Epic Engine Diagnostics with Toyota Techstream

[ATXChris]

Not sure if anyone else has tried this, but I just had some success connecting Toyota Techstream to my E21.  Techstream is the software that Toyota dealerships use to run diagnostics on vehicles using a USB - OBD2 cable and a laptop.  There are some sellers on ebay that sell a "techstream mini vci" cable for around $20 that works alright with Windows XP.  It's a great alternative to the "real" cable which is closer to $1000.

Once you have Techstream up and running you can follow the following steps to access live data or read codes

1.  Install Techstream Japanese region mode ( this can also be set from one of the menus after install )
2.  Select vehicle manually as Toyota Celsior, 1UZ-FE, W/o Push button start
3.  Select first ECU box ( name is empty )
4.  Now you can read codes and live data.  See the screenshots below.

I haven't had a chance to run this while the engine is running, but the live data values seem reasonable except for the transmission related fields, etc.  .  I plan on keeping my Epic for a long time so its a little relief to know that the ECU on this thing isn't a complete black hole ...

[Capt Rick]

Good Job, For those who want to see what the engine and what it is doing and I would see if it picks up the codes for MAF,when you unplug it,  then see if it clears codes.

Does it read late model CAN units? like 2007 to 2013 Lexus
Capt Rick

[ATXChris]

I'll try unplugging the MAF next time to see the code set and take some screenshots next time I get some free time in the garage.

I think this setup will read just about any late model Lexus or Toyota.  I used it on my 07 Tundra to set some of the convenience options you normally have to do at the dealership - turn off passenger seatbelt chime, open all locks on first click, lowered volume of ignition chime, etc.  This looks like the same cable I have http://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-Newest-V8-10-021-MINI-VCI-V7-for-TOYOTA-Cable-Software-TIS-Techstream-/181145655449?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item2a2d1f5899&vxp=mtr.  It took about 2 weeks for them to ship it from China.

[Supraman]

How does this differ than the system that wakejunky came up with? What can his do that this one can not? I would like to order something to monitor my SX and incase anything problems arrise in the future.

[Sammamish Skier]

I can confirm that this cable will show error codes. I disconnected the MAF got a check engine light, and the correct error code. I purchased my cable on amazon.  http://www.amazon.com/Newest-V8-00-034-Techstream-Diagnostic-Software/dp/B00C9B32J4

One thing to note, if you do pick up one of these cables, the software doesn't work properly in windows 7, you'll need Windows Virtual PC, and XP Mode in order to use the software. There are instructions out there for getting it to work with a 64 bit os, but I've yet to have them work.

[ATXChris]

Sammamish, thanks for checking this out !

You are also correct that the drivers for this cable don't work well with 64-bit Windows operating systems.  I use VirtualBox with 32-bit Windows XP Pro installed in the guest VM.  I'm sure the Windows Virtual PC solution works just as well.

[Epic4Life]

I have this diagnostic program and used it for my 2004 4Runner...it works awesome!! Ihave not tried it with the Epic yet..