VXDIAG VCX NANO or Mini VCI for Lexus 2007?

VXDIAG VCX NANO Toyota Techstream cable or Mini VCI cable to Read 2007 Lexus LWB Live Data?

 

Here comes our customer review.

For those that still want to try using Techstream, I bought my VXDIAG VCX NANO Toyota cable from vxdiagshop.com in December 2022. I use a windows 7 laptop dedicated to just Techstream (version 12.10.019). I don’t worry about viruses and do not connect it to the internet.

I didn’t use the software with this VCX Nano since I already had version 12 installed with the previous cable. That alibaba vendor provide me version 17 on a small cd but I couldn’t get that version to connect with the car. The $25 cable did work with the Version 12 that I found through a google search at the time.

The $25 cable allow me to configure the settings in the car but couldn’t give me real time engine data.

I picked version 12 because my research indicated that version seem to be most stable with the year of my car (2007).

I’m able to read engine data real time (2007 LWB) and perform engine actions too, Previous had purchased a cheap $25 mini vci cable form alibaba but could never get engine data to work.

 

In short- ‘MiniVCI’ is a clone of very old Xhorse MVCI (google it). Some of those will even show live data, but super slow, plus you can’t e.g. do TPMS writing.

VCX NANO (USB, wifi, etc) -This worked good for me. If you got one working – please try TPMS (Writing sensor IDs.)!

Mini VCI or VXDIAG VCX NANO for Toyota VGRS System?

Mini VCI or VXDIAG VCX NANO Toyota which is a better cable to connect Toyota/Lexus VGRS* system?

Here is the customer review.

 

I have a Lexus 2004 gx470. It has the VGRS steering warning on the dashboard. It previously had another warning related to the VSC and my service told to clear that fault by doing a wheel alignment and resetting/clearing some codes with techstream software.

I have been reading through the threads on the VGRS issues and had downloaded Techstream to do a steering angle adjust.

I purchased the mini vci cable off of Amazon and am running version 1.4.8 and techstream 16.000.07. In the yellow settings I’m not getting a VGRS option, There is no vgrs tab for me to open is the problem, I have the abs/vac/trac and that’s it. I’m trying to recenter the steering wheel. Have read on the forum where the steering angle adjustment is in the vgrs tab.

Do i need a new version on this? So I was able to upgrade my techstream to version 18, still not able to access the VGRS system on the vehicle. I’ve read where it can be related to the cable. Not sure on that end.

Then i get the vxdiag vcx nano toyota cable and download techstream v18 on vxdiagshop.com site. I see there is a VGRS section, then click on utility on the left to get adjustment menu.

I thought it was a cable issue.

 

VGRS*

VGRS= (Variable Gear Ratio Steering) System
VGRS which variably controls the steering angle in accordance with the driving speed, has been adopted as optional equipment on the model for Europe.
This system is controlled by the VGRS ECU, which operates the VGRS actuator that is mounted on the steering intermediate shaft. The operating angle of the actuator is thus added to the steering angle of the intermediate shaft in order to vary the turning angle of the front wheels in accordance with the vehicle speed.
 The VGRS ECU is equipped with a diagnosis function and a fail-safe function.

VXDIAG or MINI VCI to Read Lexus AHC Code?

As titled, what is a better cable to read Lexus (LX470 1998 here) AHC codes?

Here’s one of our customers’ report and feedback.

 

 

Mini VCI:

Recently picked up an old LX470 1998, wanting to get AHC adjusted properly. When pulling up TechStream with the mini vci cable, I am unable to check the AHC codes.
Cable I purchased: (it is advertised as 1.4.8, the cable shows 1.4.1)

I have already started the return process for the mini vci cable that I purchased through Amazon. It was kind of strange to me, it would read some things just fine, but other things, like AHC codes,

I will order the vxdiag vcx nano cable and give it a try.

 

VXDIAG VCX NANO Toyota Techstream:

Received the vcx nano cable, updated it, and….. IT WORKS!!

It came with a newer version of Techstream V18.

It reads AHC codes without problem.

It does everything Techstream does. I think it’s a better-built cable so I have heard that it works for stuff the cable didn’t work on like TPMS. I was able to assign my another lexus TPMS ID’s to ECU with this. I was not able to do it with the regular cable.

 

I have been using this VXDIAG one for about 2 months and have zero issues. I love that I can connect wirelessly. I plug in the device, walk over to my garage work desk and use the laptop there. It’s much sturdier than the cables.

VXDIAG vs Mini VCI vs Carista App for Lexus LS460

Are you looking for a recommendation for an OBD tool for a Lexus DIY’er. Handheld tool or app?

 

Here’s the clue.

Techstream and a VCI USB cable is the way to go if you want to do thorough DIY because that is what Lexus will actually use. They have a custom dedicated hand-held tester (Intelli-tester made by Denso) too – same functionality as Techstream but more portable. The cheap and nasty mini VCI USB adapter is a clone/copy of the Mongoose brand adapter that Toyota/Lexus techs use with their genuine Techstream software. The Mini VCI costs $20-30 online whereas the Mongoose adapter is around $400 or thereabout from Toyota.

The Techstream software ‘special internet version’ and USB VCI cable you find cheap on the internet can do every function (99%+) you need except ECU firmware updates (calibration) as the software needs to log into the Toyota system remotely and you need a TIS account. No big deal – seldom needed. But has all the utilities, freeze frame, and customization functions which is what you need for good DIY. Those cheap OBD dongles are very limited here other than pulling codes and some live OBD2 data. There’s so much more information and functionality available with the right tools.

Personally, I have a dedicated (old and cheap) HP laptop, techstream software and a WiFi VXDIAG VCX NANO Toyota adapter which is a nice little upgrade to the regular USB VCI cable that people have as it is now wireless. Have a couple of the old VCI USB cables (one is over 10 years old now) as backup but the VCX wifi adapter is much faster (fast like the genuine Mongoose) even though it is wireless. Recently bought a very entry level professional unit (Xtool D8BT) to suit pretty much all car brands worldwide. Was around US $700 so not cheap and has most of the Toyota/Lexus Techstream functions and features but I still prefer using Techstream on a dedicated laptop when tinkering of my own car fleet (2 x Toyotas and 3 x Lexus). My laptop is circa 2012-2014 on windows 7 so no powerhouse. I have had that VCX wifi adapter for a couple of years now and has been very good and makes the laptop very convenient to use as you can wander around the car. Another benefit to the vcx nano t is that it can be used to flash ECU, you just have to purchase a 3-day license to Toyota TIS/Techstream.

Over the years, I have tried many of the OBD adapters and apps – some are certainly better than others but none give anywhere near the functionality of Techstream. The cheap units can go online to the car see the engine computer and a few others ECUs. Some have more functionality depending on how much you spend. That Carista app has the most functionality I’ve seen but nothing like Techstream. Carista does so many things on Lexus vehicles as well as other brands. You can even do all the custom driver settings yourself instead of paying a dealer to do them. Sure if you want to pull a fault code – they all do that – but if you want to code injectors, register a new smart key, do a VGRS steering calibration, ABS bleeding etc then this ‘special – non-sanctioned’ version of Techstream you find on the internet is the best option by far for value. $100 for the crappy laptop and $30-70$ for the software/  VCI cable. My wifi adapter was around US$105 from memory so a little bit more that the VCI USB cable adapter. Tip – avoid putting this special version of Techstream on a personal laptop that you use for other things as the software security might be a little questionable and an anti-virus may flag it. My crappy Techstream laptop is a stand-alone machine for one purpose. The laptop doesn’t need to be powerful at all – anything less than 10 years old will be fine.

Lexus LS460 had around 60 separate computers and Techstream can see and talk to all of them so you can log in and retreive data (not just codes) to them as well. Not only that, you have full bi-directional control to test things like door locks, cooling fan, test the headlight levelling function, calibrate the air suspension.

I also have an OBDLink MX+ ($140 from Amazon) Bluetooth ELM327 OBD2 scanner that is great for reading codes, changing vehicle customization parameters, and/or data logging.

 

 

In summary:

It really depends on what you trying to do with it. If you need something just to read some codes for basic troubleshooting you can use just about anything these days. If you want to be able to read ABS, TPMS, SRS and see live engine parameters you would have to go next level up and get more expensive scanner.

If you want to be able to customize your car setting and be able to read and test any system with no restrictions, perform maintenance on your transmission and brakes, you should go with OBD-USB interface, laptop and Toyota Techstream software.

Program TOYOTA TPMS by VXDIAG VCX NANO or Mini VCI

I picked up one VXDIAG VCX NANO for TOYOTA and paired it with Techstream and easily programmed the new TPMS codes.

https://www.vxdiagshop.com/wholesale/vxdiag-vcx-nano-for-toyota-wifi-version.html

 

Many of the cheap Chinese cables won’t work for TPMS programming.

Mini VCI cable: program the new TPMS codes NO

I learned that it is the Mini VCI cable (2.0.4) that I am using that has a bug and cannot complete this process of writing new TPMS sensor IDs for a 2015 Land Cruiser.

 

I have a 2011 LX570, I am replacing the wheels (20″) with wheels from a 2008 LC200 (18″). I have a Techstream (s/w and cable) and I have read and have the TPMS ID’s from the new wheels (and the old). When I go to “register IDs” within Techstream, I get the add wizard, I am able to go through adding the 5 ID numbers (reusing the spare) but when it goes to update the ID’s I am getting the error message below. I have also included the DataList for reference.

 

I have tried like 10 times with the same result. I have tried restarting the laptop, remove/attache the mini VCI cable, restarted Techstream. Always the same result.

Hope it helps!

 

https://www.vxdiagshop.com/