This Gearwrench bi-directional scanner tablet kit (GWSMART07) is the most advanced and featured OBD2 diagnostics package the brand offers.
It comes with a 7″ touchscreen tablet, wireless vehicle plug-in module, and USB-C charger.
Gearwrench packages everything in one of the nicest storage cases I’ve seen for a tool like this.
Advertisement
The Gearwrench GWSMART07 can do a lot – it has full OBD2 functions, such as reading and clearing trouble codes, diagnostic functions such as reading ECU information, and advanced functions such as displaying full topology mapping.
I had to look that last one up – the topology mapping enables visualization of the vehicle’s electronic network structure.
This is a far cry from the basic plug-in OBD2 scanners that connect to your phone or other mobile device.
The topology mapping feature is not available with Gearwrench’s basic or smart OBD2 wireless testers.
But besides that, you get a durable-looking Android-based touchscreen tablet.
I see this as a “I have a bunch of cars to troubleshoot” or “there are a lot of things wrong with the project car” type of tool, rather than a scanner for one-off “uh-oh, my check engine light came on, what’s wrong?” types of problems.
Advertisement
I handled the tablet and it definitely changed how I saw this kit. My mindset shifted away from “why not just use an iPad” to “now this is a dedicated auto diagnostic tool.” As mentioned, I’m impressed with the storage case.
Once registered, you get 3 years of free updates. Gearwrench says the scanner works with over 185 different car manufacturers.
Is this something you could use? Do you need more or less from an auto diagnostic tool?
Price: ~$650
fred
Just a note that Acme is offering a Friends and Family sale of 10% off with code INSIDER10. That puts the cost at $585 – or $45 less than the HD and Amazon price of $630+. MaxTool is doing a 15% off sale right now (code TRADE15 – mostly Milwaukee items) – but I don’t believe that they sell this item
Gearwrench promotions of 15% or more have not been uncommon in the past – so you might get it for less between now and Christmas.
Stephen
Is it bi-directional – instead of reading information can it activate modules for maintenance and diagnostic purposes? For the price they are asking, I sure hope so.
Edit – yes it is. Disregard.
Stuart
YES! (Leaving your comment in because others might ask the same.)
Wayne R.
This is also the sort of tool a person would want to have when they’re shopping in used cars. Very useful that way.
Matt
As a Ford owner Forscan is a game changer. This would be worth it to me with other brands, especially if you had more than a couple vehicles or a major head scratcher issue
John
Yeah the reality is with modern cars if you want to do more than read codes you need a system specific to your car. Either a pirated dealer interface or an open source alternative if it exists. Nothing else gets you even close to the functionality of the dealer specific interface.
EBT
Forscan and a cheap laptop, and I read codes of a used F250, along with my neighbor’s Excursion, Expedition, and Explorer. But alas, didn’t work on their Chevy.
I wonder how the support is? Is there lifetime updates for annual vehicle? Does it allow reference to TSBs? Firmware like Infotainment?
With a coupon and discount, sub$600, this is a tool to have.
EBT
Ok. only THREE years of software updates. Wonder what that will run after? Ohh… ” $150/year after the 3rd year.” That’s where they get ya… AS long as not cumulative… or you don’t have alot of cars…
SAi
After the 3 years, if you don’t pay for the subscription, do you still have full function of the device? If you still retain the ability to use the
topology map this would be a killer deal.
On some brands of you don’t pay the subscription after the free time period the scanner becomes a basics code reader.
On my Autel I still have full function, I just can’t update to the latest updates.
Stuart
I assume that you won’t get further updates for new vehicles. My understanding is that it wouldn’t be able to offer advanced diagnostics for new model year vehicles.
I have an older Craftsman OBD2 scanner, and it wasn’t helpful with newer vehicles. Its vehicle list went up to 2013, and I needed to troubleshoot a 2015. I had to buy a Bluetooth and app-based reader – https://toolguyd.com/i-bought-a-bluetooth-and-app-based-auto-obd2-code-reader/
TonyT
Can it handle manufacturer specific codes?
S
This is one where I would encourage most to wait a year, and see how it works for the rich and eager.
But keep in mind, there’s literally twice as many bi-directional tablet brands like this than there are physical wrench brands anymore. Brand loyalty won’t get anyone ahead in this arena.
Do your homework, and watch closely to the update method/cost/frequency. Some companies are on top of things, others aren’t. And some are great out of the gate but run out of steam really fast. Or appear to be on top of things, but repeatedly break other things in the process.
The pricing of this one is middle-of-the-pack overall, and on the mid-low side for topology mapping.
My brother just recently picked up a thinkcar thinkscan 689bt after untold hours of research(he generally takes 1-3 years most times of deep research before committing to an “electronic swiss army knife” brand/product like this).
It has “lifetime” updates(as long as the company exists, which could honestly go either way), and is cheaper than this gear wrench.
He got it over other brands for the updates and their companies level of user interaction on their forum. He said if someone posts about a clearly detailed problem with all the needed files in the morning, they generally have an update to solve the problem by the next day available to everyone.
I’m not saying this gear wrench product is good or bad, only that it’s extremely late to a rather large party, and to make itself known, it has got to be really good at what it claims to do to keep it’s entry fee.
Stuart
It’s a pain to research scanners and diagnostics tools without diving deep into the category over a lengthy period of time.
I think Gearwrench’s main advantage is in being a known and generally trusted brand.
Matt_T
Stuart,
Researching these things is an exercise in frustration. None of them list the OE networks they’ll connect to. Have to wade through the vehicle coverage to see if the tool can access modules that aren’t on the OBD-II networks. Can’t even do that for the Gearwrench tools….
Aside from the name recognition Gearwrench should also be able to leverage their retail presence. About the only other scan tools you can buy at brick and mortar retail are HF.
Andy,
This GW tool looks Autel based to me.
Larry,
The Thinkdiag is very capable for the price point. I’ve connected to several OE networks with it including pre CAN Chryslers!!! PID graphing sucks but other than that it’s basically a full blown scan tool.
That said the Gearwrench GWSMARTBT dongle also looks promising for ~$150 with a lifetime subscription. Might pick one up at some point.
Andy
From my limited understanding of the market, most of the popular models offering the same functions as this new Gearwrench model are primarily based on Launch’s software (Launch, Matco, TopDon, HF Icon, Thinkcar) or on Autel’s software (Autel, Otofix).
I’m curious if Gearwrench is using a version of someone’s software (probably), or if they developed their own, as unlikely as it is.
Larry
And if you’re just messing around with a few cars and want to program hidden options that many European cars have, the ThinkDiag1 and an android phone can do it. I programmed one touch top down , remote top controls and the rain sensing wipers on my car. I’m going to adjust the number of blinks on the turn signal, add torque vectoring etc.
It’s a great deal at $70 plus a used phone with the programming good for a year
Andy
Ironically I just picked up a Thinkscan 689BT after reading your post. I too had been doing a bunch of research on these, and after reading the amount of research your brother did – I went ahead and pulled the trigger!
Nathan
So I’m in that area where I mind a small fleet of cars and I’ve said for years a person needs a code scanner. So I would like to see if this does the encrypted cars from Dodge or Audi or Porsche. There are others. And what add on are there are because for 650 I expect it to need extras. Normally I like gearwrench but they do clone other people’s things
To that end the sink cost fallacy. I use a laptop with various software. Some free some paid and a few times 8 use my smartphone. I have an obdlink by and a USB attachment I often use the USB one. It’s recommended for programing modules or doing any sort of upload intense items like tuning.
Any shade tree should have some laptop anyway and you’ll want something for your manual subscription too. And you probably use all data or some such. This you have a thing. I use a 2 in 1 as I like the flip over touchscreen. So that I don’t include the obdlink modules total was 200. Most of my software is free. Forscan is my favorite and yes I do pay 20 so i can program keys. From there tech 2 win for the GMS and forscan works some maxdas. Jscan for older jeeps and dodges. Alfascan for some others. Bimmer code. All in I’ve spent 300 on software but I can tune GMS and Ford’s and Honda’s and do active mx on anything I currently touch. Active mx some newer cars have mx requirements that need the software code to setup the work or to clear it.
Example 2019 binmer x3 can’t change the breake pads without something upsetting the computer. binmercode and the scanner to the rescue. Head gasket concern on a 2.7l Ford Ecoboost bronco well forscan and the USB attachment will do a compression check and leak down testing without having to turn a wrench. Do I still pull the plug yes but gee it’s nice. Most scanners do not trigger this. The snap on with all the add-ons will. The Mac with all the add on will. Not so sure on the autel but their big one might
Tldr the issue is updates. With the laptop updates and new software is easier to keep up with in my opinion but I also tune and keeping logs and etc matter. I like keeping the reads for various cars. Anyway I might like it but I like having the separations and the ability to have an internet connections. Also that schematic thing you don’t really need and I’d question how accurate it is vs what is in the manual. Take forscan as an example it will show you the responses of the modules and in order for the can bus.
So a maybe but I like having the separate ones. Especially with the encryption stuff now
Matt_T
The network topology is cool but I’m not sure how useful it’ll be. Should help with opens IF it’s accurate. But it isn’t much help for shorts and modules going nutz that take down an entire network.
PETE
From what i heard.
FORSCAN is moving to subscription based. Wonder how this will device will be effected.
Nathan
As fast as I know these devices don’t use forscan directly but the launch based system seems to clone most of forscan. Hard to say they already have a subscription service but it’s mostly for when you have vin specific programing needs. Like I have to have the paid license with vin listed to do key fob programing . It’s a security liability thing and I’m ok with it
Nathan
Sorry add on wall of text. One other issue I have with the all in wonder devices with subscription service is you don’t know how secure the base OS is. And you might not have control over what it has or sends. Meanwhile there is the argument who has time chasing software and updates and etc. Well sadly even with the all in wonder tool you need to know if your subscription is up to date and what it has.
I can see maybe where as a shop you might want 2 or more of something like this but if you’re doing that you’re also have employees to manage and etc and it might be a bigger issue.
Steve
Will any of the above mentioned scanners identify a parasitic draw on a Honda?
I am useless in utilizing a multi meter.
Matt_T
Scan tools aren’t much use for parasitic draws. If you’re struggling to get good readings volt dropping fuses it might just be a crap multi meter rather than anything you’re doing wrong.
Wayne R.
I’ve seen these (don’t have one yet):
https://www.amazon.com/Electronic-Specialties-Fuse-Buddy-Mini/dp/B083TCDQBH/
https://www.harborfreight.com/30-amp-fuse-slot-circuit-amperage-draw-measurement-tool-70079.html
You just pull the fuse, put this in line with the fuse in it (though I think you’ll need extra fuses if you’re using a fuse size adapter), and it tells you the current on the line. Might be a lot of fiddling to finally zero in on the culprit, due to all the fuses and all the timers, but it’ll certainly confirm something that’s going when it shouldn’t.
Matt_T
Pulling fuses to take current measurements wakes stuff up on newer vehicles. You’ll be bouncing from rabbit hole to rabbit hole. And by newer I mean anything that isn’t on an antique tag. It can happen on some newer antiques too.
Putting the vehicle to sleep then volt dropping fuses is the best way to troubleshoot parasitic draws on newer vehicles. An amp clamp that’ll read 0.01A or lower and a thermal camera are also handy but not essential.
https://youtu.be/8c43Ix6Lf2c?si=ctEhJtm_DOKter2t
Steve
Thanks for the replies Matt + Wayne.
I think I’ll try the HF one?
Not sure why they couldn’t make probes to touch the fuse directly? Save a lot of time pulling all those fuses.
Matt_T
I made another comment above that’s just been released from moderation.
The HF version does look better than the ES. What appears to be 4mm banana plugs in the leads will allow the fuse adapters and the ammeter to be used with other stuff.
Reason they don’t make these things to touch the fuses is it’d just be reading mV like a DMM. That is unless they made it to where the user could input the fuse type and amp rating. Then the tool could figure an display a reading in amps. But that would add a lot of cost and be a pain to use.
Link to fuse volt drop chart for anyone that needs it.
https://powerprobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Fuse-Charts-Combined-20240826.pdf