Topic: Recommend obd2 diagnostic tool please

[toyodaaddict]

Can anyone recommend a good obd2 diagnostic tool? I know nothing about these and it's time to get one and learn. It will be used on Toyota 2RZ, 3RZ and 5vzfe engines. Thanks.

[sirdeuce]

I have a Creader VI. It's easy to use and relatively inexpensive. I'm sure they have new models available, I've had this one for quite some time.

[RUGER]

i have an actron. don't know the model but im sure my dad picked it up from autozone. it has quite a few diagnostic functions that I haven't used. I use it to read codes and erase them.
my father in law has a smaller actron and he just uses it to read and erase codes.

RUGER

[Willard]

Really depends on how much money you want to spend and what kind of functions you want the scan tool to be able to perform. Sky is the limit 

[RUGER]

Really depends on how much money you want to spend and what kind of functions you want the scan tool to be able to perform. Sky is the limit 

aint that the truth. a buddy of mine spent a few grand on a snap on obd2 tool.

RUGER :usa

[toyodaaddict [OP]]

Really depends on how much money you want to spend and what kind of functions you want the scan tool to be able to perform. Sky is the limit 

This whole thing will be a learning process for me. I've never even owned an obd2 vehicle. What are the different functions these tools are capable of ?  Right now I need to read codes and make the necessary repairs on a 98 and an 04 3.4.
 Family members will have a cel and want me to fix it and I have to send them to get the codes checked. I am wanting to get more familiar with the 2rz, 3rz and 5vzfe engines and start going that direction with my own vehicles.  There are so many options I dont know where to start looking.

[RUGER]

to be honest I have never played with its functions besides reading and erasing codes. prop any cheap obd2 code reader/eraser will work fer yer purpose.
my buddy with the snap on unit used it to test out my 7.3 before i bought it. He killed each injector one at a time and a bunch of other stuff.

RUGER

[gnob]

For basic stuff something likr scangauge is great.
Its nice to have lots of features but in reality Toyota is pretty locked down.
You wont be doing much more than code reading and live data scanning.
On that token get something with a high data refresh rate.
I use an older craftsman that is basically just data and reader.  Does 95% of stuff i need.
Scanners dont fix your problems. Diag skills do.

[sirdeuce]

Hey, the first time the wife forgets to tighten the gas cap it'll pay for itself. Shop charge to just plug in is 1/2 hour and that's $75-$100.

[sirdeuce]

Scanners dont fix your problems. Diag skills do.

 

Ain't that the truth.

[toyodaaddict [OP]]

For basic stuff something likr scangauge is great.
Its nice to have lots of features but in reality Toyota is pretty locked down.
You wont be doing much more than code reading and live data scanning.
On that token get something with a high data refresh rate.
I use an older craftsman that is basically just data and reader.  Does 95% of stuff i need.
Scanners dont fix your problems. Diag skills do.

Thanks that's good to know.  I've been looking at the scan gauge 2. I may try that.
 My diagnostic skills are a work in progress but I'm not expecting a scanner to fix anything.

[Gnarly4X]

My Autozone will test/diagnose my vehicle for free.

Gnarls.

[sirdeuce]

Thanks that's good to know.  I've been looking at the scan gauge 2. I may try that.
 My diagnostic skills are a work in progress but I'm not expecting a scanner to fix anything.

Even the most experienced technician's diagnostic skills are a work in progress.

[Gnarly4X]

Even the most experienced technician's diagnostic skills are a work in progress.

"Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death."

~ Albert Einstein


Gnarls. 

[sirdeuce]

"Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death."

~ Albert Einstein


Gnarls. 

Yeah, that's right, but from the age of 13 to the age of 21 we already know it all.

[toy_tek]

Use your iphone or tablet and a wifi/blutooth dongle.  cheaper and usually a better interface.  lots of free interface apps available or some for $5 or $10.  You can read all the codes the vehicle year enables, clear codes, and even datalog if you want. 

This is the dongle i have for iphone/ipad.  liked it enough to buy one for my brother and one for my dad.
https://www.amazon.com/Veepeak-Scanner-Android-Diagnostic-Supports/dp/B00WPW6BAE/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=Obd2+Wifi&qid=1590707289&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzTU5RV0RSNFU3QzgxJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTA2NDY5MTdLMldFMFdDWk1IOCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjYxMjc0M0w5UE9XWTNOVDRNRiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

and this is the app i like for iphone
https://www.palmerperformance.com/products/dashcommand/iphone/index.php