Scan tools
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For simple trouble code reading and clearing, inexpensive OBD II scan tools will work just fine. By law, the auto manufacturers have to follow the same basic standards for a set of standard trouble codes. Of course, the manufacturers can get more elaborate with more details and capabilities if they choose to.
OTC used to make the scan tools for Toyota dealers. Toyota stopped using them in 2007 and switched to a laptop-based sofware program called TIS Techstream. Unfortunately, that's very expensive software to purchase. Not only is the initial price high (I think around $1200) but you also have to maintain a subscription to TIS to use it. On the plus side, it's still the only tool I have found that will write to the computer for things like TPMS transmitter ID's and C-BEST customizable settings.
There are a few software packages out there that offer Toyota-specific modules that will read just about anything in the computer. (No writing - just reading.) They'll read everything including the display of the TPMS stuff, C-BEST settings, battery pack voltage on hybrids, trans fluid temp, and so on. A couple of examples are Auterra and AutoEnginuity.
ScanGauge II is a popular choice becuase it can be used to display data continuously as well as act as a DTC code reader/clearer.
Other software offerings are more generic but have the ability to let you enter an arbitrary OBD II command string. (ScanGauge can do that, too.) I don't think it will be too much longer before people are posting OBD II command strings on forums like this to read or even set various parameters that are specific to certain makes and models.
With respect to compatibility, something to watch out for is support for the CAN communication protocol. Most manufacturers switched to CAN in the last few years (including Toyota), but not every scan tool supports it. I believe 4Runner changed to CAN in 2005.
OTC used to make the scan tools for Toyota dealers. Toyota stopped using them in 2007 and switched to a laptop-based sofware program called TIS Techstream. Unfortunately, that's very expensive software to purchase. Not only is the initial price high (I think around $1200) but you also have to maintain a subscription to TIS to use it. On the plus side, it's still the only tool I have found that will write to the computer for things like TPMS transmitter ID's and C-BEST customizable settings.
There are a few software packages out there that offer Toyota-specific modules that will read just about anything in the computer. (No writing - just reading.) They'll read everything including the display of the TPMS stuff, C-BEST settings, battery pack voltage on hybrids, trans fluid temp, and so on. A couple of examples are Auterra and AutoEnginuity.
ScanGauge II is a popular choice becuase it can be used to display data continuously as well as act as a DTC code reader/clearer.
Other software offerings are more generic but have the ability to let you enter an arbitrary OBD II command string. (ScanGauge can do that, too.) I don't think it will be too much longer before people are posting OBD II command strings on forums like this to read or even set various parameters that are specific to certain makes and models.
With respect to compatibility, something to watch out for is support for the CAN communication protocol. Most manufacturers switched to CAN in the last few years (including Toyota), but not every scan tool supports it. I believe 4Runner changed to CAN in 2005.
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scan tools
wow thanks your help I really appreciate it. Very informative. cars I would be working on are 2007 Honda accord 2007 Mazda speed 6 2000 4Runner and 2006 corolla. Just using it to help friend and family out. but the more capabilities the better. can you explain writing codes to me? or give me a example? thanks for your help again! also what are C-best settings?
wow thanks your help I really appreciate it. Very informative. cars I would be working on are 2007 Honda accord 2007 Mazda speed 6 2000 4Runner and 2006 corolla. Just using it to help friend and family out. but the more capabilities the better. can you explain writing codes to me? or give me a example? thanks for your help again! also what are C-best settings?
There are a handful of things that the dealer can change in the computer for you. If the OBD scan tool you have is able to write to the computer, you could make those changes yourself.
One of those things has to do with the active tire pressure monitoring system introduced on 4Runner in 2004. For Toyota, the sensor in each wheel has a unique transmitter ID. Those ID numbers have to be programmed into the computer in order for them to work. That's how the computer knows it's reading your wheels and not those of a Toyota parked next to you. A lot of people like to change to winter wheels so that their good wheels aren't damaged by road salt, but TPMS makes that more interesting because the sensors will be different. It would be wonderful if you could program the other set of ID's into the computer yourself, as it's expensive to pay the dealer's labor rate for their time.
The other big thing I can think of that would be nice to update is the Toyota Customizable Body Electronics settings, or C-BEST settings. Those are things like whether the doors automatically lock or unlock at certain times, whether the keyless entry beeps or not, or whether pressing the unlock button on your remote opens just the driver's door or all doors on the first press. Again, without the right scan tool that will write those settings into the computer, you have to have a dealer do it. There's a PDF file listing the 4th Gen settings here. I don't believe 4Runners prior to 2003 had those settings.
Things that advanced are manufacturer-specific of course, and what you can do will vary by brand. If you're shopping for scan tools, you'll find that they all support a bunch of standard information that can be read out, and then you'll see some that offer optional add-ons that are specific to a brand.
Standard things that would work across all brands would be things like DTC trouble code read/clear, freeze frame data display (the computer saves a bunch of data at the same time it saves a DTC code that may help troubleshoot it), and real-time monitoring of a bunch of different parameters that tell you how the enging is running.
A couple of common brands of code readers you'll see in auto parts stores or even Walmart are Innova and Actron. Google will turn up many others, as well as other software tools besides those I listed above.
One of those things has to do with the active tire pressure monitoring system introduced on 4Runner in 2004. For Toyota, the sensor in each wheel has a unique transmitter ID. Those ID numbers have to be programmed into the computer in order for them to work. That's how the computer knows it's reading your wheels and not those of a Toyota parked next to you. A lot of people like to change to winter wheels so that their good wheels aren't damaged by road salt, but TPMS makes that more interesting because the sensors will be different. It would be wonderful if you could program the other set of ID's into the computer yourself, as it's expensive to pay the dealer's labor rate for their time.
The other big thing I can think of that would be nice to update is the Toyota Customizable Body Electronics settings, or C-BEST settings. Those are things like whether the doors automatically lock or unlock at certain times, whether the keyless entry beeps or not, or whether pressing the unlock button on your remote opens just the driver's door or all doors on the first press. Again, without the right scan tool that will write those settings into the computer, you have to have a dealer do it. There's a PDF file listing the 4th Gen settings here. I don't believe 4Runners prior to 2003 had those settings.
Things that advanced are manufacturer-specific of course, and what you can do will vary by brand. If you're shopping for scan tools, you'll find that they all support a bunch of standard information that can be read out, and then you'll see some that offer optional add-ons that are specific to a brand.
Standard things that would work across all brands would be things like DTC trouble code read/clear, freeze frame data display (the computer saves a bunch of data at the same time it saves a DTC code that may help troubleshoot it), and real-time monitoring of a bunch of different parameters that tell you how the enging is running.
A couple of common brands of code readers you'll see in auto parts stores or even Walmart are Innova and Actron. Google will turn up many others, as well as other software tools besides those I listed above.
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Kramer420
New member
i own 3 scanners 2 being Snap-on scanners (modis and verus) there awesome for reading live data recording and functional tests and getting into other modules in the cars. if your just looking for a basic code reader the Innovas are Awesome i have one just for checking inspection montiors. plus there relativity cheap were you can buy at sears re-marketed as a "craftsman" when they just put a red sticker on it. hahah
this is the innova i use almost everyday.
this is my pride and joy my verus
the one thing i absolutely love about my verus is the componet testing and DVOM/scope built into this tool it has saved my ass on so many problems its worth its weight in gold. also that its windows XP based is awesome. now the verus ran me about 9K the innova was on special at pepboys for 199.99. granted you can read live data with both tools, theres nothing like a snap on scanner. but its all in what your looking to do. and how big your wallet is. you can find ALOT of older modis and even some cheaper OBD 2 scanners on ebay for dirt cheap. personally i think everyone should own a scanner that reads live data to help pinpoint problems on there trucks but hey thats me. like mentioned above that Scan gauge 2 is a pretty cool thing as well my buddy has one in his ranger and it dose everything a generic scantool should do. :bigok:
this is the innova i use almost everyday.
this is my pride and joy my verus
the one thing i absolutely love about my verus is the componet testing and DVOM/scope built into this tool it has saved my ass on so many problems its worth its weight in gold. also that its windows XP based is awesome. now the verus ran me about 9K the innova was on special at pepboys for 199.99. granted you can read live data with both tools, theres nothing like a snap on scanner. but its all in what your looking to do. and how big your wallet is. you can find ALOT of older modis and even some cheaper OBD 2 scanners on ebay for dirt cheap. personally i think everyone should own a scanner that reads live data to help pinpoint problems on there trucks but hey thats me. like mentioned above that Scan gauge 2 is a pretty cool thing as well my buddy has one in his ranger and it dose everything a generic scantool should do. :bigok:
If your check engine light is on, then the computer stored one or more trouble codes. It is true that eventually the computer will clear the codes on its own as long as the problem has been solved; when that happens is based on either a certain amount of running time or number of times you start the engine. If the light made you go get the work done, then the repair shop should have cleared the codes for you and shut off the light. Otherwise, how do you know they fixed the problem if the light stays on for a while?
I'm in the western 'burbs of Chicago.
I'm in the western 'burbs of Chicago.
4boer2
New member
Sorry, it should have read two TPMS valves. Stopped by Elmhurst Toy on Saturday, but didn't want to give up two hours of my day (or most of my wallet). I don't have the numbers off the new valves. Can they be reprogrammed by scanner? Anyone you would recommend? Again, its a 2004.
Thanx:beer:
BTW I've been a member here for several years, but lost login info and changed email address so my post count is zip
Thanx:beer:
BTW I've been a member here for several years, but lost login info and changed email address so my post count is zip
No, the TPMS computer won't learn the new ID's on its own. You have to have a dealer enter the ID's into the computer. To make matters worse, you'll have to dismount the tires in order to get the ID's off the side of the transmitter. I have seen generic tools on the Internet that will receive the signal from any TPMS sensor and display its ID, but I don't know of a Toyota dealer that has such a tool.