I fully empathize with you. I was in your exact position last year. I'm more than happy to help. Here goes:
Regarding techstream: 1) you are running on an i3, right? Doesn't that indicate a higher level OS than XP? I thought I read that techstream runs best on XP. Maybe windows 7 as well but nothing higher.
This system requirement to run the Techstream software versus the system requirements to guarantee compatibility with the ODB-II/CAN-BUS MFC (i.e. Mongoose Pro), has caused a lot of confusion. Per information I garnered from TIS support, the system requirements for Techstream are as stated on their site (
https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInf...nfo/html/prelogin/docs/tslfaqtinfo.pdf#page=8). Any flavor of Windows from XP to 8.1, 32bit OR 64bit. BOTH ARE 100% COMPATIBLE. Furthermore, Toyota has no plans to support Windows 10 now or in the near future, so be sure to not upgrade from any of the compatible OS' if you plan to run Techstream.
Will it probably work on Win 10? I bet you Techstream would. Where you'll have problems is where it concerns the drivers required for the MFC. The official drivers for the official Drew Tech cable are CONFIRMED to work with the above system requirements for Techstream. They work in concert. However, like Toyota with Techstream, Drew Tech doesn't support Windows 10 at present.
What you see referencing Win XP is due to the proliferation of issues users of the chinese knockoff cables have, attributed to their drastically lower cost and false promises of delivering the same functionality of the official cable. They're using older emulation hardware and older drivers as a result. It's quite an undertaking to reverse engineer technical kit, so the knockoffs will always be behind the official product. That said, the $30 "mangoose"
amazon/
ebay/chinese cables usually come bundled with a cracked older copy of Techstream and older hacked drivers that are a product of their time. They're essentially stuck a good 5 to 10 years behind where development has moved with the legit TIS/Techstream and Drew Tech products. Caveat emptor.
2) when it reads a fault, does it connect to schematics as well a step by step trouble shooting and part replacement, including part numbers? Again, did the skim reading but tough to find the trees. Thanks and again this is my first exposure to the OBII world.
This is contingent upon a few variables. When Techstream reads a DTC, you'll have links within the software to access further diagnostic resources, be they wiring diagrams, service bulletins or repair procedures inclusive of part numbers, yes. Though, this functionality may require the active TIS professional subscription. The Techstream software really just allows for interfacing with the vehicle at the most detailed level. TIS is essentially a PDF library with schematics, procedures and general reference material. It is NOT required to have a TIS subscription to use Techstream, but it is required to access TIS and it's resources.
I spent hours upon hours downloading over 1500 PDF scans uploaded into TIS from Toyota's Technical Service Manuals. TIS allows for other value adds like "technical training" and such on how to use their products and, of course, continued updates, but I found I only needed the 2-day Pro Sub to get the software, a legit key registered to me and as many PDFs relevant to my specific vehicle for future reference. Also snagged ECU reflash files if ever I need them. I have an '04 so it's unlikely anything new will ever come down the pike for a rig 10+ years old, so I'm taken care of for now. If I ever find myself needing something in the TIS library I didn't snag the first time around or change vehicle model and year, another $55 for a 2-day Pro Sub would still be cheaper than taking it to a shop and I'd be certain it's the most updated and relevant to my product and issue.
Correct. It's far too generic/general of a tool with nowhere near the granularity and depth of Techstream/TIS. Furthermore, for $299+, you're still looking at limited functionality and questionable quality with comparison to building your own Techstream Lite setup. You don't have to spend for the Surface. Any Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1 machine will suffice, but I wanted the portability and interface the Surface platform allows for. That said, your only real investment will be in the $495 Drew Tech cable + TIS Subscription. So you can come in cheaper than I did and still have quality, LEGAL kit with full developer support.
