Topdon TopScan review: Technical data
Size: 3.2 x 2.0 x 1.1 inches
Weight: 2.6 ounces
Live data: Yes
Advertisement: None
Number of keys: None
Bluetooth-compatible: Yes
Handheld device: NO
Guarantee: 2 years
The Topdon TopScan may not be one of the cheapest or smallest Bluetooth OBD scanners, but it definitely has the potential to be one of the best. It includes a wide range of diagnostic routines, from reading error codes and pre-inspection checks to turning off the check engine light and displaying a wide range of live parameters.
TopScan offers a range of performance and efficiency indicators that can help fine-tune a vehicle, but after a year the app requires a subscription. Can this diagnostic gem help keep your car in top shape? Read the review to see how it compares to similar devices.
Topdon TopScan review: price and availability
At $59, the Topdon TopScan is a mid-range wireless OBD scanner, comparable to the $65 OBDEleven and significantly cheaper than Innova’s $100 CarScan Mobile. The company makes other DIY scanners as well as professional scanners that can cost up to $4,500.
Topdon TopScan review: Design
TopScan’s black OBD transmitter is made of smooth, matte plastic, measures 3.2 x 2.0 x 1.1 inches, and weighs 2.6 ounces – gigantic compared to the OBD transmitter from CarScan Mobile or OBDEleven NextGen. Still, the TopScan device fits easily into a toolbox or dashboard glove box, and is easy to insert and remove.
Its three LEDs on the bottom indicate that the transmitter is on, its Bluetooth radio is connected, and whether it is connected to the car’s computers. There is a USB-C port for firmware updates.
TopScan apps are available for iPhones, iPads and Android systems. The app’s home screen brings everything together, with a right-to-left sliding section for everything from diagnostics to I/M readiness to vehicle performance. The included Lite version of the app is valid for one year and provides access to eight key maintenance items, including oil changes, a repair guide and service bulletins. However, the Pro version is a step up and offers five more maintenance items.
After one year, the Lite version costs $49 per year, while the Pro app costs $99. Extensions and specialty items can be purchased in the Mall section of the app. If you do not purchase a subscription, the scanner is not locked and can still perform basic OBD work as well as performance tests.
Topdon TopScan review: Setup
The TopScan transmitter is easy to grab and plug into the car’s OBD port. The app includes a diagram of the most likely places where the connector could be hiding.
Before I did anything else, I registered with Topdon and then plugged the device in. Its Bluetooth LED glowed red to indicate it was ready to connect, followed by blue as it connected to my Samsung Galaxy S20 phone. A moment later, it was online with a green LED. The app auto-populated the serial number and activation code, and all I had to do was download and install the 49MB download for Subarus.
The TopScan module, when paired with my phone, had a range of 7.5 meters, allowing me to work inside the vehicle, in the engine compartment, or even walk around the vehicle—which was useful for tasks like checking the tire pressure sensors.
Instead of a superficial brochure, Topdon provides a good 53-page manual with explanations of the unique features as well as illustrations. Kudos for including support phone numbers and email addresses at the end.
The TopScan with the Lite version of the app that I looked at came with a one-year warranty with updates, which can be doubled if you email Topdon with your order number.
Topdon TopScan review: Performance
TopScan can display and track a variety of live indicators and can display a range of operating parameters of your choice such as engine speed, coolant temperature, voltage and ignition timing. It also features a neutral switch check which blocks the starter from engaging when a gear is engaged.
Parameters can be graphed individually or up to four at a time for diagnostics and engine tuning. Hot rod fans will love the TopScan for its built-in performance tests, such as its 0-to-60 mph and ¼ mile times. Simply start the test and it will activate when the car starts moving. You just need to have enough clear road to perform it safely. However, it lacks a 60-to-0 mph braking test.
TopScan’s volumetric efficiency analysis can estimate the horsepower and torque of the engine and evaluates the performance of the engine, something few OBD scanners can do. Fortunately, the TopScan device and app noticed when I unplugged the connector under the seat for the passenger position sensor.
Topdon TopScan review: Conclusion
TopScan by Topdon offers car enthusiasts more than meets the eye. Not only can it find faults and turn off the check engine light, but it can also check important maintenance points and perform an I/M readiness test before checking the car. It exceeds the capabilities of other scanners in its class with performance and efficiency indicators that can help determine 0-60 mph acceleration time and estimate engine power and torque.
The Topdon TopScan can perform tasks that scanners ten times more expensive can’t. It can fine-tune a car or just keep it on the road, making it the best $60 auto tool available.
