
<figure>
  <img src="/kb/diagnosing-trouble-codes-for-the-toyota-86-zn6-subaru-brz-zc6-with-toyota-techstream-odb-ii-code-reader/laptop.png" alt="ODB-II diagnosis with Toyota Techstream">
  <figcaption>
    ODB-II diagnosis with Toyota Techstream
  </figcaption>
</figure>

Toyota Techstream is diagnostic software that allows you to diagnose and troubleshoot issues with Toyota and some Subaru vehicles. It reads and clears diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that are stored in the vehicle's on-board computer. It also provides access to various functions and systems in the vehicle, such as the engine control system, transmission system, and ABS (anti-lock brake system), so that technicians can perform tests and make adjustments as needed.

To read codes with Toyota Techstream, you will need to connect a ODB-II to USB cable to the vehicle's ODB-II port. The technician will then start the Techstream software and follow the prompts to access the diagnostic functions of the vehicle. Once the diagnostic functions are accessed, the technician can retrieve the stored DTCs and use them to diagnose and fix the issue with the vehicle.

Subaru SSM4 is Toyota's equivalent of Techstream, their dealer tool to read, set and manipulate values in the ECU, but there isn't much difference of the capabilities.

## Buy a ODB-II Mini-VCI Cable

Buy a USB to Mini-VCI ODB-II cable, you can buy them on [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B097YC5LSR/) or [eBay](https://www.ebay.com/itm/314111811780?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&customid=&campid=5337589904&toolid=10001&mpt=9031539)

## Download and install VirtualBox

- [Windows](https://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/7.0.2/VirtualBox-7.0.2-154219-Win.exe)
- [Apple Intel macOS](https://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/7.0.2/VirtualBox-7.0.2-154219-OSX.dmg)
- [Apple M1, M2 macOS](https://github.com/utmapp/UTM/releases/latest/download/UTM.dmg)

On Windows: Double-Click downloaded file, on macOS Double-Click downloaded file, run installer or drag Applications folder.

## Download and install TechStream

- [Windows / Apple Intel macOS](https://mega.nz/#!fsEizJyC!aH_2a1hQnX6LpicDS1Bq-gEKVEU57cotd3_QesN2_M0) v12.20.024
- [Apple M1, M2 macOS](https://mega.nz/file/rkNlgAIS#2KhsbV9__V3u1Q3XvqXCTEbhZ8Q5t9MwQ0yHGaFkT7M)

## Instructions

<figure>
  <img src="/kb/diagnosing-trouble-codes-for-the-toyota-86-zn6-subaru-brz-zc6-with-toyota-techstream-odb-ii-code-reader/screenshot.jpg" alt="ODB-II diagnosis with Toyota Techstream">
  <figcaption>
    ODB-II diagnosis with Toyota Techstream
  </figcaption>
</figure>

1. Plug ODB-II Mini-VCI cable into the ODB-II port of the vehicle, located under the steering wheel. Plug the USB side into computer
2. Verify the USB controller is enabled on the Techstream image
    - in VirtualBox, click the Settings icon, navigate to Ports, USB, and verify the "Enable USB controller" is checked
3. Run Techstream image in VirtualBox, wait for Windows to boot
4. Start the car
5. Run the installed Techstream software, located on the Windows Desktop "TechStream"
6. Click the "Connect to Vehicle" button





How to connect ZN6, ZC6 vehicles to Toyota Techstream software with an ODB-II to USB cable and VirtualBox with Toyota Techstream software

Diagnosing trouble codes for the Toyota 86 ZN6 Subaru BRZ ZC6 with Toyota Techstream ODB-II code reader


Going on track, drift, or otherwise pushing the car to the limits, you'll want to disable all the FR-S/86/BRZ traction and stability controls, **turn on the car and press and hold the Traction Control button for 5 seconds** until both the Traction Control and Slip lights come on. Don't bother with the various "Track Mode" buttons as they still have ignition-cut and brake modulation enabled.

<figure>
  <img src="/kb/oem-zc6-zn6-edas-electronic-driving-aids/button.png" alt="Traction control button on the left">
  <figcaption>
    Location of the Traction Control button
  </figcaption>
</figure>

| EDA | Purpose |
|:---|:---|
| **VSC** | Vehicle Stability Control, often known generically as **ESC** or Electronic Stability Control). This program identifies understeer (running wide, needing more and more lock to turn) and oversteer (back slipping out). It then corrects the car’s course by braking individual wheels, and in extreme cases, also reducing throttle to avoid making things worse. Subaru called VSC by the generic term of **ESC**. |
| **TRC** | Engine Traction Control. If you have both rear wheels spinning this system figures out you’re going nowhere and reduces the throttle. The 86/BRZ refers to this as TRC, or Traction Control, although it is a distinct programme from brake traction control (below). In 86-speak, TRC stands for “Traction Control System”. No, I don’t know why. Subaru call it **TCS**, or Traction Control System. |
| **B-TRC** / **Brake-LSD** (name from MY17 onwards) | Brake Traction Control. If one drive wheel spins up faster than the other this system detects that spin and brakes the spinning wheel which sends torque (“drive”) to the other wheel, so you can keep moving forwards. There is no official acronym for this system because it is not mentioned anywhere, but nevertheless it exists. For the purposes of this guide it’ll be known as B-TRC, because it is traction control operated via brakes as opposed to traction control by modulation of the throttle. This system is also known as an ‘LSD mode’, or limited-slip differential mode. That’s technically true but massively confusing because it’s not an LSD, it just acts a like one in some respects, and most 86/BRZs have a true, mechanical limited-slip differential in the form of a Torsen unit on the rear axle. Subaru’s term is **TCS Limited Slip Device**. Except it’s not a device, it’s just software. I did mention the names were confusing. |
| **ABS** | Anti-lock brakes. Detects that a wheel is about to lock and momentarily reduces brake pressure on that wheel to prevent the wheel locking up. Both Subaru and Toyota agree on this name. |
| **EBD & EBA** | Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Cars are naturally designed to brake the front wheels more than the rear for safety reasons. Unfortunately, this means there is unused braking capacity on the rear wheels. EBD distributes braking force between all four wheels for maximum braking efficiency. Plain ABS just stops a wheel locking. There’s also EBA, Electronic Brake Assist and this helps you apply the brakes hard in an emergency by detecting how quickly your foot moved from accelerator to brake and if you don’t push the pedal all the way to the floor, it’ll help you. Both Subaru and Toyota agree on this name. |


What the driving aids / nannies do

OEM ZC6 ZN6 EDAs Electronic Driving Aids



### Engine Oil Specs

| Subaru Recommended Viscosity grade | Quality grade |
|:---|:---|
| `0W-20` (synthetic oil)                | **API Certified** Product contains SN "Resource Conserving" logo <br /> **ILSAC Certified** Product contains GF-5 "Starbust Mark" logo |
| `5W-30` (synthetic oil) |  Recommended for racing application |

### Engine Oil Fill Levels

| Engine oil fill level | Notes |
|:---|:---|
| `5L (5.4 US Quarts)` | OEM fill level |
| `5.6L (5.4 to 6 US Quarts)` | With aftermarket HKS oil filter |

### Other Fluids

| Type | Amount (L, US Quart) | Our recommended product |
|:---|:---|
| Manual transmission oil | `2.2L`, `2.3 Quart` | Motul Gear 300 75W90 Fully Synthetic Gearbox Oil, MG Gear Oil Special II (API GL-3, SAE 75W-90) part number `0888501513` |
| Rear differential fluid | `1.1L` to `1.2L` (`1.1Qt` to `1.3qt`) for OEM diff housing | Red Line GL-5 Gear Oil 75W-86 50104 |
| Rear differential fluid | `1.6L` to `1.7L` (`1.7Qt` to `1.7qt`) with Cusco Rear Differential Cover | Red Line GL-5 Gear Oil 75W-86 50104 |
| Brake fluid & Clutch fluid | ?? |  FMVSS No.116 DOT3 or DOT4, Motul RBF 600 |


Detailed specifications for ZN6/ZC6 engine oil, transmission fluid, rear differential fluid

OEM ZN6 ZC6 Maintenance Fluids Specifications


Specifications for Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86 OEM battery.

Subaru part `82110AA012` 
- Panasonic `55D23L-MF`
  - supersession(s): `82110AA010` `82110AA011`  
  - Panasonic part no # `75D23`
  - Type: `L TYPE` ONLY
  - Volts: `12v`
  - Capacity 20hrs (Ah):  `65`
  - CCA: `533`
  - Reserve capacity (mins): `118`
  - Terminal type: `BIG` / `SAE`
  - Dimensions (mm/in)
    - (L) 232mm (W) 173mm,  (H) 204mm,  (TH) 227mm
    - (L) 9.13in (W) 6.81in,  (H) 8.03in,  (TH) 8.94in
  - Weight (with electrolyte)(Lbs/Kg): `35.05`lbs / 15.9kg
- OEM battery box size 
  - width: `25cm`
  - length: `17cm`
  - height: `15-20cm`



Detailed part specifications for the ZN6/ZC6 battery

OEM ZN6 ZC6 Battery Specs


If you've ever heard anyone refer to their 86 as a "ZN6", "ZC6", or "ZN8",
then you've heard it.  If you've ever heard people talk about their Nissan 240SX
or Silvia as an S13, S14, or S15 then you've heard it. If you've ever heard them
refer to their Honda Civic as an "EF" or "EG hatch", then you've heard it. If 
you've heard BMW 3-series owners saying "E30" or "E92" then you've heard it.
They're referring to the first two letters of the applied model code.

The Applied Model (also called a Chassis Code) is a 7-digit code number that is
used by Subaru to identify a car’s specification, but unlike the Chassis Number 
or VIN, this does not uniquely identify an individual car. Almost all Subaru 
cars have the Applied Model stamped on a metal plate that can be found riveted 
to the top of the near-side strut tower, although some cars have the plate in 
one of the front door frames.

<figure>
  <img src="/kb/decoding-subaru-applied-model-chassis-codes/applied-code-location.jpg" alt="Location of the Subaru Applied Model plate">
  <figcaption>
    Location of the Subaru Applied Model plate
  </figcaption>
</figure>

The information encoded within the Applied Model number contains details of the
vehicle’s model, body type, engine type, gearbox, trim-level and period of 
production.

<figure>
  <img src="/kb/decoding-subaru-applied-model-chassis-codes/vin-plate.svg" alt="Applied Model Decoder">
  <figcaption>
    Applied Model Decoder
  </figcaption>
</figure>

Each letter in the applied model designates a code:



| Code | Description |
| :--- | :---------- |
| **series** | Model in the Subaru lineup, e.g. Impreza, Legacy, Forrester |
| **body style** | body style describes coupe, sedan, wagon, hatchback |
| **engine** | engine type |
| **model year** | the production year and month |
| **\# of doors** | number of doors |
| **trim** | specific equipment package and accessories |
| **transmission** | transmission type, e.g. manual or automatic and number of speeds |


## Series Code

The **Series** code is the first letter, it tells you which model in the Subaru lineup it belongs to:

| Code | Model |
| :--- | :---- |
| A | Leone/Loyale
| B | Legacy |
| C | SVX |
| G | Impreza, XV, Outback Sport |
| F | Domingo |
| K | Justy/Rex/Vivio/Sambar (Before 1998) |
| N | Trezia |
| R | Pleo, R1, R2, Stella |
| S | Forester |
| T | Sambar (After 1998) |
| V | WRX |
| W | Tribeca/Ascent |
| Y | Exiga |
| Z | BRZ |

Thus, the BRZ starts with 'Z'.


## Applied Model Code

The **Applied model** is the first-two letters combined, it is what people 
commonly refer to when trying to most accurately designate their vehicle:
 
| Code | Brand & Model |
| :--- | :------------ |
| ZN | Scion FR-S (Before 2017) 2013-2016 |
| ZN | Toyota 86, Toyota GT86 2013-2020 |
| ZC | Subaru BRZ 2013-2020 |

## Engine code

The 3rd-letter in the applied model code. For the 86 platform, there has only 
been one engine across all markets.

| Code | Description |
| :--- | :---------- |
| 6 | 2.0L DOHC RWD (Naturally Aspirated) (`FA20D`) |
| 8 | 2.4L DOHC RWD (Naturally Aspirated) (`FA24D`) |

## Model Year

The model year is the date of production, often times these start the year prior
to the marketed year. This is because production of a vehicle starts early, and
sales follow. 

| Code | Year/Month | Notes |
| :--- | :--------- | :---- |
| A | 2012/03 - 2013/09 | Zenki (2012-2015) |
| B | 2013/09 - 2014/06 | |
| C | 2014/07 2015/01 | |
| D | 2015/02 - 2016/07 | |
| E | 2016/07 - 2017/03 | Kouki (2016-2020): new facelift for both BRZ & 86, more horsepower, track modes: increased throttle response, disables traction control. Marketed as the "2017 BRZ" in the US. |
| F | 2017/10 - 2018/09 | |
| G | 2018/09 - 2019/03 | |
| H | 2019/04 - 2020 2020 | is the final model year of the ZN6/ZC6 platform |


## Destination Code

The 5th-letter is the destination code, which denotes the sales region the
vehicle is destined for.

| Code | Destination market |
| :--- | :----------------- |
| Y | USA or Canada |
| 2 | Japan |
| K | Europe | 

## Trim Code

The 6th-letter is the trim code, which tells you which marketing package,
equipment and accessories are included in the vehicle. This list is incomplete,
if you know any others, please let us know.

| Code | Trim name |
| :--- | :-------- |
| A | RA, RA Racing (Japan BRZ), FC, "86 Racing" (Japan 86) |
| B | Premium USA BRZ |
| C | Standard Grade (FR-S) |
| G | Japan 86 |
| E | Limited (USA BRZ), Sport Tech (Canada BRZ) | 
| P | 860 Edition |
| R | (Japan BRZ) or |
| S | (Japan BRZ) or GT (Japan 86) Grade |

## Transmission Code

The 7th-letter is the transmission code, tells you if its a manual or automatic.

| Code | Transmission type |
| :--- | :---------------- |
| 7 | Auto 6AT (`TX6A`) |
| 8 | Manual 6MT (`TL70`) |

## Examples

Putting this all together, we can formulate our own applied models from this
information:

| Applied model | Description |
| :------------ | :---------- |
| ZC6 | Subaru BRZ, 2.0l FA20D engine, 2013-2020 MY (generic 1st gen) |
| ZN6 | Toyota 86, 2.0l FA20D engine, 2013-2020 MY (generic 1st gen) |
| ZC8 | Subaru BRZ, 2.4l FA24D engine, 2022 MY (generic 2nd gen) |
| ZN8 | Toyota GR86, 2.4l FA24D engine, 2022 MY (generic 2nd gen) |
| ZC6AYE8 | Subaru BRZ, 2.0l FA20D engine, 2012 MY for US market, Limited manual |
| ZC6EYE8 | Subaru BRZ, 2.0l FA20D engine, 2016 MY for US market, Limited, manual |
| ZN6E2A8 | Toyota 86, 2.0l FA20D engine, 2016 MY for Japan market, FC trim, manual |


Can you find your applied model code? Are we missing your trim code? Tell us on 
email or <a href="https://instagram.com/brz_typera">@brz_typeRA on Instagram</a>.



ZNC86.club

zn6

Diagnosing trouble codes for the Toyota 86 ZN6 Subaru BRZ ZC6 with Toyota Techstream ODB-II code reader

OEM ZC6 ZN6 EDAs Electronic Driving Aids

OEM ZN6 ZC6 Maintenance Fluids Specifications

OEM ZN6 ZC6 Battery Specs

Decoding Toyota 86 / GR86 / GT86 Subaru BRZ Applied Model Codes