I am a do it yourself kind of guy. The many options around are mind boggling. While my current cars don't need anything too fancy, I'm sure that will change the next time I get a car, so now that my friend has sold his shop and I have to work in my garage again I was going to get a scan tool. I currently have Toyota, Lexus, and Kia cars but who knows what I'll buy next time.

I was wondering what suggestions people have regarding diagnostic scanners. I have quite a headache after spending some time on the Web looking at various reviews. It was interesting to find that many cars today need battery reset and or registration. Cars with electric brakes may want a tool to retract the caliper, although I have done quite a few with my friends SnapOn tool and the mechanical way by using allen wrenches to retract them. Changing parts now can require registering them to the computer.

So I ask those like me that do like to fix things what they like.

 

I've been looking at the LAUNCH X431 CRP919E Elite.
I was very satisfied with the simpler early version at my friends shop that he got through Matco Tools.

 

I find it much easier just to use Techstream, and pay for the days you actually need to use it. Nothing beats it.

E.g. a 2 day subscription is enough to get whatever you want done.

 

Techstream is fine for Toyota, but I also own other makes of cars. I also help out friends that have a variety of vehicles.

 

Launch is a good universal option. There are multiple models starting at ~$100 that read most of the computers (SRS/ABS/ECU/Tranny) on most of the cars. I guess the more expensive ones are better designed / have more options. But you have to realize that those are third party tools that work by reverse engineering comm protocols for multiple brands / multiple models. They always would have some level of problems and bugs.

For my cars I usually go all the way and try to get the same hardware/software that dealerships use (eg. Techstream for Toyota/Lexus, Tech2 for GM). Especially for Techstream which you can get for as little as $25 including the cable.

 

I'm no expert but read a lot of threads here. There are some high end units that will read most Toyota/Lexus codes and other brands too. But they are well over $500. Go to Launch website and read about the compatibility with Lexus. Lexus cars are very proprietary and Techstream is made for them. Maybe Launch will work for your needs. I have the Carista app on my phone and it reads enough for my needs. Look at their website too. Best wishes.

 

This is an interesting conversation. I have a 2014 ES300h, so the hybrid battery is getting long in the tooth. What tool will allow me to monitor the health of the hybrid battery for the 300h? I know people have used some tool for the Prius, but is there a 300h specific tool?
@ESully, Thank you for starting the thread!

 

There is nothing much you can monitor. If there are issues with the battery you'll get a DTC and warning lights. Nothing beats the onboard monitoring already.

 

Techstream or Dr. Prius app on a cellphone (requires bluetooth OBD adapter)

 

What too look at on the dr prius app to check on the battery health?

Just got a 15' es300h with 130k on the clock

 

Also when driving check that all the cells show about the same voltage all the time.

 

I heard some can read the transmission temperature and others can't. Otherwise, definitely the more you spend, the more capable it will be. Got to do the research.