Diagnostic and Monitoring Software

[Iowa4Runner]

I'm thinking about getting the OBDII interface from www.digimoto.com Before I do I'd like to find out if any members here have tried this product or any similar interface products. Anyone care to share their experiences or recommendations?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[rando]

Not I, but I'd love to hear about your experiences (whatever you choose). I will (eventually) add an OBDII reader to my carpc project.

 

[Hitman]

I own an OTC Mindreader scan tool, which is a stand-alone unit, not an interface. In my opinion, it is one of the best "professional" units available. It has the ability to read live data stream and even record, which is awesome for diagnosing intermittent problems.

When I got mine a few years ago, the price was $600. Now they can be found for under $300

 

[CMiYC]

These tools tend to be pretty hit and miss for Toyota and other imports. The only data you are usually able to read is the data that is mandatory by US regulations. Unfortunately most of the "good" data isn't mandatory. Most OBD-II tools won't give you real-time information about the engine in a Toyota. The best you can really hope for is being able to read ECM's error codes.



If you buy a tool make sure you can return it, just in case it doesn't work well with your engine.

 

[Hitman]

These tools tend to be pretty hit and miss for Toyota and other imports. The only data you are usually able to read is the data that is mandatory by US regulations. Unfortunately most of the "good" data isn't mandatory. Most OBD-II tools won't give you real-time information about the engine in a Toyota. The best you can really hope for is being able to read ECM's error codes.



If you buy a tool make sure you can return it, just in case it doesn't work well with your engine.

Not true... Have you ever used an OBDII scan tool?

OBDII became mandatory in the '96 model year. The big change with OBDII was that all manufacturers were required to use the same fault codes and the same language. I can take my scan tool and read live data stream for ANY OBDII car, from a Kia to a Toyota to a Mercedes Benz.

 

[j0mama]

I use the palm version:

Auterra

Works good!

j0.

 

[Br1ck]

Jo,

So I read the info on the pages and I have some questions for you:

1) is the 4R "CAN" equipped?
2) How accurate are your readings...the dyno readings? Have you anything prior to compare to?

Thanks!

 

[j0mama]

I've never used the dyno part of it... If it stops raining here ill test it and compare it to my g-tech, and my passport...

j0.

 

[Iowa4Runner]

Not true... Have you ever used an OBDII scan tool?

OBDII became mandatory in the '96 model year. The big change with OBDII was that all manufacturers were required to use the same fault codes and the same language. I can take my scan tool and read live data stream for ANY OBDII car, from a Kia to a Toyota to a ercedes Benz.

I think what CMiYC is saying is that Toyota can provide zero real-time running data and still be OBDII compliant by providing fault codes. A big selling point of an OBDII scanner is that it enables you to see real time data IF your car's ECU sends that info to the OBDII port. If not, then your super cool scanner can do nothing more than read and clear fault codes. My mission is to figure out what real-time info the 4Runner will provide through the OBDII port.

I'll be away from my computer (vacation) until Aug 9th. See you guys then...


Mike

 

[CMiYC]

think what CMiYC is saying is that Toyota can provide zero real-time running data and still be OBDII compliant by providing fault codes.

Thanks, this is exactly the point I was getting at. The "super cool" information is not mandatory and not available on most import vehicles.

That all being said, check out this site:
http://www.obdiicsu.com/ScanTools/ScanTools.asp

They have a Toyota-compatible scanner listed that is "factory level". Its at: http://www.baumtools.com

Finally this link helps with which of the Generic OBD-II protocols manufacturers use:
http://www.etools.org/files/public/generic-protocols-02-17-03.htm

Just keep in mind the "really cool" real-time information is not mandatory and usually proprietary. Do not expect any tool to provide that information for you. The Otto TurboScan from Baum (link above) is the first and only one I've seen that has a Toyota specific module.

 

[CMiYC]

Finally I found the site where I learned them most.

Here's a link of the required troubleshooting codes: http://www.autotap.com/generic_trouble_codes.html

Here is AutoTap's FAQ: http://www.autotap.com/faq.html

The second question goes over the difference between basic (required) information and enhanced (super-cool) information.

This OBD scanner looked the most complete to me, but they only support GM, Ford, and Dodge on the enhanced parameters.

 

[Hitman]

I think what CMiYC is saying is that Toyota can provide zero real-time running data and still be OBDII compliant by providing fault codes. A big selling point of an OBDII scanner is that it enables you to see real time data IF your car's ECU sends that info to the OBDII port. If not, then your super cool scanner can do nothing more than read and clear fault codes. My mission is to figure out what real-time info the 4Runner will provide through the OBDII port.

I'll be away from my computer (vacation) until Aug 9th. See you guys then...


Mike

This is where the misunderstanding lies.... All OBDII vehicles are standardized in terms of diagnostics. Of course this includes basic fault codes, but also includes live data stream for any/all sensors (input and output) the vehicle uses. The second generation of On-board Diagnostics was specifically designed to standardize specifically for that very reason. The original OBD required several different cables to be used with several different makes of vehicles. We had to have books to decipher fault codes and meanings. Heck, even the OBD connector was sometimes hard to find--it could be under the hood, under the dash etc... This is no longer the case with OBDII.

I have used my scan tool on Fords, Toyotas, Acuras, BMWs to name a few, and they all displayed live data stream. Believe me when I say that Toyota isn't any different, the data stream is there to be read. Of course it goes through the OBDII connector--they all do!

 

[Hitman]

Thanks, this is exactly the point I was getting at. The "super cool" information is not mandatory and not available on most import vehicles.

This "super cool" information, as you put it, is ALWAYS there. The problem is finding a way to access it. I can't speak for all scan tools because obviously haven't used them all. There might be a few shitty ones that do not provide the "super cool" information. That has nothing to do with the car though....only with the scanners ability to pick up the data.

That said, my low-cost OTC scan tool picks up EVERY bit of data available, even from imports like Toyota. I can read everthing from O2 sensor voltage (and watch it cycle live while the vehicle is running), to water temperature, RPM, throttle plate opening (percentage), intake air temperature etc.... The list goes on and on. My point is that the information is always there, on every make and model of car. Just make sure you get a scan tool that can access the information.

 

[CMiYC]

That has nothing to do with the car though....only with the scanners ability to pick up the data.

Oh oh oh okay. I see where our misunderstanding is... I was never saying the information isn't there! I was just saying most scan tools can't handle import cars! Almost all cars provide that information, yeah. That just make sense. Why would they put 2 diagnostic ports on it? Its just that not everything can decode the proprietary information, especially from imports.

We're arguing the same thing, just different way... Which is why I first suggested only buy a tool if it can be returned. It may not display the wanted information.