Ultragauge/Scangauge/OBD Scanner (1 Viewer)

[rdsmvp]

Ladies/Gents,

I am considering installing an Ultragauge or a Scangauge on the LX 470. Anyone using any of these? Comments on why you like one better than the other?
Now I am also looking for a good OBDII scanner/computer so I can retrieve info, set different things, etc. Like more than a simple scanner. I was looking at the Launch CPX909. Any comments on that one? Or would you go with another one with similar functionality? If so, which one would you guys recommend in the USD 500-800 range?

Thanks a lot!

CR

 

[OwnerCS]

I like Scanguage II for a small in vehicle monitor because I can add extended functionality to monitor transmission temps and fuel trims. The extended codes work for my 99 Tacoma as well as my 99 model LX470. So the same extended function codes work for both Toyotas.

As far as a scanner for your LX470, installing Toyota Techstream (TIS) will give more functionality than any off the shelf product. You can change options for the autoaway tilt and telescopic wheel function and more with TIS.

 

[ramangain]

+1 for Techstream

 

[flintknapper]

I like the ScanGauge.

For a ScanTool.....'TechStream' will be the most powerful (easily afforded) device and enjoys good support here.

I keep an iCarsoft TYT II in my vehicle at all times. It is Bi-Directional but will not let you control as many vehicle functions as TechStream.

It doesn't require a laptop to run, is small and easily stored. It will provide a wide range of diagnostics (since it is manufacturer specific) and is more than a 'read only' scanner. Shop around....there are many choices out there.

​

 

[BnvS]

I have not used scanguage other than seeing it a few times. I wonder if it can be programmed to alert you do have an issue with transmission temp or some other critical data point (pids).

What I have used is the higher quality OBD2 port scanner and Torque pro app (runs $5). It works great. I can read all kinds of pids from the LC/LX. They run around $20 a piece and so I have them in every car of mine. I setup up different profiles on Torque pro for my different cars. Also have Torque pro profiles I can share if you like.

BTW with this I can read & delete any CEL's if I get any. However this does not read any Airbag or Tire pressure codes. For the advance stuff I just use Techstream.

Also here;s the link to the type of OBD2 scanner i use. Ancel OBD2 - But iirc it only works with Android since iphone does not allow bluetooth permissions or something..

 

[James Bentley]

Ladies/Gents,

I am considering installing an Ultragauge or a Scangauge on the LX 470. Anyone using any of these? Comments on why you like one better than the other?
Now I am also looking for a good OBDII scanner/computer so I can retrieve info, set different things, etc. Like more than a simple scanner. I was looking at the Launch CPX909. Any comments on that one? Or would you go with another one with similar functionality? If so, which one would you guys recommend in the USD 500-800 range?

Thanks a lot!

CR

I am running the same setup as @OwnerCS in my 2004 LX (Scangauge II and TechStream). I too really like the small form factor and auto on/auto off. I keep mine velcro'd on the top of the steering column and it is right in line of sight with the other gauges for me to glance at. ATF temp was easily programmed and all others parameters can be "cycled" through and selected for constant display. Went on a 2,600 mile trip to AZ and no rattle, squeak or issue with the unit. I did try and duplicate this setup, but found it too busy and did not work for the LX like I had hoped (inclinometer was inversed and many settings were not available for the 100 series). My choice was based on simpler and less "bells and whistles" or "gadgets and gear". Who doesn't love cool gadgets? Very happy with the basic looking, little Scangauge II.

 

[BnvS]

Also I am not sure why this get any traction in terms of having a permenant OBD2 scanner. But the Ancel BD310 scanner. Its nyce.. take a look. Here's a youtubey link - and this one BD310

 

[jLB]

Another ScanGauge II user here. Simple readable display. Reliable startup, with no action required. Easily customized. Easily mounted, with a number of mounting options. Easy to coach a wife/kid to "read a code" over the phone.

I've looked at the Ultragauge, and while it looks interesting, it seems to have limited mounting options compared to the Scangauge.

I've tried Torque as an application on my Android based phone, tablet, and car stereo, cool display, but have to manually start it, occasionally gives connectivity issues, and has a PITA user interface.

Another Techstream user as well. It's hard to beat ~$15 for a cable, and <$100 for a used 32-bit Windows tablet. The expected scan tool to be used in the FSM, and fully functional with Toyota/Lexus. Depending on which tablet you choose, can easily be tossed in the center console or glove box for road trips.

 

[samson365]

I use techstream for troubleshooting and more Toyota specific customization and bidirectional tests and procedures, icarsoft generic scanner for basic troubleshooting and resetting of codes on the go. The icarsoft is great for the other vehicles that I have in my hoopty fleet of anything from Mercedes, GMC, and Volkswagen.

I would consider the scangauge more of a monitor than an actual diagnostic scan tool. I intend to run a scanguage on my LX and sprinter van to be ontop of potential issues before they leave me stranded or cost me a bunch of money. For example both vehicles are sensitive to cooling system problems and both vehicles generally wont indicate a problem until its too late. The scangauge will monitor a tighter preset temp range and alert me when temperatures begin to move outside of that range. This is something that the dash needle/CEL typically wont indicate (in my opinion) until its too late. There are a ton more features on the scangauge but my point is that I don't see it is a viable diagnostic scan tool, its more suited for monitoring.

I would recommend techstream if you are just looking for something to troubleshoot.
Here is my setup:
Mini VCI cable (toyota compatible) - $19.90
HP Stream7 - $30 (old tablet)

The HP stream7 is a little small for my eyes but I had it sitting in a pile of unused electronic junk in the closet. It has windows 10 32bit and runs techstream flawlessly with great battery life. The VCI cable came with techstream on a CD with instructions and drivers. I would recommend a larger windows based tablet but don't go fancy, techstream isn't a demanding program. Most tablets can be bought brand new for $120.

TLDR: Techstream/scangauge is a great combination that shouldn't cost anything near $800

 

[94SRUNNER]

I like the ScanGauge.

View attachment 2628541

For a ScanTool.....'TechStream' will be the most powerful (easily afforded) device and enjoys good support here.

I keep an iCarsoft TYT II in my vehicle at all times. It is Bi-Directional but will not let you control as many vehicle functions as TechStream.

It doesn't require a laptop to run, is small and easily stored. It will provide a wide range of diagnostics (since it is manufacturer specific) and is more than a 'read only' scanner. Shop around....there are many choices out there.

View attachment 2628552

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@flintknapper sidebar about iCarsoft, can you read AHC pressures on it?

 

[samson365]

@flintknapper sidebar about iCarsoft, can you read AHC pressures on it?

I have the icarsoft CR plus and no AHC pressures. I have to use TS for that.

 

[flintknapper]

@flintknapper sidebar about iCarsoft, can you read AHC pressures on it?

YES.

 

[flintknapper]

I have the icarsoft CR plus and no AHC pressures. I have to use TS for that.

Mine reads it fine. Dig deeper.

 

[94SRUNNER]

YES.

View attachment 2628941
View attachment 2628942

Thats cool! What is the difference in capability between iCarsoft and Techstream?

 

[flintknapper]

Thats cool! What is the difference in capability between iCarsoft and Techstream?

I don't have Techstream to compare so can't really say. I'm just going by what I have read about Techstream here and my limited experience (to date) with my TYT II. But suffice to say....Techstream is the more powerful tool with respect to 'commands'. For basic to moderate diagnostics and datastream the TYT II seems quite sufficient for the home mechanic. I'm still learning what mine will do and have been pleased so far.

 

[menancyandsam]

With Techstream you can control DRL lights, how long lights stay on after turning off, program keys, control the tilt/scoping of steering wheel, when to lock/unlock the car (ie. when turning on or when putting in drive etc..) Some other neat things I can't remember. I have the icarsoft too & like it just to read codes & AHC pressure. Although with techstream it will show you all codes at once where with icarsoft you have to scan for codes under each major section.

 

[94SRUNNER]

With Techstream you can control DRL lights, how long lights stay on after turning off, program keys, control the tilt/scoping of steering wheel, when to lock/unlock the car (ie. when turning on or when putting in drive etc..) Some other neat things I can't remember. I have the icarsoft too & like it just to read codes & AHC pressure. Although with techstream it will show you all codes at once where with icarsoft you have to scan for codes under each major section.

Thanks for the explanation.

 

[jLB]

The HP stream7 is a little small for my eyes but I had it sitting in a pile of unused electronic junk in the closet. It has windows 10 32bit and runs techstream flawlessly with great battery life. The VCI cable came with techstream on a CD with instructions and drivers. I would recommend a larger windows based tablet but don't go fancy, techstream isn't a demanding program. Most tablets can be bought brand new for $120.

I had a similar start, re-tasking a small Dell Venue 8 Pro tablet that I had sitting in a "junk drawer". It works, but with old eyes and fat fingers the ~11" tablets are much easier to deal with, and in my case, doesn't require an adapter cable for the USB connector on the M-VCI cable.

With Techstream you can control DRL lights, how long lights stay on after turning off, program keys, control the tilt/scoping of steering wheel, when to lock/unlock the car (ie. when turning on or when putting in drive etc..) Some other neat things I can't remember. I have the icarsoft too & like it just to read codes & AHC pressure. Although with techstream it will show you all codes at once where with icarsoft you have to scan for codes under each major section.

While most of this is true, the number of "custom features" goes from near nothing on the early models, to all sorts of little things on the later models. You're going to get someone all excited about custom DRL/headlight/door lock/etc, and they're going to be disappointed when they can't find it on their early LC/LX.

 

[OwnerCS]

Love TIS being able to turn off the Autoaway/Return tilt and telescopic function to save wear and tear on the motors.

 

[WRP2]

would the tech stream‘s fancy bells and whistles work on a 2003 LX or is it too early of a model?