Diag Tools - Not TS. Handhelds (1 Viewer)

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The list of scenarios where you can predict a failure that will leave you stranded, before it occurs, using onboard electronics is extremely limited, practically zero.

The one huge exception is alternator failure, you won't know until it is too late... but that's pretty easy to monitor with a usb charger that reads battery voltage.
The AT temp light on one of these turns on at well over 250F, after which it is too late.

I have gotten a forewarning of MAF issues by whacky LT/ST fuel trims.
 
To each their own. Personally I have zero anxiety about anything breaking on my rig, even at 315k. Adding a screen and thinking about it would just be annoying. The built in DTCs are pretty accurate if you have the right software to read them when they do pop up.
Im not looking to micromanage the car, just want a good hardware/software platform that is easy to keep onboard if needed and doesnt break the bank for the handful of times i'll use.
 

To each their own. Personally I have zero anxiety about anything breaking on my rig, even at 315k. Adding a screen and thinking about it would just be annoying. The built in DTCs are pretty accurate if you have the right software to read them when they do pop up.
Agree, to each their own.

The PID for trans temp alone is invaluable as there is no gauge and as Rednexus stated by the time your temp light comes on your oil is cooked. I two a 3500lbs trailer and I for sure want to know when my AT temp is going too high so I can back off.
The coolant temp is a similar thing and this actually happened to me where the temp started to dip into the low 200's which it never does. I was 100 miles from civilization and stopped to check. Upper radiator hose to the radiator had a small crack and after replacing the hose I had to add about 6 QT of water. If I let it go until the truck told me it's too hot I would have likely lost enough water that I did not have on me. Once home I completed a full flush and replaced the lower hose as well just as a precaution.

So yes, if the truck is your daily driver and you are a stone throw away from a station or can call AAA when you are broken down I would not sweat it either, but I go places where the only person I can depend on is myself and what I can see as early indicators.
 
I think if you're towing that much you should be changing your trans fluid more frequently regardless of temps, I've also not heard of many of these transmissions failing, so again.. the factory system seems to suffice for everyone else.
 
I'm an engineer. I like data that informs me how my rig is performing so I can maintain and repair it based on what the data is telling me. Torque Pro is $5 and a wifi/Bluetooth/OBD2 adapter is $20. One-time investments. Worth every penny.
 
So circling back, is TS the only platform that lets you do things like turn off the auto retract steering wheel, change DRL's etc.?
 
I'm an engineer. I like data that informs me how my rig is performing so I can maintain and repair it based on what the data is telling me. Torque Pro is $5 and a wifi/Bluetooth/OBD2 adapter is $20. One-time investments. Worth every penny.
I have the Phoenix px6 head unit, will your setup (torque pro/OBD2) work while driving the rig? I have always used hand held diagnostic tools and have no experience with this head unit.
 
Yes! I watch mine real-time.
 
So circling back, is TS the only platform that lets you do things like turn off the auto retract steering wheel, change DRL's etc.?
It is as far as I know but I am not positive, particularly in regards to any of the expensive options. I only have an old MacBook and I was able to use the virtual box version of TS and it was easy. I didn’t have to do anything special on my computer, it worked easily as I recall. I’ve only used it two or three times over 5+ years ownership but it’s worked every time. I think the 3 changes I did were turning off DRL and steering wheel retract and then I changed remote so all doors open when I click, not just driver.
I have a joying head unit and OBD fusion so I can monitor trans temps, etc in real time but honestly I rarely do. I’ve owned old Land Rovers, they need constant and vigilant attention. The GX just works.
 
So circling back, is TS the only platform that lets you do things like turn off the auto retract steering wheel, change DRL's etc.?
At little to-no cost? Yes.


This fella actually appears to have it set up for a silicon Mac as well. It's a virtual machine.
 
At little to-no cost? Yes.


This fella actually appears to have it set up for a silicon Mac as well. It's a virtual machine.
Cost isnt really the issue. I was just hoping for a simple handheld over another laptop. Im a freelance creative and my macbook is anchored to a few external devices that i'd rather not pause sync'ing / connections to. Plus its a silicon mac and dont think I have options there.

Edit - noticed it has M1/M2 links. Maybe i'l lgive that a try. My wife has a pre m1 macbook she doesnt use that I could run on.
 
I have been pretty happy with my Topdon Topscan. Full bi-directional control using my phone or tablet. And it is not limited to Toyota/Lexus (used bi-directional control succesfully on an Acura as well).

After the first year, the annual cost is around $50 which is very reasonable given that an equivalent scan tool would run around $500-$700 and would also have annual subscription fees if you wanted to have updates. Since purchasing the Topscan, I have not once needed to pull out my laptop with Techstream.
 
Cost isnt really the issue. I was just hoping for a simple handheld over another laptop. Im a freelance creative and my macbook is anchored to a few external devices that i'd rather not pause sync'ing / connections to. Plus its a silicon mac and dont think I have options there.

Edit - noticed it has M1/M2 links. Maybe i'l lgive that a try. My wife has a pre m1 macbook she doesnt use that I could run on.
Why not just get one of these - or whatever equivalent version works the best? TBH I'd like one in the future for TPMS re-learn and other stuff.
 
Cost isnt really the issue. I was just hoping for a simple handheld over another laptop. Im a freelance creative and my macbook is anchored to a few external devices that i'd rather not pause sync'ing / connections to. Plus its a silicon mac and dont think I have options there.

Edit - noticed it has M1/M2 links. Maybe i'l lgive that a try. My wife has a pre m1 macbook she doesnt use that I could run on.
A legit scan tool that can read all ECUs and sensors, as well as change settings will cost thousands of dollars. Look into snapon Solus. You may have to buy Toyota specific software in addition. Techstream is actually no longer used at most dealers, it's archaic but it works well for the GX and bootleg is free or not cost.

I think you can still rent tech stream and get access to TIS with like day passes..


I linked the virtual machine because it is reported to work on new Macs. Its the easiest and best option.

If you really need a full hardware alternative and money is no concern, there is a Snapon laptop with 3 or 4 versions of Techstream on eBay for $3k.... personally I'd rather spend that on coke and whores when there are free options available.

 
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