TopDon Phoenix plus full review

Phoenix Plus Amazon: a.co/d/788l4CH
Hello and welcome to my full review of the TopDon Phoenix Plus obd2 full systems scanner.
I hope my review helps you make a decision on whether or not this is a good scanner for you. I do enjoy using this one, it is very competitive to the other brand names such as Autel and Xtool and Launch.
Thank you for viewing.
Lou Palomino
edits: Adrian Denev
IG: Master Tech Lou
#topdon #cars #obd2 #autel #scanner #automobile #tools #diy #toyota #mercedes

[@MasterTechLou]

The Phoenix Plus will have a special price of $919 for a short time

[@chevymudrunner]

Will that be available on Topdons website?

[@MasterTechLou]

@@chevymudrunner amazon only

[@TheMarcusEdits]

$800 on eBay

[@alexanderquilty5705]

@@TheMarcusEdits It may have been purchased earlier and the subscription could be used up already. Careful purchasing off of ebay, you don't really know until you get it.

[@1MiketheMechanic]

I had a TopDon Phoenix Plus for 2 years and liked it so much I bought another!

[@bmwn5238]

do you know i is posible to update software ecu bmw f series?

[@michaelpaskorz8577]

I own a Pheonix Pro and its the best scanner I have ever used walks right through programming copy s your module unplug it put in new module and transfers all data to the new module . easy peasey

[@404notfound.....]

A very well done presentation on this scan tool. Much appreciated Lou.

[@AG-ld2qt]

Great review, you provided a super demo of the capability of the scanner. Super job. Thank you!

[@ysitrim88]

Thanks my friend! I have the Phoenix plus and i really like it, great review. 😊

[@quinnhall24]

As I’m watching this I’m wondering what’s the software update cost ? Does the dongle have an alarm if left connected ? How’s the support and where’s the support from ? What’s battery life ? I would have love to see it on a W211 or W212 airmatic to see a calibration or bi directional control

[@ysitrim88]

Yes the dongle has an audible beep to it, only if you back out of the system correctly. The scanner will ask you if you want to end your diagnostic session and when you press yes the dongle will beep. The battery life is incredible!!!! you wont be disappointed i promise 😊 After the 2yrs the updates are around $500 a yr.

[@alexanderquilty5705]

Mine came with a special offer where if I signed my email up I would get a 3rd year for free. Not sure if they are still doing that but it was really nice.

[@djwilson48625]

Mine fails to do most active tests I've tried, even evap testing. The last issue was a simple key programming a 2012 Chrysler van key. Error code about over temp and something else that had zero to do with the key programming. I'll be selling mine and buying an Autel. It's just more prevalent with more info on specific functions. Topdon vs Autel, Topdon has a longer update period; 2 years vs 1 with Autel. Topdon is on Android 10 vs Android 4.4.4 on most Autel.

[@MasterTechLou]

Hope you created bug reports, that can only help users in the future and topdon to fix known issues

[@Smith1000R]

Does the device need an active internet connection during operation or is it completely offline?

[@MasterTechLou]

@@Smith1000R it works offline

[@tomaspooper8509]

Would you advise to continue investing in W220 S350 (97k miles) in the UK? It goes to the left on its own (probably after a bump by a previous owner), strange clicking noises come from the steering wheel (shaft ?) when turning, there are issues with the wiring (codes appear when mirrors retract, seats moved etc), some body roll is present too. Despite all this, the car drives quite well now, but the rough roads and potholes in my area don't make life any easier

[@Bizija123]

I have the Phoenix Plus and it's a fantastic scan tool. One downside is it's very heavy but also rugged so it is great for field use. From what I understand, it does not do SCN coding, but it can program non-ECU modules correct? I know it can do coding for all modules, however coding is not the same thing as programming. In addition, it has VAG guided functions for Volkswagen and Audi vehicles, which is awesome. The Phoenix Smart for some reason is a lot more expensive than the Phoenix plus and I can't see any major differences with them. I think the Phoenix plus is the best bang for your buck.

[@Bizija123]

Sorry correction, the phoenix smart has a j2534 passthru module which is why it's a lot more expensive than the plus.

[@kva_powerup]

Well if you get the phoenix plus you can as well buy a launch vci passthru and register it with this topdon, the topdon generally uses same software with launch, they are thesame even the xprog3 for launch works with the topdon ,

[@MolekaPorsche-wl6cr]

Thanks for video. Can Topdon’s special function update BMW idrive service history manager?

[@danodonnell2704]

Thanks for your review, does this work with Alfa Romeo cars?

[@dennisberg2474]

other than those awesome topology schematics, what advantages does that offer over an autel 808?

[@MasterTechLou]

Battery life so far. My 906 gets to 50% so fast its sad. What people need to realize is all of these scanners are extremely close in operation . They all have their plus and minus, usually its speed. Then its down to communication between the scanner and car. Then its software and what can it perform. So far from what I see it will be almost identical to autels of this level. I have been comparing this to my 906bt here and there and its extremely similar . The difference is in the live data terms and refresh rate . After owning soooo many scanners its crazy to see the similarities and small differences which is usually in software capabilities which then its best to create a report to help the company realize their setbacks. Thats the only reason autel is one of the leaders, they been in the business sooooo long they have had time to figure out their faults. Hope this helps

[@brettless80]

Hello.Do you have a video of how to program modules with this tool.Eg replace engine ecu.Ineterested in how it is down and what it can do.Thank You

[@MasterTechLou]

Not currently but it is in the works! Stay tuned

[@14DAVEYO]

Topdon phoenix lite 2 vs a launch x431 v+.. which one you taking? I'm a professional technician that is looking for my own tool.

[@MasterTechLou]

I have not tried the lite, but I do have many launch products and I love them all.

[@AKhinch]

Lou , in general what best for German cars, Autel or Launch or TopDon? Like Autel 808, Launch x431 etc.

[@MasterTechLou]

Well hello Alex I hope all is well , from my experience with others and myself its autel, launch and autologic which is kind of a low key brand that does a lot. Topdon is supposed to be just as good I just have limited experience with it at the moment. Still testing it on cars and seeing its capabilities

[@absolutegtr]

Would this scanner be able to “align” the 12 blend door motors in the HVAC system in newer BMW’s?

[@MasterTechLou]

@@absolutegtr its called synchronization and yes I believe it would. Basically the module activates every motor one by one to learn its full travel both ways. It learns their “steps” which is why they call them stepper motors

[@noahadim]

Does the Smart have more functionality?

[@robcarter42]

Hi Lou, where are you located? I have a 2014 Toyota Sienna and I live in Waco Texas. My van has 99,460. I have never touched my transmission fluid and it runs fine. I really wanted to have the fluid just drained and filled, but all the dealerships and shops want to do a fluid flush. I am very un easy about doing a flush, because all that I have read and heard on line is never do a flush and just do a drain and fill. I have Cerebral Palsy and I am not able to do the drain and fill myself. I really can't sleep at night over this. I know I need to do something or it will fail. I need my van what would you do?

[@MasterTechLou]

Not sure what you heard but a flush is fine as long as no one adds any additives. Drain and fill only gets out whats in the pan. “Flush” will force in fluid in as it removes the old. So a flush is better in my mind.

[@chrisburr7929]

Hi Lou Taking on a new role in the near future for a company who predominantly run Ford Rangers (In the UK) and have been looking at the autel maxisys and the topdon phoenix. Would you have a preference or particular brand you’d steer me towards? Love the channel

[@MasterTechLou]

@@chrisburr7929 I would say autel maxis because of the experience autel has. To me topdon is too new to be confident it will handle everything thrown at it

[@chrisburr7929]

@@MasterTechLou thanks for your input. I am slightly swayed to the autel as I think the user interface is much more intuitive.

[@csercsaattila8396]

Hello ! which one would you choose better? Topdon Phoenix plus vs. Launch X431 PRO 5 new version . Thank you for your reply!

[@MasterTechLou]

Launch is hard to keep up with they upgrade scanners so much but I would say launch. Only because they have more history.

[@mikimiki195]

Great video thanks Lou 👍🏻

[@bmwn5238]

can you update software ecu on bmw f series ?

[@solowhite8666]

Hey how's it going... Are u still available to help out with Mercedes Benz??? I have a CLS 500 stuck in first gear.. I have a icarsoft mb2 scanner but I don't know how to use or what do to .. so I'm asking is there anything u can do to help me get my car stuck from first gear???

[@MasterTechLou]

The codes are either in the shifter module (ESM) or trans module (ETC ) . I made videos showing how to use icarsoft. At the moment I simply dont have the time to assist personally.

[@sawmill123456]

What kind of support do you get with the tool??? Can you contact anyone with a problem??? Do you get a reply???

[@MasterTechLou]

@@sawmill123456 that will be tested in future videos, yes you can contact them. But I have yet to encounter an issue to report.

[@TrevorOloughlin-u7m]

Got a phoenix plus and I'm finding it to be very hard to operate with no information available and no password supplied by maker help please

[@MasterTechLou]

@@TrevorOloughlin-u7m password for what? There should not be any passwords. What is the link you purchased it from

[@misaelmedina9942]

I have that same scanner I just got it and iam about to return it I’m a technician for Hyundai but I’ve been around and I was playing with the scanner and it will not pick up a 23 Hyundai.

[@MasterTechLou]

Aftermarket scanners are always a year or more behind. This is normal.

[@ShininDraco]

Is this a free software or do I need a monthly subscription

[@MasterTechLou]

@@ShininDraco only tool trucks charge yearly subscriptions. The software is yours, the updates just stop when the subscription is up.

[@chrisfernandez8151]

The best scanner review I have ever seen!!!! Thank you!

[@wstreff]

Great video!

[@magnus_40k]

Wow much knowledge

[@crimi1607]

do you need to pay for subscriptions? if so and how much is it thanks

[@alexanderquilty5705]

Yes. When I purchased the tool it came with 3 years of free updates. After that you need to pay annually in the $500+ range (I want tp say $575 but can't recall exactly). The tool is still operational afterwards but i'm still unsure of what features you lose when your subscription is up if any. The main thing is that updates will no longer be available when the subscription runs out. So you will only be able to scan cars up to the latest updates you had last installed.

[@charliechingas777]

Can you scan the blind spot detection with the topdon phoenix plus

[@MasterTechLou]

Yes it scans all modules.

[@robcarter42]

Lou, the shop that I have taken my 2014 Toyota Sienna to has a BG transmission fluid flush machine. Should I just go to my local Toyota Dealership so they will use the OEM transmission fluid rather than the BG transmission fluid? Thank you for your help. I wish you were in my area I wish I can actually see and meet the actual person that will be working on my car.

[@MasterTechLou]

There is no bg transmission fluid, its just the bg additive they add to it. You can call and confirm but the bf flush machine is what I used when I worked for chevy and its a good machine

[@robcarter42]

@@MasterTechLou I thought you said not to use any additive to the fluid. That is why I asked you if I should just take it to my local Toyota dealership to make sure they use the original WS Toyota transmission fluid. The shop I have my Van at now is not a Toyota dealership it is an independent shop and I don't know what brand of transmission fluid they are going to use so I cancelled that service. When I asked the shop what fluid they use they told me they use BG fluid. I am not a mechanic at all I am just trying to get it done right. So after what you have told me I am going to take my van to the Toyota dealership and have them do a transaction fluid flush where I know they will use the original WS Toyota transmission fluid. Thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions. I am just so nervous about making the wrong decision and I know my time is running out to either do it or just leave it alone.

[@MasterTechLou]

@@robcarter42 I was unaware BG had its own transmission fluid. My apologies. I was strictly talking about the additive.

[@ericmcghee7330]

W

[@sonsautomotive]

just trying to warn anyone who wants to buy topdon.....have a elite is 6 months old bought from aeswave usa with a 2year warranty.....the dongle is malfunctioning and topdon is telling me there is nothing the will do to repair it......topdon warranty is a joke!!!! watch out !!!

[@thefuturewithg.o.n.e2101]

Is it Global or EU

[@MasterTechLou]

Not sure the question but it has a ton of makes

[@thefuturewithg.o.n.e2101]

​@@MasterTechLoucan it be used globally

[@drrm123]

@@thefuturewithg.o.n.e2101 I have the same scanner and I’m in the United States also it has different adapters for other country power sources and when scanning vehicles it ask if it 16 or 17 pin connector which I assume is used in other countries. You can check with Topdon but if I understand what you’re asking it will work for vehicles in other countries too. There are a lot of vehicles that aren’t available in the US like Citroen Ford Europe Skoda. You can set it for different languages, about 26 different

[@Elvis20101]

Thanks Lou, please lose the music.

[@MasterTechLou]

Thanks I will take that into consideration 🤝🏻🙏