Xtool InPlus IP919 Review: A Very Fast, Complete, and Nearly Universal Diagnostic Scan Tool

Xtool Co. Ltd., founded in 2010, manufactures a range of automotive diagnostic tools and accessories. This review looks at theXtool InPlus IP919, a wireless bidirectional diagnostic scan tool. Although intended for mechanics and repair shops, the device’s intuitive design and interface make it easy enough for most to use.

On-Board Diagnostics

For those unfamiliar with modern automotive maintenance and repair, today’s vehicles all include a self-diagnostic and reporting capability called On-board diagnostics (OBD).

OBD systems give the vehicle owner or repair technician access to the status of the various vehicle sub-systems. The amount of diagnostic information available via OBD has varied widely since its introduction in the early 1980s versions of onboard vehicle computers. Early versions of OBD would simply illuminate a tell-tale light if a problem was detected but would not provide any information as to the nature of the problem. Modern OBD implementations use a standardized digital communications port to provide real-time data and diagnostic trouble codes, which allow malfunctions within the vehicle to be rapidly identified.

– Wikipedia

OBD2

OBD-II is an improvement over OBD-I in both capability and standardization. The OBD-II standard specifies the type of diagnostic connector and its pinout, the electrical signaling protocols available, and the messaging format. It also provides a candidate list of vehicle parameters to monitor, along with instructions on how to encode the data for each. There is a pin in the connector that provides power for the scan tool from the vehicle battery, which eliminates the need to connect a scan tool to a power source separately. However, some technicians might still connect the scan tool to an auxiliary power source to protect data in the unusual event that a vehicle experiences a loss of electrical power due to a malfunction. Finally, the OBD-II standard provides an extensible list of DTCs. As a result of this standardization, a single device can query the onboard computer(s) in any vehicle. 

– Wikipedia

Xtool InPlus IP919 Overview

Automotive scan tools have been around for over forty years, improving capabilities and speed from generation to generation. The XTOOL InPlus IP919 Wireless Diagnostic Tool is a new addition to the XTOOL product range and features some of the latest technologies.

The Xtool InPlus IP919 system is comprised mainly of two components: the VCI (Vehicle Communication Interface) Box and the touchscreen tablet. The VCI box plugs into the vehicle’s OBD2 port, which is found on the dashboard under the driver’s side.

All vehicles in the United States use the OBD2 standard, with light duty vehicles (less than 8500 lbs.) being the first to be mandated in 1996, followed by medium duty (8500-14000 lbs.) in 2005, and heavy duty (over 14000 lbs.) in 2010. This means that the same cable can be used for all. As other countries have different regulations, the kit includes 16 other cables.

The VCI box is silver aluminum and features an LCD screen on the front face. It measures 3.5″ wide by 6″ high and 1.25″ deep and weighs under 11 ounces. The top and bottom of the unit are rubberized.

The top features a 15-pin serial connector connected to the main cable. The other end of this red and black cable accepts either the ODB2 adapter or whatever adapter fits your car’s make. The bottom of the VCI box has a jack for the DC charging adapter and a USB Type B port.

Once plugged into the vehicle’s OBD2 port, the VCI box indicates the vehicle’s voltage, a successful wired connection, and whether the tablet is receiving the wireless signal. Once connected, the tablet provides all functionality.

The tablet is a 10.1-inch 1920×1200 resolution touchscreen with a Qualcomm 2.2GHz + 1.8GHz Octa-core processor running on Android 10. The Xtool InPlus IP919 features a 6400mAH 7.3V battery with 46.72Wh power. This more durable battery provides longer life and facilitates fast charging. One of the strongest features of the IP919 is its speed. It boasts 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for handling large amounts of diagnostic data without lag.

The tablet measures 12″ wide by 7.5″ high and 1.125″ deep and weighs just over 3 pounds. It is made of dark gray plastic and features rubber handles on both sides. The touchscreen completely covers the front of the tablet. A rubber flap covers the USB Type C port and the power button at the top of the tablet.

The bottom of the unit has pins that interface with the included wireless charging dock. The back of the tablet has a camera lens and flashlight located at the top center, and the speaker is in the bottom right corner.

The Xtool InPlus IP919 also ships with a Wireless Charging Stand. The stand is made of the same gray plastic as the tablet and has an LED centered on the front that shows the charging status. The stand comes with steel feet that plug into the back of the unit, making it much more stable. The tablet plugs into the stand easily and creates a secure connection. The tablet can be used while charging on the stand.

All three components described in this section feel solid, and the materials ensure they are not damaged when used or stored in the tool case. All of the Xtool InPlus IP919 kit’s components fit in the tool case except the wireless charging stand.

What’s in the Box

As you see from the long list below, the Xtool InPlus IP919 comes with everything you will need to use the tool with vehicles from every manufacturer and in any country. This kit is complete. The hard plastic tool case seems very durable and accommodates all of the devices, cables, and many adapters.

• Tablet
• VCI Box
• USB Type C to Type A Data Cable
• USB Type C to Type B Data Cable
• USB Type C to Type C Charger Cable
• Cigar Lighter Cable
• Tool Case
• Packing List
• Quick Start Guide

Connectors

• DB15 Main Cable
• OBD II-16
• Honda-3
• BMW-20
• Benz-14
• Benz-38
• Toyota-17
• Mazda-17R
• Kia-20
• Hyundai/Kia-10
• Nissan-14
• GM/Daewoo-12
• Universal-3
• Suzuki-3
• Fiat-3
• Citroen-2
• Audi-4
• Mitsubishi-12+16

Accessories

• Wireless Charging Dock
• 12V Power Supply Charger Adapter
• DC Charging Cable (US)
• DC Charging Cable (EU)
• DC Charging Cable (UK)

Performance

Using the Xtool InPlus IP919 is so straightforward and intuitive that it requires no prior training. Once the VCI box and tablet are charged and the cable from the VCI box is connected to the vehicle’s OBD2 port, it is as simple as holding the power button on top of the tablet until it boots and then selecting the Diagnosis icon from the selection of desktop icons.

The desktop interface includes icons for many other apps, including a calendar, contacts, a clock, email, music, a sound recorder, a calculator, QuickSupport, and Adobe Acrobat. There are also icons for settings, a gallery, a camera, files, and a browser.

There is also a bottom menu bar with links for taking screenshots, adjusting volume, returning to the home screen, cycling between open apps, the diagnostic app, and shooting video. This menu bar is always accessible by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.

Xtool Diagnosis App

The heart of the Xtool InPlus IP919 is the Xtool Diagnosis app. Through this app, users can access all of this device’s functionality. This tool is complete. If your vehicle has a module for it, the IP919 can talk to it and even test its function remotely.

Along the very top of the app’s home screen is a link to technical support, an indicator for successful pairing with the VCI box, and a battery level indicator. Directly below the tech support link is the username of the user currently logged in.

In the center of the screen are icons for Diagnostic, Special Function, Report, Updates, and More. At the bottom of the screen are icons for Remote Control, Settings, and Xtool (a link to the Xtool website).

Diagnostics: Provides access to the main diagnostic functionalities. The steps involved with running an auto scan depend on the manufacturer and the age of the vehicle. You can scan any car manually; typically, all newer vehicles allow the process to be done automatically, but the process is very similar. At most, users need to specify the manufacturer’s location, mark, model, and year.

The Xtool InPlus IP919 then scans the available modules and displays its findings in a topology map or list form. The topology map is similar to a website’s sitemap and breaks down the various modules by system type. Scanned modules are then shown by color as Not Scanned (Outlined), Normal (Green), Malfunction (Amber), No Response (Gray), or Multi-System (Magenta).

If you want more information about a module that indicates a malfunction, you simply select the module and proceed to the next screen. Depending on the module, this next screen will display different options but will always include Read DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) and Clear DTC. Selecting Clear DTC will nearly instantaneously reset the module.

Special Function: This provides access to 42 different extended functions, such as TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) Reset, Odometer Read, A/C Recall, Airbag Reset, and Oil Reset. Whether or not these special functions are available depends on the vehicle’s model and year.

Report: Provides access to all existing reports generated or saved by the user.

Updates: This icon changes to show when updates are available. Clicking on the icon will show the list of available updates, which can be downloaded and installed with a single click.

More: This provides access to the user’s Profile, VCI Management, Endoscope, and User Manual. Under Profile, users can manage their account information and subscription and provide contact information for their workshop. VCI Management indicates which VCI is connected and allows users to run a self-test.

Endoscope lets users download and install the required app for the optional hardware. The User Manual provides access to the manual through Adobe Acrobat.

Actual Usage

Connecting, pairing, and using the Xtool InPlus IP919 is quick and easy. You do not need extensive experience to get a report on the health of your car’s various systems. Understanding the codes you are provided and knowing what to do are other matters. Still, it seems that the average user could look up any provided code and, at the very least, get useful information they could bring to their mechanic or garage.

In my tests, the IP919 was very quick to create the initial topology map and show various levels of information about each module. The system also generates reports that users can save, share, and print.

I tested the scan tool with a 2011 Subaru STI, a 2022 Subaru Crosstrek, and a 2020 Mazda CX-9. The video below shows the scans in real-time. The 2011 STI scan required about 2 minutes, so I truncated that part of the video and added a note of explanation. The other two vehicles’ scans are shown in their entirety and should provide a good idea of the speed of this scan tool.

I also reset some of the modules that indicated what I believe to be past DTCs, and this process was as quick and easy as the scan itself, which was performed in seconds.

As the tablet communicates via direct Wi-Fi, you do not need to be in or near the vehicle when scanning or performing other functions. This can be handy as many functions require the vehicle to be running while performing them. I had my cars parked outside my garage at least 50’ from my workbench, and I am sure it could be much farther and still have a solid connection.

Xtool InPlus IP919 vs IP919Pro

The IP919 has a nearly identical sister product called the IP919Pro. The Pro model includes everything found in the IP919 but adds ECU Programming for BBV and the BMW Test Plan. It sells for $1349.00.

Key Features

The Xtool InPlus IP919 has many features that would require access to a wide variety of vehicles from various manufacturers and of different ages to test fully. To include at least a mention of some of these other features and functionalities, I included a list from Xtoolonline’s website.

Key Features:

• • Exceptional Speed:
    • Qualcomm 2.2GHz + 1.8GHz Octa-core Processor for blazing-fast performance.
    • Fast Autoscan (10X-Speed AutoVIN) for quick and efficient vehicle diagnostics.
    • Enhanced memory with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage for handling large amounts of diagnostic data without lag.

• • FCA AutoAuth Access & Advanced Protocols:
    • Experience hassle-free diagnostics on FCA vehicles (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, etc.) with AutoAuth.
    • Bypass security gateway limitations for seamless access to essential diagnostic functions.
    • Supports DoIP & CAN FD protocols, ensuring error-free and high-speed vehicle connections for a seamless diagnostic experience.
    • Saves time and enhances diagnostic efficiency for FCA models, ensuring comprehensive service capabilities.

• • ECU Coding & Programming:
    • Ideal for high-end vehicle models such as VW, Audi, Skoda, Toyota, Lexus, Benz, and BMW.

• • Bi-directional Control:
    • Facilitates mutual signal sending and receiving.
    • Actuates solenoids and actuators for active testing.
    • Sends commands to systems/components to check their working status (e.g., radiator fan, throttle modulation, windows, mirrors, lights, door locks).
    • Pinpoints vehicle problems without disassembling parts.
    • Provides quick access to OEM server data.

• • All System Diagnostics:
    • Covers all available onboard systems.
    • Quickly scans and clears codes to restore vehicle performance.
    • Reads/erases codes, views live data, retrieves ECU version information, and performs active tests and service functions.

• • Reflash Hidden Functions:
    • Activates potential vehicle functions as desired.
    • Enhances business opportunities and profitability.

• • Specialized Features:
    • VAG Guided Functions.
    • Auto VIN and AutoAuth for FCA vehicles.
    • Diagnostic report printing, one-click updating, data recording.
    • 8-in-1 data stream display and more.

• • IMMO Antitheft Services:
    • Offers key programming and replacement services.
    • Simplifies disabling lost keys and adding new ones.

• • One-Click Wi-Fi Update:
    • Provides continuous software updates for three years at no extra cost.
    • Expands coverage and keeps the tool up to date.

• • Wider Compatibility:
    • Supports 99.99% of vehicles from 1996-2024, including 12V cars, light trucks, SUVs, and hybrid vehicles.

• • Add-on Modules:
    • Compatible with ADAS and Videoscope modules.
    • Multi-language interface for user-friendly operation.

• • Advanced Software Features:
    • Pre & Post Scan, WIFI Print, PMI, Graphing Live Data, Data Playback/Record.

• • Support and Warranty:
    • 60-day return policy and 2-year warranty.
    • Lifetime technical support ensures continuous assistance and reliable performance.

Specifications

At over $1000, the Xtool InPlus IP919 is not inexpensive. It is a serious tool intended to be used by professional mechanics and repair shops. That said, it is cleverly designed and easy enough for the average person to use. It is very quick and powerful and offers a wide array of functionality. It supports nearly all vehicles manufactured from 1996-2024. Its wireless capabilities provide flexibility previously unavailable. It not only provides full system diagnostics but also bi-directional control.

On top of all of that, it is easy to update and comes with lifetime technical support. It comes with a two-year warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee. Ordering from the manufacturer, the IP919 is tax-free and comes with 2-5 day shipping free.

Click here to check to see if the Xtool will work with your vehicle.

The Xtool InPlus IP919 sells for $1049.00 and is available directly from the manufacturer and other retailers, including Amazon.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Very quick functionality; Works with nearly every vehicle from 1996 onward; More than 42 service functions

What Needs Improvement: Nothing