Scan tool recommendation for trans temp detect mode when changing fluid

Looking to see if anyone owns or can recommend a affordable scan tool 100-300$. Its for my 2014 Tacoma. I want the tool to be able to place the truck in the trans temp detection mode instead of having to jump the pins on the diagnostic port and move the shifter back and forth. along with other useful scan tool features I might not know that I need or a cheap one may not have. never owned an automotive scan tool before but I am a heavy equipment technician with many years of experience . I don't know if all the scan tools can do this or not. thanks for the advice

 

No need to use check mode when using a scan tool, you can read transmission temperature directly (needs to be 95-115F when checking).

There's a ton of scan tools out there, enhanced scanners can range from around $100 to over $10,000 it just depends on the brand and what functions it has, typically your gona be in the $400-500 range for a decent standalone full function scanner with bidirectional support.

If you have a decent Android or Iphone the

$120 OBD2 Scanner Thinkdiag Bluetooth Full System Bidirectional Diagnostic Scan Tool OE Level Code Reader with ECU Coding 15+ Reset Service FCA AutoAuth All Software 1 Year Update Fits for iOS & Android

ThinkDiag bluetooth dongle is about the cheapest full function scan tool at ~$110 but it does cost around $70 a year for the enhanced functions, it comes with 1 year free and they run specials pretty often.

If you want something full featured that's standalone the

$479 Autel Scanner MaxiCOM MK808S: 2025 Bidirectional Tool as MK808BT Pro MX808S M808Z, Function as MaxiCheck MX900, 28+ Service, Active Test, All System Diagnose, Injector Coding, FCA Autoauth Android 11

Autel MK808S $479 supports all systems and has active test support.
If you don't need active test support but want all systems codes and data there's the Autel MD 808 Pro at $279

There are plenty of offerings from Autel, Launch, ThinkCar and others with prices all over the place just do your research before buying and make sure what your looking at has the functions you want.

Just a disclaimer I don't own the MK 808S or the MD 808 but I do have a MS 906BT and am happy with it, I also have the ThinkDiag and it seems to work good as well although it doesn't seem to like Chrysler stuff all that much.
I also have a SnapOn Verus Edge that is my daily but that one is a bit beyond the DIY budget.

 

An IR gun works fine, just shoot for mid range temp and you'll be in the window. I have verified this to be the case.

 

Wow, thanks for writing all that up. There’s really no cheap scan tool that can read your trans temp?

 

If you just want to read trans temps there's plenty stuff under $100 but if you want something that will do all modules your gona be over $100.

 

Specifically for Toyota. Best features/value I could find.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234848160413

https://www.autophix.com/productDetailEn?id=826152262928695296

 

The best 'mod' I have ever done to my 4Runner was putting a ScanGauge II in the center console. I had to program in the code for reading trans fluid temp but it does work. I believe mine was just under $200 at Auto Zone. Just verify on their website that it can be programmed for trans temp for your year Tacoma.

An example: A couple of months ago the check engine light came on while driving around town. While at a stop light I pulled the code and Googled it. "MAP sensor reading out of tolerance" or something to that effect. Cleared the code and thought "if it comes back on I'll clean the MAP sensor." All of this before the light turned green and the code hasn't come back so far.

 

Is there any programs that use the elm327 for ecu programming and diagnostic. I have forscan for Ford. Was hoping to find something similar for Toyota. Main reason was to see if transmission temp display could just be unlocked or made to display on dash

 

As far as I know the ELM327 interface can only read codes and data and doesn't support bi-directional controls or programming.
I don't think there's any way to add a trans temp display on Tacomas, you have to have a scangauge or other scanner that can display it.

 

So forscan is a pc program that uses an elm327- USB and allows you to change/edit modules but it is Ford specific. I've used it to unlock GPS/ navigation in a 13' Ford fusion. So elm327 is bidirectional you just need a controller "program" to read and send data

 

Ah I knew about ForScan but I didn't know what interface it used, I always thought ELM327 was read only.

There's no such thing for Toyota that I'm aware of although there's some bootleg copies of Techstream and Mongoose cables lurking around on Amazon and Ebay but use those at your own risk.
Many aftermarket scan tools can change settings as well but there isn't a whole lot of stuff that can be changed, most of it has to do with lighting and door locks I belive.
Someone posted a list of available settings somewhere, I'll see if I can find it.

 

Here's the list of customizable parameters at least for 16, I'd imagine 19 would be pretty much the same.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ommon-techstream-customizable-options.429205/

 

Come on!

The temp range is barely "warm to the touch"
You do NOT need to have an accurate temp probe. Just not dead cold, AND NOT HOT

 

So here is one I came across that reads trans temp AND does the TPMS relearn…just a few over $100 but close… I think I’m going to try it out…

 

So... did it work? Out of the box? Did you have to program anything?

 

Get an IR temp gun and add 3*

 

I can confirm the

$140 Ancel TD700 OBD2 Scanner Fits for Toyota Lexus Scion Engine Car Diagnostic Scan Tool All System Code Reader for Reading/Erasing Code,1996-2021

Ancel TD700, mentioned above, can read ATF temps. It reads my 07 Tacoma, and also our 18 Lexus RX350. I got this code scanner to release the rear calipers in the Lexus in order to service the brake pads. It works great for that. The scanner supports Toyota/Lexus models up to 2021.

I have second code reader, Foxwell NT520PRO, that also reads ATF temps. This model has been discontinued and replaced by NT510 which the vendor says can also read ATF temps. The 520PRO has coverage up to 2016 model years, but it reads ATF temps on the 18 RX350.

 

IMHO, the temp issue is over thought, I see a lot of OCD on this issue. Get a temp gun and just do it, your tranny will thank you.

 

An FYI, the IR gun works good on the traditional thin gauge tranny pans installed at bottom of the tranny. The transmissions in our 20 RAV4 and 18 RX350 don't have tranny pans at the bottom. They are installed on the side of the tranny and they are made of a plastic composite. The drain bolt is still at the bottom of the tranny but you cannot get a reliable ATF temp reading with an IR gun. Don't know if Gen 3 and 4 Tacomas have traditional tranny pans or if they are side mounted pans.

 

Thread is a bit dated but OBDLink may have this functionality.
https://support.obdlink.com/support...708843-display-transmission-temperature-gauge