Motopower MP69033: Good Budget Code Reader or Cheap Toy?

For the price I paid, I was like: What the heck?! Even if this turns out to be a total mess, I can live with it!

As the code reader took off from Amazon and made its way to my address, I had a rethink, however. What if I just wasted my hard-earned money (no matter how little) on a complete toy?

However, when the code reader finally reached my address, I heaved a heavy sigh of relief. It was a beauty to behold and was visibly larger than the Ancel AD310 I had only recently bought. Being a fan of all things large (including the extraordinarily large Konnwei KW850), I was naturally curious to see what the code reader offered.

It was from that moment that the decision to pen down this review and clear the air as to whether the MP69033 is a great budget code reader or a cheap toy was reached.

The grand essence of it all is simple: why go through all the uncertainty and stress (like I did) – especially if you’re not exactly a fan of budget things (read: code readers)? Why don’t you allow a lab rat like me to do the guinea fowl job for you so that when you buy, you’re dead certain of what you’re purchasing?

First things first, meet the Motopower MP69033 on Amazon.

Why a Cheap Code Reader?

The trade-off for something ‘cheap’ is usually fewer features or a plain, substandard product. Unfortunately, we can’t always have everything we need, and sometimes, these trade-offs are very important.

That said, sometimes too, a ‘cheaper’ product is just what ticks the boxes and serves brilliantly, all other things being equal.

So, in the business of buying and using OBD II code readers, what’s special about a cheap unit?

It turns out, there are basically three things.

First, they’re cheap and can be easily forfeited. This is the greatest point about code readers that only cost a few bucks. In the sad event that your vehicle is broken in or you outrightly lose them, you simply buy another and don’t lose sleep over the loss of the initial unit.

Glorious, isn’t it?

Second, they’re portable and perfect for life on the go. Granted, many of us love our things large and intimidating. However, when it comes to things like code readers, there’s a special advantage when such readers are small: they fit into the hand better during use and are perfect for the glove box and center console, even for small vehicles.

Finally, they’re fast and great for the roadside, a feature no one in distress plays with. This is how it plays out.

In the middle of nowhere, if you have a check engine light or your vehicle suddenly breaks down, the last thing you want is a code reader or scanner that takes forever to boot and show you what could be wrong.

Fortunately, with a little glove box code reader, right after plugging in, you’re presented with your challenge in the next few seconds: no waiting, no anxiety, just a quick, smart answer, coming in at almost the speed of thought!

Now that I’ve explained why a portable code reader makes a lot of sense, what was my first impression when the Motopower MP69033 first landed at my address?

Motopower MP69033: First Impression & What’s in the Box

When I opened the shipping box housing the MP69033, I was immediately impressed with the product box, which contained the code reader itself. It was a solidly made affair that did not resemble the traditional packaging for entry-level code readers.

The high-quality box opened in a tripartite fashion to reveal its contents: the code reader itself, sealed in a transparent nylon bag, and an equally well-written and printed user manual (a rarity at this price point).

The code reader itself was an okay affair: not premium but certainly also not bad. It gave off the wait-and-see vibes. I wasn’t exactly sure if I should get excited about the slightly larger size or get annoyed that, despite a lot of space to play with, Motopower still chose a tiny display, leaving virtually all the space between the keys and display blank, without any direct use.

I summed up my first impressions, besides the excitement of the box and user manual, in a few, summary-level words: time will tell.

And, time in fact did tell, immediately I plugged in the code reader to the OBD II port of my car.

Functions & Abilities

The functions and abilities of any code reader are its bread and butter: without adequately figuring these out, it’s practically impossible to properly rate any unit, either positively or negatively.

Below is how the Motopower MP69033 performed.

1. Basic Code Reading & Erasure

This is the most important feature of any code reader, be it portable or not. A code reader that can’t read or erase OBD II codes is basically useless. Luckily, the Motopower MP69033 isn’t useless: the code reader is capable of reading and erasing trouble codes that your vehicle projects from time to time.

That said, it’s also very important to note that the ability of the Motopower MP69033 to read vehicle trouble codes is limited to ONLY engine and emission codes. If you’re looking for a portable OBD II code reader that will handle other vehicle modules/codes besides engine and emissions, it’s best to take a look at other affordable and capable options, such as the TopDon TopScan or the Innova 5610.

2. DTC Library

Of course, diagnostic trouble codes are like Latin to an illiterate man: they mean little in themselves. Without an active DTC code library, for instance, there’s no way you’ll understand that a P0141 code indicates a challenge with the O2 sensor heater circuit on the second sensor, first bank.

With such a library, however, codes are easy peasy to figure out – or at least, with them, you have a fair idea where to look (or at least ask your mechanic to concentrate on, if relying on scanner-less help).

3. Basic ‘Real Time Curve’

Besides the general rendering of values on this small code reader, Motopower also displays options like vehicle speed and engine RPM in graphical modes, separately.

While this graphical rendering is basic and leaves much more to be desired, at least it’s there, and if you’re the sort of person to defer to graphics, you’ll have that base satisfaction, surely.

Other Notable Functions & Features

The functions of the Motopower MP69033 mentioned immediately above are basic and rudimentary. It’s what makes for a code reader, at its core.

However, over and above that, there are other brilliant functions that this Motopower features; functions and features generally not common to most entry-level code readers.

Here:

1. Dedicated DTC & VIN Buttons

There’s a very good reason why Toyota (and Lexus) has won the heart of a significant motoring population: they make their cars easy to drive and live with. Repairs: easy peasy, not to mention the impressive reliability.

It’s that same ease of use and operation that the Motopower MP69033 sports. Want the VIN of a supported vehicle? Just press a button and you have it. Want the DTC right away instead of a plethora of menus? There’s a dedicated button for that, too.

These two smart, dedicated buttons may seem ordinary and common. However, on a very hard day when you’re not in your best mood, they may be the difference between a better day and headache that won’t simply go away.

2. Easy, Straightforward Menu

This is a double-edged sword: you either love it or hate it. What you can’t do, however, is stay in the middle.

The menu of the MP69033 is an amazing thing, looked at on the positive side: simply power on the unit, and you’re presented with just 4 items to possibly choose from. No decision fatigue – you just go straight to the point and do your thing, in the manner that best pleases you.

Only if the entirety of life were wired in such a simple, streamlined manner!

Motopower MP69033 Vehicle Compatibility

The Motopower MP69033 code reader, being a basic unit, works across all the makes and models I tested it against (and it was a lot).

The only vehicle types I did not get to test with the code reader were exotic and full sports cars (I don’t think you should be thinking of this code reader if you own any of those, BTW).

For regular ICE vehicles made by mainstream manufacturers, I had absolutely no challenge with using the code reader, and I’m sure you won’t either.

If unsure, however, it’s best to contact Motopower directly.

Limitations

The Motopower MP69033 code reader is a basic unit that does what it promises fairly okay. That said, it has some limitations worthy of note, especially if you’re seriously considering it.

1. Very Poor Display

First, when I reviewed the Ancel AD310, I was put off by the poor display that unit has. By comparison, the Ancel has a display leagues ahead of this Motopower! Looking at the unit closely, especially when working under stress, memories of 90s video games are all that come to your head (if you’re old enough to remember).

Again, to be fair, for the price point, I won’t complain much. However, if you’re someone who loves good fonts, great typography, and all things smooth, this will piss you up whenever you power on the code reader and use the unit.

2. Basic DTC Library

Second, the DTC library, while there, is basic and uninspiring. It simply brings out the ‘technical’ definition of the codes you’re interested in and stops there. No explanation, no DIY (possible) solutions, just codes and definitions that need the internet and some search skills to even make sense of.

This isn’t very useful, especially for beginners who are just starting and need their code readers to also double as a viable guide in the business of diagnosing and maintaining their vehicles.

Alternatives to Consider

The Motopower MP69033, as you have already seen, is an okayish code reader. But that is where it ends. While it clearly can perform basic code reading, other alternatives perform these duties in grand style and then offer some interesting extras that make the code readers more engaging while in use.

1. Ancel AD410

I’ve in the past detailed why I chose the Ancel AD410 as my glovebox code reader of choice. The code reader has been in my glove box for just under a decade now, and I’ve got no plans of retiring it soon.

The AD410 is small – and perfect for the road (and glovebox). The keys are soft and bounce in a smart, predictable manner; the display is PERFECT and works brilliantly, even in the hot, scorching sun.

What’s more? Values can be rendered in graphical form, and there are way more values to play with, justifying the higher price point.

Here’s the direct link to the Ancel AD410 on Amazon. If you’d like to take a look at my review of the code reader here on ThrottleHolic, here’s the direct link.

2. Foxwell NT301

The Ancel AD410 is an interesting code reader that is superior in many respects, especially when pitted against most entry-level options like the Motopower MP69033 and the Ancel AD310.

However, the Foxwell NT301 goes harder and better against options such as my preferred Ancel AD410: it’s larger (in a good way); has dedicated keys for some functions like reading and erasing codes (which is still a good thing); has status lights that summarize diagnosis and importantly, doesn’t just spell out codes and their technical definitions, it also summarizes them and offers helpful DIY steps to remedy the situation.

I’ve reviewed the Foxwell NT301 on ThrottleHolic, here in the past; if you’d love to read my opinion of the unit, I strongly suggest you take a look at that article. If you’d love to take a look at the unit on Amazon directly, here’s the direct link.

Should You Buy the Motopower MP69033?

No!

Unless, of course, you’re looking to spend the least amount of money you possibly can and don’t mind the fact that the code reader is very basic, with a display that looks like a 1990s video game and very limited functionality, code-reading-wise.

If the above is you, here’s the direct link to the MP69033 code reader on Amazon.

To answer the initial poser, the MP69033 isn’t a great budget code reader nor is it a cheap toy…it’s somewhere in the middle, and this is where trouble resides!

However, my beef isn’t with the MP69033 as a unit per se. Rather, it’s with almost every super cheap code reader I’ve tested. To offer code readers at rock bottom prices, something, certainly, must give. Usually, that something is build quality, functions, or long-term reliability.

You can’t eat your cake and have it (read that as: you get what you pay for).

It’s for this singular reason that I don’t recommend the Ancel AD310 and the Motopower MP69033, two close competitors for the cheapest, usable OBD II code reader you can find today.

As always, I’ll point you to my glove box code reader of choice, the Ancel AD410. It may cost a little more than the Motopower in question here, but I absolutely do not doubt that you’ll have no buyer’s remorse after the purchase, enjoy the unit thoroughly for what it’s designed for, and, importantly, still look at it and smile for years to come.

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