and get Option 2, maybe 3...
Code reader comparison
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 46
From: CO
Code reader comparison
I have a '99LS and don't have a reader, would like to buy one. Just wanted to see what you guys use.
I would like one that would work with younger cars too if I upgrade in a few years...
Thanks,
Val
I would like one that would work with younger cars too if I upgrade in a few years...
Thanks,
Val
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 54
Likes: 3
From: Hawaii/California
This is a common thread on the site.
Do some searching and cross check with google.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...er-to-buy.html
Do some searching and cross check with google.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...er-to-buy.html
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 98
From: ca
Its best to have a real time reading one. This would be the minimum to get in my opinion.
https://actron.com/content/autoscanner-live-data-color-screen
A cheapy code reader only is a total waste of money.
And I've read this is the best bang for the buck.
http://www.auteltech.com/Automotive%...lysi/341.jhtml
https://actron.com/content/autoscanner-live-data-color-screen
A cheapy code reader only is a total waste of money.
And I've read this is the best bang for the buck.
http://www.auteltech.com/Automotive%...lysi/341.jhtml
if all you need to do is read/erase codes and check monitors, any cheap $20 OBDII reader will work fine.
If you want to do live monitoring (and are ready to learn how to use that information) and more advanced troubleshooting, you'll want one capable of that. Ballpark $50-90, give or take.
If you want a near dealership-level scan tool, buy a $500ish Mongoose (http://www.drewtech.com/mongoose/toyota2.html)
If you want an actual dealership level tool, sell your car and go buy a snap-on or similar system for ~$8-10k.
If you want to do live monitoring (and are ready to learn how to use that information) and more advanced troubleshooting, you'll want one capable of that. Ballpark $50-90, give or take.
If you want a near dealership-level scan tool, buy a $500ish Mongoose (http://www.drewtech.com/mongoose/toyota2.html)
If you want an actual dealership level tool, sell your car and go buy a snap-on or similar system for ~$8-10k.
Driver
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 191
Likes: 2
From: MD
I've got an Autel Maxidiag Elite MD802 that I bought to deal with an airbag issue on another vehicle. At $200 it's a great deal for a near dealer-level scanner, though I agree with Drifter that it's overkill if all you want to do is check engine fault codes.
Last edited by mappo; Dec 28, 2016 at 07:57 AM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 98
From: ca
if all you need to do is read/erase codes and check monitors, any cheap $20 OBDII reader will work fine.
If you want to do live monitoring (and are ready to learn how to use that information) and more advanced troubleshooting, you'll want one capable of that. Ballpark $50-90, give or take.
If you want a near dealership-level scan tool, buy a $500ish Mongoose (http://www.drewtech.com/mongoose/toyota2.html)
If you want an actual dealership level tool, sell your car and go buy a snap-on or similar system for ~$8-10k.
If you want to do live monitoring (and are ready to learn how to use that information) and more advanced troubleshooting, you'll want one capable of that. Ballpark $50-90, give or take.
If you want a near dealership-level scan tool, buy a $500ish Mongoose (http://www.drewtech.com/mongoose/toyota2.html)
If you want an actual dealership level tool, sell your car and go buy a snap-on or similar system for ~$8-10k.
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I suggest you take the time to do so.
It comes with a limited access version of Toyota's techstream tool, and TIS access if you're willing to pay for the subscription.
It's a little buggy but my personal favorite since my entire family is mostly toyota/lexus based.
It comes with a limited access version of Toyota's techstream tool, and TIS access if you're willing to pay for the subscription.
It's a little buggy but my personal favorite since my entire family is mostly toyota/lexus based.
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 212
From: Chandler, AZ
I bought this older Bosch EBD1000 on Craigslist for 10 bucks when I was troubleshooting a shift solenoid code. Its pretty neat. Reads the code in about 15 seconds and erases in about the same time.
Its very basic, you can't run any realtime maps or any fancy stuff on it, but it'll tell you the needed info. I think they retail for 60, so kinda pricey but I believe even the harbor freight ones are based off the same design.
Mine literally only has two buttons on it, and its literally idiot proof. I plugged it in and didn't have to reference any instructions, got the hang of it in a couple minutes.
Its very basic, you can't run any realtime maps or any fancy stuff on it, but it'll tell you the needed info. I think they retail for 60, so kinda pricey but I believe even the harbor freight ones are based off the same design.
Mine literally only has two buttons on it, and its literally idiot proof. I plugged it in and didn't have to reference any instructions, got the hang of it in a couple minutes.
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