1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Best OBDI II graphing scanner

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by 97TacoNM, Dec 4, 2014.

  1. Dec 4, 2014 at 9:10 PM
    #1
    97TacoNM

    97TacoNM [OP] Riding a 97 Taco

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2014
    Member:
    #135833
    Messages:
    465
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    NM
    Vehicle:
    97 Taco LX 4x4 Ext Cab
    Rampage halogens Custom bed rack
    I am in the mood to get a NICE scanner for Christmas - wife needs to know what to get me. I want to graph performance of things like the O2 sensors, etc. Anyone have good experiences? I have read mixed reviews of Actron units. I want to go from all '96 and up vehicles - be the scan hero of my block woo hoo!
     
  2. Dec 4, 2014 at 10:46 PM
    #2
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2013
    Member:
    #116470
    Messages:
    3,331
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Harlan
    Maricopa, Az
    Vehicle:
    '01 Prerunner, '03 cbr600rr, '09 R1, '03 cbr954rr
    Have u looked into the android 'torque' app? You can set up graphs and stuff in there. I just got into it and I really like it. A lot cheaper than the high end scan tools. $5 for the app, $10-25 for the Bluetooth adapter depending on which one u get. I got the BAFX model. And you run it on an android device. I got a refurb 7" tablet for $60, dedicated to that and works great for nav too. May use it to load up a music library as well. So for ~$130 I got a sweet scan tool that does everything and more:D
     
  3. Dec 5, 2014 at 1:21 AM
    #3
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2013
    Member:
    #116470
    Messages:
    3,331
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Harlan
    Maricopa, Az
    Vehicle:
    '01 Prerunner, '03 cbr600rr, '09 R1, '03 cbr954rr
    http://youtu.be/8dolwntg4LM

    Just a random video review I found of torque.

    But yeah it can read cel codes and even clear them straight from the app. It does emissions checks.. All kinds of stuff. Too much to list. Ha. Works on your phone just the same. I actually liked it on my phone better, but I wanted a kind of 'permanent' solution that can be left in the truck at all times. Also forgot to mention that for the $130 I paid, that was all optional. The app and adapter was ~$30. Then my refurb tab $60, cheap windshield mount$15, power inverter to plug the charger for tablet in $20 something. So if you wanna use your current phone or tablet, it's cheap. Also I'll say a phone probly works best. Plenty of room to fit all the gauges/graphs/ misc stuff you want on the one screen. But you can have multiple screens set up too. Or just one main screen. Also works on any vehicle with obd2. No special setup needed. Only thing is there is a bit of discrepancies in the mpg and speed if you're running bigger tires and whatnot. You can set up different vehicle profiles, and you enter in like weight of vehicle and a couple other things and it bases it off those settings. Still haven't figgured out how to configure the mpg to read more accurately. There's some kind of 'trim' in the settings to adjust it up or down to what you're actually getting. So that will require you to get it the 'manual' way, set the 'trim', and get it close to what it truly is and then it should be fine. I just haven't messed with it yet..

    Anyways, I hope someone chimes in with the 'real' scan tools/scanguages because I have yet to see how those perform compared to this option. I didn't even know about scanguage until recently. I happened to stumble upon the torque thread first, and went for it... It seems like there's a lot more data in torque, but I'm sure the nice scan tools work better and are more accurate. Not to say torque isn't, except with those couple exceptions I mentioned. Everything else seems to work great.

    Edit: if you decide to look into this option, and have questions on graphs or other settings, I may be able to post a vid and show what it can do. I haven't messed with the graphs much, but I can play with it and also show any other options you're curious about. And I hope op doesn't mind. But really, I think this is the tool he wants if he is looking to use it to show off and help others in da hood:D People get a kick out of mine so far and I've only had it for about a week. Ha.
     
    Last edited: Dec 5, 2014
  4. Dec 5, 2014 at 1:57 AM
    #4
    koditten

    koditten Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2013
    Member:
    #112077
    Messages:
    18,305
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kirk
    Central Michigan
    Vehicle:
    04 trd x-cab 4 x 4 3.4l
    Reserected from the dead.
    Here is a clone of what the dealers use. I have this and it works great. It is laptop based, so it is a bit combersome. Mine is installed on a netbook just for this purpose only.

    The only drawback is that you need a computer that runs a 32 bit operating system. I have to warn you, it does take some work getting it properly loaded. don't waste your time using the included disk-complete junk-just find the program on the internet.

    there is a work around to get the program to function with 64 bit machines. I haven't found a need for it yet. the program works just fine on my '98Tacoma as well as my '09 Tundra.

    There is a huge thread on the Tundratalk.net site that will tell you everything you need. Did I tell you it is a long thread? Get comfortable and learn all you want about what can be done using this program.

    Things like:
    Turning on/off the factory alarm
    Turning the key chime up/down
    Making the doors unlock with one click
    Calibrating fuel gauge
    Checking all lighting
    Compression checks using the starter-no need to pull plugs
    Full view of all sensors with graphing
    These are a small number that I can remember off the top of my head.

    if you have any interest in how our truck work, you will want this program. It is exactly the same as the dealer.

    I've progressed thru the SGII, Torque and always found myself wanting more-this was the answer for me. It satisfied my gadget needs...big time.

    I still run a SCII for instant, common data, but the TS program is the one I use for serious diagnostics.

    Later

    KO
    http://www.amazon.com/Newest-V8-00-...=1417772767&sr=8-1&keywords=toyota+techstream
     
  5. Dec 5, 2014 at 2:03 AM
    #5
    Darryle

    Darryle It is just a truck

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2014
    Member:
    #134428
    Messages:
    1,073
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Darryle
    Weatherford, Texas
    Yes, less than $20 for the app and Bluetooth dongle. It will also graph GPS, transmission temperature, highest speed, highest remember and pretty much anything else that the two standalone units do. I use the Torque app in both 4Runners.
     
  6. Dec 5, 2014 at 9:15 AM
    #6
    a.smo

    a.smo Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2014
    Member:
    #132282
    Messages:
    2,808
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Aaron
    PHX, Az
    Vehicle:
    '99 Trd Xtra Cab 4x4 5sp
    I'm assuming it doesn't need wifi or data?

    Darryle, you said it does trans temp. I know the scangauge or ultra gauge doesn't read trans temp on older than 01, does torque?

    Can it also read engine temp?
     
  7. Dec 5, 2014 at 12:51 PM
    #7
    Darryle

    Darryle It is just a truck

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2014
    Member:
    #134428
    Messages:
    1,073
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Darryle
    Weatherford, Texas
    My Daughter's 2000 and my 1999 4Runner both show transmission temperature
     
  8. Dec 5, 2014 at 1:42 PM
    #8
    97TacoNM

    97TacoNM [OP] Riding a 97 Taco

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2014
    Member:
    #135833
    Messages:
    465
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    NM
    Vehicle:
    97 Taco LX 4x4 Ext Cab
    Rampage halogens Custom bed rack

    I have the SG II, have for years, and love it. By graphing I am referring to capturing data over time and charting it. It's really the only way to really test an O2 sensor, as example. You see the voltage swings on the sensor, so you get an idea if it is working in spec. AutoZone has the Actron 9580A as their scan tool that they scan your vehicle with for free. Drop in and have them do it. They found I have 2 ABS codes lurking in there - SG II doesn't see those.



    Looks cool, I will probably grab that as it is so affordable. I have a Kindle Fire I can see if I can run it through, although not sure if that has blue tooth... hmmmm.



    That looks awesome. Makes me afraid though, so inexpensive for a TechStream clone! Being an IT guy for a few decades I think "patent rip off China app" or something along those lines, or "trojan horse delivery system" :) You've had great results eh? I have nothing with XP on it, and nothing with 32 bit Win 7, but I could look for an older netbook on ebay or something that has that, and use it as a dedicated system for this like you do. Thanks for the tip, looks awesome.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #8
  9. Dec 5, 2014 at 1:47 PM
    #9
    koditten

    koditten Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2013
    Member:
    #112077
    Messages:
    18,305
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kirk
    Central Michigan
    Vehicle:
    04 trd x-cab 4 x 4 3.4l
    Reserected from the dead.
    I worried about that copyright thing too. I don't use it to make money.

    My copy is running on a NetBook that has windows pro, which allows my to run windows XP as a vertical machine. It is slow as shot to boot up, but works fine for me.
     
  10. Dec 5, 2014 at 1:55 PM
    #10
    97TacoNM

    97TacoNM [OP] Riding a 97 Taco

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2014
    Member:
    #135833
    Messages:
    465
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    NM
    Vehicle:
    97 Taco LX 4x4 Ext Cab
    Rampage halogens Custom bed rack
    For $26 it is worth a shot. I have an old netbook, that the HD drive went tits up on, so maybe Best Buy can fix it up or something. If I can find that software on the net, in case the CD does not work (plus my netbook has no CD drive, so I would have to buy one), maybe someone around these parts could point a dude in the right direction for the software? :)
     
  11. Dec 5, 2014 at 3:00 PM
    #11
    EdFlecko

    EdFlecko Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2014
    Member:
    #121211
    Messages:
    341
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ed
    Sacramento, California
    I agree with 97TacoNM about this being a "Trojan delivery system" - it would be trivial to hose your onboard computer. I'd be very skeptical of something powered by "Chinese software".

    Do you think that, maybe, the U.S. drone that was shot down by the Iranian pinheads *might* have had some "backdoors" built into its software - http://www.washingtonpost.com/world...raft-downing/2011/12/04/gIQAyxa8TO_story.html

    :)

    Ed
     
  12. Dec 5, 2014 at 3:04 PM
    #12
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2013
    Member:
    #116470
    Messages:
    3,331
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Harlan
    Maricopa, Az
    Vehicle:
    '01 Prerunner, '03 cbr600rr, '09 R1, '03 cbr954rr
    Yeah I wouldn't mind having a 'dealer' type scan tool to go in more depth, I may look into that as well. When I wanna start learning and diving deeper into the diagnostics since my knowledge of these tools is pretty basic. That's why I like torque, basic and easy for the uninclined.;) But I would like to start learning more too eventually.

    In the meantime, there's some more reading into torque here too
    http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/performance-tuning/183560-write-up-torque-app-obd2-reader.html
     
  13. Dec 5, 2014 at 3:07 PM
    #13
    Indy

    Indy Master of all I survey.

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2013
    Member:
    #112518
    Messages:
    2,582
    Gender:
    Male
    Just bluetooth. I've been using it for a few years. It will read whatever your OBD transmits, not all of them give trans temp data. I've bought 2 BT dongles off of ebay, 1st one went belly up after 3-4 years. They cost about $5 each. Torque is free for most of it, a couple bucks for the non-sponsored version. And I use one of my old phones as dedicated, still have it on my regular phone when the dedicated one isn't handy.

    There's no reason to spend scanner type money on what is so easy to get for almost free.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #13
  14. Dec 5, 2014 at 7:23 PM
    #14
    97TacoNM

    97TacoNM [OP] Riding a 97 Taco

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2014
    Member:
    #135833
    Messages:
    465
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    NM
    Vehicle:
    97 Taco LX 4x4 Ext Cab
    Rampage halogens Custom bed rack
    I agree in general terms, but the free stuff doesn't provide the in depth diags you sometimes need. I plan on checking out Torque no matter what, as well as going to go for the Chinese TechStream, but will still be getting a nice scanner.

    My ScanGauge II is awesome. But I happen to have 2 ABS codes I knew nothing about, as it does not scan that system. I plan to see if Torque will graph O2 sensor performance, etc. Also, the only way to diagnose some of the parts in my Camry, according to the FSM, is to attach the car to the TechStream device (such as diagnose the MAF sensor). Probably other write-ups out there, if I can find them, but for $26...worth it.
     
  15. Dec 5, 2014 at 7:26 PM
    #15
    97TacoNM

    97TacoNM [OP] Riding a 97 Taco

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2014
    Member:
    #135833
    Messages:
    465
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    NM
    Vehicle:
    97 Taco LX 4x4 Ext Cab
    Rampage halogens Custom bed rack
    I began my IT career in elementary school, and can say I have been there, done that, and have the t-shirt on anything IT related (networks, computers, telephone systems, anti-virus, intrusion, etc.) So yeah, I think something like this is BOUND to have some crap in it. But - I plan on putting it on an isolated old laptop that will never connect to any of my personal systems, or ever be used by me to connect to any personal site (like my bank or shopping). The laptop will have one function - Chinese TechStream. And it will have some anti-virus on it as well to see at the start.

    The real question is, can it re-program anything on the car, as in outside my knowledge?
     
  16. Dec 5, 2014 at 9:54 PM
    #16
    koditten

    koditten Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2013
    Member:
    #112077
    Messages:
    18,305
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kirk
    Central Michigan
    Vehicle:
    04 trd x-cab 4 x 4 3.4l
    Reserected from the dead.
    Like I said, the disc that comes with them are crap. Mine did not work, thus I was able to down load it from the 'net. Toss it and just go to the 'net.

    If you truly want to learn about this, become a member of Tundratalk.net and find the thread. There are several people that have loaded all the TS programs, up to 2014 on their cloud storage. They have links right in the thread.

    When I first heard about this, roughly 3 years ago, I knew less than nothing about computers, now I just know nothing:)

    I won't lie, it will be a challenge to make this work, most have to spend some time getting it to communicate with the vehicles, but once its done, it rocks!

    I loaded it on 3 different machines. Oddly enough, the one that took the program the best was a Vista machine. I dunno why.

    I don't know why people are weirded out by malware, once the thing is loaded, I never let the machine connect to the internet. It lives in my shop.

    It cost the price of a case a decent beer.
     
  17. Dec 7, 2014 at 7:15 PM
    #17
    97TacoNM

    97TacoNM [OP] Riding a 97 Taco

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2014
    Member:
    #135833
    Messages:
    465
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    NM
    Vehicle:
    97 Taco LX 4x4 Ext Cab
    Rampage halogens Custom bed rack
    I'm going to try it for sure. I am a die hard computer guy so I should be able to wrestle it into submission. Sounds like it is a driver issue with the cable, hence it working on some operating systems (OS) and not so well on others. I imagine they made a drive version that worked, and never updated it to keep up with changing OSs.
     
  18. Dec 8, 2014 at 7:56 PM
    #18
    97TacoNM

    97TacoNM [OP] Riding a 97 Taco

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2014
    Member:
    #135833
    Messages:
    465
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    NM
    Vehicle:
    97 Taco LX 4x4 Ext Cab
    Rampage halogens Custom bed rack
    F^%$ing f#@! f$!#ing f%#!

    This is for my Camry, but still, the $26 China TechStreasm would have been sooooooooooooo worth it today;

    My Camry has had massive problems with bad low idle, hesitation on acceleration, misfires. Finally gave up and went to Dealer to have them diagnose it. $186 later, and all day by the way, and they have no idea. And the kicker - they did not diagnose a single sensor!! They did a system scan but could not pin point anything to bother actually scanning, so wanted to spend another few hours doing it again to increase the frame rate. Yeah, $500 for diagnosis only. Kept saying maybe my computer was hosed. I told the asst service manager that I could get onto Toyota TIS for $55, for a 2 day pass, and scan my heart out, asked why they couldn't scan one single sensor in all that time. Sheesh.

    And now it looks like it was just a bad tank of gas. Seriously. I will know in the morning when I crank it over stone cold, but the new tank seems to have fixed it all up. $186 down the shitter. I AM getting the $26 Chinese TechStream, at least I could have been scanning all my components.
     
  19. Dec 9, 2014 at 3:24 PM
    #19
    TacomaLover

    TacomaLover Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2014
    Member:
    #131904
    Messages:
    82
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Preston
    Tennessee
    Vehicle:
    1995 Tacoma
    what about a obd1?
     
  20. Dec 9, 2014 at 4:47 PM
    #20
    koditten

    koditten Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2013
    Member:
    #112077
    Messages:
    18,305
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kirk
    Central Michigan
    Vehicle:
    04 trd x-cab 4 x 4 3.4l
    Reserected from the dead.
    I dunno. I have nothing older than 1998, thus no need.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top