Toyota cars are usually safe and have efficient sensors in place.
But the constant check engine light in them gets distracting for drivers. This is something that an OBD2 scanner can help you with.
So, if you want to get a new OBD2 scanner, you are in the right place.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for OBD2 Scanners For Toyotas
- OUR TOP PICK: FIXD OBD2
- Autel AutoLink AL319
- Actron CP9690
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Carista OBD2
- Autel Maxidas DS808
Comparison Chart of the Best OBD2 Scanners For Toyota
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 Our Top Pick | FIXD OBD2 |
| View Latest Price |
 | Autel AutoLink AL319 |
| View Latest Price |
 | Actron CP9690 |
| View Latest Price |
 Best Budget Option | Carista OBD2 |
| View Latest Price |
 | Autel Maxidas DS808 |
| View Latest Price |
How Does an OBD2 Scanner Work?
An OBD2 scanner is a tool that monitors the condition of your vehicle's engine. It has active sensors that detect any problems that are there or are about to occur. The temperature, oxygen level, fuel consumption sensors, and others work to analyze different aspects of the engine.
OBD2 scanners come with software in them that have Diagnostic Testing Codes (DTC) fed in. The DTCs each indicate a certain condition that needs to be fixed. You can cross-check these codes with the manual or look them up online. This way, OBD2 scanners help you maximize your safety while driving.
What Makes These the Best Scanners of the Year?
The OBD2 scanners that have made it to our list are the favorites this year. They have everything that you might look for when thinking of buying a new scanner. Here are some characteristics that make us like these so much.
Higher Sensitivity
While looking for the reports by sensors, OBD2 scanners have to be highly sensitive themselves. They need to be quick enough to pick the signal from the sensors and then code it for display.
Live Data Reporting
Live data reporting means the accurate reporting of the current condition. Even a delay of some seconds can lead to accidents, so OBD2 scanners with live data display are best.
Clear Display
Now, the display is something that has to be easily readable and clear enough. It should also be colorful so that you can get an idea about codes from symbols too. The OBD2 scanners here all have a clear and nice display, which you will surely like.
Easy Layout
The layout of the OBD2 scanner and its app both have to be easy and user-friendly. The easier the layout, the quicker it will be to diagnose the problem.
Quick Take - Best OBD2 Scanners For Toyota
In a hurry? Here's a snapshot of the best OBD2 scanners for Toyota:
Review of the Best Toyota OBD2 Scanners
Toyotas are widely used, and users need to feel safe while driving them. An OBD2 scanner increases safety to a great extent, so you should get one. Here are the best ones for Toyota to help you out.
Best Overall:
FIXD OBD2
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are extremely satisfied with their purchase as this OBD2 scanner helped them feel safer. They found it very useful in terms of readability as it's so easy to read the codes. Buyers recommend it because of its easy connection to devices via Bluetooth too.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us with its amazing range of Diagnostic Testing Codes and manufacturer specific codes. It gives you access to over 10,000 identified issues so you can rely on it more. We like it for the use of simple and easy-to-understand English, making it good for others too.
Who Will Use This Most
People who are traveling around all the time will use it the most. They don't have to worry about stopping after some time and dealing with the check engine light. This is also good for people who own more than one vehicle as it configures easily.
Bottom Line
The bottom line on this one is that it is one of the best options available on the market today. It has a very user-friendly app, which makes it easy for you to use it from any of your devices. Moreover, it connects via Bluetooth, so there are no messy wires.
Runner-up:
Autel AutoLink AL319
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The people who bought these lately came up with some great reviews as they had a great time using it. They found its layout very simple and easy to deal with. They liked the TFT screen as well since it helped them stay ahead of the game with a good display.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It makes it to our list as a runner-up because of its compatibility with 7 languages. This makes sure that a greater number of people can use it on a global level. Moreover, the updates are free for a lifetime, making it a better option in our eyes.
Who Will Use This Most
This is the most useful for people who belong to other ethnicities and speak languages other than English too. It has 7 languages, which means that multilingual people will love it. Its compatibility with Toyota is the highest, so Toyota owners will love it.
Bottom Line
On the whole, this is a great OBD2 scanner that you can get your hands on. It has all the features that you might be looking for in a scanner. It also has a 12 month guarantee, so there is hardly anything to worry about.
Best for the Money:
Actron CP9690
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This OBD2 scanner has impressed its recent buyers by the ease of use that it offers. They love the scanner for its compatibility with a diverse range of vehicles. The people who speak other languages also found it great as its manual is trilingual.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Its 3.5-inch display makes it stand out to us the most as it is quite nice and compact. The layout has no cluttering or pop-ups in it. This makes the Actron a much better option than others at the same price range.
Who Will Use This Most
This is the best OBD2 scanner for people who are on a tight budget. They can get an OBD2 scanner at a much lower price while still getting the top features. The 6 foot cord in it makes it great for those who love to move around while checking their car.
Bottom Line
So, this is the best OBD2 scanner that you are going to get at this price. It has a simple and easy to understand layout so that you can use it on the go too. It is going to help you a lot, so you should consider it seriously.
4. Carista OBD2
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers had many words of appreciation for this OBD2 scanner by Carista. They love it because of its accuracy and efficiency. The scanner was very thorough in the assessment of their vehicle's engine, leaving them feeling much safer than before.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It catches our eye with its compact body frame which has 2.8 x 2.8 x 1.6 inch dimensions. The scanner works at both basic and pro level, so it suits a greater number of drivers. Also, it comes with a paid app that offers an advanced level of safety.
Who Will Use This Most
This is the most useful OBD2 scanner for those who work as mechanics. It lets them diagnose the cars easily and then makes reports for them in no time. The erasing of codes is also quite smooth, making it even better for professionals.
Bottom Line
All in all, Carista has come up with an amazing OBD2 scanner this time around. It has state-of-the-art features for those who are into perfection. The layout of the scanner's software is so simple and practical that you will love it just like we do.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers of this OBD2 scanner had mixed views about it. They loved its features but were a little hesitant about its price. They loved it for the sensors that it has and the way it displays them. People with both old and new Toyota models loved this OBD2 scanner.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The scanner gets our attention with its DPF regeneration, which is quite advanced. It has the perfect sensors for oil monitoring and checking air levels as well. We recommend it for the way it carries the analysis of your vehicle and then display it.
Who Will Use This Most
This is the best for people who want something that goes along with most cars. If you have a mechanic shop or like to keep many cars, it's great for you. The scanner has bidirectional controls, which makes it even better for modern users.
Bottom Line
In our opinion, this is an incredible OBD2 scanner that has all the high-end sensors in it. So, if you are not on a very strict budget, you should go for it. Overall, its DPF regeneration makes users love it.
Pros and Cons of OBD2 Scanners
OBD2 scanners are a must-have tool for cars when we talk about safety. They offer so much that it is compulsory to have them. Here are some pros and cons that you are going to get on buying an OBD2 scanner.
Pros
Let's first look at all the benefits that you would get from investing in an OBD2 scanner for your Toyota.
Increased Safety
The basic point of getting an OBD2 scanner is to maximize safety, right? OBD2 scanners have the latest sensors in place to look for any probable issues in the engine. This leads to timely identification and control of a problem, which then increases safety.
Check Engine Light Control
The frequently blinking Check Engine Light can be downright annoying, so it should be removed. An OBD2 scanner has active mechanisms in place to make sure that this signal does not distract you.
Ease of Diagnosis
OBD2 scanners make diagnosing your vehicle so easy that you will find it surprising. They scan the engine and then display the DTCs on screen. You can then see what each code indicates without even having to go to a mechanic.
Cons
Unsurprisingly, OBD2 scanners come with some limitations. These include:
Compatibility Issues
With OBD2 scanners, there can be a slight issue, which is that they do not go well with older cars. So, if you have a model before the 1960s, then you won't find these useful.
Battery Drainage
Another problem is that scanners drain the battery of your vehicle quickly. If they do not have a battery of their own, then they rely on your car's power. This can be overcome by getting a rechargeable OBD2 scanner.
Conclusion
To wrap up, OBD2 scanners are a sure way of staying prepared to notice the problems right when they appear. They keep a close check on the condition of your vehicle's engine and take care of the Check Engine Light. So, you must get one to have a safer driving experience wherever you go.
People Also Ask
OBD2 scanners are a necessity for Toyota users as they help them feel safer. No matter how long your journey is, you can rely on an OBD2 scanner to monitor your vehicle. There are many questions that people ask regarding these, so we have answered some for you.
What are the 10 Modes of Obd2?
The 10 modes refer to the services that ECM provides. Here are these modes:
- Mode $01: Request Live Data
- Mode $02: Request Freeze Frames
- Mode $03: Request Stored Trouble Codes
- Mode $04: Clear/Reset Stored Emissions Related Data
- Mode $05: Request Oxygen Sensors Test Results
- Mode $06: Request On-Board System Tests Results
- Mode $07: Request Pending Trouble Codes
- Mode $08: Request Control of On-Board Systems
- Mode $09: Request Vehicle Information
- Mode $10: Request Permanent Trouble Codes
What is the Difference Between Obd1 and Obd2 Scanners?
OBD1 and OBD2 have many differences beginning from the time of their origin. OBD1 scanners are for older cars while OBD2 ones are for new cars. OBD1 scanners are a part of a vehicle's console, but OBD2 scanners are remote. They also fit different types of engines and have differences in the range of DTC's as well.
Can You Convert Obd1 to Obd2?
Yes, you can convert OBD1 to OBD2, as it needs a few modifications. The major change required is fuel injectors, which control the kind of sensors that work in the engine. You will have to change the plug adapters as well to accommodate the OBD2 scanner.