If I wanted to purchase a OBD II code reader for our 2006 Sienna, where would I begin to look for something like that? Must I buy a specific one that works with the Sienna? Where does the reader plug in?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Mr. Detail
OBD II code readers come from anyone who sells automotive service tools, including common retail business; I bought mine at Princess Auto, which is a store in Canada much like Harbor Freight in the U.S.
There is no need to get one specifically for the Sienna - and there isn't one specifically for the Sienna anyway - but there are several types of OBD II communication and the one you pick needs to work with the way the Sienna communicates... I would just get one and take it back if it doesn't talk. They do vary in features, such as whether they can reset codes and how much interpretation they provide of the codes.
The OBD II port is normally on the bottom of the dash in front of the driver; in the case of our Sienna's it is directly under the steering column... and it doesn't even have a cover on it so it is easy to find. Just look for something the same shape as the plug on the reader (there is a standard plug and socket for all OBD II connections).
There is no need to get one specifically for the Sienna - and there isn't one specifically for the Sienna anyway - but there are several types of OBD II communication and the one you pick needs to work with the way the Sienna communicates... I would just get one and take it back if it doesn't talk. They do vary in features, such as whether they can reset codes and how much interpretation they provide of the codes.
The OBD II port is normally on the bottom of the dash in front of the driver; in the case of our Sienna's it is directly under the steering column... and it doesn't even have a cover on it so it is easy to find. Just look for something the same shape as the plug on the reader (there is a standard plug and socket for all OBD II connections).
The ScanGauge (their current product is the ScanGauge II) is an OBD reader, but is intended to go far beyond reading trouble codes, and to act as additional instrumentation while driving. It is limited to its basic functionality for the Sienna (they don't have the configuration information for a Toyota to get it to read non-standard information with the XGauge feature), but it does read the trouble codes and act as a fuel economy computer and alternate source of basic data. I have a cheap similar device and it does work with the Sienna.
Other ScanGauge topics:
Monitor transmission oil temperature with a ScanGauge
Re: Check engine light - code P0155
How to save fuel: advise to new owner
The issue of what reader works with the Sienna - the communication protocol issue - is addressed in OBD2 Scanning = CAN Bus?
Other ScanGauge topics:
Monitor transmission oil temperature with a ScanGauge
Re: Check engine light - code P0155
How to save fuel: advise to new owner
The issue of what reader works with the Sienna - the communication protocol issue - is addressed in OBD2 Scanning = CAN Bus?
scangauge II works just fine for me - works on all our cars, easy, simple to use, etc...
instruction manual is clear and easy to use, you can look up codes in the manual, etc... pretty much everything you need is all in the package.
if you need more specific info on the codes or what to do about them, google is your friend.
nothing fancy, but i'm not a professional mechanic either, so it gets the job done (plus kinda helps you figure out what you can do yourself or what you should take the van back to toyota for).
instruction manual is clear and easy to use, you can look up codes in the manual, etc... pretty much everything you need is all in the package.
if you need more specific info on the codes or what to do about them, google is your friend.
nothing fancy, but i'm not a professional mechanic either, so it gets the job done (plus kinda helps you figure out what you can do yourself or what you should take the van back to toyota for).
I record engine parameters and (potential) trouble codes using a carchip pro:
http://www.carchip.com/Products/8226.asp. Works well for me and I can graph out a trip showing whatever parameters I want.
http://www.carchip.com/Products/8226.asp. Works well for me and I can graph out a trip showing whatever parameters I want.
2006SiennaLE said:
I'm not recommending anything, but I randomly bought the cheapest OBD-connected monitor I saw...
Re: Monitor transmission oil temperature with a ScanGauge
Re: OBD2 Scanning = CAN Bus?
It works.
I also have an even cheaper code reader, which I have not used on the Sienna, but it works fine on my Focus.
If not looking for any fancy features, I don't think it's hard to find a workable cheap reader, and the reader (not the MaxiTrip) which I found was so cheap (can't remember exactly how much) that it wouldn't be worth half an hour of my time researching whether or not it would work - if it didn't I would just give it away and try another one. I think this is a big change from a few years ago.
Re: Monitor transmission oil temperature with a ScanGauge
Re: OBD2 Scanning = CAN Bus?
It works.
I also have an even cheaper code reader, which I have not used on the Sienna, but it works fine on my Focus.
If not looking for any fancy features, I don't think it's hard to find a workable cheap reader, and the reader (not the MaxiTrip) which I found was so cheap (can't remember exactly how much) that it wouldn't be worth half an hour of my time researching whether or not it would work - if it didn't I would just give it away and try another one. I think this is a big change from a few years ago.
Thanks for the info!
Finally bought the Equus 3100 from Amazon for $78. The local Kragen has it for $129.
AutoZone had a basic Actron for $60 and so I thought I'd spend a bit more for the larger display.
I was also tempted to get the GL1 for iPhone but I'll try the Equus first.
Finally bought the Equus 3100 from Amazon for $78. The local Kragen has it for $129.
AutoZone had a basic Actron for $60 and so I thought I'd spend a bit more for the larger display.
I was also tempted to get the GL1 for iPhone but I'll try the Equus first.
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