Tech Stream

Hi, I keep reading about some people having a tech stream. Is that Toyota's dedicated scanner? or what is it? I have concerns about my transmission temps I am trying to find the best way to monitor the transmission temps regularly, since there is not an easy way to check fluid level. I have a 2019 Taco OR and the write up says I have a Power steering cooler and a engine oil cooler. So I guess my vehicle does not have a tranny cooler yet it came with the tow rack under my bumper. I only plan to tow a Jet Ski and I live in hot, humid Houston weather. any suggestions?

 

Best bet may be an aftermarket gauge kit you tap in or use on a test port of the trans or maybe a scangauge that plugs into the diagnostic port.

 

Techstream can be acquired through the recommended/legal way with a mongoose cable and a techstream subscription, since your truck is a 2019 this might be the only way.

The illegal way is to get a Chinese OBD adapter on Amazon or eBay that comes with a cracked/illegal version of techstream. Usually these versions are old and don't offer support for newest year models.

Both ways have to be run from a laptop or computer, but I have heard of some folks running off of a tablet.

Techstream probably isn't the best way to get tranny temps though, you can get a Bluetooth OBD reader and program it to read the tranny temps.

 

You can get a Bluetooth adapter and run a program depending on which you have, Apple or Android. Since you probably dont have an adapter yet, look into Carista. You get the adapter and with the Carista program you can do some customized options, then download either Torque Pro (Android) or the Apple version I think is OBD fusion. You will have to add PIDs but its not hard.

 

I'm pretty sure ALL v6 2019's have the TOW package standard. This includes a trans cooler (whether it's mentioned in the paperwork or not).

 

Do not tow in D. S4; or S5 when conditions warrant it.

Pin the thermostat open.

 

Huh??!! The dudes towing a jet ski not a d9 cat. Yes tow in s5 per the manual, but pin the thermostat open?????

 

The transmission runs cooler and recovers faster. Reported averages are about 20-30 degrees cooler.

 

his total weight may only be #1000 lbs with the trailer. lighten up he's not climbing pikes peak. just a few people and some gear for camping is more than that..

OP just drive it in S5 and your good to go.. you don't need any of this.

 

x2 for scangauge

 

Simple, easy, and cheap solution... check this thread -> https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/obd-fusion-tips-and-tricks.590248/

 

Thanks to all for responding many great ideas....You guys are the best

 

I bought a Bluetooth OBD tool and tried at least a dozen Android apps and none of them had working 'Trans Temp' or 'TPMS' functions that I want (some do, but I'm not a fan of yearly subscriptions) I've tried researching Tech Stream but there's too much confusing info since i'm old-school when it comes to computers. Can anyone walk me through (in layman's terms) what is needed for a Tech Stream set up to work?
Laptop/Computer requirements? Cable and driver (??) requirements? Safe TS download links?
I've got a 2018 Tacoma BTW...

 

Bump. Anyone?

 

Someone say Pikes Peak?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg6L_7qLIEQ#

 

Depress thermostat and insert a pin here...
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...tly-from-factory.405642/page-11#post-12024334

 

Yep Me..
i was there last summer looking for were he hit the rail.. AT 7:38
to bad its all paved to the top, no more sliding the corners for fun..