BEST Code reader for our Runners? Think it's time i finall get one.
- Thread starter giguchan
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Brian.
Member
These are VERY simple systems, I didn't notice any difference between the Toyota Techstream (dealer) software and the free version of Torque with a $20 bluetooth adapter in terms of capability or diagnostics with regards to codes.
Just buy whatever bluetooth/wifi OBDII adapter works with your phone/tablet if you want the cheapest route. You can buy one of the more expensive ones that are designed around an app if you desire, but just understand you won't get anything extra for the money spent on these 4runners (maybe if you have newer vehicles also).
Just buy whatever bluetooth/wifi OBDII adapter works with your phone/tablet if you want the cheapest route. You can buy one of the more expensive ones that are designed around an app if you desire, but just understand you won't get anything extra for the money spent on these 4runners (maybe if you have newer vehicles also).
octanejunkie
Elite Member
I have Torque Pro $5 app and a BAFX reader
Amazon.com: BAFX Products Android Wireless Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner & Fault Code Reader Diagnostic Scan Tool for Cars & Trucks – for All OBD2 Protocols on All Consumer Vehicles 1996 & Newer : Everything Else
I use it for tracking stats and monitoring info while driving. Monitoring trans temp in 99+ automatics is handy and proved invaluable when wheeling my 2WD. It has a scan fault section too.
For looking at other's cars/cars to buy I carry a portable plug-in scanner like this
Amazon.com: NEIKO 40500A OBD2 Scanner | Car Code Decoder, Reader & Eraser | Automotive Check Engine Light Diagnostic | Read & Clear Emission & Fault Codes | 9 Protocols | OBD II, EOBD, & CAN Vehicles : Everything Else
I bought mine at a parts store years ago before Amazon existed. It's also invaluable in being able to not only see CEL codes but whether all tests have completed as well as pending codes.
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Devbot
New member
Autel USA MAXISYS Ultra Diagnostic Tablet with Advanced VCMI
All the bells and whistles, free shipping, over $1100 off too.
All the bells and whistles, free shipping, over $1100 off too.
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giguchan
Senior Member
Thanks Peeps!!
Been looking for one of these to read my codes. They're also handy for monitoring temps and thing like that -i am told. I'm gonna have a closer look at the SG2 it looks like it might be the tool I'm looking for.
One thing though.. if i leave it plugged in as an constant monitoring device will i have to unplug it from the OBD when the truck in in the driveway? I can't imagine it drawing much.
Thanks again..
Been looking for one of these to read my codes. They're also handy for monitoring temps and thing like that -i am told. I'm gonna have a closer look at the SG2 it looks like it might be the tool I'm looking for.
One thing though.. if i leave it plugged in as an constant monitoring device will i have to unplug it from the OBD when the truck in in the driveway? I can't imagine it drawing much.
Thanks again..
giguchan
Senior Member
What do you use the SG2 for primarily? Constant Monitoring? or just when a code pops up?
Thanks.
Reinout
Member
LOL: for that price it better have all the bells and whistles AND the kitchen sink.
I have a simple BT from xTool that works for me for all of vehicles and I've let other's use it as well. I think I paid $25 for it 5-6 years ago.
iOBD2 mini for iOS and Android
Devbot
New member
Hey, he asked for the best not the cheapest :shrug: :lol:
I learned the hard way it WILL drain your battery. I left mine in all the time, didn’t drive the truck enough to get dead batteries. Thought OK, same battery as when I bought the truck, probably time to replace it. Replaced it. A month or so later, since I hadn’t been driving it, same thing with a brand new battery.
Thought I was going to have to search around for electrical gremlins. Then I read a similar post and someone asked if an OBD scanner was left plugged in. BINGO. Removed the OBD scanner and no more dead battery.
Mine has a small blue LED light that is on no matter if the truck is on or not. So I wouldn’t leave the OBD scanner plugged in.
The above advice is good, and opinions vary depending on the goals (constant monitoring, checking engine light code, or diagnosing a problem, etc.)
My advice - don't limit yourself to one option.
First, I have very cheap ($20-$30) OBDII code reader that stays in the glove box of every car in my family for emergency use (i.e. if you have a car problem and need to diagnose it quickly). Something like the Autel MS309 (or similar, search Amazon). They don't require a battery, and are pretty bullet proof (plug it in, read code, clear code, done...). These do little more than read/clear codes (some have live data, but update may be slow), but when you are on the side of the road with your hood up, reading a code and a google search on your cell phone can be a life safer (also, they are easy to use and my wife and kids can check a code and call me for advice)!!! There are numerous options as the price increases, but for emergency use at $20 - $30, I don't understand why anyone would not have one of these in their car at all times. While I have several types of readers that can do a lot of things, the cheap one is the one I use the most!
Second, I also have and recommend the Torque app with a cheap Bluetooth ODBII adapter. The info you can get on Torque is pretty awesome, and Bluetooth adapters are cheap ($20). It is good for diagnosing live data, and can do some cool things (0-60, etc.). I have multiple Bluetooth adapters, and have had times where the Bluetooth didn't want to connect, or I had to re-pair, etc. (maybe because I had multiple adapters or hadn't connected in a long time, or other phone/app issues, etc), or the Bluetooth adapter quit working... Anyway, the point is that while Torque is awesome, it does require the app on your phone and pairing a Bluetooth adapter, and if you are just trying to read a code, it isn't always my go to OBDII code reader (but for the money its worth having in the toolbox).
Lastly, Techstream and it is awesome for certain applications. I have a Landcruiser and a Lexus LX470, and have used it many times to check and adjust my AHC pressures and torsion bars, etc. It is great for system diagnosis or tweaking certain things. But I really only use it maybe twice a year (if that). For simply checking an engine light code, its not worth getting out the laptop out, connecting, etc. Depending on your needs, Techstream is worth having.
I don't do constant monitoring, so I don't have much advise there.
In summary, I use a cheap $20 to $30 code reader more than anything (get one if you don't have one). I don't recommend expensive OBDII readers, you can get advanced functionality with Torque or Techstream inexpensively if needed.
My advice - don't limit yourself to one option.
First, I have very cheap ($20-$30) OBDII code reader that stays in the glove box of every car in my family for emergency use (i.e. if you have a car problem and need to diagnose it quickly). Something like the Autel MS309 (or similar, search Amazon). They don't require a battery, and are pretty bullet proof (plug it in, read code, clear code, done...). These do little more than read/clear codes (some have live data, but update may be slow), but when you are on the side of the road with your hood up, reading a code and a google search on your cell phone can be a life safer (also, they are easy to use and my wife and kids can check a code and call me for advice)!!! There are numerous options as the price increases, but for emergency use at $20 - $30, I don't understand why anyone would not have one of these in their car at all times. While I have several types of readers that can do a lot of things, the cheap one is the one I use the most!
Second, I also have and recommend the Torque app with a cheap Bluetooth ODBII adapter. The info you can get on Torque is pretty awesome, and Bluetooth adapters are cheap ($20). It is good for diagnosing live data, and can do some cool things (0-60, etc.). I have multiple Bluetooth adapters, and have had times where the Bluetooth didn't want to connect, or I had to re-pair, etc. (maybe because I had multiple adapters or hadn't connected in a long time, or other phone/app issues, etc), or the Bluetooth adapter quit working... Anyway, the point is that while Torque is awesome, it does require the app on your phone and pairing a Bluetooth adapter, and if you are just trying to read a code, it isn't always my go to OBDII code reader (but for the money its worth having in the toolbox).
Lastly, Techstream and it is awesome for certain applications. I have a Landcruiser and a Lexus LX470, and have used it many times to check and adjust my AHC pressures and torsion bars, etc. It is great for system diagnosis or tweaking certain things. But I really only use it maybe twice a year (if that). For simply checking an engine light code, its not worth getting out the laptop out, connecting, etc. Depending on your needs, Techstream is worth having.
I don't do constant monitoring, so I don't have much advise there.
In summary, I use a cheap $20 to $30 code reader more than anything (get one if you don't have one). I don't recommend expensive OBDII readers, you can get advanced functionality with Torque or Techstream inexpensively if needed.
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5VZ-FE
Member
+1
I have the same setup. $20 adapter and an $8 app. I can monitor parameters while driving, check and clear codes, etc. No need to spring for anything more expensive, in my opinion.
turbodudey2
New member
A bluetooth adapter and an app on your phone is the way to go. Puts all the computing power in a device that you already carry around all day anyway.
I use the adapter below and the Car Scanner Pro app. It does way more than a scangauge can do, and is super cheap. The app let you build custom dashboards and can read even the advanced codes on hybrid cars.
OBDCheck BLE+ – Veepeak
I use the adapter below and the Car Scanner Pro app. It does way more than a scangauge can do, and is super cheap. The app let you build custom dashboards and can read even the advanced codes on hybrid cars.
OBDCheck BLE+ – Veepeak
Attachments
I bought a scangauge 2 shortly after I bought my truck 6 years ago. Best investment to date. I use it for constant monitoring and code reading, sits right on top of the steering column. It's helped troubleshoot and diagnose a myriad of random issues that have popped up over the years.
For instance, the factory engine temp gauge is useless and having an accurate read on engine and transmission temp has been incredibly helpful and has also saved my truck. I had my fan clutch fail while driving on the beach in deep sand, if it wasn't for the digital readout of where my temps were I don't think I would have caught my engine over heating. Factory temp gauge still read normal while temps were pushing 220+ degrees and climbing.
With regards to a parasitic draw on the battery, I haven't experienced that at all. When you shut the truck off you can see the screen lose power with it. It's been plugged into the ODB port since I've installed it.
For instance, the factory engine temp gauge is useless and having an accurate read on engine and transmission temp has been incredibly helpful and has also saved my truck. I had my fan clutch fail while driving on the beach in deep sand, if it wasn't for the digital readout of where my temps were I don't think I would have caught my engine over heating. Factory temp gauge still read normal while temps were pushing 220+ degrees and climbing.
With regards to a parasitic draw on the battery, I haven't experienced that at all. When you shut the truck off you can see the screen lose power with it. It's been plugged into the ODB port since I've installed it.
My $20 bluetooth one does this too but it's about 10 years old. I've been meaning to find a new one that can turn itself off if there is such a thing.
Have been running a Scangauge 2 for past few years. It’s designed to remain plugged in at all times and will not draw down your battery when the truck is not in use and parked.
Easy to install and use. You can pick up a mounting bracket from Spiker Engineering (forum member) which places the Scangauge out of the way but perfectly visible for monitoring.
It’s a great product for monitoring engine vitals and also picking up codes.
Endlessblockades
Senior Member
That's odd. I've had an Ultragauge plugged in for a year and a half, more or less. Still running the 5 year old Interstate battery the truck came with and no drain on the battery.
From their site:
"UltraGauge wired is very low power while in use and enters an ultra-low power mode when the ignition is switched off. UltraGauge wired may remain connected without concern for potential battery drain."
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octanejunkie
Elite Member
The power supplied to the OBD2 port when the car is not running is nominal. I leave my BAFX plugged in all the time, no issue or impact to the battery in years.
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Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
