Orange 5 (clone) review: a $150 clone that still earns a spot on the bench for older cars Iamcarhacker

Published: August 9, 2026 · Last updated: August 10, 2026

The Orange 5 clone is my go-to when a job needs bench work instead of an OBD cable. It’s an EEPROM and MCU programmer built for reading locked microcontrollers, the kind of chip diagnostic scanners never touch. At $150 it’s not trying to be a do-everything tool, and it’s not for late-model cars with modern security. But on older immobox and dashboard work, it’s held up well enough that I keep it in the toolbox next to my scanners.

Personally selected by Juraj – what he likes

Read the Opel Immo 2 immobox MCU first try after a Carprog clone and an iProg+ v87 both failed

Things to consider

Bench work only
The module has to come out of the car and be wired to the correct pinout

✗ Global OBD✗ Full system codes✗ Full system live data✗ Bidirectional✗ Coding~ ECU programming

Specs

Tool type	Standalone device
User level	Professional
Vehicle focus	All makes
Free updates	Not included
Subscription	Not required

Orange 5 (clone)Check Price →

⚠️ I fed it 12V into a 5V port. The Orange 5 has a separate 5VDC power input right next to the USB port, clearly marked with a warning sticker for 5V max.

I plugged in the wrong adapter and the tool went completely dead, no power at all. Opening the case, we traced it to a small SMD component marked Q2 sitting right next to the 5V line on the board.

Desoldered it, and the tool powered back up and worked fine from there. I couldn’t tell you the exact part, but whatever it was, it took the hit so the rest of the board didn’t have to.

Reading worked well

I tried reading the HC08 Motorolla chip inside immobox from old Opel. Came with good diragram which you can even rotate in orange PC program to match how your PCB is positioned to help you connect wires easier.