Hello all

I am thinking about purchasing Techstream software. I have a 2008 Lexus LS460 and a 2013 Lexus Rx350. I want to be able to diagnose problems my cars may/will myself and I read about Techstream. Can someone advise me where I can purchase this software that will work. Years ago I had a 2000 Lexus LX350 and I bought a techstrean program that I never could get to work off of ebay. I already do a lot of my work on the car myself. I have a couple of classic cars and I did a complete restoration on the cars myself from the painting of the cars as well as the engine and transmission work. If anyone could point me in the right direction I really would appreciate it. I already have a couple of OB2 scanners but of course they dont perform all the functions I need for my Lexus.

Gary

 

555Yes, techstream is the way to go. Buying from the company is pricey, but it's the real deal. There are partial copies out there on Ebay and other places. Some members have had good luck but there are posts about poor luck too. Also, the inexpensive cables have reports both ways. I suppose it may be worth risking a $100-200 even if it doesn't work. As long as you use a PC you don't mind risking a virus.

 

I got multiple Techstream versions off Ebay and never had a problem. However, OBD cables can cause a lot of issues. I would invest in a higher quality OBD cable instead of the cheapest versions.

 

lex 442

Go to this thread on the Lexus SC430 forum. You want post #8 follow it and you will be good to go. I have Techstream on 3 laptops. 1 for my sons 05 SC430 and 2 for my 2010 LS 460L and 06 SC430. I originally put mine on a Dell Mini computer but the screen was two small. It worked but I wanted to see more of the screen so I used Post 8 above and installed it on a 64 Bit machine.
Techstream answers needed - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion


Hope this helps

Dennis

 

I have Techstream (Ebay cable). I had the 1.41 version initially; it finally quit reading the live data, so I upgraded to the more expensive 2.0.4 version (firmware). It now reads live data on my 11 ES but not on my wife's 15 GX, so keep in mind that your functions may be limited. The version 2 cable is about $85, but like I said, results are hit or miss. The only way to guarantee 100% functionality is to spend the big $. For what I do, the live data isn't a major issue, but I would like to have it operable on both cars. I bought the version 2 cable on AliExpress. Be careful installing the software that comes with it or the link they send you, as some include viruses. I went to a well-known safe website (can't remember which one) and downloaded the software.

FWIW, it's a PITA to get it running. I watched a YouTube and ended up downloading a virtual machine on my laptop to run Windows XP to run Techstream. Just letting you know beforehand of the issues with the cheap ones.

 

Thank you for the information. I just might spend a few more dollars to get this software working like it should. Just hope it not thousands of dollars. I remember before I tried everything to get the ones off Ebay to work but never could.

 

I do hope you can get what you want. Have you ever visited the Techstream website? That's where you buy it. There are other OBD readers that do many Lexus diagnostics. They're generally well above $500. You'll have to research this on a search engine as specs and models change every year. You could also ask a local shop that specializes in Lexus and Japan cars about what readers they use or suggest. It really depends on how much "ability" you actually require. Maybe even Scotty's YouTube channel has a recommendation.

 

lex442

If you decide not to go the Techstream route I know the Carista App will work on your 2008 LS 460. I do not know if it will work on your 2013 RX350. I bought the Carista App way back in 15 or 16 when it was still in bata testing. It has always done what I wanted on my 2010 LS460L and that is what I had before the Techstream downloads were available. I can tell you Carista will not work on my 2006 SC430 as Carista never developed the program for the SC. Its just another option for you.

Dennis

 

I have Carista as well and it works well with Lexus. It's a cell app.Go to their site.

 

thank you for the suggestion I will look into it.

 

Carista website lists all cars and years it's compatible with. Also lists the available functions for each vehicle. There's small subscription fee. They are an active company, constantly updating and improving their product.

 

I looked at their site and my Ls460 is compatible with their program. My car at the present is in an independent shop replacing the starter. I did not want to tackle replacing it myself because it appears to be a royal PITA and I am not in the mood to remove the exhaust manifold.

 

Although it's not shop level tool, I always have Carista dongles in all of my cars. Great thing about it is it's really hard to mess stuff up with Carista (but really easy with Techstream).

 

For those that still want to try using Techstream, I bought my sketchy ODBC reader (VCX Nano) from this ebay seller in December 2022 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/175356357872. I use a windows 7 laptop dedicated to just Techstream (version 12.10.019). I don't worry about viruses and do not connect it to the internet.

I'm able to read engine data real time (2007 LWB) and perform engine actions too, Previous had purchased a cheap $25 cable form alibaba but could never get engine data to work. Willing to provide some assistance if you want to PM me.

 

Did the ebay seller provide you with the Techstream version you are using?