Choosing the right Toyota diagnostic tool: All you need to know

Performing self-repairs can be a difficult task if you don't have all the required information in one place. Cars can have plenty of various issues that are hard to detect without the required tools.

 

Diagnostic devices (such as OBD readers) come in handy in these cases. Picking the right device can provide you with specific information you'd otherwise be unable to access.

 

Even if you don't plan on doing any repairs yourself, knowing what's up with your car can save you a lot of money at a repair shop.

 

 

Diagnostic tools allow you to access the on-board diagnostics of your vehicle. Usually, it's done through plugging a device into the OBD port and retrieving information from the vehicle's computer.

 

These devices come in varying shapes and sizes and have wildly different features. Repair shops and dealerships may use dedicated diagnostic tools, while car enthusiasts may rely on simpler OBD2 scanners.

 

 

Despite their differences, all of these devices serve the same goal – to diagnose problems and, in some cases, even fix them.

 

Some diagnostic tools, like OBDeleven, go a step further by offering features beyond basic engine-related diagnostics, such as vehicle optimization or deeper insights into more systems through advanced diagnostics.

 

Each car brand, including Toyota, has a set of their own unique diagnostic codes that are usually slightly more specific than general OBD codes.

 

In theory, to access the manufacturer-specific diagnostic codes, a diagnostic tool developer needs to have official licensing agreements with the car manufacturer. These licenses ensure that the fault codes are accurate and up to date, so you can diagnose your vehicle better.

 

Not all developers are able to get such contracts going, though.

 

But that doesn't stop them from offering or at least claiming they can diagnose all faults, including manufacturer-specific ones.

 

In any case, if you want the best diagnostic tool for Toyota, regardless of the functionality, it's best to choose a tool from a developer with proper licensing agreements in place.

 

 

 

Outside of the unique features each diagnostic tool may provide, there's a few that are common to all of them. Most of the time, retrieving and clearing fault codes will be the main and absolute basic features offered.

 

Once you connect a diagnostic tool to your Toyota’ diagnostic port, you'll usually be able to run a scan to find all the stored errors within your vehicle's computer system.

 

 

Read our full guide on how to read fault codes if you want to get familiar with the process.

 

Once you retrieve the data, you can decide whether it's an issue you can repair yourself or if you need to get your car to a repair shop.

 

Additionally, some OBD readers can give you other insights such as vehicle and driving statistics, which can be useful to predict any upcoming potential issues.  

 

 

 

These are the classic OBD2 readers that have a few basic functionalities, usually within the realm of reading diagnostic codes and clearing them. They usually have a few buttons and a basic display for ease-of-use.

 

Basic readers are relatively inexpensive nowadays, so they're used by car enthusiasts and small independent repair shops to diagnose issues and implement repairs.

 

Yet, they also have plenty of drawbacks. Most of them may only diagnose generic fault codes and lack any additional functionalities.

 

They're good for understanding what may be going on with your car, but not much else.

 

 

These are usually issued, managed, and developed by Toyota themselves and can be acquired by authorized workshops or dealerships.

 

Professional tools like these can not only read out error codes, but access all vehicle systems, make modifications, run advanced diagnostics, perform programming, and even update Toyota software.

 

While these are definitely the crème de la crème of all vehicle diagnostic tools, it's unlikely that a regular car enthusiast will be able to get their hands on such a device.

 

Additionally, professional diagnostic tools have an extremely steep learning curve and, even if you get access to one, may cost thousands of dollars, if not more.

 

So, even if you get your hands on such tools, it's unlikely that you'll be able to make great use of it without extensive training.

 

 

These modern diagnostic tools combine the best features of handheld readers and professional diagnostic tools.

 

Usually, you get a small device that plugs into your OBD2 port and an app that's installed on your phone. The mobile app allows you to control various functions such as the ability to run advanced diagnostics or even make minor modifications.

 

Our OBDeleven NextGen device does exactly that while staying within an affordable price range.

 

 

 

Now, let's quickly go through the features OBDeleven offers for Toyota owners.

 

 

Remember we mentioned the importance of a tool having official licenses from the car manufacturer?

 

Well, OBDeleven checks that box.

 

It's officially licensed by Toyota Group, which means you can access advanced diagnostics, view car statistics, check vehicle history, and even make custom modifications through One-Click Apps.

 

 

Advanced diagnostics lets you scan, diagnose, and clear fault codes, including Toyota-specific ones, from all available control units – such as the engine, transmission, ABS, airbag, multimedia, air conditioning, electronics, and more.

 

The process couldn't be simpler:

 

All of this comes with no extra charges – unlimited diagnostics are included in OBDeleven's FREE plan, which comes with every NextGen device.

 

 

Another feature Toyota owners love is our pre-built customizations with One-Click Apps. Basically, it's like coding your car settings, except you don't need to manually code anything – our team takes care of this part for you.

 

With One-Click Apps, you can activate, turn off, or adjust Toyota's comfort, safety, and driving features, such as:

Just keep in mind that the available features depend on your car's model and equipment. For example, if your vehicle doesn't have compatible LED lights, you won't be able to activate dynamic turn signals.

 

To use One-Click Apps for Toyota, you'll need to get Credits – our in-app currency. Once you've got them, here's how easy it is:

 

And just like that, you've upgraded your car, all by yourself.

 

As you can see, using advanced features for Toyota is super intuitive. Thus, you'll be able to get the most out of this diagnostic tool, no matter your level of expertise.

 

 

If you want to learn about your Toyota in-depth, you'll need a solid OBD reader. While plenty of options are available, we recommend a modern Bluetooth reader – especially one officially licensed by Toyota Group.

 

Other options are tailored towards professionals or simply won't be able to provide you with as many features at the same price point.