3 Best WaveRunner Diagnostic Tools Compared [Video]

Besides the OEM Yamaha YDS Marine Diagnostic kit, you can use aftermarket diagnostic tools on your WaveRunner like the CanDooPro or the lesser-known Marine Diagnostic Mini Scan Tool.

If you want to discover and compare the features of these marine diagnostic scanners, you’ve come to the right place.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this post.

What is a Diagnostic Scanner for WaveRunners?

If you want to troubleshoot your WaveRunner by yourself, the first step is to diagnose the problem with a marine diagnostic tool.

Also known as diagnostic scanners, these devices can be connected to the main computer, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of the ski.

These are typically used for diagnosing faults, as well as reading and interpreting DTC codes.

More advanced models have many other useful functions such as reading live engine data, generating engine reports, or running live analyses and tests.

Depending on the type of scanner and its licenses, the available diagnostic and troubleshooting functions vary greatly.

Simpler models are self-contained units that look like an ODBII scanner. Since they are simpler they are much easier to use but they do have limited capabilities.

In contrast, more advanced kits include computer software that can be used for a wide variety of purposes.

Let’s drill into the details, and talk about the most popular ones in detail.

3 of the Best Diagnostic Scanners for WaveRunners

1. Yamaha YDS Marine Diagnostic kit

If you are looking for the OEM diagnostic tool for your WaveRunner, the Yamaha YDS Marine Diagnostic kit is for you.

As the name suggests, this kit is specifically engineered by Yamaha for their jet boats and WaveRunner PWCs.

Besides dealers and professional service shops, this product is commonly used by owners as well.

It comes as a complete kit including the YDS Diagnostic device, cables, and a USB flash drive with software.

The latter has to be installed on your computer, which connects to the diagnostic port with the included hardware.

Besides unlimited software updates, the Yamaha Diagnostics Software Program also provides access to user and service manuals.

This OEM WaveRunner diagnostic system can be used for reading valuable information like fault codes, EMM module identification, and technical parameters in real time.

You can also use it to test the operation of various systems like injectors, high-voltage coils, sensors, actuators, fuel pumps, and more.

On top of that, it can generate, export, and print engine reports and diagnostic data.

2. CanDooPro

Let’s face it, Yamaha YDS Marine Diagnostic kit doesn’t come cheap and it only works for Yamaha engines.

Because of this, many owners are looking for more versatile alternatives that work on other brands as well.

There’s no question that one of the most popular aftermarket WaveRunner diagnostic tools is the CanDooPro.

The key advantage of this unit is that it’s designed to be a universal powersport diagnostic tool.

Besides Yamaha boats and PWCs, it works for many other brands like Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, Suzuki, Evinrude, Mercury, and BRP (Can-Am, Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo).

Different engines require different diagnostic cables, but the CanDooPro unit can be programmed for any of them.

3. Marine Diagnostic Mini Scan Tool

Even though the Yamaha YDS and CanDooPro offer very complex diagnostics and analyses, both of them require a computer to install their software on.

If you’re looking for simpler functions and don’t want to bother with a laptop, the Marine Diagnostic Mini Scan Tool is for you.

This self-contained unit is a portable tablet with a 5-inch touchscreen and Android operation system.

It can be used for reading and clearing fault codes, performing diagnostic tests and analyses, and reading live data.

The available functions depend on the model and the year of the engine.

Takeaways

The OEM diagnostic tool for Yamaha WaveRunners is the Yamaha YDS Marine Diagnostic kit, but the aftermarket CanDooPro is also commonly used by owners and professionals.

The latter is a universal diagnostic scanner that works for many different powersport and marine engines.

In contrast, Yamaha’s YDS is only compatible with Yamaha jet boats and PWCs.

Both of these diagnostic kits come with special diagnostic hardware and versatile software that has to be installed on your laptop.

This software can communicate with the “brain” (ECU) of the engine via the diagnostic port.

Their simpler, self-contained alternative is the Marine Diagnostic Mini Scan Tool, which is a portable tablet with a 5-inch touchscreen.