- Bidirectional Scan Tool, THINKSCAN 689BT All System Automotive Diagnostic Tool, Bi Directional OBD2 Scanner with ECU Coding, 34 Services, FCA Autoauth, CANFD and DoIP, Wireless Update

Bidirectional OBD II tool that is a must have when you work on your own vehicle. In my case I paired it with THINKTPMS in order to re-program my TPMS sensors during tire rotation, or when the tire shop forgets to re-program the sensors and I can use this to save a trip. When using the THINKCAR scanner alone, I mainly smart scan all modules and graph data to see problems with my vehicle. Most recently, I used sensor measurement graphing to find which wheel speed sensor was bad on my car. Overall, this is a reasonably priced tool. I found it new in box as advertised. There is a VOID sticker that would let me know if it happened to be used. The tablet I believe is Android based, and the software runs smooth. Have yet to see if there is lifetime support for updates. The only downside to this tool is you need WiFi for updates and can’t use a USB to Ethernet adapter. The USB to Ethernet adapter is for Automotive Ethernet only. For example, Automotive Ethernet can be used when scanning newer BMW vehicles. This is not a deal breaker, but it would be nice to have for faster downloads. One important note, you can use this device offline. There is no requirement to connect to the WiFi unless you want updates, online support, or to look up DTC codes. Would definitely recommend.

I purchased this scanner because of all the hype about the free lifetime updates but mainly because the advertised ECU coding/ Programming feature. But after using it for a few days my thoughts were the following. This is nothing more than an overpriced code reader with a Bluetooth option. What good are lifetimes updates if the scanner can’t do anything but read and clear codes? The truth is I was wrong about many things regarding this scanner and others. I need to be honest. This little scanner won’t do what the ridiculously overpriced ten thousand dollars unit does. But It will definitely help you diagnose your car trouble. I have a 2014 Dodge Durango and I’ve been using AlfaOBD with my android phone for years. I wanted something with what I though would be the same or more features than the AlfaOBD. The AlfaOBD app combined with a OBDLink MX+ from Amazon and my phone can access a few more features on my car than the Thinkscan 689BT. One of the biggest misconception is that If an item is more expensive, it should be able to do more than the less expensive one. Well, I can admit that I did just that due to my lack of knowledge regarding car scanners. So, I immediately decided the Thinkscan 689BT was not a good option. Another issue that was that I purchased the separate FCA unlock feature not knowing that I did not needed to purchase this option because my Durango is a 2014. Chrysler introduced the scam-firewall on the 2018 and later models. After returning the Thinkscan 689BT I found out that once purchased, the FCA feature is not refundable. After the Thinkscan 689BT, I purchased two other more expensive units and I can honestly tell you that they couldn’t do much more than the Thinkscan 689BT. All these units on the market are pretty much the same. Bigger companies like Launch and Topdon have many, many more models than Thinkcar but they are all marketed to squeeze the most out customers. They all pretty much use the same device but changed features here and there to force you to buy one of more devices because this unit has something that you need but your current unit does not have the capability of performing. They all do it folks. We see it daily with our smart phones. They change the outside then change a feature here and feature there and call it a new android or iPhone. When in reality is pretty much the same device in different shell. But its a human nature to want the newest and later toys. We’ve been program to be this way. Car scanners are no different. The bottom line is that No scanner can do it all. One of the very good feature about the thinkcar is that they do offered lifetime updates. The larger brands will sell you a unit that may have a few more features. But they’ll force you to paid half the unit price on yearly subscriptions. The thinkscan 689BT is more than capable to diagnose your vehicle, Keep in mind that they all have their limitations. It depend on the car brand and model. In most cases is not due to the scanner itself, but from greedy car manufacturers. They are the one who limits car owners from doing their own repairs. In my opinion, You should be able to do whatever you want to “YOUR” car. Amazon doe not allow you tube links. Please look for and watch this video to gain more knowledge about scan tool , regardless of brands. Are Autel scanners USELESS - MS906BT - MUST WATCH BEFORE PURCHASING I honestly regret returning the 689BT without acquiring much more knowledge about all it features. I thought I was done with Thinkcar but Thinkcar was clearly not done with me. A few weeks after I returned the thinkscan 689BT I was surprised with an email from them. They offered me a refund of the $128.00 dollar FCA fee and I was honestly not expecting that. If you need and fairly inexpensive car scanner that can clearly do more than a code reader, then this is the one for you. I just wish that I knew then what I know now. My advice to Thinkcar. Keep adding features to the scanner, If you can add features like topology and keep offering lifetime updates. You will dominate the market. Consumers want more bangs for their money. A concept that the bigger companies clearly forgot. I will give the Thinkscan 689BT four stars because its a very capable unit with LIFETIME updates and I will add an extra star for Thinkcar good customer service. For reaching out to me weeks after returning the device.

Just as advertised, great tool good quality, excellent value for money many features, excellent updates

Awesome Bi-directional scan tool and it does everything you would typically over spend for a dealer to do. It more then pays for itself with just one maintenance function like ABS bleeding and free updates. Don't waste your money at a dealer to reset certain modules or code a new battery to your car for those BMW'S or Mercedes-Benz this scanner does it all. Love it. Use it on my Corvette and my Lexus and My Dodge pickup.

It is a complete scanner to work easily and with many benefits for the life of a mechanic. I have it and it is 100% recommended

Great Product

The ThinkCar bidirectional scan tool is a major upgrade over basic OBD2 devices. Equipped with a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter, it offers wireless diagnostics—no cables cluttering your dashboard. Research shows the ThinkScan 689BT model supports OE-level full-system diagnostics, bidirectional active tests, ECU coding, and 34+ maintenance services, with free lifetime updates and no subscription fees. In my experience, setup was smooth—just pair the dongle to the Android-based tablet. The interface is responsive, and connecting vehicle modules (ABS, airbags, transmission, etc.) took only seconds. The build quality feels robust, suitable for shop or field use. For the price, it’s a bit of an investment, but if you’re a mobile technician, shop owner, or experienced DIYer, it delivers the depth and reliability of higher-end lab tools. Q&A: Q: Does this support bidirectional (active) tests and ECU coding like premium diagnostic tools? A: Yes, models like the ThinkScan 689BT support bidirectional control, including active tests (e.g., pump, injector, fan, window), plus ECU coding and 34+ maintenance resets—all at no extra cost. Q: Is the Bluetooth connection stable and easy to use? A: Very stable. The Bluetooth OBD2 dongle connects quickly, and diagnostics run smoothly—no wires to manage. Q: Are updates free and does it require a subscription? A: Yes, ThinkCar offers lifetime free updates, with no subscription fees. The tool keeps getting new car coverage and features

This scanner arrived in a condition that completely undermines trust: it was already registered to another account. That alone would merit a refund, but it turns out the registration issue was just the first of many failures. Advertised as a professional-level bidirectional scan tool with wireless updates and advanced features like ECU coding, CANFD, DoIP, and AutoAuth for FCA vehicles, the THINKSCAN 689BT couldn't even get the basics right. Out of the box, I expected auto-search to scan and identify the vehicle system with minimal input. What I got instead was an error-prone guessing game that forced me to manually enter basic vehicle information- something even cheap generic OBDII tools do automatically and correctly. I spent more time navigating failed connections and incomplete module detection than diagnosing anything useful. It felt like this tool had the guts of a budget scanner buried under a flashy touchscreen and inflated claims. The user interface feels clunky and outdated. Menus are inconsistent, scanning speed is painfully slow, and the bidirectional functions are hit-or-miss at best. Many of the functions I tried either failed to execute or required multiple retries just to connect. It promises full system diagnostics, but several ECUs couldn’t even be accessed on vehicles where I know communication is possible. I tested it on a late model FCA vehicle and a mid-range GM model, both of which required multiple retries just to consistently pull the same DTCs I can pull from my 2 other scanners. We are not even talking advanced advanced diagnostic scans. Just basic codes. Wireless updates? The process froze during the initial update and device restarted. I eventually got it updated, but the first experience was anything but confidence-inspiring. When I dug deeper into reviews across seller platforms, I found a disturbing pattern: many buyers also received pre-registered devices. Others mentioned having to contact the company to clear account lockouts. That means THINKCAR is either repackaging returns as new or has an inventory control problem that allows used units to be sold again. Either way, that's unacceptable. The worst part is that none of this is priced like a budget tool. This unit sits in the mid-to-upper tier range and for that, it has to deliver. It didn't. The combination of misleading sales practices, half-baked firmware, and a basic failure to deliver even entry-level performance is a deal-breaker. Support is a condescending joke. They ignore all questions that require any knowledge of how to use the product and pick and choose anything else based on whatever sounds the most condescending. I absolutely abhor this product and their support. Pros: Device physically appears sturdy On paper, feature list seems impressive Cons: Device arrived already registered to another user Auto vehicle scan failed many subsystem and package detections Interface is confusing and poorly optimized Bidirectional functions often fail to connect or perform their expected function Basic DTC reading is unreliable across common vehicles Wireless update can fail providing 0 user feedback just a reboot and retry Customer support response times are atrocious Marketing claims do not reflect real-world performance Other buyers have reported the same registration issue Hot Take: What THINKCAR delivered here is a bloated tool that pretends to be high-end while failing at even the basics. Getting a used device labeled as new is already grounds for distrust, but when you add in failed scans, broken auto-detection, and buggy software, and the absolute worst customer support, the THINKSCAN 689BT becomes an overpriced paperweight. The best thing this scanner did was convince me to return it and never look back.