Hello all! This past November I ditched my Jetta Sportwagen TDI and picked up a 2010 is350c and couldn't be happier with it!

Unfortunately the past couple weeks I've been having an intermittent problem where the ABS and traction light turn on 10-15 seconds after I start the car. It doesn't always happen, maybe once in every 10 starts.
Now coming from the world of VAG cars we had a tool called VAGCOM that was pretty darn close to what a dealer would use to diagnose issues with vehicles.
Is there anything like that available for Toyota/Lexus that isn't $1k or pirated/hacked junk?
​​

 

You can get some Chinese knockoff tech stream cable for 20-30 bucks. Heads up, you will need to scan the car when the lights are on to see what the car thinks is wrong.

 

Just buy mini VCI teachstream. Cost no more than $50
PM me for more info if needed. You need to disable the direct server streaming

 

Pretty sure the dealer uses what they call an Intelligent Tester. That is what is always outlined in the service manual documentation. I just looked and you can buy the knock offs for like 300-350$ by the looks of it.

I'll have to message Whitebeast to find out what this tech stream cable does exactly if he doesn't want to post it here. I would think something that cheap will just read codes, and not simulate speed signals to the sensors and everything you would need to do the full testing procedure on your car.

 

I use Torque Pro (Google Play) on my Android Tablet with a BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool for Android Devices (check Amazon). It is absolutely awesome and cost $20 bucks for the adapter and $5 for the App. I have been able to monitor live data and pull up error codes along with clearing them. There is very little that you can't do with it.

I just purchased a Mini VCI Diagnostic Tool Cable Scanner for Toyota Lexus off of Ebay for $17 and free shipping. Just search it up since the Mods are picky about posting links to these cables because they come with software. The software that comes with these cables allows you to program some of the features that you would have to otherwise visit the dealer so they could use their TIS Techstream software.

About your problem, I highly doubt it is your ABS and traction control that is the problem (this will light up as default or limp mode with almost any engine related problem). You probably have something like a misfire that goes away. Maybe a coil is going bad or you need new plugs or something. Run some good fuel cleaner through it and see if it helps.

 

That is it, the mini VCI with tech stream is what you will want. These can be had for ~20 dollars, 50 is too much. This will let you read the oddball faults that an obd reader can't.

 

The $20 cables only work with 32 bit operating systems; the more expensive ones have 64 bit drivers for modern operating systems like Windows 10.

You need to have an active professional diagnostic subscription to TIS ( http://techinfo.lexus.com ) to use the Techstream software legally. Please do not discuss illegal use on this board; it's a violation of our rules.

 

does this tool also help in programming TPMS sensors into the car?

 

yes, you could program it but you would have to buy token unless you work for toyota or lexus

 

It can do the job, but not nearly as well as the tool that the tire shops use. With Techstream you need to manually write down the codes from each sensor before you can program them in - if you forget you would need to dismount the tires. The tire store's tool can scan the codes with the tires still mounted on the rims, and then plug into the OBD-II connector and automatically program them into the car.

I think you are mistaken about requiring tokens for programming TPMS sensors with Techstream. Perhaps confusing it with the process of re-initializing the smart key system and adding back used keys?

 

Yes, could be my mistake cause most of the thing relate to tire and wheel. I have a shop take care of it but i did use Techstream to monitor and testing our my car when needed. So far so good. No complaint from me

 

Also returned 09 JSW TDI, riding an 09 GX 470 now. Also sold my VAGCOM and looking for something for the GX. Anyone used the INNOVA 3160? Recommendations? Not interested in knockoffs.