Kingbolen YA200 code reader: Owner’s Review
Kingbolen YA200 is one of the cheaper code readers, but it still does all 10 OBD modes and it comes from a professional scan tool manufacturer: Launch. Code reader is useful but there are a few weak points.
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Kingbolen YA200 – Quick Overview
Kingbolen YA200
Best Code reader on a budget I tested. It is one of the cheapest code readers, but it supports all OBD modes, and it also has features like battery tests or live data graphing.
Current list of best engine code readers
Get the best price
Here are multiple stores where you can get Kingbolen YA200. Check them out to get the best deal possible.
Who tested product & wrote this review?
Tester & Editor for this review: Juraj Lukacko
Hello, I am Juraj (Yuri) and I tested this product to help you decide if it is something you would want to buy, and if yes, show you how to use it.
I make honest reviews based on personal testing in my own garage and If I see the product is bad, I will make it very clear in review.
Read more about how I do reviews on Iamcarhacker.com in my review policy.
VIDEO: Kingbolen YA200 review
I also made a short video review of my YA200 code reader.
I tested Kingbolen YA200
This was actually my first code reader I tested so I didn’t have anything to compare it with back then, but luckily I tested dozens of them since then.
So how does Kingbolen YA200 compare with other code readers?
I mean, there are a few better options out there which I list in my current best code readers page but all of them are more expensive.
YA200 is worth the money
Given it is almost free you are still getting decent functionality like reading and clearing faults, readiness monitors, and engine live data.
What most code readers in this price range cannot do, but YA200 can is display engine live data as graphs as well.
I like this code reader. For little money you pay you get a decent tool to help you with check engine light diagnosing.
Code Reader vs. Other OBD2 Scanners (Why You May Want More Than This Tool)
Basic handheld code readers are reliable and easy to use, but they are also very limited. They can read & clear only engine fault codes and show basic live data.
For older vehicles, that’s often enough — but for modern cars, it becomes a problem.
Where simple code readers fall short
Modern cars have 20–100 control modules, not just the engine. With a basic reader, you cannot access:
- ABS / Airbag / Transmission fault codes
- Battery, brake, injector, DPF, throttle and other service resets
- Live data from other modules (ABS sensors, transmission temperature, etc.)
- Bi-directional tests (fan tests, actuator tests, EVAP tests, fuel pump tests…)
- ECU coding / adaptations for unlocking hidden features
- Used-car checks like real mileage stored in modules
So while basic code readers “work,” they often don’t give you the information you actually need to diagnose a real issue on a modern car.
Better Alternatives (Same Price, 10× the Features)
Today, you can get a Bluetooth bi-directional scanner for almost the same price as a simple code reader — but with full-system diagnostics and service functions.
If you want something affordable but powerful, look at:
? Best Bluetooth bi-directional OBD2 scanners (full-system scan + service resets + live data + tests)
Or Go Straight to a Diagnostic Tablet
Yes, diagnostic tablets look expensive at first — but they often include:
- Full-system scanning
- Bi-directional tests
- ECU coding
- Service resets for brakes, battery, throttle, DPF, etc.
- Lifetime updates on many models (Thinkcar / Mucar)
If you plan to keep your car long-term or help friends/family, a tablet often pays for itself in 1–2 repairs.
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