Online Repair Manuals

Hey TacoTechies,
Two questions:
I want to subscribe to an online repair manual and I'd like to know if Forum members think that any particular service has the best data for Tacomas. So far it looks like three of the biggest are AllData, Mitchell's, or Chilton's.

Also I plan to get an OBD Code Reader. I'm thinking now I will just get the interface cable and software package to use with a laptop rather than the self-contained reader devices. It's about the same cost as the inexpensive hand-held devices but will extract the maximum data.

I'd love to hear any opinions on these two topics!

Jim D.
'02 SR5/TRD 4WD

 

Just go here and download them.

 

Great tip piercedtiger, thanks for the link!
JimD

 

I would rather have data list interpretation myself...There are alot of scan tools OBDII for less than 250.00 out there that have everything you need including readiness monitor status that tap into a laptop after snapshots for upload evaluation and diagnostic help. I have used both scaner and laptop and can honestly say trying to read real time data on a notebook is far more difficult thanhaving a scan list in a palmable instrument. (of course just my opinion)...Try to get manufacturer specific software for your vehicle, it will help should you have the misfortune of a non OBDII input/output issue...

 

Seems to be a lot of investment for so few repairs.

 

I agree..However, at 90-110 an hour for diag at a dealer it can be a good purchase for one who wants to play car doctor.

 

I returned an OBDII scanner (after car popped a CEL) to buy a scangauge. Not much more than the simple OBDII scanner and does a LOT more.

ScanGaugeII - Trip Computers + Digital Gauges + Scan Tool

Then I google to codes to get a generic definition, and some forum responses from people that have fixed it. Cheaper and better, IMO, than spending a lot of money for occasional problems. Not to mention, that method works on ANY OBDII car (friends, family) not just the one you'd buy the software for.

 

True that

 

I Googled and searched here, not coming up with much. Maybe I am old fashioned but I like to use the actual FSM in book form.

 

Not sure where to get them either. That's why I downloaded it. I even emailed Haynes about doing a manual since the 05-08 models are ALL on the road now and more or less the same. No response yet. They may have been on vacation, but I don't remember until when. May have to go through my email again to check.

 

If you have $350 , here you go.

http://item.express.ebay.com/2008-T...280176119636QQihZ018QQtrZexpQQcmdZExpressItem

 

I downloaded it and print out the items that I need as I go. I keep them all in a binder. I am a hard copy kind of guy too.

 

robo,
Not sure exactly what you're looking for but are you might check out Autobooks/Aerobooks in Pasadena: http://www.autobooks-aerobooks.com/.

Great discussion on code readers. I didn't appreciate the difficulty of reading the complete PC download so I'll look closer at the portables! Points about cost well made but I'm thinking of a <$100 solution which could pay for itself by saving one trip to the dealer. Also being a former mechanic and hopeless DIY'er, I just like having the ability to diagnose myself whenever I can. And as PT said, it will be good for any OBDII system.

I've read somewhere that some codes can be read directly from the ECU or gauge lights with just a jumper or something but don't know if that applies to Gen1 Taco so need to research it more.

Happy New Year to all you forum members,
Jim D

 

I think the jumper method is for pre-OBDII cars. It might still work on OBDII cars, but it's just easier to plug in a scanner!

Get the Scangauge, and leave it in your truck.
It has trip meters for:
» Maximum Speed » Average Speed » Maximum Coolant Temperature » Maximum RPM » Driving Time » Driving Distance » Fuel Used » Trip Fuel Economy » Distance to Empty » Time to Empty » Fuel to Empty
And digital gauges for:
» Fuel Economy » Fuel Rate » Battery Voltage » Coolant Temperature » Intake Air Temperature » Engine Speed (RPM) » Vehicle speed (MPH) » Manifold Pressure
(not available on some vehicles) » Engine Load » Throttle Position » Ignition Timing » Open/Closed Loop

In addition to the code reading/clearing option. You can use it to increase your MPG by adjusting driving habits. I used it on my corolla to prove it was idling high (1500RPM, should've been 700RPM) because that car doesn't have a tach. A few cleaning treatments with Seafoam and exhaust repair, and it's right where it should be. My MPG went from 27 to 34 just because I realized the engine RPM's were too high and went about get it to run slower and use less gas.

Hell there's even a group buy going on on TN. ~$150 so maybe $50 more than a code reader at Wal-Mart.
Scangauge II Group Buy - Toyota Forums :: Toyota Nation

 

Piercedtiger, thanks for such a great information.

Regards.