If you’re a home mechanic in need of a decent fault code reader and diagnostic tool, the Topdon ArtiDiag500S could be your secret weapon.
What is it?
The Topdon ArtiDiag500S is a full OBD2 tester that features a built-in DTC definition library to help solve fault codes. It can also search fault codes across the internet via WiFi directly on the device itself, so there’s no need to grab your phone.
Based on Android, the ArtiDiag500S features a large 5” TFT touchscreen and six hard, rubberised buttons to allow easy use when wearing gloves. The unit itself is rugged with thick shock-resistant plastic covering the sides, the front and back are hard-wearing and there’s a factory-fitted screen protector.
Dimension-wise, it measures 221mm x 133mm x 37mm.
How?
Built on Android 6.0 the unit takes about 30-50 seconds to boot up, but from there on the menus are all nice and quick to zip around. When you first turn it on, you’ll need to connect to WiFi to download all the individual vehicle databases. They’re a couple of gigabytes in total but you can just leave the ArtiDiag500S switched on and downloading. There’s plenty of battery to not worry about plugging it in while doing this.
It’s also worth going into ‘Settings’ scrolling down to the bottom and clicking on the ‘App Update’ button. This updates the entire system. Once that’s done you’re good to go.
The ArtiDiag500S covers vehicles from 1996 and newer in the US, from 2000 in the EU and 2008 in Asia. That equates to 90+ car manufacturers and over 1,000 models.
There are five different ‘reset services’ available to allow easy home maintenance of your vehicle, these include resetting the oil light, ABS bleeding, BMS reset, throttle adaptation, and a big one for many diesel drivers – DPF regeneration. Now these functions are limited to certain car brands, so make sure that the intended function works for your model before purchasing.
What’s it like?
Handling the Topdon ArtiDiag500S is easy thanks to its size, far better than most smaller phone-sized fault code readers like the Mucar CDE900. The screen is naturally easier to read too given how large it is. It feels well-built and solid, there’s no plastic creaking and I’m sure it could take an accidental drop with ease.
Plugging in is easy, you have to remove the dust cap first. It would be nice if this had a little tether on it so you don’t lose it though.
As soon as you plug it in you’ll see the vehicle’s battery voltage ping up in the top bar, and a little icon to show the unit is connected.
Reading the VIN and model happens nice and quickly, taking around 20 seconds in total, from there the menus can be a little confusing. To actually get to read the fault codes you have to press the rather small ‘Next’ button on the right-hand side of the screen. It’s not obvious at first, but once you click it you’ll be sent to the fault code reading and resetting screen.
Running a vehicle health check is easy enough too, this will scan all the different ECUs for any reported issues. You can also save the report as a PDF which can be emailed or printed. Navigating through all these menus is easy with the physical buttons as well as the touchscreen.
Resetting fault codes is done with a simple tap, and you can view all your ‘live’ readout data too which can be handy for diagnosing certain issues.
The unit will charge via the ODB2 socket, so there’s no need to worry about charging. But it can also be topped up via the supplied USB C cable, and there’s a microSD card slot too in case you need even more space.
Topdon ArtiDiag500S Conclusion
With the lifetime upgrades and ease of use, the ArtiDiag500S could well pay for itself by just fixing one fault yourself – instead of paying for a garage that is.
With the ability to search the internet for fault codes, as well as using the built-in database it makes fault finding and fixing a breeze. You’ll be pointed in the right direction, then it’s just replacing whatever the part may be.
It’s definitely a must-have tool for any home mechanic.
Where can I buy one?
Amazon is probably your best bet, especially with next-day delivery. They also have coupons to give money off now and then so that’s worth looking out for too.
