As the cars of today become ever more complex, with their umpteen different sensors and electronics, it can be challenging to conduct diagnostics⌠Even the simple ones. Trying to narrow down to whatâs wrong can literally include jumping into an actual rabbit hole. However, all those computers can help make things easier, if you have the right tools on hand, such as TOPDONâs ArtiDiag800 BT.
OBD diagnostics tools have been around for some time now, and theyâve been a godsend every single time. Its ability to pinpoint fault codes, analyse the condition and operational functionality of a car, or simply reset and turn off warning lights, is a blessing. While any OBD scanner and reader is far better than nothing, some are a league above the rest. This is TOPDONâs goal â make the best out there.
Amongst their vast range of diagnostics tools, the ArtiDiag800 BT is right up there as one of the most capable ones yet. This recently updated model here in the UK sits in TOPDONâs mid-range of products, as far as price is concerned. But in testing, it packs a far bigger punch than it might appear. So, itâs a perfect match for more advanced users and DIYers, or smaller workshops and mobile mechanics.
Keeping Your Distance
One unique feature of the TOPDON ArtiDiag800 BT is that acronym, âBTâ. For you and me, it means that itâs got Bluetooth built-in. The ArtiDiag800 BT essentially comes in two pieces. The first is a tablet that youâll be interacting with. Its 5.99-inch LCD touchscreen is sharp and is responsive thanks to the fast Android OS running underneath. Moreover, complemented with 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of storage.
For now, weâll look past that, and pay closer attention to the small OBD dongle that slots inside of the âtabletâ. You can remove this from its dock, and plug it into your carâs OBD port. From there, every bit of data or input will be beamed back and forth to the tablet, which you can interface with. This is a more ergonomic alternative to cable-type OBD diagnostics tools, which asks you to stand next to it.
In this case, that Bluetooth 4.0 standard allows you to be as far as 33-feet away, and still get a pretty solid connection. Or, and once youâre done, you can slot the dongle back into the tablet and charge it up using the ArtiDiag800âs 3,100mAh battery. Altogether, boot it up, and youâll immediately soon see where youâre getting your moneyâs worth with the ArtiDiag800, once you play around with it.
So, What Can It Do?
There are the standard modules for automatic error code detection and reset. But, youâre then given a choice to dive deep into the nitty-gritty of any car itâs plugged into. There are detailed subsections where you can have additional access to a carâs many subsystems. The ArtiDiag800 enables you to read into any vehicleâs modules, sensors, and computers, as well as analyse their condition.
It can pick up make or model-specific error codes, instead of generic ones, gauge the condition of any single component, as well as reset the error codes there. This is a massive leap forward when compared to most other cheaper or simpler OBD diagnostics tools. With the latter, you canât easily clear out just any error codes, depending on which part of the car it originated from. This isnât the case here.
With TOPDONâs ArtiDiag800 BT, there is a comprehensive list of around 28 reset functions. This would encompass, but isnât limited to (depending on the make and model of your vehicle):
- Oil Reset
- Throttle Matching
- EPB (Electronic Parking Brake)
- Suspension Calibration
- BMS (Battery Management System)
- SAS (Steering And Suspension)
- Airbag Reset
- (Fuel) Injector Coding
- ABS Bleeding
- Diesel Particular Filter (DPF) Regeneration
- Anti-Theft Matching
- TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) Reset
- Gearbox Matching
- Sunroof Initialisation
- Coolant Bleed
- EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) Adaption
- Gear Learning
- AFS (Adaptive Front-Lighting System) Headlight Reset
- A/F (Air-To-Fuel) Reset
- Seat Calibration
- (Power) Windows Calibration
- AdBlue Reset
- NOx Reset
- Odometer (ODO) Calibration
- Tyre Setting
- Start/Stop
- Transport Mode
- Language Setting
Aha, But Thereâs More!
Rather than having to dig through all those options and menus, the ArtiDiag800 BT lets you save the 5 most commonly-used reset functions, which you can more readily activate. In addition to what was listed earlier, there are several other cool touches beyond reading, resetting, and erasing error codes. For starters, you can read the ECU to view its version information or any other vehicular data.
Furthermore, you can monitor in real-time the PID data stream gathered from your car. Hence, allow you to analyse the status of your carâs many components. Thereâs a âfreeze frameâ feature, where you can capture how your car was performing right when a fault code is found. Not to mention, there are many emissions-related diagnostics, such as I/M Readiness and testing the O2 (oxygen) sensors.
Or, see if thereâs an EVAP leak somewhere in the system. All that diagnostic data can be saved on the ArtiDiag800 BT for another day. Alternatively, you can pull up service and history records of a certain vehicle, from its prior diagnosis. TOPDON has then programmed in AutoVIN, enabling the device to automatically identify your vehicle by scanning its VIN code from the ECU.
Speaking of, TOPDONâs ArtiDiag800 BT is compatible with over 96 distinct vehicle brands. So, finding support shouldnât be an issue. In other words, thatâs more than 10,000 unique models or variations of vehicles from America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Yet, that vehicle compatibility and diagnostics list may continue to grow still. This is thanks to one-click and over-the-air software updates.
Is It Worth The Ask?
Given that itâs a more professional-grade unit, the TOPDON ArtiDiag800 BT isnât cheap. Nevertheless, I think itâs quite reasonable given its wide-ranging capabilities, despite the ÂŁ349 asking price. Sure, a ÂŁ20 OBD reader and scanner on sale will no doubt save you a whole heap of cash. However, itâll only take a single complex fault code to leave you scratching your head, given their limitations.
Also, there is a launch discount available between 28th Jan 2022 and 5th Feb 2022 which will get the price down to ÂŁ272. Making this a bargain to purchase.
Meanwhile, youâll immediately get your moneyâs worth with the ArtiDiag800 BT, especially if you find yourself working frequently with a lot of cars. If thatâs not enough of a deal for you, consider the fact that it also comes with a lifetime of free software updates. Genuinely, few diagnostics tools can ever come close to the ArtiDiag800 BT, with how much it can scan, analyse, monitor, read, and reset.
Very nice review, thank you!
This is a brilliant review meeting my needs.
Thanks
Will topdon ad800bt work on Volvo xc60 2020 D5, 235 bhp and can it do forced dpf regeneration.
Based on the information provided, it is unclear whether the TOPDON ArtiDiag800 BT can specifically work on a Volvo XC60 2020 D5 with 235 bhp and perform a forced DPF regeneration. It would be best to consult the manufacturerâs specifications or reach out to their customer support to get accurate information regarding the compatibility of the scanner with your vehicle and its capabilities for forced DPF regeneration. They should be able to provide you with the most accurate and reliable information for your specific Volvo model.