Topdon Diagnostic tool updates?

[CornishPete]

After an exhaustive search trying to compare various makes and models of diagnostic tool with no definitive answer the topdon artidiag900 lite looks like a good compromise but it comes with 2 years of "updates". Does this mean after 2 years it'll be stuck on the latest update or does it mean after 2 years it won't work?!! I'm guessing it's the former not the latter and that would be fine as we won't have a new car any time soon!

 

[AVI_8]

It means that it’ll no longer receive updates unless you purchase a licence which is around 250 plus vat for the artidiag for a 1 year subscription. The tool will still work.
I’ve a Phoenix lite 2 which the 2 years of updates has just run out, they want £400 plus vat for a 1 year subscription.
Think I’ll just use it as is until I need a tablet with the latest diagnostics then purchase a newer one, but that hopefully won’t be for a few years.
The updates are a bit pricey if you’re using it for diy.
There are tablets out there now which will do almost as many service functions now which come with free updates for life.

 

[carbon]

I don't have the topdon so cant really comment on that, the one I have also had two years of updates with it. At the end to the two years it still works with the latest updates that were installed.

 

[Ubique]

I have a Phoenix Xlink - all my dealings have been with Topdon themselves, not the UK reseller, it's significantly cheaper for the hardware and paid-for updates that way. I've still got over twelve months left of the initial two years updates, I'm in two minds whether to upgrade the hardware or extend the licence, I suppose it depends on what hardware is available at the time.

We also have another unit as part of the Topdon 'Testlight' programme, which has earned 'lifetime updates' purely by submitting usage stats and comments, the hardware was free of charge too.

 

[qwakers]

topdon are top notch. i have one and no complaints.

 

[CornishPete]

Topdon do an 800 model for a similar price with lifetime updates but it's not "bidirectional" whereas the 900 lite model is which as far as I can gather is a big plus and makes it more than just a diagnostic tool.

 

[Ubique]

It makes it a more capable diagnostic tool rather than an enhanced DTC reader. The 'bi-directional' bit means it can actuate things, everything from door locks, windows, liftgate etc. to EGR valve, throttle body, coolant pump, SCR metering valve etc. - and read the live values. This also gives it the ability to carry out basic setting / teach-in of components, so it's very much a plus if you want to maintain & repair rather than just diagnose a vehicle.

 

[gordon stephenson]

I bought a top don diagnostic 900, several years agouti was claiming to have lifetime free updates, any problems you can contact them in the USA by email, very help full

 

[brightspark]

hi gordon glad to see that you are back hope you are feeling better

 

[gordon stephenson]

Hello Alan,Feeling better, five weeks in hospital, water retention from the heart problem, still waiting for Knee replacement, So no garage work at all,Would love to be fit enough to do a bit of welding again, I do missi it, Hope that you and your family are well How is your brother Graham doing, Kind regards to all members that wondered about my health,'Im afraid father time marches on regardless, one day at a time. I usually speak to "arthur Dailey"on a regular basis ,he keeps me up to date with any forum news etc, Very busy regards to every one, Gordon,

 

[CornishPete]

Hello Alan,Feeling better, five weeks in hospital, water retention from the heart problem, still waiting for Knee replacement, So no garage work at all,Would love to be fit enough to do a bit of welding again, I do missi it, Hope that you and your family are well How is your brother Graham doing, Kind regards to all members that wondered about my health,'Im afraid father time marches on regardless, one day at a time. I usually speak to "arthur Dailey"on a regular basis ,he keeps me up to date with any forum news etc, Very busy regards to every one, Gordon,

Glad you're feeling better!
Did you hook up to the topdon to diagnose the issue?

 

[gordon stephenson]

Glad you're feeling better!
Did you hook up to the topdon to diagnose the issue?

Hello Pete, Yes sent email to the USA,got a reply, no problem, It was a Lady that replied, give it a try, do you have their email address?