An OBD2 Scanner will scan and give you some data. A Toyota Scan Tool is a Nuclear ******** that will do nearly everything (Philips Toughbook). So yes, the Toyota Laptop will do much much more.

 

And to add on to what Vangm25 says - the dealership is using more than a scan-tool - it is the Toyota Techstream application. Calling Techstream a scan-tool would be like calling a Ducati a scooter. Same kinda shape, same kinda way to ambulate, but in a different Universe altogether

 

The Techstream gives you a whole lot options catered to all Toyota/Lexus/Scion. For the 90% of all common troubleshooting, a decent ODB2 scan tool is enough. Those bluetooth ODBII and TORQUE (android only) will go a LONg way for the money.

 

Thinking of buying BlueDriver - https://www.bluedriver.com/ Anyone have experience with this app?

 

Purchased BlueDriver a month ago. For $100, it does a good job - has the capability of reading DTC's in all systems (Engine, HVAC, SRS, ABS, Transmission +) and provides code definition & live data from many (all?) of the PIDS. I had a cheap Elm327 for years but upgraded to BlueDriver because I had a SRS code on an '04 Honda Accord and an ABS code on a '00 T4R needing diagnosis. Worked great. This is just a relatively inexpensive, temporary solution as going to need bi-directional control in the future. Have been waiting until I absolutely need it as want to get most up-date. Have been considering AutoEnginuity, Autel or Toyota Mongoose w/ Techstream access....

Buckaroo

 

Hello everybody!
Tehstream gives much greater opportunities than the OBD2 scanner. ELM327 does not open access to the ABS, SRS blocks, it also allows the tests to carry out active tests, thus recently deactivated the malfunction of the VVT-I system.
Starting with XV40 Camry, the adjustment of climate control units, door locks, interior lighting and so on is already available.

Forgive me if I do not write correctly in English. I'm from Russia, and I speak English badly.
Sincerely, Vladimir!

 

Hi all! Can the dealership find out I've connected to the car via OBD2 port ? Does the ECU or other system in the car keep some form of connection logs? I have just bought an ELM327 (with Bluetooth) scan tool and also a MiniVCI usb cable. I was able so far to use both devices to connect to the car (a brand new Toyota C-HR 1.8 Hybrid) after a lot of problems with installing Techstream + 64bit drivers on my laptop and issues with finding an actually working Android app for elm327. I also discovered my initial cheap elm327 interface was defective, it had a short on the PCB and was probably also causing communication errors on CAN-BUS, so I dumped it and bought a more expensive clone that seems to work now. I have not changed any car setting so far and do not plan to change major things, only seat belts, mirrors and other convenience settings. Should I worry about the dealership finding out what I'm doing ?

 

If you have a TechStream, you can try and find out if there is a "device history". (I doubt they would care unless you caused a major accident)

 

There are others in this category as well... Foxwell NT510 for Honda, for Toyota, etc; VxDiag that offers several makes by default.

Toyota Techstream also helps you change settings within your car. For older cars there is no easy way like the newer ones. So this software you can even use to reset/reprogram onboard computer.