OBD-II scanners

I am thinking of getting a scanner but not sure what a good one would be for my Tacoma 4Runner and Lexus-RX350. who has one? what would you recommend?

 

bump

 

and again

 

You looking for a serious diagnostic tool, or something less expensive? On the lower end of that scale I've had pretty good luck so far with an EBay bluetooth OBDII dealie and the paid version of Torque. Total cost about $25. Torque will let you create multiple vehicle profiles so you can use it for both.

 

Thanks Rick. will look into it.

any other ppl with experinces?

 

Just picked up a code hammer OBD II from napa for like 60 bucks today. It's not a serious scanner or anything, just basic code giving and CEL erasing. works so good it found a missfire

 

I have a launch Creader6 and i love it. color screan, read and clear DCTs, and datastream. you can find them for less than $100

 

If you are just wanting to read and clear codes, you could just get an ultragauge. About ~$80 and gives you some extra gauges to look at and use.

 

Are you looking for something to read MIL codes or to have the capability to do bi-directional functions for component testing such as testing actuators or perform a labscope, use a 5 gas analyzer, oscilliscope?

 

I have a ScanGauge 2 in my 97 taco. Shows some pretty useful info and also reads codes. I think it was around $150

 

Not sure if its what you're looking for.... I have a Scanguage II which will read and reset trouble codes. I've never used it for that since my CEL light has never come on.

 

Used my scan gauge II on Hyundai, BMW, Pontiacs, Tacoma. Have cleared codes and diagnosed problems. Been a good investment.
You can create a few custom gauges to monitor specific values.

I leave it in the Tacoma velcro to the headliner above the mirror

 

I use a ScanGaugeII as well. Permanently mounted in my 4Runner. Any vehicle 96 and up will work with it with a few exceptions listed on their website. Allows you to view stats, clear codes, and even monitor your gas mileage. If you want something cheaper and not visible I'd say get a bluetooth obd2 dongle and a scanner app for your smart phone (provided you have a smart phone). No wires, easy to move around, and like stated above you can build multiple profiles.

 

I have a cheapo autel from Harbor Freight - cost me 25.00! works well but doesnt do real time sensor reading. Just use it to read/clear codes

 

Have a really good Palmer OBDII to Palmer hardware to USB to computer- great logging software and such, hardly ever use it.

Bought two $15 OBDII blue tooth units and use a few free apps. Its ok for codes and some data, but the cheepo units seem to have a bad calibration, if thats even possible with OBDII protocal, because my TPS data seems really wrong, and on one app it won't even show fuel trims, but will with another. About to fork out the money for a legit ScanTool OBDII Link MX. Will never do a USB system again- blue tooth all the way.

 

I've used a OBDCOM scanner, it plugs right into my laptop. works pretty good. it lets you view and clear codes or see if your mods are having any effect.

 

I have a 97, also and I am looking into the Scan Gauge 2. Is yours AT and is the Scanguage able to read the trans temp?

 

So ontop of my $15 Amazon blue tooth special, I bit the bullet and got a OBDLink MX. Why pay so much more? The OBDLink MX does not drain the battery when left in and the truck is off, and better yet it does not make me constantly re-input the blue tooth access code in. Its plan and simple more seemless. But for odd-ball useage, code checking etc, the Amazon unit has worked just fine.

What was really awesome was paying for the paid version of Torque. Holly goodness is it another universe in capability. Now I have short term and long term fuel trims working (torque lite didn't support this), it has a trick feature of guessing what boost pressure your in via the MAF and other sensor inputs, shows my 2001's OE wideband's air fuel output and what I'm super crazy stoked about, TRANS TEMP!!! Saved me having to buy a trans temp gauge!!!