TopDon TopScan Review: A Little Scanner That’ll Surprise You!

However, it isn’t all rosy, though: there are a million and one things you need to know and thoroughly understand before you commit your money or even decide if the little OBD II scanner is for you.

I’ve used the unit for close to a year now, and today, I’ve decided to share all that I know and, importantly, wish that I knew before the unit came to me.

However, first things first: let’s take a look at the TopDon TopScan on Amazon.

First Look at the TopDon TopScan & What’s in the Box

Truth be told: I’m old school and don’t particularly fancy diagnostic tools that need to be connected with my smartphone to work.

My argument has been consistent through the years: what if I’m not with my smartphone, the app misbehaves, my phone hangs, or somehow, the app ceases to be supported?

Or worse, have greasy hands?

However, when it came to my attention that the scanner is bi-directional and could take commands and test relays at my bidding, I was wowed – and locked in, especially at the price point it was offered.

When the shipment arrived, it was as portable as expected, and the small box had three things in it, properly cushioned: the scanner itself, a quick user guide, and a plastic warranty card.

Quietly, I wondered if this was the turning point and if going forward, I’d be interested in scanners relying on software and Bluetooth connections…

…the price, to sweeten things up, was just a fraction of the cost of what a comparable code reader, running in a standalone fashion, retailed for.

The issue was settled even before it started.

Silently, however, I wondered if the little TopDon could do all the nice things the manufacturer said it was capable of. I located my daily driver and plugged in the scanner, curious to see what would come of it.

Registrations, Registrations

Like most OBD II scanners today, I needed to register the tool with TopDon before proceeding to use it.

The registration process itself was simple and took about a minute or two. Essentially, it was just me telling TopDon that this was my email address and here’s my nickname (it appears super cool when the app loads and you’re personalized with your name).

Of course, the serial number was also asked and inputted – as expected. Done with these, what was left was downloading the manufacturer-specific software for my make, which in my case, was Lexus.

In less than a minute, I was business.

Functions & Abilities

The bulk of my code readers are basic units designed with the occasionally curious vehicle owner in mind, not the serious DIY mechanic, professional, or vehicle owner who wants to know more than many believe he/she should.

The TopScan from TopDon is a little different: though small, it packs a serious punch in the functions and ability department (and virtually screams that it’s from a completely different world, with an equally different DNA to match).

Here are its core functions and abilities in a flash:

1. Advanced Code Reading Abilities

Generally, most vehicle code readers only scan the engine (and maybe the transmission). With the TopScan from TopDon, that’s only just the ‘tip’, the very beginning.

The Bluetooth vehicle scanner can scan the following, in addition to the engine and ECT:

1. ABS/VSC/TRAC;
2. SRS Airbag;
3. Cruise Control;
4. EMS;
5. Immobiliser;
6. The Theft Deterrent System;
7. Body;
8. Occupant Detection;
9. Passenger Door and
10. Driver Door.

As can be seen above, this isn’t your regular traditional basic code reader but a serious OBD II scanner, packing a clear, serious punch.

2. Hot Functions

If you own a recent vehicle (especially an unreliable make/model), you understand the pain of needing a mechanic or dealer to carry out basic functions such as throttle adaptation after playing around with your starter battery or cleaning your throttle body.

The TopDon TopScan has a series of ‘maintenance’ functions it rightly calls ‘hot functions’. These include an oil reset function, the throttle adaptation function (already mentioned), DPF regeneration (for diesel engines that need their particulate filters regenerated, forcefully), ABS bleeding, and an airbag reset function.

For the price the unit retails for, it begins to get exciting, already. But, there’s more.

3. Vehicle Profile

Remember the unscrupulous vehicle dealers who falsely ‘rebadge’ vehicles and try to pass them off as earlier model years, with the sole intention of making you part with your hard-earned money (for something not worth it)?

This is where the vehicle profile function of the TopScan comes in.

The function connects to the ECU directly and pulls out the vehicle information for you.

The details this gets for you include the market the vehicle was made for (handy if you suspect the vehicle’s drive orientation has been changed), the name of the vehicle, the model code, the engine type, the model year, and, importantly, the VIN.

With this information in your palms, it’s difficult for anyone to fraudulently misrepresent a vehicle for what it isn’t, so far as you’re concerned.

4. Bi-Directional Capability

Sometimes, it’s extremely difficult to figure out what’s wrong with a vehicle, especially when dealing with relays and actuators that can’t be easily reached.

It’s worse when the symptoms exhibited match one or more issues, leaving you frustrated and not sure of what to do.

This is where the bi-directional capability of the code reader comes in: you simply fire a command from the app, and the corresponding actuator or relay responds (or fails to), which helps you point out exactly where the fault could be coming from.

It’s as easy as ABC – when used rightly, and as intended.

Other Exciting Functions

First, reading, clearing codes, and pulling up data streams are all considered standard for many code readers, even for options that are priced at the lower end of the spectrum.

What many of these code readers DO NOT have is the ability to have these functions within a testable module.

For instance, instead of having a general data stream (or option to read or clear DTCs), these can all be done just for the module you’re interested in testing, for instance, the cruise control.

This makes the cute little scanner work in a manner and feel like a scan tool way more expensive than its price point. It also, at the same time, gives you, the user, more room to explore along fault lines.

Second, the range of vehicles supported is simply impressive, from American, Asian, European, and Chinese manufacturers.

This support isn’t ‘standard’ like what most manufacturers offer. Instead, it’s dynamic and offers updates as manufacturers upgrade their software and make changes to their OE code.

The exciting part? The support (via updates) ranges from Jaguar to Jetour (and every possible manufacturer you can think of, in between).

Third, there’s a section of the app that is as smart as it’s handy: the ‘repair information’ section.

Here, DTC repair guides can be found (with DIY-friendly steps), Technical Service Bulletins are available, DLC locations (for just about every make and model) can be found, and importantly, there’s a warning light library for the beginner who needs help when a ‘strange’ light pops up.

Fourth, if you’re stuck on a DIY repair or need help with a challenge, the support chat option, standard in the app, is one helpful option that will help you out of most tight corners, provided you can relay the challenge you’re having clearly and concisely.

Finally, the TopScan is now powered with the FCA and Renault Security Gateway to access newer models needing such authorization to get access to their systems and do your thing.

The icing on the cake is that most similarly sized (and priced) OBD II scanners aren’t powered in such a manner, and in that respect, the TopScan remains a unit to beat – especially when its other features and overall performance are factored.

What Vehicles Is the TopDon TopScan Compatible With?

The TopDon TopScan is compatible with just about every make and model manufactured after 1996, ranging from American, Chinese, European, and Asian manufacturers.

From Rolls-Royce to Saab, Peugeot, Proton, Perodua, Maple, LT3, Karry, Holden, and many other makes I’ve not heard of in my entire life, this portable Bluetooth scanner tackles them all, including the more popular options such as Lexus, Mercedes, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and Kia.

However, if you have a locally produced vehicle or are not sure if your make or model is supported, the smartest thing to do is to reach out to TopDon support directly, and you’ll have your challenge sorted.

Limitations

The TopDon TopScan OBD II scanner is one hell of a portable scanner. It’s also as capable as they come. However, this isn’t all that there is to know, especially if you’re contemplating it (and weighing your options).

Before you buy, there are important issues you need to know before making any commitment to the scanner. This TopDon TopScan review won’t be complete without mentioning a few of such issues here.

1. Yearly Subscriptions

First, there’s a yearly subscription fee of $49.99 (current as of the time of publication) from the second year (the first year is free). While basic code reading functions will still work without a subscription, functions such as full system diagnosis, bi-directional tests, etc., will fail, in addition to failing to update when there’s an update available.

This subscription is in addition to the gateway fees that independent manufacturers charge for getting access to their respective security gateway systems.

Granted, this is standard across the industry, and subscriptions are common in the grand scheme of things. However, for a DIY mechanic, this is something to take special note of before taking the plunge with this scanner.

2. Bluetooth Connectivity

Second, this scanner deploys the dongle/software system to achieve its goals. While there’s a traditional piece of hardware that plugs into the OBD II port, it’s important to note that everything else is done via the app, installed on your smartphone.

This isn’t bad in itself.

However, if you’re old school and actively prefer to have your code reader firmly in your hands or believe that a code reader has nothing to do with a smartphone, you may not exactly like what this unit has to offer.

To each, their own. I’ll leave it at that.

FAQs

As it’s my hallmark, I’ve taken great care to cover everything that needs to be covered in this TopDon TopScan review. However, I am aware of the human limitations that are likely to affect both my presentation and your comprehension, neither of which is our fault.

This is why I’ve added these Frequently Asked Questions to make things more digestible in as straightforward a manner as possible.

Here.

Alternatives to Consider

The TopDon Topscan code reader is an awesome tool to have, and if you’re a serious DIY mechanic, you should consider taking a very close and interested look at it.

However, its many functions and abilities are simply overkill for the average vehicle owner who simply needs a reliable code reader to keep abreast with vehicle maintenance and repairs.

If you’re that ‘average’ vehicle owner, then you should consider the Foxwell NT301 – a smart basic code reader that works flawlessly without any subscription and, importantly, explains what the codes are and what you need to do to fix them, in a DIY fashion.

If you’re not a fan of subscriptions but are interested in something with decent ability and price (beyond the basics), the Launch CRP123 is a great and cost-effective alternative to consider.

Not only is this scanner free from subscriptions, but it also scans ABS, transmissions, does oil resets, and a host of other things the Foxwell above doesn’t support.

Further along the ‘subscriptionless reality’, there’s the Innova 5610 – a smart DIYer’s dream that has free updates for its life.

But, this isn’t an ordinary dream: you get more resets than you know what to do with (30+), more active tests (bi-directional options) than your vehicle probably supports (40+), and ultimately, full system scans: engine, tranny, ABS, SRS, and TPMS.

What’s not to love here? You should check out the 5610 on Amazon.

Should You Buy The TopDon TopScan?

Yes.

However, before you commit to TopScan, make sure that you’re going to be using its vast abilities (which will justify the renewal costs) at the end of the day.

If you’re not sure (or are certain that you won’t be using it in a manner that will derive the maximum return on your investment), it’s better to consider the other alternatives listed above.

That said, take a look at the TopScan on Amazon, explore its features, and ultimately, decide for yourself.

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