As I’ve been having problems with the EGR on my 2007 D4D Lux recently, and I refused to bring it to the dealer..cough ..stealer..cough, I looked for ways to repair or at least diagnose it myself. In my search, I came across this diagnostics kit that I would like to share with everyone. I already mentioned this in a thread here, but I thought a dedicated thread would be more appropriate. I’d like to apologize to those members on here whom I’ve kept waiting for this, life tends to get in the way of things
![Embarrassed :oops:](./images/smilies/icon_redface.gif)
What is it and what can I do with it?
Techstream software is used by dealers all over for diagnostics and reprogramming of Toyota, Lexus and Scion cars from 1996 - onwards.
Official sales flyer:
https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInfoPor ... rtinfo.pdf
Techstream demo (skip the hardware part):
https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInfoPor ... erDemo.htm
The kit I’m talking about will cost only a fraction of the dealer setup at $35-$50. For that price, you get a Chinese copy of the more expensive Mongoose cable seen in the flyer above, and an unlocked copy of Techstream software. The cable has a chipset in the OBD plug, that allows the software to communicate with the ECU and plugs in to the DLC3 socket under the steering wheel. To my knowledge, you have the same capabilities as Techstream Lite. Some of the capabilities of this kit:
Diagnostics
- Health check (overall status of the car)
- Live data and also graphing or trending of that output (output from all the sensors on the car including injector flow, temps, mass airflow rate, fuel pressure etc.)
- Trouble codes (reading and clearing of check engine lights)
- Freeze frame data (allowing you to view all paramaters at the time the trouble code is generated)
- ABS & Immobilizer diagnostics
- Resetting or initializing the ECU (pulling the battery cable for an hour and pumping the brake does the same, but doing it with Techstream doesn’t reset the clock or radio memory)
- Active tests (manually activating relays, vacuum valves, swirl valves, turbo stepper motors etc.)
Programming
- Injector compensation code read & input
- Programming keys ***
- ECU reflash ***
***: There is a catch with these, more info in the How-to section
Customize
- Disabling seatbelt beepers (driver & passenger)
- Auto-doorlock interval
- Aircon control
Update 6/11/2013: The "Customize" section does not apply to the Hilux. The Hilux is missing pin #6 & #14 (CAN-bus) on the DLC plug, that is required for customization. At the time I wrote this How-to, I was also testing this cable on a RAV4 where I was able to customize the above settings for seatbelt alarm, door lock etc. I somehow got it mixed up between the two. My apologies for the confusion. I will leave this section up, for reference purposes.
What else do I need to get me started?
- A laptop running either a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows
Update 19/01/2015: It is confirmed that newer versions of this kit (Techstream, cable and drivers) are at long last compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows. Examples of these can be found on page 7 of this thread. So those fossils of 32-bit only laptops can finally be retired now
![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif)
Allright, you’ve caught my attention. Now where do I get me one of these kits?
I got mine from UOBD2:
http://uobd2.com/wholesale/mini-vci-for ... -2442.html
There are other options (cheaper and more colorful), but for the sake of uniformity in the event someone needs help with it, it would be handy if we all had the same kit. Not that I can guarantee uniformity though.. I am not in any way affiliated with these guys, just trying to help out, so if you decide to shop elsewhere, no biggie.
HOW-TO
Disclaimer
Be aware that you will be communicating with the ECU from here on out, and that brings with it certain risks. READ: You might stuff your ECU, especially when programming.
I am not responsible for any damage resulting from customizing or programming the ECU and any modifications will be at your own risk.
Right, now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get to it.
Modification
There is this locktab on the OBD plug that prevents the cable from being pulled off accidentily once plugged in. Here's what I'm talking about:
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img7/3064/mvci.jpg)
Normally the cable should come off with a firm pull, but I think the tab is either too stiff, or it has some manufacturing imperfections. This causes the plug to get stuck and refuses to come off. To solve this, do one of either two things:
- remove the tab completely
- remove some material from the inside of the tab with a utility knife to make it more flexible
Even with the tab removed (as I have done), it is still firmly enough in place that there is no concern of it coming off on its own.
Installation
The small disc supplied with the cable contained all the necessary to get started. If not, it can be downloaded from UOBD2, on the technical service tab from the sales link.
It is worth mentioning though that the suppliers of this cable used a “kill one bird with 10 stones” approach. Not everything supplied on the disc is necessary, but it’s there in case of installation problems. Contained:
- Drivers for the cable
- Techstream installer
- Crack for Techstream (named either “TISKEY.exe” or “Getpeculiarid.dll”)
- Installation steps.
I won’t discuss every scenario here, because you know how it goes. Procedures with unlocked software change all the time, making installation steps discussed here obsolete pretty fast.
These were the steps I took:
1. Disabled all anti-virus software
2. Installation of latest Java Runtime
3. Installation of Techstream (v7.10.030)
4. Installation of the drivers in the folder named Mini VCI driver.
5. Connected the cable to the USB port
6. That’s all. If all goes well, you should have a new USB device named: “USB Serial Converter”. The driver already seemed to unlock Techstream. No replacing of dll’s, running of cracks or serial numbers.
Cable Connection
Connect the cable to the DLC3 socket under the steering wheel. Just remember to turn the ignition to “ON” (but don’t start the engine**) AFTER connecting the cable. Then startup Techstream with the shortcut on your desktop. The startup screen should look something like this:
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img811/9376/firstscreen.png)
**There are certain procedures done within Techstream which require the engine to be started, but this will be clearly stated as seen later on.
Configuration
Before continuing with any diagnostics, first configure Techstream for your region and metric system.
- Region: SETUP\TECHSTREAM CONFIGURATION
- Metric system: USER\USER PREFERENCES\UNIT SELECTION
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img839/1957/europeregion.png)
1. You can skip North America, as the *KD-FTV engine isn’t marketed there. My Lux was imported from the UK, so for this example I'll select Europe.
2. Click next.
3. If everything is filled in(name, repairer type etc.) leave it at that. If not, fill in anything you want, and click OK.
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img811/2938/unitselect.png)
Connect to vehicle
1. On your left hand you’ll see “Connect to vehicle”. Go ahead and click it.
2. After a few seconds you’ll be presented with this screen:
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img827/3571/pickup.png)
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img826/6555/buildyear.png)
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img812/1538/wovsc.png)
3. From the drop-down menu’s, select the relevant info. In selecting the model year, the first two digits represent the build year, and the last two the month.
4. Choosing between w/VSC and w/o VSC is trickier. Here is what I have been able to discover:
a. Build year 2006-2009: Skid control only (w/o VSC)
b. Build year 2009-onwards: Vehicle stability control (w/ VSC) This is seen through the addition of a Yaw rate sensor.
(Source: Toyodiy.com)
5. If connection is succesful, you’ll be presented with the following screen:
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img441/3661/sysselect.png)
6. All that is left to do, is a safe, low-level test that your cable is read/write capable, and to start familiarizing yourself with Techstream.
a. Read test: On the SYSTEM SELECT tab, go to HEALTH CHECK. This test will probe all the ECU’s for their status and if troublecodes exist. The results will be displayed on the STORED DATA tab.
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img687/2609/healthcheckr.png)
b. Write test: In the system selection window with a summary of all the ECU’s , double-click on “Engine”. Then on your left hand side, click on “Utility”. You’ll be presented with the following screen:
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img202/6717/vinprelim.png)
c. Now we’ll write your 17 character VIN number into the ECU, or edit it if it was already written from factory. Go ahead and double-click on “VIN”. You’ll be presented with the following screen:
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img600/2277/vinrewri.png)
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img7/4255/vinre.png)
d. Just walk through the whole process, and confirm that you have written your VIN number, by exiting and restarting Techstream and looking at this section:
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img850/7676/vinlookup.png)
7. That’s it! If all went well, you now have a working diagnostics and programming setup! Now go ahead and pat yourself on the back.
EXAMPLES
Based on requests from fellow members, I’ll list some specific procedures for diagnosing and programming with Techstream. Everything else will work about the same, so procedures listed here will apply to other sections of Techstream as well.
Basic tips before going into full-blown geek mode:
1. As is mandatory with all programming hardware, never disconnect the cable while programming.
2. Disable any screensavers, standby and hibernation modes, and make sure your laptop has enough charge.
3. Before programming and customizing any settings, make notes or take screenshots of your defaults so you know what to revert back to.
4. Start your engine every now and then or you’ll end up with a dead battery. Experience is a b*tch..
Programming
Injector compensation code read and input
1. In the system selection menu with a summary of all the ECU’s, double-click on “Engine”
2. On your left hand side, click on “Utility”
3. Double-click on “Injector Compensation”
4. You’ll be presented with the following screens to either set or read the compensation codes:
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img801/6659/injeccomp.png)
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img843/8059/injecrecyl.png)
5. Read the codes before servicing injectors, and set the codes for new injectors for each cylinder.
6. What follows after setting the codes, I can’t say, as I don’t have to replace my injectors. Maybe someone who has done this can share their experience.
Key transponder programming
As stated earlier in the intro, there is a catch when programming keys. Currently, Techstream Lite, that this kit is similar to, can only add new keys to an existing group of keys (1 minimal, 4 maximum). It cannot generate and assign new immobiliser codes. This is a security measure obviously. So you must have at least one master key available for Techstream to read the immobiliser code from. Generating new codes is possible with Techstream, but it requires a registration with the US NASTF Vehicle Security Professional Registry and a Seurity Professional subscription.
(Source: https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInfoPor ... _nfpb=true)
For this HOW-TO we will only be adding a key, so here goes:
1. In the system selection menu, double-click on “Immobiliser”.
2. On your left hand side, go to “Utility”
3. Double-click on “Transponder Code Registration”
4. You’ll be presented with the following screen:
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img685/1982/transponcode.png)
5. Go through the whole process of inserting the master key, inserting the new key, and programming the transponder.
6. Done. If not succesful, there is a post on here with possible explanations as to why:
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=10562&hilit=key+programming&start=20#p193690
ECU reflash
In the event an ECU reflash is necessary (calibration), this can also be done with Techstream. However, this procedure too has a few catches. Calibration can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to complete, depending on build year and gear installed. Also, although very rare, I have experienced dropped connections with Techstream when invoking “DATA LIST” (live data) on first attempt. The cause is either this version of Techstream (v7.10.030) being unstable when bombarded with the info from all the sensors, or my cable is faulty. I can’t compare cables so I can’t narrow the cause down to one or the other.
Nonetheless, this possible instability combined with the time it takes for a reflash, increases the chances of the procedure “hanging”, leaving you with a stuffed ECU. As this would be a very costly repair (I got quoted $2800 plus labour for a new ECU), I would advise against doing a reflash with Techstream until this gets resolved.
For the curious, an ECU reflash is normally done like this:
1. In the system selection menu, on your left hand side click on “ECU Reprogramming”
2. In the Cal Update tab, select which ECU you would like to reflash. Before clicking on the green arrow in the bottom right corner, make sure you have an active internet connection.
3. After connecting with Toyota servers, any updates found will be listed in the same window.
4. In my case, no updates were found for my Lux. So I couldn’t test it any further.
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img195/7487/ecucalibr.png)
Diagnostics
Live data & graphing (trending)
1. In the system selection menu, double-click on “Engine”.
2. On your left hand side, click on “Data List”.
3. The presented screen will look like this**:
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img189/8421/datalist.png)
**If at this point you experience a dropped connection like I did, just click on “Data List” again to reconnect. This happened to me only once in an entire diagnostics session.
4. To graph the output of the sensors, just click on the button on the bottom (say that 3 times in a row) with the red-blue graphs.
5. In this example, I graphed the output of the accelerator sensor:
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img534/1218/accgraph.png)
Active test of EGR vacuum regulating valve (valve beside/beneath the EGR)
1. In the system selection menu, double-click on “Engine”.
2. On your left hand side, click on “Active Test”.
3. In the window that appears, double-click on “Control the EGR System”
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img339/7084/activ1.png)
4. In the small window that pops up, you can toggle the VSV On or Off. With the engine off, and a relatively quiet environment you should be able to hear the clicking sound the valve makes when toggled.
![Image](http://imageshack.us/a/img19/3348/vsvtoggl.png)
Well guys, that's about it for now. I hope I've at least covered the essentials of working with Techstream, the rest is up to you to share your experiences and get a discussion going!
As for me, I'm off to grab a cold one..or a few
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif)
![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif)