Purchased Scan Tool

[macker]

Had ABS/Trac Control lights on my 13 Lincoln MKX 6and needed a tool that was able to read those codes. Purchased the Topdon artdiag 600S tool from Amazon.

When shopping, I wanted a tool that was reasonably priced, able to read ABS/brake system codes and do the E-brake retraction and reset for brake jobs. This tool does that as well, though I haven't used it for that yet.

Using the tool on my Lincoln, it showed that the passenger rear wheel speed sensor was throwing an error. I reset the code, inspected and cleaned the wheel sensor pick up/bearing magnetic ring area and no more ABS/trac control lights coming on.

These tools can pay for themselves quickly with diagnosing just one problem. Worth the investment IMO if you like DIY'ing your vehicle.

 

[Mazdiod2]

So this kind of tool can be used for the infamous rear brake EPB motor?

 

[macker]

So this kind of tool can be used for the infamous rear brake EPB motor?

Correct. Single soft button on the tool to push vs. the crazy Mazda manual sequence. Look forward to using it when the time comes.

 

[N7turbo]

Can it also perform the other sequences such as the light stalk unlock or transmission reset? Any other "hidden" functions?

 

[macker]

Can it also perform the other sequences such as the light stalk unlock or transmission reset? Any other "hidden" functions?

Haven't dug into all the features just yet, but plan to check it out further soon. The more you pay, the more bi-directional testing and maintenance/service features you get for these scan tools. Mine is more of a mid level scanner, but figure it will be valuable enough to pay for itself and then some.

Interestingly, a lot of what can be done with the scan tool is limited by what the car mfg. allows. Guess they don't want the DIY'ers to take too much business from their dealerships.

 

[cz5gt]

Can it also perform the other sequences such as the light stalk unlock or transmission reset? Any other "hidden" functions?

not as far as I know. They do common services like brakes, oil reset, tpms, diesel particle filter, some basic coding.

Topdon, mucar and others are chinese clones on other chinese brands. Like Autel and Launch.
The funny part is after one year some ask you to pay for the service functions (diagnostics continues to work freely) and car db updates if you want multiple car brands.
They do ok-ish for basic DYI in a single car.

For Mazda you can do pretty much all of diag freely with Forscan and a decent obdii device. Plus beside the Mazda epb function there isnt anything else you need an expensive scanner for. DYI

 

[RedBaron]

For Mazda you can do pretty much all of diag freely with Forscan and a decent obdii device.

Interesting. Do you know if that also allows for 'resetting' the battery status after changing (in an iStop car)?

 

[macker]

not as far as I know. They do common services like brakes, oil reset, tpms, diesel particle filter, some basic coding.

Topdon, mucar and others are chinese clones on other chinese brands. Like Autel and Launch.
The funny part is after one year some ask you to pay for the service functions (diagnostics continues to work freely) and car db updates if you want multiple car brands.
They do ok-ish for basic DYI in a single car.

For Mazda you can do pretty much all of diag freely with Forscan and a decent obdii device. Plus beside the Mazda epb function there isnt anything else you need an expensive scanner for. DYI

Definitely need to do your research re: free lifetime updates when shopping for these tools. Topdon's are advertised as free. Lots and lots of YouTube reviews on this scanner and others like it. Both Launch and Autel appear to offer higher end scan tools (substantially more $$) and suspect you may have to pay for some service updates with those.

I like the touch screen. Also wireless connectivity and the ability to capture the error info. and live data recording, i.e. wheel speed sensor MPH readings, and email it.

I'll update this thread with further info. as I use the tool more.

 

[cz5gt]

All of what you would use can be done for free , much cheaper and without sending your car data to china. Nevertheless enjoy the tool.

 

[RokkuAni]

Lucky Mazda don't do that damn battery pair/ activation crap. Had a customer told me they had to bring car to dealer, since dropping in battery toss non stop warnings. Dealer can't sell battery. But charge guy $100 to "pair it".

 

[RedBaron]

Lucky Mazda don't do that damn battery pair/ activation crap.

Unfortunately, they DO do it, at least on iStop cars.

 

[RokkuAni]

Unfortunately, they DO do it, at least on iStop cars.

Noooo.. Well cross that $100 bridge when I have too...

 

[Ranman57]

Lucky Mazda don't do that damn battery pair/ activation crap. Had a customer told me they had to bring car to dealer, since dropping in battery toss non stop warnings. Dealer can't sell battery. But charge guy $100 to "pair it".

I bought a used Audi convertible as a toy this summer and since it still had some Audi Care time left took it to the dealer for free oil change etc. They told me the battery was weak and should be changed. Asked how much and they wanted a cool 750 for it. I about keeled over laughing.

Battery from Costco for 179 and used my previously bought (for the Audi to do some tweaks) ODB Scanner / Coder to code it in then reset all the errors and done. Compared to Audi dealers Mazda dealers are amateur thieves at best.

 

[RokkuAni]

I bought a used Audi convertible as a toy this summer and since it still had some Audi Care time left took it to the dealer for free oil change etc. They told me the battery was weak and should be changed. Asked how much and they wanted a cool 750 for it. I about keeled over laughing.

Battery from Costco for 179 and used my previously bought (for the Audi to do some tweaks) ODB Scanner / Coder to code it in then reset all the errors and done. Compared to Audi dealers Mazda dealers are amateur thieves at best.

Part of me want to buy it now, since some of these offer "lifetime" status. Which don't lock you out. I know some companies that make these are requiring you to enter yearly subscription plans....

 

[Ranman57]

Part of me want to buy it now, since some of these offer "lifetime" status. Which don't lock you out. I know some companies that make these are requiring you to enter yearly subscription plans....

Mine is a Carista which has the subscription model. But the first year was fairly cheap and down the road I can just pay for a month if I need it. Not ideal of course but it's very VW group friendly so I figured I'd give it a try, and the savings on the battery swap have me ahead of the game for now.