Techstream – what if MOBD and not OBD2?? Help requested please … (1 Viewer)

[IndroCruise]

After a long struggle, getting Techstream to work via the commonly available MVCI connector and using Windows 10 x64bit all seemed to be resolved using the advice of Michael (XesyCool) on the LCOOL thread “Techstream, Win10 64bit, and MiniVCI”.

However, my results are “empty” – as depicted in the attachment!

My suspicions are

• Even though connection between laptop and vehicle were achieved, there may be something incorrect about my installation?

Or,

• My 1HD-FTE 4.2 litre turbodiesel LandCruiser 100 Sahara with AHC (as distinct from similar 1FZ-FE 4.5 litre petrol/gas engine vehicles) may not have been made compliant with “On Board Diagnostic System 2” (OBD2) in the June 2006 manufacture of LandCruiser Sahara for deliveries in Australia. Instead, Toyota’s own MOBD (Multiplex On Board Diagnostic) system may have continued?

Different to USA and some other countries, OBD2 was not mandatory under Australian law on this class of diesel vehicles until 1st January 2007 – and by this time the LandCruiser 200 series had been released.

If MOBD, I am looking for help on what scanner, reader or software would work on the MOBD system?

Any comments and advice would be most welcome. I am trying to avoid the messy arrangements required if pressure gauges are the only way forward to test AHC system pressures front and rear. There must be another way!

 

[uHu]

MOBD on diesels. Use OBD-plug under dash. Connecting pins: Gnd, +volt and K should be OK, iirc.
0408- means 2004 august onwards.
All modules stay yellow until you open them. What happens if you double click on AHC?

If you have no DTCs, the page "Diagnostic code" will be empty.
The data list is empty until you ask for specific data.

Mini VCI and TechStream is made specifically for the MOBD.

PS: Pressure gauges attached to the bleeders are a much easier and more reliable way of checking the AHC pressures. The system doesn't actually have any sensors at the actuators/globes that the Code Reader can tap into. TechStream just measures the pump pressure at the exact moment when the height N is reached when going from Lo, and is not very accurate. Test several times.
If using actual gauges, you can see the exact pressure at any time.

 

[IndroCruise]

MOBD on diesels. Use OBD-plug under dash. Connecting pins: Gnd, +volt and K should be OK, iirc.
0408- means 2004 august onwards.
All modules stay yellow until you open them. What happens if you double click on AHC?

If you have no DTCs, the page "Diagnostic code" will be empty.
The data list is empty until you ask for specific data.

Mini VCI and TechStream is made specifically for the MOBD.

PS: Pressure gauges attached to the bleeders are a much easier and more reliable way of checking the AHC pressures. The system doesn't actually have any sensors at the actuators/globes that the Code Reader can tap into. TechStream just measures the pump pressure at the exact moment when the height N is reached when going from Lo, and is not very accurate. Test several times.
If using actual gauges, you can see the exact pressure at any time.

MOBD on diesels. Use OBD-plug under dash. Connecting pins: Gnd, +volt and K should be OK, iirc.
0408- means 2004 august onwards.
All modules stay yellow until you open them. What happens if you double click on AHC?

If you have no DTCs, the page "Diagnostic code" will be empty.
The data list is empty until you ask for specific data.

Mini VCI and TechStream is made specifically for the MOBD.

PS: Pressure gauges attached to the bleeders are a much easier and more reliable way of checking the AHC pressures. The system doesn't actually have any sensors at the actuators/globes that the Code Reader can tap into. TechStream just measures the pump pressure at the exact moment when the height N is reached when going from Lo, and is not very accurate. Test several times.
If using actual gauges, you can see the exact pressure at any time.

+++++++++++
Thank you uHu for your encouraging reply. Apologies for my slow response.

I can connect to the vehicle (Australian-delivered June 2006 Landcruiser -- 1HD-FTE turbodiesel with AHC, travelled only 180,000 kilometres, say 96,000 miles) but I have yet to overcome error messages using Techstream via MVCI on a WIN10 x64bit laptop.

The laptop and/or software problems may be caused by my own mistakes (WIN10 x64bit with Xhorse VIM from a small CD and MVCI cable, with registries etc all adjusted for 64-bit in line with advice on various forums). Double-checking, uninstalling and reinstalling has not corrected the situation but clearly something is wrong despite many hours of effort and web research.

As an alternative, I tried an ELMSCAN 327 device from a reputable aftermarket dealer in Australia on an Android tablet (Jaycar/Response device using Torque Pro app on Samsung T580 with Android 6.0 and with Bluetooth connection). So far, the only information revealed by this arrangement has been speed, RPM, etc – which was consistent with the vehicle speedo and tacho. I suppose this indicates that the ELMSCAN 327 device connects, but AHC information was not revealed, nor could I find any engine information. No error codes were indicated.

The “volume test” (switching AHC between “LO” and “HI”) shows about 10 graduations on the AHC tank – not too bad but the vehicle is aging. Some degradation of the Gas Chambers (spheres) is suspected as sweaty front struts were replaced during 2018. It does carry an ARB Deluxe steel bar at the front -- maybe 85 kg (187 pounds) net additional weight. The vehicle still drives well and is very comfortable even though it is almost 14 years old. Given the low kilometres travelled, it is worth persisting with the vehicle and the AHC challenges!

Next step: Give up on the above computerised short-cuts, record all heights at each wheel and compare with FSM specifications, then install pressure gauges at front and rear AHC actuators to read the real AHC pressures as you suggest, then adjust torsion bars as necessary to ensure front AHC pressures are OK, then review rear AHC pressures and consider what to do if they are too far out of line – maybe add spacers or replace the rear springs which are still original.

As always, all comments and advice from all at IH8MUD are welcome and appreciated.

 

[Wilsil]

I am using an old laptop with XP on it and can read the AHC values.
Never tried the Win10 version.

 

[IndroCruise]

Thank you Wilsil -- good to know. I will see if can get hold of a WINXP x32bit laptop. The setup would be the work of minutes and would be much simpler than the days of workarounds involved in WIN10 x64bit. Hopefully any mistakes I have made would be bypassed!!

Your profile indicates a Lexus LX470, presumably with the 2UZ-FE petrol/gasolene engine? This should make no difference to the AHC arrangements but it may be that your vehicle is OBD2-compliant? This was mandatory for US vehicles after about 1996 and I gather that the similar EOBD requirement for European vehicles emerged shortly thereafter. This may have carried over to the Australian deliveries of similar LX470 vehicles with this V8 petrol/gasolene engine in the same timeframe.

The Australian Design Rules (specifically 79/01) only required diesel engines in existing models to be OBD2-compliant if manufactured after 1st January 2007. Around that time the "100 series" Landcruiser (and LX470) was disappearing and being replaced by the "200 series" Landcruiser and LX570). Possibly Toyota may have acted earlier -- but there is no OBD-2 sticker or document on my June 2006 vehicle. The emerging conclusion of uHu and others is that a "100 series" Landcruiser Sahara with the 1HD-FTE turbodiesel engine and AHC/TEMS etc manufactured in June 2006 for Australian delivery would have the Toyota MOBD (Multiplex On Board Diagnostic) system, rather than OBD2. Then there are doubts about how well or otherwise any OBD2 connector will work.

For all of that, I will find a WINXP x32bit laptop and give it a try -- there is no downside!

If can find some reasonably priced pressure gauges in the right pressure range I will also do as uHu suggets.

 

[Wilsil]

My LX470 has M-ODB as they all have pre a certain date in Australia (I am in Perth, WA).
It is basically the LC100 Sahara with the Lexus badge.

 

[uHu]

Installing miniVCI driver and techStream on 32 bit WinXP or Win2000 laptop was easier than on a 64 bit Win7. For the 64 bit I followed steps found here om mud somewhere, iirc. For Win10 or other new platforms, I have no idea.
You could find old laptops being given away for free.

 

[IndroCruise]

Many thanks to mattc351 on LCOOL.org who provided a lead on 10JUN19 and 11JUN19 and which might be useful to others on IH8MUD -- so details are given below:

Scanner: Mini ELM327 Car Diagnostic Scanner for Android | Automotive Accessories |

App: ELMScan Toyota - Apps on Google Play

I acquired the recommended KABTELM327A Android dongle from Dick Smith/Kogan and the recommended ELMScan Toyota app via Google for a total cost of about AUD27. Using a Samsung tablet, it worked well on my Toyota Landcruiser Sahara HDJ100R (“100 series”) 5spd auto with 1HD-FTE turbodiesel engine and AHC. My vehicle was manufactured in Japan and delivered to Australia in June 2006, so I suspect that the vehicle has the old Toyota MOBD system rather than OBD2. Anyway, after many failed attempts to get Techstream to work plus no AHC information coming from another dongle and Torque, at last I have lots of data, including the following:

Front Pressure: 7.5Mpa
Rear Pressure: 6.5Mpa
Accumulator Pressure: 10.4Mpa

As I understand the FSM and the many posts on IH8MUD, the spec pressure for the front when measured electronically is 6.9+/-0.5 MPa and rear is 5.6-6.7 MPa PROVIDED THAT heights at each wheel are correct – which I will check before proceeding. I guess the age of front torsion bars and rear springs on the vehicle (13 years old but only 191,000kms or 118,700 miles) plus the weight of the steel ARB Deluxe bullbar (80kg or 176pounds??) may have had some effect. However, the above results are quite close to requirements and fine-tuning should not be too hard to get best comfort – maybe 3 or 4 turns on the torsion bar adjusters to bring front pressure to mid-range, perhaps consider spacers or new springs at rear to bring rear pressure to mid-range. Other IH8MUD posters have advised that the pressure of 10.4Mpa at the Height Control Accumulator is normal (this is the cylinder on the LHS chassis rail).

Previously, I fitted four new Toyota OEM suspension 'spheres' (from Megazip), one at each wheel at 183,231 kms, obviously with a good flush/bleed of most of the old AHC fluid. As a result the volume test improved to 14 graduations at the AHC tank when shifting the suspension from "LO" to "HI". This is right on the money -- and up from 8 graduations before the 'spheres' were changed.

So this old truck is a 'keeper' for a few years yet! Payload is a bit of a restriction given 3,260kg (7,187 pounds) maximum Gross Vehicle Mass with no easy, legal GVM upgrade available. However, Mrs Indrocruiser likes the AHC/TEMS comfort -- so the AHC stays and with only 2 pax and their gear, we can stay legal and reliable.

 

[Trophytruck481]

Indrocruise
what else can you read with your particular dongle ?
i have a ELM327 on a torquepro app, i can only see RPM, tacko, boost & speed would like to see trans temp

 

[IndroCruise]

Indrocruise
what else can you read with your particular dongle ?
i have a ELM327 on a torquepro app, i can only see RPM, tacko, boost & speed would like to see trans temp

My initial source of information on the dongle and app I use was mattc351 of New Zealand a few years ago, on LCOOL – see this thread at Page 6:

LCOOL.org :: Log in - http://www.lcool.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=40181&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=mobd&start=75

A few posts further on in the same thread, mattc351 advises:

“Had a look and couldnt find trans temp in the data list on a few different ECUs that it had listed. Managed to add trans temp to the dashboard feature but didnt get a reading for it”.

I have tried looking for this transmission information as well, using this dongle and app combination -- with the same result.

The specific dongle I use together with the specific app mentioned at the link in my Post #8 in this IH8MUD thread (not TorquePro), enabled me to read the whole suite of AHC/TEMS information.

I can see a range of different Electronic Control Units (ECU’s) including the engine ECU but I have never used that page – so far, no need, too lazy and way beyond my competence -- I prefer to rely on my local very experienced diesel mechanic.

If not seen before, LCOOL is a worthwhile reference – requires membership (free). IH8MUD is great as worldwide reference but a new post on LCOOL might yield more information specific to 1HD-FTE. As you know, there are lots of those engines in Australia right across the Land Cruiser range for the period when this engine was in production.

As mentioned previously, my vehicle is one of the late-2005/early-2007 Land Cruiser Sahara models which comes with Active Height Control (AHC) and Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension (TEMS) – rare on Land Cruisers in Australia, common in Europe, optional in USA, but same as all Lexus LX470's everywhere. To manage these features, I needed something which would read the specific Electronic Control Unit (ECU) which manages these particular systems.

I was foiled by Techstream, probably due to my impatience or my I.T. ineptitude or maybe because vehicles fitted with the 1HD-FTE (4.2 litre turbodiesel) use the Toyota MOBD system and not OBD2. I had no success with the TorquePro app beyond the basics you mentioned.

If you can get Techstream to work, that may provide the required information. Others seem to have succeeded despite MOBD on 1HD-FTE. The starting place for information is

How-To: TechStream In 5 Minutes

Getting Techstream up and running can be a bit of a pain. Hopefully this helps someone get started quickly. Step 1: Purchase an OBD-II / Mini-VCI interface. - I have sold out of my cables and supply chains are back in order, so no reason to purchase more. Anything like this will work: Mini-VCI...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[John Furmedge]

After a long struggle, getting Techstream to work via the commonly available MVCI connector and using Windows 10 x64bit all seemed to be resolved using the advice of Michael (XesyCool) on the LCOOL thread “Techstream, Win10 64bit, and MiniVCI”.

However, my results are “empty” – as depicted in the attachment!

My suspicions are

• Even though connection between laptop and vehicle were achieved, there may be something incorrect about my installation?

Or,

• My 1HD-FTE 4.2 litre turbodiesel LandCruiser 100 Sahara with AHC (as distinct from similar 1FZ-FE 4.5 litre petrol/gas engine vehicles) may not have been made compliant with “On Board Diagnostic System 2” (OBD2) in the June 2006 manufacture of LandCruiser Sahara for deliveries in Australia. Instead, Toyota’s own MOBD (Multiplex On Board Diagnostic) system may have continued?

Different to USA and some other countries, OBD2 was not mandatory under Australian law on this class of diesel vehicles until 1st January 2007 – and by this time the LandCruiser 200 series had been released.

If MOBD, I am looking for help on what scanner, reader or software would work on the MOBD system?

Any comments and advice would be most welcome. I am trying to avoid the messy arrangements required if pressure gauges are the only way forward to test AHC system pressures front and rear. There must be another way!

Hi IndroCruise. I feel your pain using Techstream. I recently helped an owner of a Hilux with M-OBD connect to Techstream. I am in Canada till end of July. If you are interested to have me assist you let me know and I will be available in August.