Toyota 4Runner OBD2 *BIDIRECTIONAL* Tools Reviews

Have car 2002 4Runner 4WD SR5, looking for an OBDII *BI-DIRECTIONAL* Scanner, any good experience with a budget Scanner in like the $200 (or lower?) range? Go on reading…

Review 1. Techstream BI-DIRECTIONAL test

I have Techstream and about the only “programming” it allows is with the immobilizer and keys. It’s a diagnostic tool first and foremost, which is what a Toyota technician needs.

But there Maybe other “programmers” out there, which would be the bi-directional part. You’re looking to make changes to the fuel/timing/injector maps I take it.. looking for the performance of one kind or another (most want more power, some want more efficiency/fuel economy).

Looking around a little, I see that I’m wrong about Techstream, it can be used to flash/program, just not my model year. Looks like the ability doesn’t exist on models earlier than 2001 (though I did see a Chinese cesium flash tool saying 2000… wonder if they mean a late 2000 model or a built-in 2000, the model year 2001 though).

Digging through more pages, I’m finding more and more posts talking about how Toyota ECU’s can’t be tuned. that if you want different performance, you have to go with a “piggyback” or completely replace the unit with something that is fully adjustable.

Techstream Cable and Software Recommendations:

I’ve had good luck buying Techstream Cable

https://www.obdexpress.co.uk/wholesale/cheapest-mini-vci-toyota-single-cable.html

 

Review 2. FOXWELL NT630 Plus

I used FOXWELL NT630 Plus to auto bleed my 02 brakes and the ABS unit. Not sure it’s what you are looking for but it is bi-directional to a point.

Review 3. Autel Launch BI-DIRECTIONAL test

Mode $08 activity test…
Some of the chinesium brand units (Launch, Autel, etc.) in past years have been bundling up factory auto software on an android platform and selling units. These are in the $800+ range. Very good functional stuff. Definitely not sub $200 range yet. Software lisc https://www.obdexpress.co.uk/wholesale/launch-x431-crp909-car-diagnostic-scanner.html \ence infringement? I’m not a legal eagle.

Couple customer software shops, HPTuners comes to mind, have been developing front end software to custom tune ECM’s. Targeting Dodge, Ford, etc. Lions share of the market.

My gut, instinct, the view is that way back deep in the Toyota proprietary fortress there was a way to tune these ECM’s. Doubt we’d see that proprietary software released. But my hunch it existed back in the past.

As for a sub $200 bi-directional unit there’s always used, 2nd hand, Craigslist, etc. But be wary of damaged stuff, software out of date, subscription lapse, etc.

Keep upgrading…