If you’re after a small, handy, always with you OBD fault code scanner, you might want to take a look at the Topdon TopScan bluetooth OBD fault code scanner. It works with your smartphone to give you diagnostic abilities no matter where you are – which could definitely prove handy.
Topdon TopScan Review
What is it?
The Topdon TopScan Bluetooth OBD Fault Code Scanner is an easy-to-use diagnostic tool for automotive enthusiasts, amateur mechanics, DIYers and everyday car owners. This compact device connects to your vehicle’s OBD-II port and wirelessly communicates with your iOS or Android smartphone, transforming it into a powerful diagnostic tool.
The accompanying TopScan app decodes fault codes, offers detailed explanations, and provides real-time monitoring of various engine parameters.
How?
The TopScan establishes a seamless Bluetooth connection between the scanner and your smartphone. The setup is straightforward – users need to pair the device with the dedicated TopScan app, available for download on both iOS and Android.
Once connected, the scanner taps into the OBD-II system to retrieve and decode faults. The real-time monitoring function allows users to monitor a few parameters, providing a comprehensive overview of their vehicle’s condition and performance.
What’s the Topdon Topscan like to use?
The Topdon TopScan is a compact and durable device designed for at-home diagnostics, while its size allows for on-the-go troubleshooting.
On the front, you’ll find a USB-C socket – no idea what that’s for, the manual doesn’t say?! Beneath that is the power light, which comes on once the OBD2 reader is plugged in, and on either side of that are the status lights. The right-hand one is for Bluetooth, and the left is for communication with the vehicle.
The unit is light, but the top and bottom are metal, which warms up slightly, so they must be used as a heat sink for the internals.
Downloading the Topscan app is easy enough, but on certain phones, it worryingly gets flagged as malware – Topdon are working to resolve this issue, and the app remains compliant with Apple and Google. The issue is only flagged with third-party AV or security apps.
Once you open the app, you’re asked to download the files for the vehicle you want to scan. Just select the make, and the download will start. It can take a little while to download even with a fast internet connection, so be prepared beforehand.
Connecting to the Topscan Bluetooth device is simple. Just press the ‘plus’ icon. It will then automatically find the device in the app and connect to it.
Scanning is slower than with a non-Bluetooth fault code reader, but not by much. And the ability to do all of this on your phone obviously removes the need for a dedicated OBD2 fault code reader.
It picked up all the relevant ECUs in our test car, and out of the box, you’re able to diagnose issues with the engine, gearbox, airbag system, ABS, ESP, TPMS, immobiliser, gateway, steering system, radio and air con – you can also clear fault codes with a tap.
We encountered one issue when reading and clearing codes; the head unit was put into a diagnostic mode when faults were read, but after that, it stayed in ‘diagnostic mode’, making it unusable. To get it to work again, we had to pull the correct fuse for the head unit – slightly worrying, and we repeated this test to check if it was a one-off. No, it happened again.
But apart from the above, it cleared codes with no problem, and through the app’s interface, you can Google search the fault to find out more about it. Super handy.
Topdon TopScan Review Conclusion
Topdon’s TopScan Bluetooth OBD Fault Code Scanner is small enough to keep in your glovebox, giving you the power of a full OBD2 reader (like the Topdon Artidiag 500S) wherever you are. Its wireless connectivity, user-friendly app interface, and real-time monitoring capabilities make it invaluable for car owners looking to understand and fix their cars independently.
While it may lack some of the more advanced features for professional mechanics, its robust build quality and compatibility with a wide range of vehicles make it an excellent investment for novices and enthusiasts.
Where can I buy one?
The Topdon TopScan Bluetooth OBD Fault Code Scanner is widely available online; Amazon is your best bet, with prices usually hovering around the £54.99 mark.
