I would like to keep these old girls running. At my age I think these are going to be my forever vehicles. I was looking at the OTC Pegisys, pricey, but aren't they all. So many to chose from. I've always been pretty good at troubleshooting with basic instruments. I'm not the type that likes to throw parts at it until it works (too cheap). So far I've gotten by with help from this forum, a cheap repair manual, and code reader but I'd like to upgrade. Should I spend the money on a FSM and all the extra manuals that go with it (pricey), but still not as much as a scan tool? Advice please.

EDIT: I reread your question and realize you already have a basic code reader. Sorry!!

I use this $30 Bluetooth reader and a $10 smart phone app. Works great for me.

LELink Bluetooth Low Energy BLE OBD-II OBD2 Car Diagnostic Tool for iPhone/iPod/iPad and Android. New: Configurable Auto On/Off Amazon.com: LELink Bluetooth Low Energy BLE OBD-II OBD2 Car Diagnostic Tool for iPhone/iPod/iPad and Android. New: Configurable Auto On/Off: Automotive

I was able to find a PDF scan of my FSM. I’d try searching some more or asking around before buying.

Here is a link to the FSM. As always, thank you to the original publisher.

2000 4Runner FSM - Printable - Google Drive

I'm of the opinion these vehicles are not so advanced that a code reader that displays live data isn't good enough. I have a Foxwell that has so far worked fine for every vehicle I've used it on.

No on the FSM... unless your personal ethics just get in the way, then buy one. As for other tool, I was taught by a multi-decades old mechanic as I was learning the trade that when it comes to specialty tools to only buy them when there are no other options. And then only when there's a distinct NEED to have that tool. Doesn't sound like you have need currently, so why buy?

There's another part though, when you DO need a specialty tool, buy the best you can afford. Worst case, it'll hold resale value better if you need to sell.


Back to the personal ethics question, you can get a functional copy of Techstream (Toyota factory software) for nothing if you look around, and the OBDII to usb adapter can be found everywhere for about $20.

I think a paper FSM would better suit my needs but Toyota is out of stock. It's two books and if they even had them it would be $250. I guess I'll hit up Ebay and see what comes up. If not I could download to a laptop that I don't care if it gets greasy fingerprints all over it. I'd get them on the books too anyway.

I was going to check the price on the UltraGauge but their site is currently hacked with an RX/Viagra redirect LOL. I think they are under $100 and a good thing to have if only for trans temp, MPG, fuel level, voltage, etc, as well as current and pending CEL codes and clearing and more. I like having the constant data stream without looking at my phone of plugging in a hand-held. I also plan to keep my rig 'forever' and I see the data stream as a tool I can use for many years, albeit specialized. The tools that came with the truck are not reliable (coolant temp, fuel level). Just my .02

This is not really an either/or choice. FSM gives you lots of info that a scan tool won't, and vice versa. They are complimentary, and I think it's best to have both.

As others said, you can find a pdf version of the FSM for free. I did buy a Toyota printed FSM, as I am old school - but honestly, I find that I almost never use it, I use the electronic version.

Like @Endlessblockades , I have a permanently installed ultragauge to tell me at a glance what is happening with the truck. Best of all, it has alarms that will warn you if, for example, your coolant temperature is suddenly exceeding a set limit. And it can tell you how much fuel you have left with an accuracy of less than 0.5 gal - good luck doing that with your fuel gauge. And of course it can read codes, albeit just the basic OBDII ones.

I have a scangauge, innova 3032 scanner, Mac mentor, torque pro for my tablet, and dash command for my iPhone. I use all of them on occasion.

I also have the 2002 pdf FSM for mechanical jobs and a 97 EWD book and PDF. I kind of use them all.


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The FSM are freely available if youre ethically flexible within the arena of light IP piracy. I keep a copy on the tablet I have mounted to the dash. That way I have a copy even in the middle of nowhere. I have the 2000, 2002 and the Tacoma one for good luck. For codes I have torque pro and a $20 bluetooth... I always want to say ODB (RIP)... OBD2 reader.

You're not going to need the entire book. Before a project print out the relevent pages and put them in those plastic page protector things in a 3 ring binder. You can print your own notes and part numbers too and have all in a binder in the garage.

That’s exactly what I do/did.


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Ultra gauge is pretty good - I have two of them. There aren't many codes available on the early 3rd gens anyway so I wouldn't spend the money on anything more expensive.