XTOOL InPlus IP508S diagnostic scanner: systems, resets and compatibility

The XTOOL InPlus IP508S is a tablet-style car diagnostic scanner. It plugs into a vehicle's OBD2 port, reads fault codes from several control systems, and offers a set of maintenance reset functions that basic code readers don't. It is an upgrade of the IP508 and runs on Android 10. Here is what the specs mean.

Four systems, not just the engine

A basic code reader typically covers only the engine and emissions. XTOOL says the IP508S diagnoses four systems: engine, transmission, ABS (including brake and parking) and SRS (airbag). For each, it can read and clear fault codes, show live data, read ECU information and display freeze-frame data, which is a snapshot of conditions when a fault was logged. Whether a particular system is covered depends on the vehicle.

Full OBD2 functions

The scanner also lists the standard OBD2 tests: read and clear codes, freeze frame, live data, I/M readiness, on-board monitor tests (Mode 6), O2 sensor test, EVAP component test and vehicle information. I/M readiness shows whether a car's emissions monitors have completed, which matters for emissions inspections. XTOOL says it works with OBDII-compliant vehicles built after 1996, supports OBDII, EOBD, JOBD and CAN protocols, and also supports CAN FD, a newer protocol on recent cars.

The 15 reset services

The brand lists 15 reset or service functions, up from 9 on the earlier model. They include oil light reset, ABS bleeding, steering angle sensor (SAS) calibration, electronic parking brake (EPB) service, battery management system (BMS) reset, throttle adaptation, TPMS reset, injector coding and DPF service. The six added ones are gear learning, gearbox matching, power balance, seat calibration, headlight reset and suspension reset. XTOOL notes that these functions vary by vehicle and suggests sending your VIN to confirm compatibility first, which is sensible advice for any tool of this type.

Hardware, updates and display

The IP508S has 32GB of storage and runs on Android 10, which XTOOL says is faster and smoother than the earlier version. Software updates are delivered over Wi-Fi in one tap. The graphing screen can plot up to 8 PIDs (parameter IDs, such as engine speed or coolant temperature) at once, and live data can be viewed as text or a graph. AutoVIN detection reads the VIN automatically, with manual entry as a fallback. Reports can be saved, shared, printed or emailed.

Languages, vehicles and support

There are 15 languages, with a change available by sending the tool's serial number to XTOOL. The brand says coverage extends to more than 100 vehicle brands, including cars, SUVs, light trucks, minivans and 12V gasoline or diesel passenger vehicles. It mentions two years of coverage, round-the-clock assistance and a US hotline.

Who it suits

It suits home mechanics, enthusiasts and small workshops that want more than a basic code reader, particularly those who do their own brake bleeding, oil-light resets or parking-brake service. It is not intended for 24V heavy trucks.

What to check before you buy

• Your vehicle: confirm that your make, model and year support the specific resets you want, ideally with the VIN.
• Voltage: the listing covers 12V vehicles only.
• Update terms: check what the brand says about the length and terms of software updates.
• Skill level: reset procedures such as brake bleeding and calibrations should be done according to the vehicle's service manual.
• Fault codes: a code points to a system, not always to a faulty part, so diagnose carefully before replacing anything.
• Safety: follow local rules and the service manual, especially for airbag (SRS) and brake work.

The short version

• A tablet-style OBD2 scan tool on Android 10 with 32GB of storage.
• Diagnoses engine, transmission, ABS and SRS systems, plus full OBD2 tests.
• 15 reset services, including oil, ABS bleeding, SAS, EPB, BMS, throttle and TPMS.
• Wi-Fi updates, CAN FD support, AutoVIN and graphing of up to 8 PIDs.
• Built for 12V OBDII vehicles from 1996 onwards; functions vary by vehicle.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.