Garand66

Hey folks,

I recently purchased a 2002 GS300 with 58,000 miles. The search function didn't up much, so I was wondering if anyone can recommend an engine code reader / diagnostics scan tool.

I found this one on amazon.com:

Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles

Is this device compatible with my car? Any other recommendations?

Thanks!

tiger4life

iTrader: (16)

I bought mines from autozone. It was $100 I think. Check the manufacturers site and it will tell you what it's compatible with. It's obd2 so it should work.

Debonair

If your car is a 1996 or newer it is OBDII. The CAN Bus OBDII protocol was added to the 3GS so this is not as important for the 2GS. So any scan tool that is OBDII will work with your 2002 GS's engine and emissions codes and possibly data depending on the scanner.

There are also more advanced scan tools that will allow you to access the other systems like SRS (airbag), ABS, HVAC, Body, Cruise Control, etc. The more systems the more money you will spend on the scanner.

A basic OBDII scanner like what you found on Amazon is all most DIY'ers need.

sinstrex

iTrader: (2)

I have the exact same one. It works great with my 2002 GS430 and would work great for you too. Its pretty basic. It just shows you the engine code and you can clear the check engine light(CEL).

If i would spend my money again, i guess i would buy the Autel MaxiScan MS309. Search amazon for the same. It displays the code along with what the code means. MS300 just displays the code, which you can search on clublexus or google it.

str8lucky

iTrader: (11)

The scanners are pretty cheap I always thought they were much more expensive.

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

Get a scan gauge then you can also monitor nearly everything plus it's great for zero to 60 and quarter mile acceleration as well as braking test. It also tracks your gas mileage. So instead of having just a code reader and reset you have something you can use everyday. You can monitor real time water temp (the actual temp not the one with a huge dead zone like the gauge on the car) timing, closed or open loop, intake temp, throttle position, and about another 10 more I can't remember. It also has an estimated horse power that you can adjust if you ever get on a dyno, instant gas mileage, daily gas mileage, per tank gas mileage.

drgonzo370

iTrader: (1)

If you have a smartphone, get an ELM327 Bluetooth OBDII reader. I have an Android phone (so can't speak from an iPhone perspective but pretty sure there are comparable apps), spent $40 on the BT OBDII reader and $5 for the full version of an app called Torque. Reads all my codes, clears them, and monitors quite a few sensors and can do 0-60 times etc too (never tested that part) all from my phone or my in car MP3 player (also android). Nice while driving if a CEL pops on you can check it immediately instead of having to stop and hook up your scanner or wait til you get home.

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

Sounds similar to the scan gauge but cheaper.

Here is a link to scangauge II

http://www.scangauge.com/products/scangaugeii/



Here is a link to the elm327

http://www.meritline.com/elm327-blue...--p-61686.aspx



Here is a link to garmin ecoroute hd if you already have a garmin with Bluetooth

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=38354

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

I have the garmin ecoroute hd and the scan gauge II I like the looks of the garmin better (they look like actual gauges) but the versatility and information on the scan gaugeII is better. Maybe drgonzo can elaborate on the elm327

FrankT

X2 on the Scangauge. I love mine.
I would also look at the ultra-gauge.

Garand66

Thanks, everyone for the feedback.

1sWt2GS

iTrader: (6)

i just borrow my friends

str8lucky

iTrader: (11)

Wow, the app way sounds great I will do a lil more research before I buy one this weekend.

kenworth75

I Need advice on which engine code reader to buy , I have a 1998 LS400 20 SER built to Australian standards, I have tried different code readers OBD11 ,my car dose not state it is OBD11 they say they will read my model but it dose not

Debonair

I think you mean OBDII, which stands for On Board Diagnostics 2. I read somewhere that Australia Toyota (& Lexus) vehicles did not become OBDII compliant until mid 2000's. You may have a hard time finding a low cost scanner that works. A OBD or OBD1 toyota scanner may work.