Configure a laptop for Toolbox

Modified on Wed, 4 Dec, 2024 at 9:51 AM

Computer Requirements

Form Factor	Laptop recommended.
Ethernet Port	One Ethernet port (to connect to the vehicle). If an Ethernet port is not built-in to the laptop, a USB to Ethernet dongle can be substituted, but then an available USB port is required.
Secondary Network	1 additional method of connecting to the Internet is required, other than the wired Ethernet port. This can be any wireless or wired connection, such as a second Ethernet port, Wi-Fi, etc.
Operating System	Windows 10 or Windows 11

Diagnostic Cable Options

For information on diagnostic cables, refer to Diagnostic Cables.

How to Locally Connect to a Vehicle

Customize Ethernet Settings

Initial setup varies by operating system. These instructions are for Windows 10.

Open the Windows Control Panel.
Select Network and Sharing Center. (Network and Internet may need to be clicked first.)
Click on the Ethernet connection in the Connections section.
Click Properties.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
Click Properties.
Select Use the following IP address.
Enter the IP Address 192.168.90.125.
NOTE
If this address conflicts with something else on the network, use any IP address from 192.168.90.125 through 192.168.90.255.
Click OK.
Close any remaining pop-up windows.

Allow Toolbox Communication

Toolbox Communication via Toolbox Proxy

The Toolbox Proxy application simplifies vehicle connections for all vehicles, and is required to connect to Model S and Model X vehicles with the Tegra-based infotainment hardware. Toolbox Proxy can be downloaded from the Download Software page. Toolbox Proxy application is only available for the Windows operating system.

For more information about how to use and install Toolbox Proxy, see the Toolbox Proxy User Guide (Article #5670100).

Toolbox Communication via Chrome Secure Connection Settings

While logged in to Toolbox, click the lock icon in the URL bar.
Click Site settings.
For Insecure content, select Allow.
Close Settings.
Refresh the Toolbox webpage.

Connecting Locally

After completing the setup steps above, connect to the vehicle with a laptop.

Plug the Ethernet diagnostic cable in to the laptop.
Plug the other end of the cable in to the diagnostic port of the vehicle. See Diagnostic Cables for identifying form factor and communication protocol
- The location of the diagnostic port varies per model. To learn where the port is on the model being diagnosed, see the Service Manual > Best Practices > Diagnostic Connector Location.
In Toolbox, click Connect to Vehicle in the sidebar, or click the Vehicle Connection icon (gray circle) in the upper-right-hand corner.
- The Connect Locally popup appears.
Click Connect.

NOTE

If Chrome blocks access and there is a shield in the URL bar, make sure the steps under Allow Toolbox Communication above have been completed.

NOTE

The steps listed here are an overview of how to locally connect to the vehicle. For full instructions, go to the Service Manual > Inspection and Service > Service Modes > Toolbox 3 (Connect and Disconnect).