Best Diagnostic Scanner (code reader) for Lexus?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: tx
Best Diagnostic Scanner (code reader) for Lexus?
I have 3 lexi: '01 RX, '05 GX, '12 GX
The older 2 have over 100K and periodic CELs. Rather than continuing to track down places to read the codes for free I'm ready to invest in a scanner. I was about to buy a cheap one off Amazon made by Actron (or similar) then I started reading about something called Techstream on the CL forums.
Is this my best bet for more detailed diagnostics and Lexus-specific code reading?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-VCI-16-Pin-OBDII-Cable-Cars-Diagnostic-Scanner-For-TOYOTA-Techstream-w-CD-/151410246033?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2340c10191
If not that particular Techstream can someone send me a link to the one I do need? Or is a $20-$50 Actron or Innova or MaxiScan the way to go?
In case it's not implicit, my goal is to diagnose problems and possibly fix them myself (or at least research the relevant fix), not simply turn off the CEL light.
The older 2 have over 100K and periodic CELs. Rather than continuing to track down places to read the codes for free I'm ready to invest in a scanner. I was about to buy a cheap one off Amazon made by Actron (or similar) then I started reading about something called Techstream on the CL forums.
Is this my best bet for more detailed diagnostics and Lexus-specific code reading?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-VCI-16-Pin-OBDII-Cable-Cars-Diagnostic-Scanner-For-TOYOTA-Techstream-w-CD-/151410246033?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2340c10191
If not that particular Techstream can someone send me a link to the one I do need? Or is a $20-$50 Actron or Innova or MaxiScan the way to go?
In case it's not implicit, my goal is to diagnose problems and possibly fix them myself (or at least research the relevant fix), not simply turn off the CEL light.
Rookie
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 54
Likes: 5
From: TX
Thanks for the tip on the techstream, I picked up a cable on amazon prime for $28 with 2day ship. Hope it is good to go. Im used to the BMW world with all the code readers and software to reprogram features and clear codes. Nothing like saving $125+/hr diagnostic charges.
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 164
Likes: 68
From: Colorado
I have Torque on my phone, an Ultragauge, and just ordered the Techstream thingy from Amazon.
I like the Ultragauge best for long term, everyday monitoring of things like coolant temperature and MPG, and Torque is nice for quick and dirty code pulls or seeing what an O2 sensor is doing if the Ultragauge is not installed. I only bought the Techstream thing to disable the auto-retracting steering wheel and set all the door locks to open with one button press.
I like the Ultragauge best for long term, everyday monitoring of things like coolant temperature and MPG, and Torque is nice for quick and dirty code pulls or seeing what an O2 sensor is doing if the Ultragauge is not installed. I only bought the Techstream thing to disable the auto-retracting steering wheel and set all the door locks to open with one button press.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 22
From: VA
Techstream for $30 off Amazon is the Animal you want. I have programmed new keys, cut off steering wheels going up and down when starting and cutting off engine, running lights, etc. Also gives you detailed engine specs. I use it on all 3 of my cars
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Rookie
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 54
Likes: 5
From: TX
Cool. Glad to know it can reprogram those little annoyances.
Rookie
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 54
Likes: 5
From: TX
Got the techstream from Amazon last night. Installed on a Win7 32bit laptop easily. Reprogrammed the DRL, the auto alarm arm to 60sec, and removed the auto steering wheel telescoping feature. Pretty nice and easy to work with. Thanks for the tip Turbo5Dave!
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 164
Likes: 68
From: Colorado
Got mine last night too. Hooked it up to a Win XP laptop. It connected to the truck fine and was able to read the ECU data fine. However, I bought this to change the Personalized Settings, but that did not work. It got to the first screen for changing settings but any screen after that was blank. I spent 2-3 hours screwing around with it but have reached the tentative conclusion that the cable was defective. Will send it back and try another. This was the Fotga cable on Amazon.
Rookie
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 54
Likes: 5
From: TX
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 164
Likes: 68
From: Colorado
Software comes with it, on a mini CD, but can easily be downloaded off the net.
There are a good number of forum threads on the net where people have gotten the cable driver to work with 64 bit systems, but you would be best off doing your own search for the specifics. The actual Techstream software apparently works fine on 64 bit systems. The cable driver is the problem.
There are a good number of forum threads on the net where people have gotten the cable driver to work with 64 bit systems, but you would be best off doing your own search for the specifics. The actual Techstream software apparently works fine on 64 bit systems. The cable driver is the problem.
Last edited by LexRex; Jan 22, 2015 at 01:54 PM.
