Obd scanner

What scanner is everyone using for their 3rd gen? I have an old solus pro from my wrenching days but it's not longer supported and stops at my09. I'm considering updating to a new snappy unit but dang is that pricey.

I'd want codes, live data, as well as functional testing capabilities.

 

I have several Innova models as well as a Launch X431 Pro, all work well on my '18 Sport DCLB AT. The higher-end Innova models offer some live data, but the Launch is a full bi-directional tool with access to a mind-numbing array of PIDs, as well as a lot of bi-directional tests.

 

The cheapy WiFi/Bluetooth odb2 plugs will get you 90% there. But for function / bidirectional tests you'd need a full on unit afaik. I'd like to get a launch one day. But even those are expensive just for the sake of curiosity.

 

Which launch are you using? I had seen them available but was unsure of the functionality of them. I've been spoiled by my snap on unit

 

Never mind, my reading skills failed. I see it now

 

+1 on a $20 ELM327 clone. Worth their weight in gold, but why pay when you don't have to.


If folks want to flash, I'd say the same for a genuine Tactrix adapter. Cheap for what it is and can do.

 

Functionality is excellent; it's definitely not a Verus or Triton unit, but it's also not Verus or Triton price, and the software is <$500 (CDN)/year. It's got pretty much everything a shade-tree is likely to need, plus more.

 

In some make / models, the launch can be better. Same is true for snap on etc.

 

Definitely - there's no 'one is best' that's for sure. For the average, non-professional, a Launch or Autel will be ample.

 

One of these days I'll get a launch. They're so handy to have. Especially if you're helping a friend diagnose some stuff.

 

[QUOTE="Evostaco, post: 25214130,

I'd want codes, live data, as well as functional testing capabilities.[/QUOTE]
Can get a free techstream and $160 obd adapter to do all of it. Assuming you have a laptop.

 

Can get a free techstream and $160 obd adapter to do all of it. Assuming you have a laptop.[/QUOTE]


Will it do bidirectional controls? When I first installed techstream I poked around a bit but IDR seeing anything like that.

 

Will it do bidirectional controls? When I first installed techstream I poked around a bit but IDR seeing anything like that.[/QUOTE]
I've changed settings, entered tpms id, reset values and stored codes. I saw some functions to do some system testing.
Is it considered a bidirectional?

 

I've changed settings, entered tpms id, reset values and stored codes. I saw some functions to do some system testing.
Is it considered a bidirectional?[/QUOTE]


Bidirectional is like the ability to control specific stuff. Like a purge solenoid or actuate an EGR valve.

 

Bidirectional is like the ability to control specific stuff. Like a purge solenoid or actuate an EGR valve.[/QUOTE]
I'll check. I think you can even check tranny solenoids

 

Techstream is going to be as good as it gets for Toyota, however, I'm a little leery of poking around critical engine parameters with pirated software and a cheap, MiC OBD adaptor.

 

look under Active Test

"
ACTIVE TESTS
Techstream also allows you to perform active tests on vehicles right in your shop. Most of a vehicle’s systems that are run by a computer have an active test that will allow that system to be manipulated via Techstream. Active tests let you turn these systems on and off to validate that they work and aid in the repair process. This can help save time, increase efficiency in your shop and help you perform more accurate repairs. Without Techstream, techs have to manually verify that systems are operating correctly. This is a much more laborious process and may involve disassembly of the vehicle, whereas Techstream can verify if these systems are working almost instantly.

As an example, active tests can help you purge the inverter cooling system on hybrid vehicles. To perform this procedure, you can use Techstream to turn on the water pump, which allows you to properly purge the cooling system very quickly and accurately. Alternative methods can take a long time and may not be very accurate.

Cooling fans are another example of how beneficial active tests can be. Work on cooling fans involves a lot of disassembly and reassembly, with many different connectors and wires. Using an active test you can verify that the fans work once you put the vehicle back together without having to wait for the vehicle to heat up and without even having the engine running.

Techstream Process
Integrating Techstream into the repair process of every vehicle you work on can help make repairs more efficient and accurate. The following is the recommended process for incorporating Techstream into your repairs:

• Start with a health check. A health check should be done during the estimating process. This will tell you many things you should know about the vehicle before you begin the repair. It can also help you write a more accurate estimate by detecting issues that aren’t apparent during an initial inspection. Once the health check is complete, print the results and attach them to the estimate.
• Use active tests throughout. Active tests should be employed throughout the repair process to confirm that vehicle systems are operating properly and to assist with the repair.
• "

 

Just a note that the TS versions that are floating around are official versions. It is just the activation key that is hacked.

Most all threads talk about the genuine Tactrix. Lots of folks ask and have opinions about the cheap clones, but we have seen the consequence there.

 

We're assuming that's the case, it certainly doesn't strike me as improbable that someone might insert some malicious code into a file within it. Admittedly, I've not heard of it happening, but I'm hesitant to take that chance with a $45,000 truck. The $1300 I paid for my Launch scan tool does everything I will likely ever need (with the sole exception of letting me turn off the passenger seatbelt alarm) and gives me peace of mind. It also gives me the capability to diagnose just about any other car I'm likely to come across.

 

It is your money and your decision, which is completely respectable. Ye with the most cool tools, wins.

Everyone has their tolerance / risk limit. Growing up in the age of computer viruses and such has been fun.

My goal was only to clarify the situation. I was certainly hesitant early on with the TS cracks, but we kinda crowdsourced the verification. V12 was a trusted recommendation and was a trickier hack. V14 has been used by thousands, maybe? I've heard recommendations about the thread in conversation with a guy at a local parts store. The activation is sort of funny, but nothing malicious has yet to be noted. V15 that I grabbed is a November release. I used it several times before recommending. The activation is through a third party, who only provides a one time key in return.