Recommend scan tool for Toyota Rav4 Hybrid

[A&P mechanic]

Hi GarageJournal,

• What do you recommend to read the check engine light code on a 2024 Rav4 hybrid with 40,000 miles?
  • “Maintenance Required - A malfunction in the electronic control of the engine throttle or automatic transmission has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected.”
  • I do not see any lights on the dashboard and only see the message on the big screen.

I have a Veepeak Bluetooth adapter that connects to the OBD Fusion app on my iPad and it says there are no diagnostic trouble codes pending or saved.
An internet search shows the below code is Toyota specific, so an OBD scan tool is not good enough to read the code.
This scan tool will only be used periodically at home.
It would be great if I could connect to my Ipad, have no subscription or use a scan tool that uses normal batteries like AA etc, so the tool does not go bad in several years.
I have an iphone and an ipad. (I do not have an android phone)

What do you all recommend for home use?
Thank you in advance!

 

[theoldwizard1]

Ivan from Pine Hollow Diagnostics swears by TOPDON. Every once in awhile he will have discount codes for some of their scanners.

 

[A&P mechanic]

Thank you for the recommendation wizard!
I am reading their website now. I like that it can connect to an Ipad and it can read more than what an OBD tool can

 

[JDtime]

Forget the topdons you have to pay yearly or you have a paperweight. Id do the mucar BT200 MAX. Lifetime updates free. Pay once thats it. Also I had an issue with one of topdons battery testers and got the run around.

 

[A&P mechanic]

Forget the topdons you have to pay yearly or you have a paperweight. Id do the mucar BT200 MAX. Lifetime updates free. Pay once thats it. Also I had an issue with one of topdons battery testers and got the run around.

That is good to know that this has lifetime updates.
I am reading about it now, my initial impression is this may not read the specific Toyota alert as my current OBD tool does not.
(I am still learning about all this stuff)
I do see that it is a much better OBD2 scan tool though.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Thank you for the recommendation wizard!
I am reading their website now. I like that it can connect to an Ipad and it can read more than what an OBD tool can

Check Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics on YouTube for reviews.

Another place to check on YouTube is South Main Auto. He owns multiple brands.

 

[Buckaroo5]

Bluedriver should read all the system codes on your car including standard engine OBDII, Trans, SRS, ABS and HVAC codes. It does not require updates. You can confirm the coverage on their website. It does not provide bi-directional control. The Next Gen version is currently $95.

https://us.bluedriver.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqbZsVyU5nEYuGZERzWmgSEcINeSFYXPI2FtrTrNg_JuM8Fy2S_

 

[JDtime]

That is good to know that this has lifetime updates.
I am reading about it now, my initial impression is this may not read the specific Toyota alert as my current OBD tool does not.
(I am still learning about all this stuff)
I do see that it is a much better OBD2 scan tool though.

Id even look at XTOOL A30M V2.0 free lifetime updates (who gearwrench uses for their odb) but make sure you keep the box as activation you need a number off it. Can be a pain. Or Ediag Elite KINGBOLEN Bluetooth OBD2 again free lifetime updates. All of the ones I mentioned are bidirectional btw not just simple obd code readers. Just have to see for your specific car which would be the better fit.

 

[A&P mechanic]

Check Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics on YouTube for reviews.

Another place to check on YouTube is South Main Auto. He owns multiple brands.

Good idea on the videos Wizard, I will check those out.

Bluedriver should read all the system codes on your car including standard engine OBDII, Trans, SRS, ABS and HVAC codes. It does not require updates. You can confirm the coverage on their website. It does not provide bi-directional control. The Next Gen version is currently $95.

https://us.bluedriver.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqbZsVyU5nEYuGZERzWmgSEcINeSFYXPI2FtrTrNg_JuM8Fy2S_

I will read about their offering too. I see a bunch of reviews. Thank you for the recommendation!

Id even look at XTOOL A30M V2.0 free lifetime updates (who gearwrench uses for their odb) but make sure you keep the box as activation you need a number off it. Can be a pain. Or Ediag Elite KINGBOLEN Bluetooth OBD2 again free lifetime updates. All of the ones I mentioned are bidirectional btw not just simple obd code readers. Just have to see for your specific car which would be the better fit.

Ok, I like "free lifetime updates" and I will read about these.
Just learned "bidirectional" as in bidirectional scan tool means it can turn stuff on and off.
This is fun learning about all this stuff.
(I recently had a Tacoma from the early 2000s for 20+ years and bought a used Rav last year. Vehicle diagnostic tools have sure come a long way haha) Thank you!

 

[Buckaroo5]

Just learned "bidirectional" as in bidirectional scan tool means it can turn stuff on and off.
This is fun learning about all this stuff.

I started out with a basic OBDII code reader and went to the moderately priced Bluedriver when I found the need to read SRS and Trans codes. It has been sufficient so far and can also read expanded "live data". I am waiting to invest in bi-directional control until I need it. The problem is you buy a "scanner" providing bi-directional control (which is more advanced than a "code reader") and the advances in technology force you to buy the next version or purchase an update in the not to distant future. Oh, and prices keep coming down as capabilities improve. I do a fair amount of car work but I don't waste money on un-necessary tools because they have to have a pay-back. My advice is wait until you need the bi-directional control before you buy-in.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Everything I'm going to recommend here has lifetime free updates just so you know.

I do like my

Innova 5610 OBD2 Bidirectional Scan Tool. It has worked well for me but I've only used it on cars from 2016 and older. A friend of mine borrowed it and he was quite pleased with it. And as of right now they have new ones and a used like new. I believe up on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z481NJM?tag=atomicindus08-20

I also own...

KINGBOLEN K8 Pro 8-Inch Bidirectional Bluetooth OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner

I bought this so I would have something that works with newer vehicles like my 2026 traverse RS. Again, I've been very happy with this, but it is at a higher price point.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW89GCZ9?tag=atomicindus08-20

I believe this one is being replaced by the elite model, but I paid $500 for the pro and the elites are selling for more than $100 over that

None of these will give you a topology map, but if you want the apology map, you are surely not going to have lifetime free updates.

I was chatting with a mechanic friend of mine and he he said that he likes

LAUNCH CRP123X V3.0 Read & Clear 4 System Codes in Seconds, 7 Hot Resets Save Dealer Visit, Graphic Live Data, DTC LookUp, CANFD DOIP, Lifetime Upgrades, No Mechanic Needed

The price is good. Updates are lifetime. The current price point is under $200. It's not as full-featured as the kingbolen, but he tells me when he needs a more robust scanner. He just uses one where he works. He really strongly recommends this one.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RLF8FBC?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Rinspeed]

I have two Innova and they have been very solid.

 

[A&P mechanic]

I started out with a basic OBDII code reader and went to the moderately priced Bluedriver when I found the need to read SRS and Trans codes. It has been sufficient so far and can also read expanded "live data". I am waiting to invest in bi-directional control until I need it. The problem is you buy a "scanner" providing bi-directional control (which is more advanced than a "code reader") and the advances in technology force you to buy the next version or purchase an update in the not to distant future. Oh, and prices keep coming down as capabilities improve. I do a fair amount of car work but I don't waste money on un-necessary tools because they have to have a pay-back. My advice is wait until you need the bi-directional control before you buy-in.

That's good advice buck not getting bidirectional control until it is needed.

Everything I'm going to recommend here has lifetime free updates just so you know.

I do like my

Innova 5610 OBD2 Bidirectional Scan Tool. It has worked well for me but I've only used it on cars from 2016 and older. A friend of mine borrowed it and he was quite pleased with it. And as of right now they have new ones and a used like new. I believe up on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z481NJM?tag=atomicindus08-20

I also own...

KINGBOLEN K8 Pro 8-Inch Bidirectional Bluetooth OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner

I bought this so I would have something that works with newer vehicles like my 2026 traverse RS. Again, I've been very happy with this, but it is at a higher price point.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW89GCZ9?tag=atomicindus08-20

I believe this one is being replaced by the elite model, but I paid $500 for the pro and the elites are selling for more than $100 over that

None of these will give you a topology map, but if you want the apology map, you are surely not going to have lifetime free updates.

I was chatting with a mechanic friend of mine and he he said that he likes

LAUNCH CRP123X V3.0 Read & Clear 4 System Codes in Seconds, 7 Hot Resets Save Dealer Visit, Graphic Live Data, DTC LookUp, CANFD DOIP, Lifetime Upgrades, No Mechanic Needed

The price is good. Updates are lifetime. The current price point is under $200. It's not as full-featured as the kingbolen, but he tells me when he needs a more robust scanner. He just uses one where he works. He really strongly recommends this one.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RLF8FBC?tag=atomicindus08-20

"Everything I'm going to recommend here has lifetime free updates"
Thanks Andy! Good to know, I will read about different models above.
My main goal to use the scan portion for the Toyota specific alerts that come across the big screen ~ multi-function display.
I just searched what topology meant and it is "In a car scanner, Topology is a visual map showing all of the electronic modules in your vehicle and how they connect."

I have two Innova and they have been very solid.

That's 2 votes for Innova, thank you Rinspped!

 

[Ohio Andy]

That's good advice buck not getting bidirectional control until it is needed.


"Everything I'm going to recommend here has lifetime free updates"
Thanks Andy! Good to know, I will read about different models above.
My main goal to use the scan portion for the Toyota specific alerts that come across the big screen ~ multi-function display.
I just searched what topology meant and it is "In a car scanner, Topology is a visual map showing all of the electronic modules in your vehicle and how they connect."

That's 2 votes for Innova, thank you Rinspped!

I figured that the topology map would be useful, but not worth it to me for the extra cost. Understand I've never used one that will provide a topology map, but I figured that the topology map might make it easier to find a specific thing. I wanted to monitor but I can't say that with any authority. It's just a guess.

I've used the Innova to scan after very generic non-informative lights have shown up on my dash for my Toyota. I own a couple dead simple ODB2 scanners that gave me direct readings for things like tire sensors. The Innova gave me human understandable values without doing conversions.

My more expensive scanner on the other hand allowed me to do things like reassociate keys to the car... Hard part for me anyways. Is cutting the key? I have no way to do that. So I still need to involve someone else but I don't have to pay the $200 dealer association fee... At least on my 2016 Toyota Camry

 

[tiredoldironworker]

Innova 7111, just do it. mine has been flawless.

 

[A&P mechanic]

I figured that the topology map would be useful, but not worth it to me for the extra cost. Understand I've never used one that will provide a topology map, but I figured that the topology map might make it easier to find a specific thing. I wanted to monitor but I can't say that with any authority. It's just a guess.

I've used the Innova to scan after very generic non-informative lights have shown up on my dash for my Toyota. I own a couple dead simple ODB2 scanners that gave me direct readings for things like tire sensors. The Innova gave me human understandable values without doing conversions.

My more expensive scanner on the other hand allowed me to do things like reassociate keys to the car... Hard part for me anyways. Is cutting the key? I have no way to do that. So I still need to involve someone else but I don't have to pay the $200 dealer association fee... At least on my 2016 Toyota Camry

Appreciate the insight Andy and I will take that into consideration! "The Innova gave me human understandable values"

For awareness, I had a car key fob made at Costco.
There is a van that comes to the local Costco store once every 6 months and it was around $240 for a key fob if I recall.
On my old truck that had normal metal keys (not a fob), I had them cut locally at a locksmith for several dollars as I felt he did a better job versus a big box store.

Innova 7111, just do it. mine has been flawless.

3 votes for Innova, thank you IronWorker!
I checked Innova 5610 compatibility and it will not work on a 2024 Rav4 as their website shows 2024 and newer is incompatible.
Amazon reviews show that the 5610 works on the older year Ravs.
The 7111 does say it will work on a that year Rav4.

Summary so far,
I think I like the BlueDriver as it has lifetime updates but it checks less Toyota specific codes compared to the Innova and may not be able to find the Toyota specific code.
I'm still researching the others.

I do like that the Innova 5610 takes AA batteries but it won't work on a 2024, so that is a no go.
The Innova 7111 does work on the 2024 but it has a permanent battery so that battery will not last forever.
I did see the TopDon is a scans a bunch of modules which is what I am looking for but it stops doing vehicle scans after a year without paying the subscription (~50 a year), so I do not want to pay a yearly subscription.

Yesterday, I went to clear the “Maintenance Required” light on the multi-function display (big screen) as I change my own oil and in the process I erased the Toyota recommended check engine alert.

Therefore, I am going to buy one of the recommended scanners but I am going to wait until that light comes back.
I noticed the alert had a date of 03/2026 when it appeared, so it might be some time if and when the light comes back on.

I have a lot of reading to do and I am going to watch the suggested videos.
I appreciate everyone’s recommendations!