TOPDON UltraScan OBDCAN Plus 2.0 Code Reader -- Product Review

TOPDON UltraScan OBDCAN Plus 2.0
MSRP: $59.99 USD / Amazon $59.99 w/free shipping
http://www.topdon.com/topdonwebsite/product/productdetail/17.htm

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Disclaimer
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Livia, representing the TOPDON company based in China, contacted me offering this free sample in exchange for an honest evaluation of their product. I am in no way affiliated with TOPDON, nor do I have any investment in this company, other than my interest in testing this product. I will strive to be as fair and accurate as possible in the following review.
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About the Unit
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The scanner arrived and I was surprised at how well packaged it was. The unit comes in a colorful box that contains a well-made semi-hard-shell zippered case. Inside, there is a formed high-density foam to cradle and protect the scanner. On the inside lid, there is a net pocket to hold the supplied USB cable as well as a manual. I cannot express how pleased I was to see this case! I have always maintained that electronic test equipment should come with protective storage. I was not disappointed this time, so we are off to a great start!

The OBDCAN Plus is well built; lightweight and rugged. The size of the unit, though larger than some other scanner offerings, fit comfortably in my hand. The LCD display is recessed slightly to protect it from scratches and other damage. The USB port, located on the right side of the scanner, has a protective cover that swings out of the way when the port is in use. The OBD connector seems durable; it has a heavy cable and a molded-on strain relief at both ends to minimize cable flexing. The buttons have a good feel with a positive tactile click feedback when you press them. Included is a mini USB cable to connect to a computer for updating the firmware. The website states there is a user manual included, however, it was missing in the evaluation package. I’m sure the company would send one if I requested it. I simply downloaded the 25-page digital copy from the website so we’re good to go.

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Testing the Unit
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I plugged the unit into my wife’s Lincoln MKx OBDII port and it powered right up, presenting a color display with 5 selectable squares. The 2.8" TFT, 320x240 LCD display, was bigger than on my other scanners by almost a third and much easier to read for my old eyes. The buttons worked well, and again, felt very positive when pressed providing tactile “click” as well as an audible "beep" feedback. I believe the placement of the up/down keys would have been better if they were above/below the OK button, but that is a personal preference rather than a functional problem.

I ran the test and it reported no codes… not surprising as my other scanners report no codes as well. I then plugged the tool into my personal vehicle, a Ford Ranger pickup. Again, no codes but that is as it should be. So how does it perform when there IS a problem? I pulled the spark plug wire off number 4 cylinder on my 3.0L V6 and took it for a 10-minute drive. As expected, the check engine light came on and the UltraScan reported a P0304 - Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected. During my tests, the UltraScan also reports that my evaporative system leak test failed. Hmmm… I will have to investigate that! A great additional feature is the DTC code lookup. If you know the code, you can look up the definition right there on the tool; no going to a computer or book to look up the code explanation! The vehicle info selection reported the VIN code correctly.
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Updating the Unit
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I plugged the OBDCAN Plus into my laptop with the supplied USB cable. It shows up in Windows File Explorer as a USB drive. You can download the latest firmware from the TOPDON website (registration is required) and install it by simply unzipping the file and performing a drag and drop to the unit’s USB drive. Take note that the update won’t take effect until you plug the scanner into an OBD II port.
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Warranty
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The unit comes with a standard limited one year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
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Company Website
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The company website, http://www.topdon.com, has been completely revamped since last fall when I reviewed another scanner model of theirs. The site is well laid out and includes product offerings, product information as well as updates and software to support your chosen device. In addition, it has a handy DTC codes list on the support page: (http://www.topdon.com/topdonwebsite/support/39.htm), should you have need to look up a code while on the Internet.
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About Screen Information
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Boot Version: V10.02
S/W Version: V10.15
H/W Version: V1.1
Serial Numb: 6621702001853
Supported: OBD-II/EOBD

The above information is displayed when the unit is plugged into a PC USB port and can also be found on the About screen when plugged into an OBDII port. This gives the user information about the units’ current revision levels and would be useful in determining if newer bits are available that may provide more features, function or bug fixes.
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Summary
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The TOPDON company has definitely stepped up their game! This unit is well-built, easy to update and affordable. The $59.99 Amazon price is fair and reasonable for a tool of this caliber. The functionality is right in line with other scanners of this type and price range or higher, making this a good scanner choice for the more serious home auto mechanic or DIY’er.
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To Purchase
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If you like what you see, you can buy it on Amazon with free shipping:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...on-20&linkId=57f68895e063daf881ddad018301cb00
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End of Review
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Product Review: 02/04/2018