I have seen plenty in the 300 dollar range, but then I saw this:


All I want to do is clear the VSC code (my gas filler gasket is worn) and the mechanic wants the same money the scanner costs to clear the codes. It would also be nice to see any other codes that may be present.

I did a search and posts aren't really clear on who uses what and if they can clear the codes or not.

It's an 04 LS

 

Looks like it did not work out that well for one of the reviewers...
Re-quoting...

Be careful!! This can be a great tool and has worked in reading and resetting CEL's on my GMC Sonoma, but it can also cause problems with some vehicles. I connected it to my Lexus LS430 and it caused a loss of calibration for the wheel sensors. Aparently the scanner can use a different protocol than the vehicle uses and send signals to the vehicle that can cause issues. Thank goodness there was a manual fix to this VSC light problem that didn't require taking it in to Lexus. In all fairness I must add that I did not contact this product tech support before or after this incident, but I did have the latest revision at the time.

 

OBD2 readers are barely compatible with ls430. Get a proper techstream scan cable. PM if interested

 

I saw that review earlier today and then went ahead and got this. Wish I had seen the post from Lynzoid before I bought this:

http://www.scantool.net/obdlink-sx.html

Regardless, I will take pics and post about how it works for me. At 50 bucks if it just reads the codes and clears them, I will be happy.

 

Is this it?

http://www.obd2-scanner.com/mini-vci...able-p-97.html

It says "This package do not contain Toyota 22pin connector, so it can only do Toyota 16pin cars."

What kind is LS430? It looks like it is 16 pin

 

Nope.. the one I got says it works for all Asian cars. There's a version of the software listed I don't remember. As far as the OBDII connector goes, I thought the whole idea was that all cars had the same connector...

 

OBD2 is useless on LS430 (again), as it can only read engine computer (out of 20+ computers in car) and only basic parameters. VSC is totally different unit (one of many).

 

Is there a mini vci techstream cable that actually works?
I have tried one from ebay and I think it is a fake. Has the firmware version 1.4.1 that google will reveal as fake version.

 

PM me please. It's all good.

 

You have a PM.

Here are some screen shots from my windows XP laptop.



Windows is happy




Version 1.4.1, that is a bit of a worry.



Failed update

 

stop messing about with it... you need proper software to use this cable
don't try to 'update' it - it won't cos it's a clone/emulator.
just USE it...

 

Hey I finally got this thing working.
Now running techstream 7.10 and found blown OBD fuse in the kick panel.

Only annoying thing is it clears the vsc zero point calibration everytime you use it.

 

You're using it wrong. No need to recal every time.

 

Related topic: I bought one of the very cheap ($15 inc. shipping) Bluetooth OBD2 boxes - the ELM327.
I realize that it is limited in its function (will only talk to the Engine ECU, etc.) - Thanks, Lynzoid.
I bought it just for the educational and hobby value, so If I need a "real" one in the future, I will contact Lynzoid.
Now for the quesiton -
Which of the half-dozen or so free software packages has anyone tried and found good, bad, or ugly?
I assume that all of them will at least display engine codes and reset error codes.
Or, are any of the paid packages significantly better?
Thanks for any and all information.

 

No, ELM/OBD2 is very basic, so no amount of 'software' can make up for that. Just use supplied software.