Two questions nothing technical

1. Recommendations for code reader
2. Shop manual
I own a 2023 Tacoma Sport 4x4 quad cab, 5’ bed. I’ve looked for a shop manual from the usual places Haynes and Clinton but the newest they have is 2018. As for code readers I’ve never owned one, so a recommendation would be greatly appreciated.
(I have a 1999 Tacoma and 1999 4 Runner but they are both currently not in Alaska and truthfully I’ve never needed one for other one.)

 

Uhh where are you ?
I wouldn't worry about a "shop" manual.
Do you mean "never needed one for EITHER one" ?
I haven't used a "shop manual for at least 20 or 30 years.
Most everything you need is in the owners manual or available by a search in the "interweb".

 

Main things that are gona be different between `18 and `23 are electronics and wiring, mechanically and torque spec wise everything is pretty much the same.

As for a scan tool here's some reading for you, decide what your budget and needs are.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/scan-tool-discussion-recommendations.834898/

 

There is a PDF 3rd Gen service manual that many on TW have downloaded.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-tacoma-service-manual-huge-pdf.707834/

I have a Ancel TD700 with Toyota software.

$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

https://www.amazon.com/ANCEL-TD700-Transmission-Temperature-Diagnostic/dp/B0BLYXVR4K

 

I am one of those shop manual geeks, I just love reading them and having them around. But the long and short of it was I rarely actually needed them!

 

This is the OBD-II hand held code reader that I recommend to practically everyone buying their first one. The Innova 5210 for around $100.

https://www.innova.com/products/car...qPas0Bb3pYUCg3Lb9CIJDRKyWG_gwvCQaAqhyEALw_wcB

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As far as shop manuals go, like a printed reference book with 8.5" x 11" pages, I regret to inform you there really isn't any such thing anymore. Haynes & Chilton manuals are priceless if you're restoring a 1970 FJ Land Cruiser. But otherwise, they're no longer relevant. And aren't being produced for modern vehicles.

Also, unless you are running a thriving dealership or a very very very very profitable independent shop, then you cannot afford access to Toyota's TechStream proprietary software. It is comically expensive. And they guard it like the gold in Fort Knox. No matter how hard you might try, no matter how many dark web links you click, you will *never* hack Toyota's TechStream software.

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Everything you need today is online. Of course, that means the usual web of information such as forums like this and YouTube. You can pretty much figure out anything about ordinary maintenance service and the most basic of troubleshooting issues by searching YouTube or Google. Or this forum.

But don't kid yourself.

When you need pro level information, and things like a wiring diagram or color layout diagrams that show where parts exist or technically correct troubleshooting step-by-step procedures for things like Crank No Start No Fuel Pressure issues or single cylinder misfires or timing chain replacements, then you need to gain access to online services such as
* Ident-i-Fix
* ProDemand
* Autel
* SnapOn

and others. Independent shops usually have an annual commercial license that affords them "shop manual" and better quality access to virtually every common vehicle sold in the USA. This is usually a couple of thousand dollars per year.

HOWEVER, these online services also increasingly cater to individual DIY'ers and shops who may only need temporary online "shop manual" quality information access for a single vehicle issue. Especially Ident-i-Fix

For your 2023 Taco, this is what I recommend if you ever need information that experienced mechanics use that resembles a modern day newspaper quality printed shop manual.
A 30-90 day online access for a particular vehicle is usually around $25 per month. Opt out at any time. Ident-i-FIx

 

Also, I have this link bookmarked. It says Tacoma 2015-2018, but the info is free to check out.

https://www.ttguide.net/toyota_tacoma_2015_2018_service_manual-171.html