TOPDON CarPal Quick User Guide
Thank you for purchasing the TOPDON CarPal. This quick user guide will walk you through the basic setup and operation of the CarPal wireless diagnostic dongle. For the best user experience, carefully read and follow all the instructions and warnings.
1. Download & Install the APP
Please go to the App Store or Google Play and search for the "TopDon CarPal" to download and install the App.
[Image: App Store download button]
[Image: Google Play download button]
2. Register & Log In
A TOPDON account will be created automatically the first time you log in.
Log in to your account using your email and the verification code you received. (If you do not have an account, your email address will be used to register an account automatically the first time you log in.)
[Email input field graphic]
[Next button graphic]
[Checkbox graphic for Privacy Policy and Terms of Services]
[Password Login link graphic]
3. Add the VCI
Give your car a thorough health check.
[Illustration of the VCI dongle]
Tap Add Device to add your first one. For more, select Me > Device Management > [+ symbol].
Add a device via Bluetooth (see steps 4-6) or QR code (by tapping Scan to Activate).
Post-addition, you can select up to 3 vehicle brands and download the software.
Note: If a VCI is added by QR, ensure Bluetooth pairing (steps 4-6) is finished before diagnosis.
4. Plug the CarPal into the vehicle's OBD-II port.
[Diagram: CarPal plugged into the OBD-II port under a dashboard]
The vehicle's OBD-II port is usually located under the dashboard.
5. Turn On the Ignition
[Diagram of ignition switch: LOCK, ACC, ON, START]
[Graphic of Engine Start/Stop button]
Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position or press the “Engine Start Stop" button (if equipped) until the vehicle is in “ON” mode. Do not apply the brakes when the “Engine Start Stop" button is pressed.
6. Bluetooth Connection
[Diagram showing CarPal connected via Bluetooth to a phone, with phone screen showing connection status]
When the LED light is solid green, you can begin the Bluetooth connection. When connection is established, the LED light on the device will turn solid blue, and the VCI will be activated automatically.
7. Your CarPal is now ready for use.
[Phone screen showing "Activated successfully! Give your car a thorough health check." and a "Done" button]
8. Start the first vehicle health check.
[Phone screen displaying the CarPal app interface with diagnostic options]
Tap Vehicle Health Check to start the first vehicle health check and get your vehicle's rating.
FAQ
Q: What should I do if a communication error occurs?
A: Follow the steps below to identify the problem:
- Check if the ignition is ON.
- Check if the CarPal is securely plugged into the vehicle's OBD-II port.
- Turn the ignition off. Then, turn it on after 10 seconds and continue the operation.
- Check if the vehicle's control module is defective.
Q: What special functions does the CarPal support?
A: The CarPal supports 6 special functions, including Oil Reset, Throttle Reset, EPB Reset, BMS Reset, TPMS Reset, and DPF Regeneration.
Q: Do I need to update the firmware before using it for the first time?
A: Yes. Firmware will automatically update to the latest version once the CarPal is connected with your phone via Bluetooth. You can also tap Me > Firmware Update to update the firmware manually.
Q: Can multiple devices be bound to one TopDon CarPal App account?
A: Yes.
Q: How many vehicle makes can be bound to one CarPal device?
A: Up to 3 vehicle makes can be bound to one CarPal device. If you want to replace the previously selected makes, please delete the old makes before adding new ones via Me > Device Management.
Update
The vehicle-specific software will be updated automatically if a new version is available.
For firmware updates, tap Me > Firmware Update to update the firmware if a new version is available.
FCC Compliance
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- this device may not cause harmful interference, and
- this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
