TechStream - Which device to actually purchase?

Been reading on the techstream software and want to pickup a cable, dongle or whatever one may use to connect to the vehicle. My goal of this is to read codes, customize features (if any), live data info, tpms issues (program), keys program(possible?).

It seems like majority say Mini VCI J2534 cable. Then I keep reading about Tachtrix 2.0

https://www.obdii365.com/wholesale/mini-vci-for-toyota-with-toyota-tis.html

https://www.obdii365.com/wholesale/new-tactrix-openport-2-0-ecuflash.html

Anyone able to shed some light?

 

There are a number of great choices out there and I'm sure everyone has their favorite. For me, it's Carista. It's great for customizing features. Not free tho... that's the downside (although there is a 30 day free period). That said, I've tried several others and have ultimately come back to Carista. Here's a link:

Carista OBD2 Adapter

 

I bought the OBDlink MX+ and I've been pretty happy with all the things it can do. I bought it so I could monitor transmission temps for a drain/fill, but it does a ton of stuff.

 

Lol, so two additional devices I didn’t really know about.

Not looking for a monthly service fee so Carista is out.

 

Is there a subscription fee for this device?

 

I’d buy the VF Tuner device. You can use it for Techstream and tune your 4Runner also.

Get the Orange Tactrix VF device before they sell out. The new WiGlash devices won’t work with Techstream is what we are being told.

 

Tuning is way above me. Wouldn’t know where to begin.

 

No subscription for the OBDlink MXII+

 

There are people that can help with that. If you’re going to get a device for Techstream, might as well open the door for future advantages.

Get this device and it works with Techstream and will also give you access to develop your own tunes or purchase tunes and load them to your vehicle:
https://vftuner.com/products/vforest-tuner-software-flash-cable

Tunes from OTT:
https://overlandtailor.com/5th-gen-4runner-tuning

 

Thanks but that’s quite above my price point.

 

Just my 2 cents, but the other inexpensive methods for getting techstream (from Amazon and ebay, etc) are very f'n scetchy. Not many here will offer those up. So i would search YouTube for those. They come with some consequences. lol

 

Can you share what these consequences are?

I've seen the VXDiag one too, seems a bit more but more reliable, I guess?

VXDIAG VCX Nano OBD2 for Toyota TIS Diagnostic Scanner Compatible for Toyota Software Programming Tool SAE J2534 WiFi Version

https://www.amazon.ca/VXDIAG-Diagno...locphy=9000260&hvtargid=pla-569191247745&th=1

 

Most of these are hacked versions of software that require you to remove/disable firewalls and virus detection software, because they contain viruses and malware (a lot of the reviews of them will mention that). With electronics and things that require software (and most other things too), it's good to keep a good rule of thumb of "you get what you pay for". Especially ones that could steal information off your computer or brick your ECU and make your truck undriveable.

I am not saying not to go these routes, you can make your own decisions, just saying to look into things (like you are now). These guys above are just offering things that are proven legit and warrantied, etc is all. Just trying to look out for you and your truck.