Here is An Interesting Video about Techstream I found on YouTube. It may give you something to think about before installing it

 

Excellent video. Thanks DD.

 

I agree GmanSC .

Dennis

 

Very entertaining video. After watching, I subscribed to the guy's channel, simply because I like his sense of humor!

Getting to the tech stuff...Is anyone running VM Virtualbox on a Mac with Techstream (besides the guy in this video)? Can you vouch for this method? Since I'm on a Mac laptop, I would prefer to go this route as opposed to buying and old Windows laptop and hoping it works with Techstream. Too, I don't want to have to call the tech support in China and have them remote into my Mac and then ask for my banking log-in info!

 

I've been researching Techstream in hopes of giving it a go. Unfortunately, the CL recommended "Techstream V12 with a VCI 2.0.4 cable" is no longer available on Amazon or Ebay. I already downloaded the V12 software as recommended in the video above, and will first attempt running it on VM Virtualbox on my Mac. If that doesn't work, I'll get an old PC laptop and go that route.

So, all I should need now is the 2.0.4 cable, but can't even find it. None of the vendors advertise the 2.0.4 cable. Most seem to fixate on the version of the software they sell their cables with and fail to identify the version of their cable. Does anyone know if the newest cables are backwards compatible with Techstream V12?

 

Pretty sure all versions of the cable will work with all version of the software. However a few points to note:

1. The chip shortage has hit this market and the only ones for sale I can find are the older 1.4.3 firmware cables.

2. The 1.4.X cables have support issues as you move into newer vehicles. I know positively that the current series of Land Cruisers and LX570s will not update the TPMS data using a 1.4.X cable but all the rest works. However, the 1.4.3 cable did fully support my 2000 LX470.

3. There is an alternate cable but not anywhere near as low cost. It's the VXDIAG VCX NANO product. Note: I don't have any financial arrangements with any cable company. I got turned on to the VXDIAG product through the IH8MUD forum that caters to the Land Cruiser and LX community.

4, I don't have a Mac, but there are several threads on IH8MUD about setting up Techstream with a Mac. Here's one: How-To: TechStream In 5 Minutes | IH8MUD Forum

 

My v1.4.1 cable works with the following
2002 SC430
2007 SC430
2004 Tacoma
2010 Camry

BTW, the eBay prices are ridiculous…

 

There you go. Thanks BGW. I thought 1.4.1 cable only works with pre 06 models.

 

[QUOTE=Bgw70;11076531]My v1.4.1 cable works with the following
2002 SC430
2007 SC430
2004 Tacoma
2010 Camry


I'm thinking of getting set up with Techstream on an old Windows laptop for my 2002 SC430 so this info on the cable compatibility is appreciated. Which version of the software are you running Bgw70? Are you on a PC or Mac?

 

[QUOTE=DJMinTN;11076707]i have an old Gateway laptop running WinXP 32bit.
I am running Techstream v15 but I first loaded v12. I would start with v12 if possible.

 

BGW70

Did you have to clean that V15 copy? Did you notice any functions that were on 12 but no longer on 15?

Dennis

 

it seems to function the same for my cars, guessing it adds new models and years.
I did notice the hack acts a little weird…I had to restart the software twice,

 

BGW, why did you install ver 15?

 

yes, over v12…months ago.
it seems to work ok.

 

First of all, Great video Daryl…his warnings are so true about the hacked Techstream…mine is on an old throw away laptop.

I went out and fired up Techstream software v15, installed over v12 this morning using cable v1.4.1 and v2.0.4.

let me start by saying cable v2.0.4 only read the VIN data of my 2007 SC430 but wouldn’t change any settings or command the seat ECU to recline the passenger seat back. I think the cable or chip has issues…

Cable v1.4.1 worked 100% as usual.

here are some pics of a couple of operations…as usual, not in the order I originally placed them…ugh