Carista or TIS Techstream

Differences between the two? Trying to decide between or if anyone has input on other devices on what to use and different functions. I'm sure they both won't do the same functions as a dealer would have access to or am I getting this all wrong. Looking to do mostly checking codes and changing settings. Wondering because saw on another post where there was a pdf file that I printed out had all options that dealer could change.

tia

 

Tech Stream is a real PITA to set up. You really need patience. But the s/w is free. The cable is about 20 bucks.

I have not used Carista. I'll go out on a limb and say it won't flash any cal files. And it probably can't reset fuel trim or trans related options. But, it has to be more user friendly than Tech Stream. It will also cost more.

If you are a patient, computer savvy guy, then Tech Stream is a better choice. If you only want to adjust the blinkers and such, then go Carista.

 

Carista.

 

please explain to me where you get this free tech stream? Unless you are referring to the chinese things from ebay, which many report set off antivirus as the software is a trojan...

otherwise not sure where you are geting this free, because I've looked from tech stream its bloody expensive.



For the thread
Tech stream is probably better if you want to get into serious levels of servicing.
but for just basic customizing might be better with carista.
its cheaper and easier to use.

Although I am really bitter about carista charging you for the adaptor then the app, their system works pretty good.
I have it and have done some mods to my friends FRS and to my girlfriends mom's camry (plus clear codes)
Will be using it on the tacoma for some customizing when I get in next month.
Used it on my VW (to see how it was) and figured it sucks, but then again I own the VW software as well and have gotten extremely familiar with it.

If you don't know what you're doing you can also screw things up with tech stream. from what I understand with Carista you can't as it doesn't go deep enough, and its very user friendly.

If all you want to do is reset oil change reminders, and do some customizing, go with carista. Even the free version of carista does some scanning just doesn't go in depth into SRS or ABS levels, along with some other things. But it will let you do the basics of things you'll likely have to do.

 

Just recently received the TS cable and software. I thought I would've needed to create a virtual machine on my Windows 10 laptop, but didn't need to. Followed the instructions to setup and I was in. Disabled the seatbelt chime and confirmed the REV1 update was performed. Looked like other things to tinker with too, so it was worth it.

I'm sure the Carista route is easier, but the TS route wasn't too complicated.

No virus's or malware here.

 

did you use the ebay/Amazon versions or got it from tech stream?
I was thinking of ordering the tech stream temp subscription to do some stuff that I don't believe Carista allows.

 

Purchased it from eBay at:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/30158291867...49&var=600473626913&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I got the 64 bit. I thought it would take forever coming from China to Hawaii, but it was here in a week. Maybe I got lucky.

You can also grab the TS software from: http://blog.obdii365.com/2016/01/14/toyota-tis-techstream-10-30-029-free-download/

I've heard of the malware and virus's too some people had. I didn't detect any.

There's a newer version of TS out there, but for my purposes, this did what I wanted it to.

Just be sure when you connect (using your laptop) that you're not connected to the internet with wifi or ethernet.

 

Well hell, I think I have one of those interfaces already from a combox upgrade I did on my funcar that needed remote-coding. Gonna have to d/l the Techstream and give it a try. Thanks!

 

Thanks for the info, was kinda leaning towards your option with the cable/obdii365.com seems like it might do a bit more as far as changing settings and stuff as opposed to Carista.

 

In order to do any reflash you have to download the software from TIS to the techstream and your not doing that without a username and password from Toyota.You can still do a lot of other things.

 

With Carista, can you turn on the windows down with key fob feature?

 

Not sure if that's a feature on Toyota.
But it does allow you to on vw. So if the tacoma can do it I imagine carista will do it too

 

Carista posted two days ago on their facebook page...purchase their OBD II adapter and get a free month trial use of their pro program app. By the way, while I haven't yet used Carista on the Tacoma, I've made changes on my Audi S5 with it. Easy to use and works as advertised.

 

i know Techstream can do lots of deep/advanced stuff we won't need for our usage... but is there a list of functionality that can altered with Techstream using our level of access? i'd love to see a list of things we can actually work with from our level of access.

for example, there is a dealer-installed splash/boot screen on Entune that i want removed. is this possibly something that can be cleared in Techstream but cannot be accessed with Carista? does anyone have more info on what we can actually do or not do with Techstream using a free download?

 

I posted a full list of settings available on the Carista app in my build.

Here's what you can do:

DYL0n's Quicksand Build

 

there is no authentic free version of tech stream.

https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInfoPortal/appmanager/t3/ti?_pageLabel=ti_ts_lite&_nfpb=true
unless you get the ebay ones etc which like said before, you take a risk. I have seen reviews on them on Ebay or Amazon that the software threw a trojan virus alert and saw 2 where it supposedly screwed up the persons car by bricking the ECU.

The pro level of carista does do quite a bit.
BASIC OBD2 DIAGNOSTICS
Find out why your "Check Engine" light is on: Carista shows you a list of the fault codes stored in your vehicle, as well as their meanings. You can also reset the "Check Engine" light.

In addition, for states and countries that require emissions testing, Carista shows you if your car is ready for the test -- that way you can avoid the trip to the testing station before the vehicle's systems have gathered enough driving data to be ready for testing.

ADVANCED DIAGNOSTICS
Dealer-level electronic diagnostics (fault code checking and resetting) of all modules in the vehicle, incl. ABS, airbag, and other manufacturer-specific systems. See Pricing below.


CUSTOMIZATIONS
Personalization of comfort & convenience features of the car. This allows you to customize your car to your liking and get rid of all those annoyances you have to deal with every time you get into your car. You can even enable hidden features that you didn't even know your car had! See Pricing below.

the basic level is free, the rest you have to pay for the pro version.

STANDARD
–

FREE

• Diagnose: drivetrain (engine, transmission); eco (emission test readiness)
• Customize: unlock all doors vs. driver’s door only

PRO
1-WEEK PASS

$9.99

• Diagnose: drivetrain (engine, transmission); eco (emission test readiness); safety (airbag, immobilizer, ABS); body control (locks, lights, wipers, parking aid)
• Customize: exterior (doors, trunk, roof, windows, mirrors, lights, signals, sensors); interior (seats, seat belts, heater, A/C, displays, indicators); other (remote, alarm)
• Service: electronic parking brake, oil change / inspection due indicator, launch control count

 

It's definitely a hell of a lot easier than using VCDS.
one of my friends used carista before realizing I have VCDS.
After his expired he wanted to use VCDS again after and had no clue what to do. Ended up asking me to do all of it lol.

So ya if you are not familiar with diagnostic software, they can be tough.
One of the guys that works at my mechanics shop has techstream, I looked at it and what not. Not as difficult to use as VCDS but could be complicated.

 

I used VCDS when I had my Audi S5... wow it was a PAIN IN THE ASS.

 

lmao
ya I hear that a lot.
I'm registered on vwvortex as the owner of it.
I've even had guys with it just message me asking how to use it.

Took a lot to figure out how to use it in depth. hell still certain parts I'm not 100% with. But ya it can be one hell of a pain in the ass to use.
Especially when getting into the long coding and adaptions

 

I agree, the TS is definitely a riskier route. Honestly, the process of setup is similar to installing pirated software. It's possible some scanners may detect some key files as a threat, although I didn't see any issues. This may be comfortable for some and others not.
I only used it once to peek around and turn my chime off. I'm sure there's loads more, but I'm not that adventurous.