Overwhelmed looking for an OBD2 tool

Really wanting to get my own OBD2 reader/programmer. But usually after looking at the 100s out there from $20 to $4000, I just get overwhelmed and stop looking.

I’m a shade tree mechanic and seeing this as a necessity in the tool box moving forward. Up to this point been taking vehicles to auto zone for a free read.

So asking for suggestions from someone that have experience, especially with the 3rd generation tundra. Not so much brand as functions you can’t be without. Budget about $400, but not in stone.

Also looking for compatibility to my wife’s Toyota CH-R and our 2015 Honda.

 

What functions are you looking for? I currently have 3 that I swap between depending on what I need. Scan gauge 2 is usually a favorite and very simple to use.

 

That’s the problem I have, not really sure what functions I need, never having used one. I’ve considered just getting the basic and upgrade if it doesn’t do what I need.

 

Just wanting to use for troubleshooting, not necessarily connected all the time. I okay with something that even connects to a laptop if it has more uses.

When I try to research, I find things like ABS bleeding and TPMS recalibration, becomes too much

 

Scan gauge 2 sounds like what you want. Bunch of cool features like monitoring Temps and sensors and the ability to read and clear check engine codes. It's small and most people attach them to the top of the steering wheel column. Plugs directly into the OBD for power. You'll be happy with it.

 

https://www.scangauge.com/products/scangauge-ii/

 

If you don’t mind using a laptop, phone or tablet I suggest the OBDLink MX+
I have had good success with it while the device is a touch expensive but it is a one time purchase.
No need to buy upgrades for each make and new model years.
https://www.obdlink.com/products/obdlink-mxp/

 

https://www.obdlink.com/products/obdlink-mxp/

This is the other one I have, it's wireless and works through an app, gives you real time readings and has a cool heads up display on your phone of all the readings.

 

Ha! Didn't see you just posted it! Got it through the Kickstarter and I love it.

 

Last one i have is the bulleydog GT. Has same features but also allows you to tune engine and flash certain settings built into the computer.

https://bullydog.com/products/gt-gas-performance-tuner-monitor/

 

That's the bullydog gt...

 

Picked this up last year on a close out deal $30
Not sure if it’s a good one but I used it to pull/clear codes before the aip bypass

 

I bought the Autel Maxidiag 808 and Its been really nice. Has a bunch of service functions for newer vehicles and imports and I can check fuel trims live.

 

This is the one I got about a month ago:

2024 Upgraded AUTOPHIX OM129 OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool with Battery Test, All OBD2 Function Check Engine Car Code Reader Scan Tool, Enhanced Code Definition & Graphing Battery Status Car Scanner

https://www.amazon.com/AUTOPHIX-Scanner-Diagnostic-Graphing-Battery/dp/B07RTKTY82?ref_=ast_sto_dp

It gave the same codes that another mechanic’s code reader gave, and I found it easy to use and clear codes if necessary.

 

If youre going to be using it for mechanic work Id look into investing in a higher quality scanner. Some newer vehicles require them for brake changes, batteries, ect.

 

With a 20% off coupon this is what I use on my wife's civic and kona and my tundra and jeep grand cherokee.

 

@Black and @TucsonTundra1794
If I get Techstream with the OBDII adapter cord to the laptop then would I need https://www.obdlink.com/products/obdlink-mxp/ or do the two have different functions? (I do not think I need real time dash readouts.)

Edit - Or should I get the OBDLink MX+ and not get the Techstream

 

The techstream and obdlink would be 2 separate devices with 2 separate functions. The techstream would reprogram functions that already exist in your toyota computer, like door unlock, lights on with key fob, seat memory functions. The obd would read most of your sensors already installed like Trans temp, fuel pressure, air to fuel ratio, as well as pull codes that pop up and help diagnose problems. If you get both you'll essentially have every option avaliable for the Tundra besides tuning. Tuning changes shift point, throttle control, traction control, fuel ratio.

It all depends on what you want to do

 

Think the question was answered above but I can’t speak for tech stream because I have not started to look into it much. I know what it is but not sure how it is fully implemented.

Though when I had my Expedition I used ForScan which reprograms many different things similar to Techstream.
One could use the OBDLink MX+ paired wirelessly to a laptop to implement the programming changes.
I personally was not comfortable with a wireless option considering I was reprogramming modules and wanted as few possibilities for error as possible.
So I had a specific wired OBD device that my laptop was always directly connected when I was making changes.
If I ever get into Techstream even if the OBDLink is capable of doing it I will not use it and use specific wired device for reprogramming.

 

I don't know of a device that does wireless Techstream because of how evasive it is to the programming. The only Techstream capable device I have is the bullydog gt which not only requires being plugged into the OBD it also will not let you start unless your battery is over 13 volts and stays there. It will actually pause if battery falls below that so it's recommended to connect your battery to a charger while doing any programming.

 

I appreciate everybody’s input, definitely helps narrow it down, there are so many options out there. Just trying to avoid spending a couple hundred bucks on something only to find out it doesn’t do what I need it to do.

 

And thanks for letting me hijack your thread.

 

No problem, that’s what forums are for, hijacking, flaming, and my favorite the first reply is usually “I don’t have that, but this is what I think” lol
Still a wealth of info online! How did we manage without it?