What Scan/Diagnostic Tools do you use

[SunPilot]

I currently have error codes that illuminated my MIL. I own an older Actron CP9135 OBD II diagnostic tool. I plugged it into my diagnostic port on my 2007 4Runner and it would not link up. No matter what I did, I could not get it to work. I know the tool is good because I recently used it on an older vehicle. I went to my local auto parts store and they brought out their cheap scanner and, voila, it linked up and displayed the error codes. I started doing some research and find out that all OBD protocols are not the same. Some 4Runners use an older protocol and some use the newer Can Bus . So, I'd like to know from your experience which tools work on our vehicles, and what year your 4Runner is. Which do you recommend? What functions or features do you find valuable. Would you go with a cheap diagnostic tool, or perhaps a newer Bluetooth tool with all the bells and whistles, or something in between? Which brands do you like best? I know the selection of a tool like this is a personal decision, but I'd be interested in knowing what brought you to buy or use the one you like best.

 

[dta1984]

Here's what I use and I pair it woth tthe free version of the Torque app. Well worth it, and inexpensive. There's a lot of graphs and other readings you can get with torque besides reading obd2 codes. For example, I recently plotted my o2 sensor voltage readings. Definitely worth it!

https://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Product...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=J8QXERNQM8HYJ3KHMFSW

 

[fourwd1]

Moved to General Discussion section.

 

[bmodo16]

I have a cheap autozone code reader from before I got my Ultragauge. I have that mounted in my truck now and I plan on getting a bluetooth OBDII reader and I got the paid version of Torque.

 

[SunPilot]

I ordered a BlueDriver bluetooth scan tool. Should be here today. I like the fact that they keep updating the app and adding more features. I'll let you know how it works.

 

[TK-422]

I have had this for 7 years and it has worked on every vehicle I have connected it to.

 

[Bigrupp]

Cheap Bluetooth adapter from Amazon and Torque app. Way more features than I'll use, but it works very well.

Sent from the Far Side

 

[SunPilot]

I received the Blue Driver, and it works as advertised. Has a ton of functions, easy to use, and everything I need. I'm pretty happy with it, and I can use it on my other car easily. I even generated a few reports and emailed them to myself...what could be easier.

 

[Brveagle]

I use a scanguage ii as my primary "cheap" scanner and then a old snap on mt2500 for diagnostic work or bilateral communication...

Don't think the snap on will work on that 07 of yours though...

 

[Hoffie]

I have been using this scan tool with my Chevrolet Duramax and it is great at clearing codes - which a diesel truck has plenty of. Innova 3150 - Scan Tool | O'Reilly Auto Parts

Tonight, I ordered the Ultragauge for the 4Runner. I am looking forward to installing it and checking out all of the different parameters. I really like the alarm feature and the lower price than the Scangauge II.

 

[Oilfield Trash]

Cheap Bluetooth adapter from Amazon and Torque app. Way more features than I'll use, but it works very well.

Sent from the Far Side

Best one out there. I've had mine for 3 months. Works great and gives good info.

 

[toyo]

Any scan tool that utilizes the OBD2 protocol should work in any vehicle from 1996 on. If you have a scan tool that doesn't work you should exchange it.

The scan tool automatically determines which protocol the connected vehicle supports whether it's CanBus, ISO and KWP, VPW or PWM.

In my shop I have several different one's I use depending on the job. If it's a Toyota/Lexus/Scion I use the full subscription based TIS-Techstream. For just a quick read I use a Actron CP9580A. For in depth reading, monitoring I use an Autel MD802. It provides a wealth of information to say the least.

 

[AuSeeker]

When buying the Torque Pro app for $4.95, is that a one time charge or a monthly charge and if you get a new phone do you have to pay for it again?

 

[DirtElk]

When buying the Torque Pro app for $4.95, is that a one time charge or a monthly charge and if you get a new phone do you have to pay for it again?

One-time charge. Once you add your Google account to your new phone you can install again. I've been using this with the BAFX for a couple years on different phones.

 

[AuSeeker]

One-time charge. Once you add your Google account to your new phone you can install again. I've been using this with the BAFX for a couple years on different phones.

Thanks, just what I wanted to hear!

 

[coondog704]

Knock on wood, I've never had a code come up on my 4Runner, but when I had my Tacoma my diagnostic tool of choice was Autozone