Buying a car engine fault code reader is a great investment for car owners because it can save you money in the long run. Also called an OBD scanner, a code reader helps car owners to diagnose their cars in their garages. Check engine light is the most common cause of most car owners’ visit to the auto repair shop. Mechanics there will also use an OBD scanner to help clear out the problem. However, they still charge you a hefty fee for a small engine check. Can you see now how an OBD scanner is a worthwhile investment?
In this article, we are going to take a look at two OBD-II scanners from Autel – the Autolink AL319 and AL419. Let’s take a closer look at their similarities and differences. We’ll start with a detailed side by side comparison table of two helpful car diagnostic tools Autel Autolink AL319 vs Autel Autolink AL419.
| Autel Autolink AL319 | Autel Autolink AL419 | |
| Image |  |
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| Compatibility | 1996 US-based cars, 2000 EU-based cars, Newer cars | 1996 US-based cars, 2000 EU-based cars, Newer cars |
| Display | 2” TFT color display | TFT color display |
| Resolution | 220 x 176 px | 320 x 240 px |
| Backlit | Yes | Yes |
| Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| I/M Readiness | Yes | Yes |
| Read DTCs | Yes | Yes |
| Clear DTCs | Yes | Yes |
| DTC Lookup | Yes | Yes |
| Live Data | Yes | Yes |
| Live Graphs from ECU | No | Yes |
| Freeze Frame | Yes | Yes |
| O2 Sensor Test | No | No |
| Component Test | Yes | Yes |
| Monitor Reset | Yes | Yes |
| Shows Vehicle Information | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple Supported Languages | Yes | Yes |
| Firmware Update | Unlimited Software Upgrades | Unlimited Software Upgrades |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4.61 x 2.83 x 0.71 in | 7.83 x 4.11 x 1.48 in |
| Weight | 0.39 pounds | 0.75 pounds |
| What’s Included | Autolink AL319 code reader with connector, USB Cable, User Manual | Autolink AL419 code reader, Main Cable, Carry Case, CD, User’s Manual, Mini USB Cable |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Similarities between Autel Autolink AL319 and Autel Autolink AL419
Wide Vehicle Coverage
Autel’s Autolink AL319 and AL419 have wide support for vehicles. For US-based cars, cars manufactured after 1996 are compatible with both the AL319 and AL419. Moreover, EU-based cars manufactured after 2000 are also compatible. Lastly, newer cars after that are also supported by both the AL319 and AL419. Both can be used by newbies, seasoned car DIYers, and even mechanics alike as it is easy-to-use.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes
DTCs or Diagnostic Trouble Codes are the codes your car’s system uses to alert you about a problem. It is your car’s way of notifying you if a problem needs attention and fix. Each issue has a code of their own so you can fix the problem accordingly. Both the AL319 and AL419 can detect the most common DTCs. Additionally, the Autolink AL319 and AL419 have a DTC lookup built-in so you can search a trouble code and see what it means.
I/M Readiness Test
Autel Autolink AL319 and AL419 have a built-in I/M Readiness Test. To perform an emission test, you can press the I/M button on either the AL319 or AL419. They check the performance of the emission-related systems in your car. The code readers flash a green check if there is no problem; a yellow exclamation mark if there is exactly one problem; and a red exclamation mark for multiple problems. This a simple yet powerful self-check routine you can do with your car for little money.
Differences between Autel Autolink AL319 and Autel Autolink AL419
Display
The displays of the Autolink AL319 and AL419 show the error code the car is experiencing. Moreover, you interact with their menu on the screen via their buttons.
Autel Autolink AL319
Both the Autolink AL319 and AL419 have a TFT screen to display the codes and their meaning. Both are backlit and colored so you can see even if it is dark. The AL319 has a lower resolution screen of 220 x 176 pixels, however. Lastly, both the AL319 and AL419 have similar button layouts.
Autel Autolink AL419
The Autolink AL419 has a higher resolution TFT screen of 320 x 240 pixels. Due to its higher pixel count, it is easier to read. With that said, the Autolink AL419 beats the AL319 in this category.
The Winner Is- Autel Autolink AL419
Live Graph from ECU
Live data can be useful for diagnosing your car.
Autel Autolink AL319
Both the Autel Autolink AL319 and AL 419 can read the sensors in your car and display their readings live. You can even freeze the live reading to let your mechanic see it or print its data.
Autel Autolink AL419
The Autolink AL419 is more advanced compared to the AL319 as it has a live graph output from the engine control unit. As a mechanic or a car owner, you will appreciate how powerful this is for car diagnostics.
The Winner Is- Autel Autolink AL419
Dimensions
Autel Autolink AL319 and AL419 are both compact and handheld so you can place it easily in your car’s storage compartment.
Autel Autolink AL319
The Autolink AL319 is considerably more compact than its competitor. It has a dimension of 4.61 x 2.83 x 0.71 inches. With its thin body of only 0.71 inches, it is unsurprisingly lighter. It is half as heavy as the Autolink AL419 at 0.39 pounds. Although its lighter weight, it is still as rugged as the AL419 so it can still survive accidental drops.
Autel Autolink AL419
The Autolink AL419 is indeed thicker and bulkier than the AL319 at 7.83 x 4.11 x 1.48 inches. Both the AL319 and AL419 are protected by a rubber casing for the occasional drops. However, one attention in detail made by Autel with the AL419 is the addition of a carry pouch. Having a carrying pouch means no dangling cables in your dashboard compartment. This is convenient for people who like to keep their compartment tidy.
The Winner Is- Autel Autolink AL419
Pros and Cons
Autel Autolink AL319
Pros:
- Wide car compatibility
- 2” Backlit TFT color display
- Screen resolution of 220 x 176 pixels
- I/M Readiness Test
- Can read DTCs
- Can clear DTCs
- Live sensor feed
- Freeze data for printing
- Shows Vehicle Information
- Multiple supported languages
- Lifetime software support
- Great build
Cons:
- No oxygen sensor test
- No live graph from the engine control unit
- No carrying case included
Pros:
- Wide car compatibility
- Backlit TFT color display
- Higher resolution at 320 x 240 pixels
- I/M Readiness Test
- Can read DTCs
- Can clear DTCs
- Live sensor feed
- Has a live graph from the engine control unit
- Freeze data for printing
- Shows Vehicle Information
- Multiple supported languages
- Lifetime software support
- Has a carrying case out of the box
- Great build
Cons:
- No oxygen sensor test
- Bulkier and heavier
Final Verdict
After reading this article, I expect you to see how an OBD-II scanner can be helpful and how it will save you money in the long run. Between the two scanners we talked about today, it is unanimous that the Autel Autolink AL419 is better than the AL319. Having a live graph from the engine control unit and a better screen are advantages that it has. Did I already mention that both costs similarly? Yes, both are in the same price range as the AL419 having a slightly higher price. Thus, there is no reason not to choose the AL419 over the AL319.