Automotive Repair

[Lee]

I'm looking ahead a bit here perhaps.

Modern cars (ones built in the last 5-10 years) have almost every automotive function controlled by computer modules. In case of a problem, you almost always have to access these modules with a scan tool to figure out what is going on. Also, subscriptions to scan tool websites are often required to decipher any codes that are found and access wiring diagrams if needed.

We talked to our current, long term mechanic and he stated that no one that he knows has a scan tool as they costs 50K. He had never heard of any subscriptions to automotive websites to access vehicle data.

Makes we wonder that if you owned a 2021 Toyota with a "check engine" light that your only repair option might be a expensive trip to the dealership.

Does anyone have any experience with these situations? Thanks.
 

[hk blues]

I suppose the 1st action would be to get your mechanic to take a look at some of the more obvious causes and hopefully resolve the issue.  If not, then perhaps limited options other than going to the dealership.

 

[OnMyWay]

1 hour ago, Lee said:

he stated that no one that he knows has a scan tool as they costs 50K

Maybe some big shop type scanner could be that much, but you can buy a scanner on Lazada.  I bought one on Amazon that connects to your phone with Bluetooth.

Check OBD on Lazada.

https://www.lazada.com.ph/tag/obd/?q=obd&catalog_redirect_tag=true

Codes:

https://www.troublecodes.net/toyota/

Edited Tuesday at 04:17 AM by OnMyWay

[Tommy T.]

1 hour ago, Lee said:

I'm looking ahead a bit here perhaps.

Modern cars (ones built in the last 5-10 years) have almost every automotive function controlled by computer modules. In case of a problem, you almost always have to access these modules with a scan tool to figure out what is going on. Also, subscriptions to scan tool websites are often required to decipher any codes that are found and access wiring diagrams if needed.

We talked to our current, long term mechanic and he stated that no one that he knows has a scan tool as they costs 50K. He had never heard of any subscriptions to automotive websites to access vehicle data.

Makes we wonder that if you owned a 2021 Toyota with a "check engine" light that your only repair option might be a expensive trip to the dealership.

Does anyone have any experience with these situations? Thanks.
 

I just saw an article/ad for a tool that purports to do exactly what you are seeking. Unfortunately, I did not keep anything about it because it is something apparently available in USA and our cars are only 6 months - 3 years old, with no issues.

The article gave a price of something like $55-60. It supposedly would diagnose everything on any recent car and describe the remedy and expected cost to repair it in USA. It could have just been an ad only, but it looked cool, at least. It was a small gadget that plugged into the computer access module in these cars, then you could read directly on your cell phone about the results. There was no need for online connection, just an app that came with the gadget. It could even reset the mileage for the next service... Try giving Google a look-see and you may likely find it. Probably an Amazon available item. Please post if you are successful as I am interested too for that price.

[Tommy T.]

I just looked it up on MSN.com, where I saw this and found it....

It is called FIXD. Here is the url to find it:

https://www.amazon.com/FIXD-Professional-Bluetooth-Reader-Android/dp/B013RIQMEO/ref=asc_df_B013RIQMEO?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80814156492415&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584413735745533&th=1

Oh... and the Amazon price was $39 only... 

Hope that helps and, again, please let us know how you go?

Edited Tuesday at 04:32 AM by Tommy T.

[Tommy T.]

You piqued my interest, Lee...

I just looked at Lazada and they sell that same FIXD for P3091.45.

[OnMyWay]

29 minutes ago, Tommy T. said:

You piqued my interest, Lee...

I just looked at Lazada and they sell that same FIXD for P3091.45.

The hardware is cheap.  They are trying to make money on the app.  I would research carefully.

https://www.lazada.com.ph/tag/bluetooth-obd2-scanner/?spm=a2o4l.pdp_revamp.search.2.d346523aAr4IvN&q=bluetooth obd2 scanner&_keyori=ss&clickTrackInfo=abId--378451__textId--5209920092025314135__score--8.332672__pvid--e4ccc63a-99f0-4a05-9668-388e220b02c9__matchType--1__matchList--1-2-3__listNo--0__inputQuery--bluetooth%2Bobd__srcQuery--bluetooth obd2 scanner__spellQuery--bluetooth obd2 scanner__ctrScore--0.8332672__cvrScore--6.200969E-4&from=suggest_normal&sugg=bluetooth obd2 scanner_0_1&catalog_redirect_tag=true

[Lee]

5 hours ago, OnMyWay said:

The hardware is cheap.

Quite true.

The cheap scanners allow you to pull a code, clear a code, and little else. There are sites on the web where you can try to interpret your code but the info is often vague.

Better quality scanners have an o scope display function where you can monitor several functions at the same time while the car is running. Has anyone seen these type scanners in use at their local dealership?

 

Without any type of direction in the troubleshooting process, mechanics are apt to "load up the parts cannon" and fire away. Problem here is a lot of supposed genuine factory auto parts are often cheap, Chinese knockoffs that often interject new problems along with the problems that you already have.

[BrettGC]

12 hours ago, Lee said:

Has anyone seen these type scanners in use at their local dealership?

Toyota in PI uses the full Toyota diagnosis suite so I would imagine other dealerships do too.  Just for reference, our 20,000km service cost us 8.5k PHP about a week ago. One first things they did after they checked the basics like lights, indicators, horn etc was put the car on the lift and plugged in the computer jobby.  After they were done on the underside checking brakes, any leaks, pressure checking the cooling system, tyre rotation etc they lowered the car and did a break test on the rollers we're used to seeing in the west as well as a timing test.  They even checked the headlight alignment at my request for no extra charge. At our dealership there's a window into the service area where you can watch from the waiting area. Of course they also checked and topped up all the fluids if needed and a full oil change and replaced filters.   

Very thorough and well worth the  money. 

[Lee]

45 minutes ago, BrettGC said:

put the car on the lift and plugged in the computer jobby. 

A scan tool is typically plugged in by attaching a cable to a connector inside the car, down low and to the left of the steering column. Some connect wirelessly.

Sounds like your dealership does a great job on mechanical/lighting checks. The problems that can put a new car out of commission in a hurry are electrical/computer module malfunctions that would often take a scan tool to figure out.

I'm considering a field trip to my local Toyota dealership to make inquiries, if they will even speak to me. I will report back if I learn anything of note.

I'm trying to avoid buying a nearly new car and later having to have it shipped to lets say Cebu for repairs that have overwhelmed the local mechanics/dealership. 

Some might scoff at this but consider the limitations of the small community that I live in. For example, I'm sure that my 20 year old Revo could use some front end work. There is only one garage in town that has a alignment rack. The rack is never used as intended but instead is put to use as additional customer seating or supply storage.