ODB-II for 2003/2004

[bill444]

Hello,

Does anyone here own a 2003 or 2004 4Runner and have a scanner that does not reset the zero point calibration? I am asking about these years because I think 2005+ use CAN instead of ISO for ODB-II.

My ScanGauge works fine because I can hard code ISO instead of CAN. However, I am looking for a traditional reader with a display for troubleshooting.

Everything else I own starts by scanning with different protocols before it tries ISO. This always resets the zero point calibration and my VSC TRAC is disabled as a result. I've been to fix it each time but it is time consuming.

Thanks

Bill

 

[riverwolf]

I guess I'm not sure what exactly you're asking. I use Torque (Lite/free edition) with a compatible Bluetooth ODB2 adapter to read/clear codes and monitor whatever other engine data gets exposed via ODB2 without issue (O2 sensor voltage, coolant temp, intake air temp, etc.). Doesn't seem to automatically reset or disable anything that I can tell. Just used it last week to confirm my recent CEL/ATRAC/VSC trifecta was in fact just a loose gas cap from my last fill-up.

 

[BackOff]

Has to do with the battery disconect.
If you disconnect the battery with the sg2 connected it will mess up the ABS stuff.
Have to then reset the ZPC.

Have to connect the SG2 with a running t4r.

 

[bill444]

I guess I'm not sure what exactly you're asking. I use Torque (Lite/free edition) with a compatible Bluetooth ODB2 adapter to read/clear codes and monitor whatever other engine data gets exposed via ODB2 without issue (O2 sensor voltage, coolant temp, intake air temp, etc.). Doesn't seem to automatically reset or disable anything that I can tell. Just used it last week to confirm my recent CEL/ATRAC/VSC trifecta was in fact just a loose gas cap from my last fill-up.

For the scan tools I own, they all disable VSC because the scanner trips the zero point calibration when it tries the CAN bus protocol. I searched a few reviews on Amazon for a new scanner and some really nice ones also report this issue with a 2003/2004 4Runner.

I guess some scanners, like the one you own, try ISO first and because they never try CAN bus, the issue doesn't happen. I will see if I can buy a Torque.

Thanks

 

[bill444]

Has to do with the battery disconect.
If you disconnect the battery with the sg2 connected it will mess up the ABS stuff.
Have to then reset the ZPC.

Have to connect the SG2 with a running t4r.

Thanks, good to know.

 

[AuSeeker]

For the scan tools I own, they all disable VSC because the scanner trips the zero point calibration when it tries the CAN bus protocol. I searched a few reviews on Amazon for a new scanner and some really nice ones also report this issue with a 2003/2004 4Runner.

I guess some scanners, like the one you own, try ISO first and because they never try CAN bus, the issue doesn't happen. I will see if I can buy a Torque.

Thanks

Just an FYI "Torque" is an app not a scanner per say, there's a free version of the "Torque" app, Torque Lite and a Pro version that they charge a small fee for.

Torque — OBD2 Performance and Diagnostics for your Vehicle

Torque Lite (OBD2 & Car) - Apps on Google Play

Torque Pro (OBD 2 & Car) - Apps on Google Play

Both versions have to be used with a compatible OBDII dongle that you plug in the OBDII port and then connect via Bluetooth with an Android phone, as far as I know there's not a version of Torque that is compatible with Iphone.

My phone I use everyday is an Iphone but I have an old Android phone that I used with Torque.

There are many OBDII dongles out there that are compatible with Torque, the one linked below is the one I have and some other members here also use this dongle.

Amazon.com: Bafx Products - For Android Only - Wireless Bluetooth Obd2 Scanner Diagnostic Code Reader & Scan Tool - Scan, Reset & Clear Car Check Engine Light: Automotive

This OBDII dongle is also compatible with many other diagnostic apps that you may want to try as well if you find you don't like the Torque app but most people use Torque.

You can find a list of other apps on their website.

BAFX Products(R) - Wireless Bluetooth OBD2 Reader / Scanner for Android Devices

 

[bill444]

Thanks. I think it might be easiest/lowest cost for me to build a short ODBII pigtail cable that removes pin 14 entirely since it's not needed for the earlier cars.

This way my existing Thinkdiag iPhone scanner and my cheap handheld units can't screw up the zero point calibration because they won't have access to pin 14.

I'll update the thread if that works once the parts arrive. Should be less than $10.

 

[aemravan]

Never had an issue on my '03... not with a scanner nor with my regularly used Torque app/bluetooth OBII adapter I use to connect it to..

 

[bill444]

Never had an issue on my '03... not with a scanner nor with my regularly used Torque app/bluetooth OBII adapter I use to connect it to..

Yeah, I can't believe I've had such bad luck. I found good threads here explaining why it happens. If the scanner does not try can bus first, it won't cause the problem. Every one of mine tries can bus (new trucks) before ISO 9141 (older trucks) or whatever it is called. Every time I have to do the zero point calibration reset routine.

One cause & fix for "VSC TRAC" & "VSC OFF" lights, Zero Point Calibration

 

[MikeinNH67]

My old Scangauge sets off all the lights if I try it on my 03. Back in 2016 I bought one of these and no issues with it on the 4runner. Cheap enough and it's still going strong after 5 years.

Amazon.com: Veepeak Mini WiFi OBD2 Scanner for iOS and Android, Car OBD II Check Engine Light Diagnostic Code Reader Scan Tool Supports Torque Pro, OBD Fusion, Car Scanner App: Automotive

 

[2003V8LTD]

Hello,

Does anyone here own a 2003 or 2004 4Runner and have a scanner that does not reset the zero point calibration? I am asking about these years because I think 2005+ use CAN instead of ISO for ODB-II.

My ScanGauge works fine because I can hard code ISO instead of CAN. However, I am looking for a traditional reader with a display for troubleshooting.

Everything else I own starts by scanning with different protocols before it tries ISO. This always resets the zero point calibration and my VSC TRAC is disabled as a result. I've been to fix it each time but it is time consuming.

Thanks

Bill

I have an early '03 V8 and plugging in a scanner (at least, my cheapo Chinese one) does trip the VSC idiot light then it has to be reset. Easy enough, but a pain in the neck. There's something about many modern OBD2 scanners that just doesn't agree with early Gen4 diagnostic systems.

However, I tried the BlueDriver bluetooth scanner -- i.e. the type that connects to your iphone -- and it didn't trip anything. It's a fair bit more user-friendly and you can just leave it plugged in if you want. There are several other varieties of bluetooth scanners out there too.