ODB TOOL

I just went through this on my older Audi (2001).. Rear caliper was locked up, I had to remove both to rebuild them and ran the reservoir dry, which allowed air into the ABS pump. Luckly, Volkswagen/Audi/Porsche cars have 3rd party support from a company call Ross Tech that makes a scanner with almost all of the features of the dealer tools, including the brake bleeding procedure. I tried to bleed the brakes using a motive bleeder the traditional way, and it wasn't enough. Bled them using the scan tool and shop manual procedure and it's good as new. The scanner basically triggers the ABS pump build pressure, and you bleed the calipers in sequence to get the air out using the ABS module pressure.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Foxwell-Scanner-TOYOTA-Diagnostic-Service/dp/B06X1691J4

http://www.foxwellsupport.com/foxwell-nt510-toyota-lexus-scion-vs-tis-techstream-v12-00-127/

with current version of techstream on foxwell. there's a link to what you can do with the gizmo on this page as a pdf.

I have the foxwell nt510 for our audi. spent around 150 on it and does pretty much everything that rosstech tool allows for, which is essentially audi's verison of techstream, for hell of a lot cheaper than rosstech. The only downside is when I look at graphs, its on a small screen instead of a laptop like rosstech.

It's paid for itself over and over again. The best thing is that I can download another car company for under 100 on to the current scanner. I haven't done it yet for toyota because I haven't needed it yet: warranty for another year. But if I do, it would have the toyota and the audi accessibility on one scanner. It's not just a scan tool but allows you to modify settings.

On the audi, I've used it to enter battery code after change, work on the electronic parking brake, flush the brake using the brake sequence, adjust throttle body after diconnect and clean, change some features like how long the interior light stays on, how long the outside lights turn on. I've saved a few grands at least so far just doing my routine service and using it to reset the service interval since you need the scan tool for audi. I really like it. It's a great tool. gives me engine operating temps and trans temp which I'll need next year when I change trans fluid (about $1000 saved there).

I'm not sure if the current gen tacomas are coded by foxwell but I figure by next year when I need it to flush brakes, etc they should have the taco. It works as an ODB scanner on any vehicle as well but you need to buy the program for other inputs. on the taco, it doesn't give me trans operating temp, IAC temp, but it does scan and clear all codes and engine temp, cat temps without having bought the toyota program, just as an ODB scanner.

Edit: just checked, adding another auto company to nt510 is $70

 

Ob what

 

For 95% of what you want a ScanGuage II would be just fine. It's all I've ever had in my '04 with 122k. Although I've never had a CEL.

To do the next level of work, like that whole brake bleed on an ABS vehicle after replacing a master cylinder, it seems you'd do well with Techstream, even the knock off version. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/help-with-techstream.451900/

I recently lost a MC on the '04. My reference mechanic thought I was going to have to take it to Toyota to get it bled correctly, but we managed to get it done w/o that.

 

@Barcared
Thanks for the info. A buddy and I split the RossTech way back before any of the other cheap (under 10K) diagnostic scanners could do what they were doing. Rosstech is not the cheapest, but they do have great support and there is a lot to be said for that when you're having a strange problem.

I've hopefully got a few years until I need a Toyota specific scan/shop tool, so I'll let all you guys figure it out first .

 

I have this scanner, the standard OBDII works just fine as I tested it on a 2006 Taco w/CEL that I did not buy. I looked recently on their site and the Toyota specific functions package was down to $60, so I'm going to pull the trigger and test it against my 2007 TRD sport 4x4 to see what specific systems it will successfully interface. I originally purchased it for my BMW (under warranty still), which will undoubtedly pay for itself the first time I have to use it.