Contents
- 1 Our Process: How We Evaluate Scan Tools And Software
- 2 Comparison Table: TOAD Pro Vs. FORScan Vs. OBD Auto Doctor
- 3 Features and Functionalities: Toad Pro OB2 Diagnostic Tool and Programming Software Review
- 4 Compatibility: Which Cars Will Toad Work On?
- 5 Usability: Who Should Have the Toad Pro?
- 6 Forscan vs. Auto Doctor vs. Toad Pro: Why Toad Pro?
- 7 TOAD Pro FAQs
- 8 Toad Pro Scan Tool and OBD2 Software: Our Final Thoughts
- 9 Related Reading:
If you are like many car owners, you’ve probably been hit by an outrageous “diagnostic” fee when taking your vehicle to a repair shop to find out something as simple as why your check engine light has come on.
Everyone agrees that it is really annoying to pay $75 or more only to be told of some minor problem that takes the auto mechanic 5 minutes to fix.
In this review, we discuss the Total OBD Diagnostic Software and ECU Remapping Tool, or TOAD. We go over the Toad Pro’s features, compatibility, strengths and weaknesses compared to other brands.
Our Process: How We Evaluate Scan Tools And Software
To ensure our car diagnostic tool reviews are helpful and accurate across the board, we evaluate each tool and software package based on the following criteria:
Features – We test each tool’s features and review for accuracy, user-friendliness, and utility.
Compatibility – Not all diagnostic tools will be compatible with your vehicle. We make sure to call out which tools are compatible with specific makes, and which have a wider breadth of compatibility.
Pros & Cons – No diagnostic package is perfect. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each tool so you know exactly what you’re looking at as you shop around.
Comparison Table: TOAD Pro Vs. FORScan Vs. OBD Auto Doctor
| Editor's Pick | Runner-up | |
|---|---|---|
| Functions | TOAD Pro | Forscan |
| Read & Clear Codes | ✔ | ✔* |
| Full OBD2 Tests | ✔ | ✔* |
| Turn Off Check Engine Light | ✔ | ✔* |
| Read live PCM DataStream | ✔ | ✔* |
| Support CAN (Controller Area Network) | ✔ | -- |
| DTC Lookup | ✔ | -- |
| Full System Diagnostics | ✔ | -- |
| Reset, Calibration, Regeneration, Relearn Systems | ✔ | -- |
| IMMO Keys | ✔ | -- |
| Key Programming | ✔ | -- |
| ECU Programming | ✔ | -- |
| Read more |
Notes:
- ABS monitoring does not work on all models. See the instructions for the complete list.
- Free software is being shown only and is indicated by * and is supported by advertising. Other functions must be purchased.
Interested?
Keep reading to find out how this one software tool can do so much more than you ever imagined.
Features and Functionalities: Toad Pro OB2 Diagnostic Tool and Programming Software Review
For those who are new to this, OBD2 adapters and software communicate with your vehicle’s computer to tell you what systems are malfunctioning. You can also use it to alter the software in your vehicle, giving you better gas mileage and more horsepower.
While some OBDii scanners and programmers promise that they can do this or that, the Toad Pro is the only one that delivered. The diagnostic scanner function provides full system diagnostics, and software has a graphic interface that is easy to read and well-organized. Plus, the ECU remapping feature is intuitive and effective, greatly improving automotive performance in just a few clicks.
One item that really impressed us was the optimal parameters. The Toad Pro notified us when a part was outside of normal parameters (in this case, the battery voltage) which most likely saved us from being stranded with a dead battery in some inconvenient location.
This easily was the most complete all-in-one diagnostics and software package we have ever seen at any price.
PROS and CONS of TOAD PRO
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Easy to read graphs
- Outstanding list of compatible car makes and models
- Resets the warning lights
- Provides total car diagnostics
- Wireless bluetooth version
- Lifetime software updates
- Clear fault codes
- Real-time data streaming
- ECU reprogramming
Cons
- The program might be a bit complicated for a novice
- The USB cord is very short, so you really need the wireless setup
- Can be a bit pricey for some
Check Price at TOAD Official Site
Compatibility: Which Cars Will Toad Work On?
Believe it or not, Toad OBD scanners will work on nearly every vehicle out there. OBD has been used in cars since 1996, so unless you have a classic car in your garage, Toad will work on your vehicle.
The truth, however, is that some manufacturers don’t like you having access to their codes and information. This is why updates are needed on a regular basis.
More than that, nearly all car manufacturers, such as Nissan, Ford, and Toyota, use their own private codes. You will need to have the correct codes for your make and model, because one code for Ford can mean something completely different in a Nissan.
Usability: Who Should Have the Toad Pro?
In our opinion, anyone who has a car and feels that they are the DIY type will want to have this car diagnostic tool to save themselves hundreds if not thousands of dollars every year.
Even professional mechanics and automotive repair shops recommend this tool to diagnose full car system issues and malfunctions.
Forscan vs. Auto Doctor vs. Toad Pro: Why Toad Pro?
There are several companies now making OBD software and adapters, it can be confusing to know which one is the best for you.
FORscan is one OBD2 scanner you may have heard of. Unfortunately, it will only work with Ford, Mazda, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. You must use a tablet or Windows based laptop to access all features, and this software does allow some free readings, but most functions will have to be purchased.
Another product you may have seen advertised is the Auto Doctor. Unfortunately, unless you purchase the license, most of the tool’s features will remain locked and unavailable.
Auto Doctor also needs an ELM327-based adapter to work, which you will also need to purchase.
You will have none of these problems with Toad Pro, everything is included, which makes it our top choice by far.
Check Price at TOADOfficialSite
TOAD Pro FAQs
Yes – any car imported or made after January 1996 will work with the Toad Pro.
Yes. The Toad Pro provides full system diagnostics, including your engine and transmission, as well as your emissions system, ABS, TPMS, ECU, and more.
Any laptop or tablet using Windows XP, Vista, 7,8, 8.1, or 10. All Toad products are built for Microsoft Windows and will not work with other operating systems like Mac and iOS.
Toad Pro Scan Tool and OBD2 Software: Our Final Thoughts
The good news here is that nearly every car on the road today can use the Toad Pro to do complete diagnostic and “hacking” of their vehicle’s software, saving you both time and money. We recommend the Toad Pro for anyone who owns a car, loves saving money while getting better performance and gas mileage.