Techstream Reference and "Safe" Info Sharing

Where did you get your sw from?

 

Not sure what you mean by "sw"

 

Sorry. I mean Teachstream software.

 

I prefer directly from Toyota, link in post 18. I've also used mega downloads from garageforum without issue.

 

Just FYI: generally isn’t a good idea to run techstream through a virtual machine. A few folks have bricked their ecu’s trying to update calibration files that way. (It’s probably fine to do it just for customizations).

 

Correct. For most people it is an issue. Having a stable environment, properly setup with a competent user is normally fine. Not to mention, having reliable hardware and genuine flashing cables/ hardware as well. I've seen people brick with regular computers as well. Things happen

 

What were the issues with the cheap cable?

I just ordered one a few days ago (before seeing this thread) in the hopes to use it for occasional basic diagnostics, and tpms work, on my own and my wife's 08/09 Toyotas.

My plan was to pick up an older/cheap dedicated laptop to run win 7 or xp 32 bit (I've read the cheap cable is not very good on later 64 bit systems) with the tech stream software (possibly a couple versions shy of current) just for this purpose.

I understand this post is in the performance and tuning sub forum and that the cheap solution might not be appropriate for certain purposes like major writes to the ECU, but my guess is that a lot of folks interested in tech stream on this forum are like myself and are looking for a sub $100 way to home job some basic diagnostics and tpms or door chime stuff on one or two Toyotas.

Don't get me wrong I appreciate good tools and I don't intend to throw shade on the much better solutions, or those that invest in them, but if anyone has insights on the microwaved hot dog solution instead of the steak dinner that would be appreciated!

 

I used one of the cheap cables to read codes, customize settings, and program chip keys with no problems on quite a few friends and family’s cars. I think for that purpose, they are fine. Like you said though, I wouldn’t trust one for ECU writes/tunes.

 

Thanks!

After posting this I took a lot more time searching around this forum and the general interwebs for more info and now I'm more confident. It seems pretty straight forward, just drivers and cracked software. That's stuff I dealt with for over twenty years in the computer IT (software development) world. The computer stuff doesn't scare me but this post had me worried about the cheap interface cable.

I'll post up details on the cheap setup after I get it running.

 

Don't worry about it. I wouldn't flash with mine, but doing anything else really isn't a problem if it crashes since you are only sending requests and tuneable parameters over the CAN bus and not actually writing to anything. I have had mine crash when doing things but no telling what was the actual problem. Taking care of items like customizations, TPMS setup, new keys, etc. is no problem.

I did get a cheap dedicated computer and got everything working on Win 10 64-bit. It wasn't that bad but took some messing around.

 

Don't get older dedicated hardware. Just use what you have and be done with it. All the latest versions are specifically coded to work with current versions of windows. I believe they even say there is no more support for XP and a few other versions.

Download the official versions from toyota. I linked it a few times in this thread. Then email autokent@yandrex.ru and get your activation codes for free forever..... No loader needed. No other attached malware etc. If you are a dev though, you can check yourself or toss whatever file into IDA and see that most of the releases in the wild aren't 'safe'


I'm a 'dev' and some of these pre releases change my hardware ID and I am constantly having to get new codes because of it. Toyota wouldn't even entertain that idea of licensing the same machine multiple times even if I was paying for it.

Another thought though. If any of you are considering a dedicated hardware rig for diagnostics. Why not just use what you have and invest in a better/ genuine cable?

 

So... If I get one of the cheap mini-VCI cables on Amazon, will it work with Autokent's latest version of techstream that you linked?
Or will it require updating drivers for the cable/device? If so, can you give any tips on updating the drivers?
I have two laptops, windows 7 and windows 10, both 64 bit. Which one would be better in this scenario?
I haven't bought anything yet, but I would like to do so as soon as possible. I almost was about to buy one on Amazon for $70 until I read this thread.
Thank you for all the info!!!

 

All the versions will work with most of the cables. Get whatever cable you want. Just don't pay for the software. DO as I stated multiple times in this thread.

Personally, I use whatever machine I am going to use for normal daily usage. That way you can be sure it is in good working order and no nonsense is happening. Don't want an old or bad battery dying in the middle of a process. I use virtual machines on my Mac to run windows and other OS's. Personally, I run a Win10 Pro image with all my vehicle related software on it and haven't had many issues. There was a driver issue that caused connectivity issues I addressed here in the thread I believe. I resolved that. Shared he process with Toyota as it was an issue with their software not necessarily the computers it was running on.

TLDR - WIN10 x64, whatever cable you want. . Pull the software from Toyotas links https://www.toyota-tech.eu/GTS/Wizard/Step5-Software.aspx and email autokent@yandrex.ru with your version number and software id - 5000 days for free all regions.

 

Cant seem to get an e-mail through to that address?

 

Hi all, new here. I took my Tacoma in for service today. When I arrived home I noticed a TIS Techstream laptop had been left in my backseat. Considering connecting it and exploring a bit to see what modifications are available. Any suggestions?

 

Wow, that doesn't happen everyday. Nothing wrong with a bit of curiosity if it has the cable too.

But, I'd suggest taking it back to the dealer. It's nothing special, just a tough book running the same software available in this thread. Not that I care for dealerships in general, but the tech that lost it will be in trouble. It wouldn't be cool to contribute to someone losing a job, especially right now.

 

I was extremely surprised when I noticed it. I fully intend to take it back, however I noticed after the dealership was closed and they won’t be open until tomorrow again.

 

Excellent thread! I am sorry that I did not see it sooner.

The only thing that I can add is for TS V14.20.019, out of date warnings are popping up. If folks are connected to the Net, it forces you to an Update page that you can simply close. If folks are offline, it will give a 30 use countdown that will reset once it has an online try at updating.

 

It is autokent@yandex.ru (the prior post had yandrex - "r" should not be there) Yandex.ru is the Russian version of Google.

 

Does anyone have an updated link to the Toyota official download site? The link (https://www.toyota-tech.eu/GTS/Wizard/Step5-Software.aspx) goes to a page that says
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