Scanner code reader advise

I have a 2013 tacoma with the 4.0 engine, the wife has a 2007 4 runner with the 4.0 engine. I'm thinking of buying a scanner that I can use on both to read any codes. Actually the 4runner has an engine check light, so I guess it's about time. Anyway any advise on something to read codes that I can use on both?
Thanks

 

What is your budget? I like the Actron brand.

 

I don't have an unlimited supply of money but want something that works. I have worked on vehicles most of my life and am an aircraft mechanic/helicopter for a living. I always work on my own stuff when possible

 

Get an OBD II bluetooth or WiFi adapter from Amazon or ebay. Then install any one of various free or paid software options on a smartphone or iPad. You can read and clear diagnostic codes with many of them. You'll be spending 20-50 bucks if you go this route and there are plenty of more-knowledgable folks on this board who have given instructions on how to set them up. Search for 'engine link' or 'torque pro' (only two examples of the software)

 

They have gotten ridiculously cheap. I saw a bluetooth sender (the part that plugs into your truck's odb2 port) for $15 the other day. It stays in the port all the time, and sends the data to your iphone or android phone. There are a bunch of different apps out there that will read codes, etc.

 

I got techstream and bought a cable from Amazon. Pretty sure the cable came with an older, ripped version of techstream. I think it cost me about 40 bucks total and you can change a minimal amount of settings, do OBDII emissions test and read all codes for all late model toyotas. You have to be a little tech savvy to get it to work though. Comes with full instructions.

Ebay 16 bucks.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-Latest...561?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item23360bbe01

Amazon 28 bucks:

http://www.amazon.com/Newest-V8-00-...=1392362456&sr=8-1&keywords=toyota+techstream
Edit: I'm not sure that the amazon one comes with a copy of techstream but you can get it via torrent if you are able. I hate Ebay so I would suggest Amazon if you are capable.

 

check out the "Torque App" on the google play store.

 

What device are you using to connect this to? Your links all say it goes to the Techstream. The TIS is Toyota and Lexus's house scanner.

 

Just go by Advance Auto, borrow their scanner for free

If you go OBDII wireless

wifi sender for Apple
bluetooth for Android

 

http://www.scantool.net/scan-tools/smart-phone/

They have some good products...

 

Can youbreset the check engine light with those? I noticed some people use like a scangauge or other ones that I guess you mount in the vehicle? I'd like to get something that I can use on both vehicles, I assume any of these can just be put in the vehicle with the fault and read the code?
Thanks

 

You can reset CEL with many of the software solutions- I can't say for all of them. Torque Pro (android) and Engine Link (iPhone) both can reset alarms. As mentioned above- if you get one of these- apple products (iPad/iphone) can only communicate through WiFi. Bluetooth works on android devices.

 

I guess I should have elaborated. The cable is just a OBTII to USB and you plug it in to your laptop. You can read trouble codes on your laptop.

Edit: Yes, you can clear codes with this software.

 

This one doesn't read ABS codes, but we have 2 and they work good.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...25iq?itemIdentifier=603853&_requestid=6142242
We've used them to diagnose the codes on my 95 tacoma, my dads 05 f-250 (6.0) and my moms 08 explorer.

 

Just wanted to point out that if you go with the Techstream clone and cable for a laptop you need a laptop running Windows XP. You could also use Windows 7 but you need a dual boot setup for XP. It will not work with Windows 8 at all. Hope this helps.

 

Just another voice to chip in their opinion:
I have an Innova 3100e, and I love it. I haven't gotten to use it much in the Tacoma, since I haven't had a check engine light yet, but I did plug it up just to see if it works. Got vehicle information from it, neat feature. I got mine new on Ebay for well under retail price. I think they've since upgraded the model to now handle ABS.
(

Diagnostic Scan Tool Code Reader with ABS and Battery Backup for OBD2 Vehicles

http://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-3100-Diagnostic-Battery-Vehicles/dp/B000EVWDAK) This one is $100 right now, from $200, but IMO, well worth it. Saves you trips to an auto store if you like to try and stay independent.

 

Thanks for all the help, Ive been looking at all the ones that were suggested and working on a decision. I borrowed a actron cp9125 from a guy at work and going to see how it works, I've never actually used any of them before. The ones that stay in the vehicles look pretty nice, I just don't want anything too complicated
Thanks

 

I forgot to mention that the Techstream clone is cheap if you already have an XP laptop and you can shut off the annoying seat belt dinger(Will beap 5 times when you first start truck) if you want it shut off. Most code scanners cannot do this.

 

There is a procedure to shut that off without external help. On, Off, click heels 3 times, scratch head... something like that.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/38842-disable-seatbelt-warning-chime.html

 

OP said he has a 13. I forget what year is the cutoff for that trick but I know it wouldn't work on my 12. On the newer Tacomas the only way to shut it off is with Techstream or clone or plug the seatbelt in.