Should I buy another scan tool? (Topdon)

[2ndGearRubber]

Musings on buying a new scan tool - here's the situation.

Recently I had a thread stating that one needs a current scan tool subscription to keep autoauth coverage in effect, and have a working bypass for a FCA gateway. Snap on is too expensive for me, Solus Legend is on 20.2 software, and it's $600 twice a year to keep coverage current, $1200/year. Snap on bidirectionals for FCA aren't amazing either. So I've opted to keep my Autel 906 current, for a cost of $500/year. My Autel also has the CANFD adapter, so I'm covered for the newer GM/Ford products, up to late 2021 updates when my current plan expires.

However - Topdon Phoenix Lite 2 is $800. 2 years of updates. So two years where I should be covered for FCA. No topology like their top of the line stuff, and CANFD would need an adapter. It's wireless which is nice.


Who has used topdon products? They seem to be on an aggressive marketing policy for automotive youtubers. Buying the Topdon gives me another tool in the box, for less than I plan to spend on updates over the next 2 years for FCA coverage. Even on a 1 year term, it works out to spending $300 more than an Autel update for an entire extra tool. I think I can stretch out my current CANFD coverage, since the cars not covered on my autel 906 software would be post 2021, and for 2 years those won't be majorly in the aftermarket.

 

[WillRead]

I bought a Phoenix elite about a month ago and so far I've been pretty happy with it. The shop I work at we have a lot of factory tools, Consult 3, IDS / FRDS and WiTech with access to HDS and Teachstream. So far i've only needed WiTech and IDS a few times.

Topology seems pretty accurate but I've only compared it to Chrysler, there's a few missing functions on Fords, but other than that it's been great so far. the graphing is very nice, it auto VIN's fast and I haven't had any issues so far with it not being able to do a function that it's claimed it can do. I also have a Autel 906bt and wasn't very happy with it from day 1.

 

[AJHD]

While I don't have the same autoauth/FCA issues you do, I too have been thinking about getting another scan tool. Unfortunately having just one scan tool doesn't solve every problem or work on every vehicle, so having multiple tools can be a life saver.

Taking that into account and for your concerns, I think financially it makes sense to pick up another tool.

As for Topdon, I might pick up one of their cheaper options without bi-directional controls. I've not be happy or successful with the cheaper options from Launch and Autel. I don't trust them, the software can be questionable, and I never know if they are legitimate. But then again, I can say the same thing for the rest of the Chinese scan tools on Amazon. Legitimacy and safety are two reasons I went the Snap On route.

 

[Luciferi]

Why can’t you bypass the the security gateway and go directly to can bus at star connectors?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Why can’t you bypass the the security gateway and go directly to can bus at star connectors?

I can. It's just annoying and finding the star connector location isn't gravy in service info. I don't do enough to memorize them.

 

[WWheeler]

If you do wind up getting the Phoenix Lite or one of the others please give us an update how well you like it or not. I've been on the fence whether I want to get one or not myself. Scanner Danner has hyped them up pretty well and did a hands-on of the Pheonix going over a lot of the features but would be nice to get a second opinion from someone who isn't trying to get likes and subscribers.

 

[WillRead]

I wanted to try the phoenix elite on a few things today that I normally would use IDS for.

First was able to enter asbuilt data on a SJB in 2014 E250 after replacing the SJB, PCM and RCM, after the customer decided to "test" the alternator by pulling the negative battery terminal off while running. Or at least that's the story, I think he jumped it backwards. After the PMI on the SJB, couldn't learn TPMS because the data pulled from ford was incorrect. The phoenix elite entered the asbuilt data no problem and everything is working as it should.

Second was doing both learns on a 2011 Fiesta after a TCM replacement that came in. Vehicle would die after about 10 minutes of running and not restart until TCM cooled down. Programmed the TCM with IDS and did both learn functions with the phoenix elite and had no problems.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

After this thread, and a discussion at work, I purchased the Phoenix Lite 2 from AESwave. $860 shipped, plus $13 on amazon for a 2' yellow and red ODBII extension cable to help me not forget the dongle.

The unit comes with 2 years of updates, and a 2 year warranty.

For the next 24 months of FCA coverage, my incurred cost with the autel would be $1000. In fairness, this also would give me all current updates over said period with the Autel unit. For $125 less than that I have added another tool, my first wireless tool. We shall see how it goes.