CS4 - advantages & disadvantages
The favorite for us is the MUCAR CS4 package. The main reason for this is simply the Price-performance ratio. In our opinion, it has enough functions for the simple "hobbyists" and impresses above all with its price. A vehicle diagnostic device with access to 4 systems and 5 reset functions you won't be able to find at this price with this quality.
Pros:
Cons:
Further on in this article we will show you, exactly how the device works and its possibilities. As a result, you can decide for yourself what is an advantage or disadvantage for you.
4) Info & data MUCAR CS4
MUCAR is an American subsidiary of the Think Car Tech. The company consists of a group of engineers and software developers who are passionate about the automotive industry. Their goal is to High-quality technology in OBD diagnostics and to offer as many functions as possible. You can find out more about the company on their Website find out.
The MUCAR CS4 is ready to use immediately after unpacking. ready for operation. A few updates are prepared and installed during the first start-up and especially during the first diagnosis. After that, you can get started.
It was possible in the store, additional maintenance functions and readable systems. As the devices in the MUCAR CS product series all have the same hardware, this would still be technically possible.
For unknown reasons, however, the company has removed the "Store and leave it with the respective pre-installed configuration (CS2, CS4, CS6, CS90, CS99).
In short, this means that you you can no longer buy additional functions and the device is no longer expandable. For this reason, you should consider in advance which device or configuration you need.
The reasons for deactivating the store are unclear. The Support has however confirms that the store has been canceled.
Technical details:
- 【10 Complete OBD-II / EOBD functions】 Supports the standard OBD-II protocol according to...
- 【4 System Diagnostics】The Mucar CS4 diagnostic software is a free lifetime upgrade, a free upgrade to...
- 【5 MAINTENANCE RESETS】The Mucar CS4 Car Scanner offers an additional 5 free lifetime maintenance...
- 【EU-OBFCM】This product complies with the European Union (EU) Regulation 2020, which...
5) All functions of the MUCAR CS | Instructions
Error analysis/OBD diagnosis
Put the Diagnostic cable in the OBD2 socket and then click on "Scan". Then select the model of your vehicle or go to "Automatic scanning". If the communication is intact, the MUCAR starts the Read the VIN of the vehicle.
Quick test:
In this mode you can all control devices to which the device has access (CS4 configuration), can be read out quickly. After reading the DTC, you will receive a clear Overview of all control units and the error codes. If the error report itself is not detailed enough for you, you can click on the error code. MUCAR will then redirect you to Google (if you have an internet connection) and automatically googles the error code for you. You can then download the error report / log by mail or have them sent as Save PDF on your MUCAR.
Scan systems:
With this option, you can select the Select the control units you want to read out. The entire system is not scanned, but only the ticked systems; after the error analysis, this still image appears with a list of all available systems and the error codes found in them.
At the Click on the error code and MUCAR will take you directly to Google to analyze the problem further. Here you can also have the report sent to you by e-mail or delete the DTC error memory.
Read data stream (LIVE data)
By observing the data streams, you can Monitor the overall performance of the vehicle in real time and read off various values for further maintenance.
To check the live data, navigate to the menu "Read data stream"which can be found under the menu item "OBD" is located.
Then select the desired parameters or systems whose live data streams you want to read. In addition to the actual values displayed in numerical form, you can have the data plotted in a diagram and analyze the progression.
Maintenance functions & service
You can find these functions under the Main menu item "Maintenance and service". In the CS4 configuration, you then have access to 5 different maintenance functions (BRAKE, ETS, OIL, SAS, TPMS) which give you are available with updates for life. With the CS6 configuration it would be 7 Maintenance functions
Maintenance function: "OIL reset"
Use this function to set the Mileage or the travel time for the next maintenance. You can set or reset the values individually here. For VAG vehicles, the Inspection intervaln be adapted.
Maintenance function: "BRAKE+EPB"
If the brake pad has a certain Minimum thickness is reached, the brake pad's induction wire is worn out and an error message is displayed in the on-board computer. After replacing the brake pad, the Brake pad sensor must be resetto make this message disappear again.
Furthermore, the MUCAR CS4 can Reset the electronic pad lock and the electronic parking brake. This makes it possible to change the brake pads on newer cars with EPB in the first place. The interval for changing the brakes can also be set in the submenu "Brake maintenance" individually customizable.
Maintenance function: "SAS"
Under this menu item it is possible to set the Recalibrate and adjust the steering angle sensor. If you find the position at which your vehicle is driving straight ahead, you can use this value as a reference. The control unit can use the reference to calculate the correct steering angle when steering. In principle, the steering angle must always be reset to zero are used when:
Maintenance function: "TPMS"
You can use the maintenance function for the TPMS system to check the Switch off tire pressure error display (MIL) or reset. After changing the TPMS sensors, the system can also be reset using the CS4 configuration.
Maintenance function: "ETS throttle position reset"
When adjusting the throttle valve, you can use the CS4 to adjust the Set the damper actuator so that the learning value of the control unit returns to the initial state. In this way, the movement of the throttle valve (or the idling engine) can be controlled more precisely. This allows the desired intake volume to be set.
Situations in which a Adjusting the throttle valve is required:
Other functions:
At the "swipe down" from the top status bar, you can use the function for Screenshots or activate the Screen recorder The photos or videos are then displayed under Settings → "Photo album" or "Screen recorder" saved. You can save up to 9 photos at once via e-mail but you can only send video recordings individually.
Under "Repair information" you will find a "Error code library", and various types of learning material for the MUCAR system.
6) Conclusion on the MUCAR CS product series
Due to the many functions and the low price, we find the MUCAR CS product series continues to be ideal for the DIY screwdriver at home. After the above analyses, comparisons and tests, we clearly recommend the MUCAR CS6* or, if required, the MUCAR CS4*. With one of these configurations you have all the needs of a hobby screwdriver covered and at the same time a device that is technically reliable.
Are you looking for a car diagnostic device that can do almost EVERYTHING? and the price is not important to you, we recommend the MUCAR V06*. This device reads all systems, has all 28 maintenance functions and of course has better technical details. The price/performance ratio for the vehicle diagnostic device is also good.
* Affiliate links are marked with a *. We receive a small commission when you purchase these products. In principle, nothing changes for you and the offer/price remains the same. You can find more information about affiliate links here here.
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