There’s only one OBD II scanner that is likely to shock and impress you at the same time, as you try to settle down in selecting or using an OBD scanner or code reader: it’s the TopDon TopScan – a small, portable but powerful unit powered by BlueTooth as this TopDon TopScan review will show.
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 and this is where this honest review comes in.
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.
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I’m a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases by linking to Amazon.com.
Article Outline
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 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 command, 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.
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:
1. Advanced Code Reading Abilities
Generally, most vehicle code readers only scan the engine and transmission. With the TopScan from TopDon, that’s only just the ‘tip’, the very beginning.
The BlueTooth vehicle scanner has the ability to scan the following, in addition to the engine and ECT:
- ABS/VSC/TRAC.
- SRS Airbag.
- Cruise Control.
- EMS.
- Immobiliser.
- The Theft Deterrent System.
- Body.
- Occupant Detection.
- Passenger Door and
- Driver Door.
So, as can be seen above clearly, this isn’t your regular traditional basic code reader but some serious OBD II scanner, packing a clear, serious punch.
2. Hot Functions
If you own a recent vehicle (especially a German 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 adaption function (already mentioned), DPF regeneration (for engine types that need the function), ABS bleeding, and airbag reset.
For the price the unit retails for, it begins to get exciting, already.
But wait, there’s more.
3. Vehicle Profile
Remember the unscrupulous vehicle dealers who falsely ‘rebadge’ a vehicle and try to pass it off as another model year, 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 it gets for you include the market the vehicle was made for, 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 trying 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 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 is standard for many code readers, especially the 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.
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 softwares and make changes.
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 units aren’t powered in such a manner and in that regard, the TopScan remains a unit to beat – especially when its other features and price point 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, Nissan or 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 answered, right away.
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.
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 the basic options below.
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, directional test, etc. will fail – in addition to failing to update when there’s an update.
This is in addition to the gateway fees the independent manufacturers charge for getting granted access to their respective 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 to 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.
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 Ancel above doesn’t support.
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.