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CB Internet and Software Review of Toad Obd
Toad Obd

Toad Obd review: customer service 25

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Author of the review
5:41 pm EDT
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According to their website, Total Car Diagnostics will provide you with a download of their OBD scanner software after you pay for it. That way you do not have to wait for the shipment to arrive if you already own your own ELM327 interface. "The world's most powerful, complete and comprehensive OBD/ECU diagnosis and remapping software package can be yours in the next 5 minutes by placing your order right now", It proudly states. After you pay your money, they tell you that you will need to request a registration key by sending them your install code that you were given after you downloaded the software. At this point, they break the news that this process could take up to 48 hours I believe, it might even have been longer. What happened to 5 minutes? So I did, and now it has been over 5 days and no key. The only communication that I have received from Alex, was an email directing me to the installation instruction page that I copied and pasted into an email to show him where I was in the installation process. He had not read the email and just sent a robotic response. It was of no more value than the automated responses that I received every time I contacted him. He directed me to do exactly what I told him I had already done. Customer service of this caliber is unacceptable in any circumstance. Unfortunately, my family was really counting on TOAD doing what they had promised. It has been over 10 years since we have been on vacation. We had been saving and planning for years to get to spend some time together and it was finally here. Then, the day before we were to leave, the car started acting up. No big deal, at least it did not happen on the road. That would have been a disaster financially. I went to get my scanner and realized that someone had borrowed it and I could not remember who. I had been wanting to buy TOAD for a long time but could not afford it. I read everything that I could on their website and it looked like it was problem solved. Not wanting to let my wife and daughter down, I spent the money and bought the software. I had no idea that they would treat us as they have. I only wanted Alex to do what the website said they would do. There is another link available that says, "click here to connect to your car in the next 5 minutes". Not even close. I was finally able to borrow another scanner from a friend that was 85 miles away, the crankshaft position sensor was screwed up. The car is running again as of a couple of hours ago. It is 3:30 in the afternoon, our vacation ends tomorrow. Thanks Alex, what a guy.

25 comments
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Michael Gabbard
, US
Jul 08, 2023 1:16 am EDT
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I'm a Mobile Mechanic, i had a decent bosch handheld obd scanner and it worked alright. But as i was getting deeper into diagnosing vehicles electronically I knew I needed something else. I stumbled onto this complaint website by accident looking for something else and can not believe what i'm reading! Did and of the above people actually take time to learn the software? Or familarize yourselves with the interface? Let me tell you how i became aquanted with Toad.

Like i said i was detting more interested in the electronic side of things when i saw the ad for toad. Bought it skeptical, and i couldnt believe what i had gotten my hands on! I have used toad on over a hundred vehicles and it has never failed. It has the capacity to program your pcm. change any variable you want. These people on here are fools who expected to push a button and get what they want. Toad gives you the tools but you still have to do the work! Buy the software learn its interface, use the forums examine every hotlink and tab you can click. Hell theres even a detailed guide included on how to step by step re-map your p.o.s. IDk what else you could ask for 80$. I say well done Mr. Alex! Well done sir..

Thank you and goodnight

P.S.

Below is my 08 4.6 Mountaineer 6spd 292 hp.factory. now 403!

View 0 more photos
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RetiredFordTech
CROSS JUNCTION, US
Feb 27, 2023 10:18 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Like many others here wish I had read the reviews prior to purchase. Be nice if it at least read codes. What a disappointment. Broke down and bought a real scanner with support Xtool D8 DT. Awesome piece of equipment

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g u
, US
Jul 24, 2021 12:35 pm EDT

I bought a VAG-COM unit for $125 that was indicated by Alex that it is genuine and not a gimmick like others in the market. I bought it to do an advanced coding on the lighting of a 2009 VW. After purchasing the unit I found out that it is not genuine, the device will only work with the software provided by Alex and it is not as he claims to work like the VAG-COM sold by ROSS-TECH. When I asked him for help, his reply was "I guess that function is not supported" and he never replied to any other questions ever again. DO NOT BUY the VAG-COM diagnostics sold by Total Car Diagnostics, please save your money and buy the genuine by ROSS-TECH. I only needed this coding done for one vehicle and I could have spent an extra $100 and got the genuine and would have been useful. Now I have something I could have got for $25 and is useless for what I need to do. I will not recommend any products sold by Alex.

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shawn zuccato
, US
Jun 21, 2021 12:44 pm EDT

June 21 2021
To bad I did not read the reviews
Dont waste your money or time
Alex indeed is a piece of work
Apparently they only respond on certain days
Apparently I don't have any of those days n my world
From a disatisfied customer
Shawn

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Dalton Lee
, US
Feb 01, 2021 10:26 pm EST

Do not buy ! Should say total scam and forget about the 100% money back guarantee thats just to get your money. Ive been dealing with "alex " for 2 weeks now trying to get my money back to no avail and now hes competly stoped answering back so i guess ita a loss. The product wont even download onto my laptop i never even got the chance to try it out but after these reviews and the service ive recived, just dont do it

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Sebastian Pro2
, US
Dec 29, 2020 2:40 pm EST

Hi,

I just wanted to shear some experience that I’ve got from buying TOAD total car diagnostics software from Alex.

I’m a vehicle technician and using OBD diagnostic tools is my daily task. I have been using many of different makes, for example snap on or autel and many others.
The basic functions are all the same for most paid equipment for example as simple of resetting the service light, reading/clearing fault codes or an actuation functions like opening side window through command.

However, reading through the website TOAD Total Car Diagnostics it sounded to me like a miracle, the program would connect to any car and read all faults, perform actuation, DPF regeneration and all that great stuff that normally only expensive equipment would do!
Pictures of actual software (not sure if they were only for good looks of the website) were quite good looking therefore, not to mention the best all round software reviews on most websites I decided to go for it and try it for myself.

When I downloaded the program, well... I did not look as great as on the pictures as for starters! It was simple and plain. It’ll read the codes, but it will not give you specific description but rather direct you to manufacturer specific code which you have to search websites for yourself and yes, it’s not a big problem but that’s not the point, as it was advertised a bit differently!

So, I started to dig in to see what the software can do just to find out that it’s a simple program for reading codes and live data from your engine and gearbox, but nothing else. You cannot do anything else with it, not even a service light reset not to mention a DPF regen or any kind of actuation functions.

From that point I decided to take it back to Mr Alex and ask him about it…, (I should mention that on my purchase invoice I had a small disclaimer saying that if I decided never to get my money back or to be satisfied forever after then I would get a “pro key” – nothing was mentioned what that “key” does?!) … on which he immediately responded with a refund and super short explanation that my car does not support DPF regen nor any actuation functions of any kind? – weird that as it actually does. I did write to him back asking to get access this super software because maybe the link provided was wrong, right? But no, no response.

Feeling quite sad about it I went for a hunt to find other software available. And just then I came across “OBDWIZ AUTOMOTIVE DIAGNOSTIC SOFTWARE” which is exactly the same software as I’ve received from Mr Alex, you can download it for $24.95 from their official website and $77 from Mr Alex!

So, my dear OBD fellow warriors, I am sad to say - it’s a scam!

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Barnabas Path
, US
Jul 11, 2020 12:16 pm EDT

I'm so glad I took the time to read all of these reviews. The device smelled like a scam when I was pulled into the site by an offer of a free book. The book publisher and this product do not appear related; I suspect that this "Alex" is a scammer and pays to have it forward. I highly doubt the impressive credentials he cites are real.

What initially appeared to be an impressive site began to sund fishy. It took me four - FOUR - pages of Google search before IO finally came to a site - this one - that appeared to provide legitimate information; thank you for that, by the way. The greedy, amoral, lying thieves among us apparently have access to lots of money that provides a sophisticated means of cover. I rarely allow cookies but I have with this site; it is now my bookmarked favorite.

And no, I am not a verified customer. Thankfully.

Barnabas Path
Claremont, CA

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max jose
, AU
Jan 17, 2020 8:26 pm EST

how do i get my scanner to work

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jaime monarrez
, US
Sep 17, 2018 10:39 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

This was his answer------

So all you’re looking for is that software is a more impressive 300MB? Would that make a difference?

I could compile it into 300MB making you falsely believe it’s “more professional”, knowing OBD app can be made in 300KB.

What’s the real issue? (Forget about the size, this isn’t a software with fancy graphics which take up 99% of OBD’s size).

Thank you,

Alex E.
Sydney Car Mechanic and Engineer

" knowing OBD app can be made in 300KB." CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?

Jaime Monarrez

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jaime monarrez
, US
Sep 15, 2018 2:37 pm EDT
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I'm in the automotive business and that software of 1.5 MB It's not good for me or anyone. I repeat 1.5 MB.

This ProScan TOADLite for 45 dollars, is a scam. The weight the only little more than 1 MB say it all, I need a refund but they don't answer to me

They Should be cleared in the ad.
Thanks. Jaime Monarrez

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Michael Stevens2
, US
Mar 13, 2018 4:00 pm EDT

WARNING - THIS COMPANY IS DISHONEST AND WILL STEAL YOUR MONEY.

I purchased a diagnostic cable from them, it was a fake product that didn't work, and the software they sent me to use with it was a pirated version of Rosstech VCDS. They said they would refund after I send it back. I spent $36 to ship it to Australia and they still will not refund. They are thieves, and they lie on their website, and pretend they have a multi national presence. Then you are forced so spend excessive money to ship it back. You will be lucky if you ever get a refund. I highly recommend you do NOT fall prey to their scams.

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Aus US
, US
Jan 28, 2021 7:24 am EST

Took my money and nothing sent.
I live in Australia

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J Mesa
, US
Dec 21, 2017 3:58 pm EST

Bought elm327 wifi scanner and it doesn't do anything at all. Nothing. Customer support number doesn't even work. Total piece of crap.

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David Apperley
, US
Mar 30, 2017 7:09 pm EDT

alex is a ####

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JohnTK
, US
Mar 16, 2017 1:31 am EDT

Thanks Don, is Alex your brother?

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dv52
, US
Dec 23, 2016 9:42 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

^^^ I'm not sure of the identity of those here that claim that the Total Car Diagnostics (TCD) device is worth buying Given TCD's complete lack of business scruples - I suspect that these reviewers are connected with the business in some way.
However, the real issue here is not whether TCD's clone cable is worth the expenditure -but rather, the REAL question is what sort of morality do these buyers have in knowingly participating in IP fraud. It's easy for these buyers to argue that they are somehow removed from the theft that is implicit in these clones - it's also easy for buyers to conveniently argue that it's Ross-Tech's fault for pricing the legitimate device at a higher cost. But these are self-serving and self-deluding arguments for base-level greed! Yes, strong words, but I can't abide folk who conveniently side-step the real issues where IP theft is concerned.
Fact is that Ross-Tech has built-up a quality business over many years - it's this reputation that manufacturers and sellers (like TCD) of clone cables exploit. The ONLY reason why the disreputable fake cable industry persists is because of the type of buyers that espouse the nonsense written above.
I wonder how many of those that write this sort of drivel would feel if the results of their hard work was thieved by another and sold at a price that didn't pay-back the original development costs. I'm sure these authors would think quite differently if it was their IP that was stolen!
To those who have promoted dealing with TCD, I say: wake up to yourselves and get a conscience! The sooner buyers stop promoting this disreputable industry - the better it will be for those who actually invest in research-and-development!
Don

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Tech Daddy
, US
Nov 16, 2016 5:36 pm EST

I was looking for a genuine ELM327 Adapter. They charge almost triple for theirs claiming it is better than the clones on the market (eBay, Amazon). They go on to say that others have a cheap only partially supported OBD2. I asked to see a picture of their circuit board and "Alex" never replied. He has not replied to numerous contact attempts and seems to have skirted the issue altogether. Stay away from this Scam Artist and go with a reputable brand.

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David Apperley
, US
Nov 04, 2016 5:04 am EDT

this guy alex is a ###. he will not help and the software is crap. he pays people to go on line and post good stuff about his program. how do i know cause he offered me money to post a great post about his product. stay away from him he is ###.

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handmindtek
, US
Jun 30, 2016 10:17 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I purchased a car scanner online from TotalCarDiagnostics.com for the sum of $177.00. The scanner software was downloadable from the internet instantly and I had to wait for the actual physical scanner to be shipped to me. After I receive the item, I was able to successfully configure/connect the scanner to my 2008 Mercedes Benz S550 and viewed the trouble codes. I then tried to clear the codes using the scanner, but unable to do so; which is a very sample task that most cheap generic scanners on the market that cost less than $30.00 can perform. I also tried it on my wife’s 2006 Range Rover that has some known trouble codes that needed to be cleared. I was able to view the trouble codes, but unable to delete the codes as well.
I contacted the company, opened a ticket explaining the issue and requested a refund. I received a reply from Alex E. 2 days later and he simply stated that I don’t know what I’m doing, then closed the ticket with the issue unsolved. I have the feeling that he just want to keep my money and ignore my complaints, since I’m on the other side of the globe and will not be able to track him down. I’m an IT engineer and well versed repairing my foreign cars. So, working with a scanner is a breeze to me. So, for those of you that choose to buy from this company, you should think twice and keep away, since Alex E. the owner is a complete scammer that will sell you a non-working product, then keep your money.

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JSJ2
, US
Nov 17, 2015 9:47 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Sorry to inform the buyers of this product but after I received it I then did my due diligence and discovered it is pirated software with a junk elm 327 v1.4 interface. The software is good except it is from wgsoft.de the maker of Scanmaster- elm and OBDLink SX . I discovered it too late as I already purchased the Total OBD & ECU product. I asked for a refund, listed on their web page they offer a 100% refund if you email them except they demanded I ship the junk interface back to Australia for $40.00 with tracking number when they shipped it to me from inside the USA. You will not receive updates to this software as I have emailed the company who has the property rights as they informed me it is pirated and no updates will be supplied. I have purchased ScanTool 425801 OBDLink SX USB: OBD Adapter/Diagnostic Scanner for Windows from Amazon. the OBDLink SX software is a free download with the purchase price but the Scanmaster elm software will cost more . Alex will call foul if you do ask for a refund claiming he is the victim

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N.E.C North East Customs Inc
, US
Nov 01, 2015 2:30 am EST

All you guys just got scammed the program is scanmaster v2.1 you can download it anywhere and comes with a simple hack and you can buy a elm327 for 10 bucks on ebay so 10 bucks free software hmm better than the 77 or 89 bucks that's better than giving @$!#off Alex any money and also the ecu software he's pirating is ecu2001
Alex is a low life who takes people's money from other company's hard work nice job buddy

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Henry Auto Technician
, AU
Jul 26, 2015 10:40 am EDT
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I have been a technician for the last 35 years. The last 15 years I have worked as a certified tech for FoMoCo. A tech I work with had one of these primarily to clear codes & read codes on other makes of vehicles besides Ford. TOAD works for what I bought it for, I suppose there were a few times it didn't want to read codes on some vehicles cant remember which ones.

The main thing here for me is I don't have to break out are shop scanner ID the vehicle read the codes & finally clear them. This scanner hooks up hit enter scroll to erase answer yes hit enter done. Another feature this scanner has for certified emission techs like myself is the OBDII monitor readiness which tells you if the particular monitor is ready for testing or not.

I leave the scanner hooked up to the vehicle perform a OBDII drive cycle & just keep hitting rescan until all monitors read ready for testing, very nice feature for the money. I cant say much for the DTC library that came with it besides it works for Generic OBDII codes. The manufacture specific part of it is hit & miss, that's what Google is for people. In conclusion for what I use it for for, the money I paid & the money this scanner has made me for saving me time(I am a flat rate tech) I give TotalCArDiagnostics.com and TOAD OBD a solid 5 out of 5.

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Warren Simmons
Sydney, AU
Jul 13, 2015 5:42 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I was a tech on BMW, Rover, Audi, for several years. I have been looking for a product this simple for years, but it finally came to me. I was skeptical at the results due to the price of the software. When I downloaded and installed the software, I was shocked to be able to read my DTC's and then be able to monitor for sensors in real time simultaneously. Let alone get tons more data then any scan tool I've used in my 10 year mechanic career. I have also used it on several different vehicle makes, and get some surprising capabilities only found in ultra high-end manufacturer OBD readers. You can't believe how pleased I am. I may buy another just to have for a different laptop in case one laptop goes down.

They shipped TOAD LITE, instead of PRO. So I had to wait another 7 days for whole drama to resolve itself. Otherwise, actual product is top notch.

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Gary Trent
NY, US
Jul 13, 2015 5:33 am EDT
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While just about every product in the world will always have one half saying it's a scam, and another half saying it's one of the best investments they made... I'm the later half. Used this on all my cars so far. Have a reoccurring fault code on my Insignia that kills the car. Wouldn't be able to move without TOAD. I've also been getting support from Total Car Diagnostics since 2011. They have been consistent (sometimes slow, sometimes fast). While dozens of other car companies are virtually non-existent in 2015. In my experience, I have total trust in them.

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Wilderstone
Adelaide, AU
May 07, 2015 2:01 am EDT

Yeah I have had a similar experience after purchasing this product, Alex Eisenburg ( Total Car Diagnostics) sells pirated software.
I contacted the original creators of some of the major programs and they where happy to confirm that for me. So basically its a big scam!

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