7 Best Toyota/Lexus OBD2/OBD1 Scanners for 2023

A Toyota scan tool is a handy device to check a dashboard warning light that’s interrupting your drive.

In this review, I’ll walk you through the best OBD1 and OBD2 scan tools for Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

These gadgets will give you special access to your car, so you don’t have to drive to a mechanic whenever your vehicle is not running correctly.

To this end, it’s challenging to narrow down to the best Toyota OBD1 scanner or the best-wired OBD2 scanner for your needs. But don’t worry. That’s what we are about.

We share our research and expert knowledge to help you find the best Toyota Bluetooth scan tool as well as the best Toyota diagnostic software.

Here we go!

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Top 2 Toyota/Lexus Bluetooth OBD2 scanners

Top 3 Toyota/Lexus Wired OBD2 scanners

Top 2 Toyota OBD1 scanners

Recommendation

Best OBD2/OBD1 Scanners for Toyota/Lexus Comparison Chart

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Top 2 Toyota/Lexus Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners Review

You can now turn your smartphone, tablet, or PC into a car scanner with the help of a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner. We are talking about the OBDLink MX+ and OBDCheck BL+ devices. These wireless OBD2 scanners can pair directly with third-party devices to check your car’s health.

While the OBLink MX+ can operate on iOS, Android, and Windows, OBDCheck BLE+ is only iOS and Android compatible.

Top 2 Toyota/Lexus OBD2 Bluetooth Scanners Comparison Chart

*Notes: Excellent: 9-10; Good: 7-8; Fair: 5-6; Poor: 3-4; Very poor: 1-2

OBDLink MX+ is a small but very functional tool. It is your go-to if you don’t want to mess with cables. This scanner boasts an encrypted Bluetooth connection to prevent hackers from accessing your vehicle remotely. You can leave it plugged into your car since it has automatic sleep and wake modes.

OBDLink MX+ pairs with the free OBDLink app for vehicle diagnosis. It can provide basic DTCs for countless vehicles made after 1996. As for advanced diagnostics, this diagnostic tool can only access specific vehicle models. In this case, it’s ideal for Toyota, Lexus, Scion, Mazda, etc.

When it comes to advanced service features, you’ll want to pair it with the Carista app. Here, you can use it as a bidirectional tool and perform oil service resets.

Generally, OBDLink MX+ is an ergonomically designed scan tool. It takes only three minutes to install after you’ve connected it to the OBD2 port of your car. The small button on its hard shell is ideal for making quick and secure connections.

Turn your PC, tablet, or smartphone into a powerful diagnostics tool with the OBDLink MX+.

OBLink MX+ stays on even when the car is off. It means it can drain the battery a little bit when you leave it plugged in the OBD2 port. It’s better not to leave it for more than 2 days to avoid drainage for the vehicle battery.

Since OBDLink MX+ is not a high-end device, the quality is not the best. The reset button tends to break after some time. When this happens, you may need a replacement. But it’s a bit complicated since customer support is not always responsive. 

Another thing we noticed is that it does not find all iOS devices on the first try. You have to plug in and unplug several times before getting a stable Bluetooth connection. Plus, it does not work entirely with newer iPhones like iPhone 12. 

The OBDCheck BLE+ is an upgraded version of the OBDCheck BLE. It is one-ounce lighter, but more importantly, it can do a lot more than its predecessor. This Bluetooth scanner has lower power usage than WIFI models. As such, it is less likely to drain your battery if you leave it plugged into the OBD2 port.

You don’t just get diagnostic codes. OBDCheck BLE+ also provides definitions for the codes. It means you can go ahead and start repairs as soon as you know what the DTC means. You can also access all other systems for manufacturer-level diagnostics with this scanner. From the airbag to ABS, it’s just a matter of finding the function.

Advanced maintenance functions depend on the paired app. For Toyota and Lexus vehicles, it can customize certain features when you pair it with the Carista OBD2 app. In short, OBDCheck BLE+ becomes a powerful device when you know the ideal app to use for your vehicle.

On the other hand, OBDCheck BLE+ does not work on some diesel vehicles like the Ford F250 diesel. Also, it does not always work with the Dr. Prius app. So, it’s best to pair it with our recommended apps, such as Carista OBD2 and ForScan.

And like its MX+ counterpart, the OBDCheck BLE+ does not have robust construction. You’ll want to avoid dropping it because it may stop working since it does not have a protective cover.

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Top 3 Toyota/Lexus Wired OBD2 Scanners Review

Out for a standalone wired OBD2 scanner for your Toyota or Lexus vehicle? Autel, Foxwell, and Launch are popular brands in the scanner market. Today, we look at one scanner from each brand.

Foxwell NT510 Elite is a model for DIYers and professionals. Thanks to its capability to perform active tests, it offers more than the average scan tool in terms of functionality.

Meanwhile, car enthusiasts will delight in a simple plug-and-play tool like the Launch CRP129E. At the same time, beginners will love working with the Autel Al319.

Top 3 Toyota/Lexus Wired OBD2 Scanners Comparison Chart

*Notes: Excellent: 9-10; Good: 7-8; Fair: 5-6; Poor: 3-4; Very poor: 1-2

If you’re a newbie in car repairs or just want to save some bucks the next time a CEL comes up, the Autel AL319 is for you. This is a basic Toyota code reader that can read generic and manufacturer-specific codes. It allows you to see current, pending, and even permanent codes.

All you have to do is search the meaning of the code so you can know whether your vehicle needs extensive repairs.

Autel AL319 can also pull freeze frame data. This feature allows mechanics to know the conditions of the car at the time the CEL came up. What’s more, the scanner can display live data and I/M readiness results.

While this device is not bulky, this code reader has a large TFT screen with an easy readout. You’ll find it simple to operate and navigate without getting into the manual too much.

One of the weaknesses we found on the Autel AL319 is that it does not support all vehicles. If you’re not sure if the device supports your car, it’s best to verify with customer support. Another thing is that you can’t tell what version of software you have. This means you can’t know whether or not you have the latest version. Finally, Autel AL319 may come without a manual. If yours doesn’t come with one, you’ll need to download and print it out. But it’s a minor issue.

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This is an OE-level Toyota diagnostics tool. It is designed for car enthusiasts, DIYers, and mechanics.  The device can deliver in-depth diagnostics for not only the engine but also ABS, SRS, EPS, and all other vehicle modules.

This scan tool can also provide live data in either text and graph format. And while at it, you can choose to view two parameters side by side. Then, you can merge them if you want to.

Foxwell NT510 Elite allows you to perform lots of resets. These include throttle body adjustment, oil service reset, and DPF regeneration.

It is also a bidirectional tool. This means that you can perform functions such as rolling the windows or folding the mirrors with the device.

Additionally, you’ll be able to relearn components by customizing their values. Not to mention, the scanner can perform adaptations and control module coding on some vehicles.

Foxwell NT510 Elite is a well-rounded tool. However, it does not support ABS bleeding on some hybrid vehicles. These include Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Lexus RX, and others. 

Another common complaint about this tool is the preloaded software. If it comes with the software of another vehicle brand, you have to go through updating the software to get it to work on your specific vehicle. 

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Launch CRP129E comes with a 5-inch bigger touchscreen, so viewing diagnostics is much easier. It boasts a 6100mAh battery, meaning you can use it without the cable.  

The Launch CRP129E is a four-system diagnostics scanner. It can give you trouble codes from the engine, transmission, ABS, and SRS. When it comes to the engine, this scanner can detect engine ignition, air, and fuel ratio, fuel injection, and exhaust emission conditions.

You’ll like that Launch CRP129E can perform both smart auto diagnoses by automatically identifying the VIN. If auto diagnostics fail, you can input the VIN info manually and continue diagnosis normally.

Access all ten OBD2 test modes with this scanner. This feature provides faster repair for the home garage. In addition, you can access service resets for oil service, EPB, electronic throttle position, SAS, and tire pressure reset.

For the Launch CRP129E, we don’t particularly like that there’s no US Launch Support for the device. If there’s a problem with the device, you have to get in touch with Launch Asia, which can be a hit or miss. This can be particularly so if a special feature does not work as intended.

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Top 2 Toyota OBD1 Scanners

(also used for Hybrids and OBD2 vehicles)

All Toyota vehicles manufactured between 1981 and 1995 use an OBD1 diagnostic system. Any Toyota-specific OBD1 scanner can only be used on Toyota vehicles. This is because OBD1 scanners are manufacturer-specific. As a result, one scanner will not work on two different brands even if they have the same problem.

Nevertheless, some OBD2 scanners also offer OBD1 coverage which helps to diagnose older vehicles with modern technology devices.

Top 2 Toyota OBD1 Scanners Comparison Chart

*Notes: Excellent: 9-10; Good: 7-8; Fair: 5-6; Poor: 3-4; Very poor: 1-2

Diagnose your vehicle and perform service maintenance like a professional with the Innova 3170RS. This tool performs not only OBD1 and OBD2 diagnostics but also features high-end service functions.

The scanner can help get your car ready for a new battery, and it can maintain electronic parking brake retraction and ABS bleeding. In addition, you can store data in graph form, which enables you to record and playback parameters whenever you like.

Apart from engine diagnostics, you can also read trouble codes from all other systems in a vehicle. It can access the ABS, powertrain, and SRS modules. As such, you can know why various lights come up without visiting the mechanic. After performing repairs, you can safely turn off the maintenance light with Innova 3170RS.

When paired with a diagnostic app, you will be able to access the most comprehensive repair database of verified fixes. This Toyota scanner tool gets you to perform repairs right at home because it will pay for itself within a short time.

However, it’s not ideal to hold for long hours if you’re diagnosing many vehicles in a garage. It can also be challenging to connect the scanner over Bluetooth since it’s mostly a USB cable gadget. And again, it can connect with an app. But once connected, it does not pull codes and only fetches your OEM maintenance schedule. The app asks for the VIN even if you’ve used the scanner before with the cable. You have to type it manually or scan it using your phone’s camera. Finally, even if the 3170RS is supposed to auto-bleed the ABS, it does not support this function on all vehicles. 

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Using the Innova 3120RS is a great way to know what’s happening under your Toyota car’s hood. This model is a portable handheld scanner. It comes with an all-in-one display with hotkeys. Thanks to its full-color screen, you can see diagnostics more clearly. Additionally, it gives you 20 pieces of information at a time, so the process of diagnosing a vehicle is speedy.

Innova 3120RS can read and clear engine trouble codes. This OBD1 OBD2 scan tool also checks the engine’s transmission status on your Toyota. This way, you can know whether or not your vehicle will pass a smog test. Additionally, the scanner shows the smog status through a 3-LED system of green, yellow, and red at a glance.

This Toyota scanner also reads trouble codes from ABS and SRS systems. It cannot access any other modules. Still, you can read live data like RPMs and oil temperature, but you’ll not be able to record it for later access.

Overall, Innova 3120RS is a compact, three-system code reader that can help you diagnose vehicles as old as 1985.

Here are what I don’t like about Innova 3120RS. It does not support all system scans. It offers diagnostics for main systems like the engine, ABS, and SRS. It also does not give live data graphs. It means you cannot get to the root of the problem using this tool only. As such, it cannot be used for professional purposes. 

Another thing I saw is that it’s challenging to update firmware on the 3120RS. Although you can see what software version the scanner is running, it does not have a prominent menu for software updates.

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Recommendation

This detailed review and comparison of the best Toyota/Lexus OBD1/OBD2 scan tools cover the most popular choices in scanners and software. You will find compatible gadgets that work seamlessly with Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

If you are an experienced home mechanic who requires a multifunctional OBD2 tool, we recommend Foxwell NT510 Elite.

But for the DIYer who performs simple repairs, you will find the OBDLink MX+ very useful.

For those who own both OBD1 and OBD2 Toyota, our top choice is the Innova 3120RS.

It allows you to go beyond the CEL and helps you to diagnose the ABS and SRS systems, too.

Don’t wait for tomorrow. Our top choices are all you need.

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