ELM327 USB Vehicle OBD-2 Scanner Tool

those PC based OBD-II scanner is only as good as the software that runs it. I bought one for my Tacoma 8 years ago. It was ok back then. Now the virtual dash looks home made compared to other newer software. I couldn't use other software because the scanner is proprietary. It only works with the software that the guy made it. The elm327 based scanner should be pretty good since many programmers can make software for it.

 

There is some discussion about ELM based tools in the thread http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...discussion/64406-scangaugeii-work-2010-a.html .

Any "ELM" tool that costs less than about $75 can't possibly have a genuine ELM chip in it. ELM chips go for $30 each. The cheaper ones are probably all "ELM Compatible" protocol, based on the earliest version of the genuine ELM chip that wasn't copy protected.

I have a similar $30 eBay "ELM" tool from Hong Kong. The included software is all freeware, and not very good. The hardware works well on the CAN bus, and not at all on the KWP bus. What this really means is that you can do things like set the backup beeper option, but you can't scan the TPMS or traction battery data.

It's worth the $28 if you can figure out how to use the ELM chip directly. Sure beats a ScanGauge on price if all you want to do is turn off the beepers. There are genuine ELM scantools available starting around $75 with software that works a lot better.

 

I've been wanting to order a ELM Scantool but I keep forgeting haha. Maybe I'll order one later today. How does yours work for $30 bucks though? I was thinking about picking up the ones that cost 75 bucks

 

The problem I ran into with the $30 unit is that it can't handle the Toyota version of KWP protocol. I think it has to do with running at 9.6 KB, while most KWP systems run at 10.4 KB. There are ELM commands for setting that, but they don't seem to work with the clones. But then I've never tried the genuine article.

Any of the ELM devices should work for the industry standard stuff like engine RPM and such. Without Prius specific software, I doubt that there is any practical difference between the $30 and the $75 units. To really work on the Prius, you need the Toyota Techstream software ($$$$).

 

So anyone with a $75 ELM w/ KWP protocol ScancodeII AND the Techstream software ($$$$) will be able to adjust ALL of the custom settings on the Prius??!? Like changing the defaul constand beep to single beep when in reverse...?

Because otherwise, I'm not sure why someone would need to get a SCANCODE II unit. Is it used just to get diagnose error codes and check mileage? Sorry for the NOOB questions...

 

An ELM unit can send any of the TXD values documented for a ScanGauge. I just use Hyperterminal (already part of Windows) to type the ELM commands directly.

 

Hi Rob,

Thanks for the reply, but I'm still not understanding the fundamental reason why any car owner would purchase one?

I know that on face value the SCANCODE will give diagnostics and stats from the car, but then does one do with that? What happens when you know what the operating temp of the engine is, or if you know the RMP of the Electric or ICE? Are you able to make adjustments to change settings, and how would one know what the optimal settings are...?

Now on the other hand, if the tool will allow me to make the customized settings without having to visit the dealership that would be great...

 

See post #172 in http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...scussion/64406-scangaugeii-work-2010-a-5.html .

Anything you can send with a ScanGauge can also be sent with an ELM device. So if your dealer wants $40 to turn off the beepers, you could save $10 by getting a cheap ELM interface.

Just understand that all of the Prius specific stuff (like option setting) can not be accessed with the software that comes with the ELM. You'll have to use a terminal emulator like PUTTY or HYPERTERMINAL to type in the low level commands directly to the ELM. And only a few of the commands used to set Prius options are known. If you want to set something like the door locking parameters, that information hasn't been dug out yet.

 

I just wan't to be sure if I get it right...

I got the Toyota techstream sofware V5.01.001

If I buy one of these Elm chip module, will I be able to use it with the techstream software or do I need to buy the Mongoose Unit that they sell on drew technologie web site for 500$ ?????

 

Techstream supports the J2534 software interface standard which the Mongoose uses. While an interface layer could be written for the ELM, I'm not aware of any products that actually do it.

You can (pun intended) utilize the ELM to send/receive CAN messages to the Prius. A number of them are documented, but many more are not. But Techstream is not going to work with an ELM device without an additional software interface layer.

The Mongoose unit has been on eBay below $400. Just be certain that you get the proper Mongoose - there are several versions that only work with other cars.

And then there's the minor item of licensing Techstream. As I recall, it could be rented for 2 days for $55. Most shops would opt for an annual fee for $$$. The last time I saw any comments about pirate versions of Techstream people were complaining that the cracks that worked with version 4 no longer work with version 5.

 

guys, after deep study, the cheapest working cable choice is Tactrix open port 2.0
Tactrix Openport 2.0

they claim that it work well with TechStream,i downloaded the driver and it appeared on the Techstream as a VIM cable under the right name "OpenPort2.0"
about the TechStream, i have managed to pirate V5.00xxxx but i still have no cable yet because i live far away and i have a tough customs.

 

AbuS300d, please let us know how Openport 2.0 works and what it can do. Thanks.

 

The price is really attractive, but their experience with Toyota vehicles is missing. They seem to be concentrated on Subaru and Mitsubishi.

Actually, I would expect their device to work well with CAN ECUs. It's the KWP units like Body, Certification, and TPMS ECUs that might have trouble. I look forward to reports on how well the Tactrix device handles keyfob, option setup, and TPMS on the Gen2. Option setup on the Gen3 may also be a problem, as it goes through the gateway ECU which seems to require CAN support that is not used by other CAN ECUs.opcorn:

 

I have no problem for techstream liscense and free updates since I have access to a TIS account (the joy of knowing someone who works for toyota), but I'm not ready to pay 400$ or even 200$ for a simple cable, so I guess I'll wait for someone to find a way to make techstream work with elm327... and I'm confident that someone, somewhere, will make it works soon.
thanks for the info.
By the way I just got the latest update 5.10.029 if you want it.

 

Maybe the original poster can request that this is moved to the Tech section.

Here, this goes mostly un-noticed.

I like the thread though!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I got a cable from china, for a little over $100 that's supposedly compatible. But, I can't get the driver to install on my laptop. You can get the mongoose for around $270 from china as well. I'm sure they're all made there, anyway so why not get it from the source and cheaper than most places. I do have an email into the place I got the cable from, to see if there's an issue with Windows 7 and their driver. Maybe I'll get lucky and get an updated driver install file, because I can't find anything online for it! If it doesn't work, I may sell it cheap for someone else to try.

 

just found a 110$ cable from CNDiag

www(dot)diytrade(dot)com/china/4/products/7240644/TOYOTA_TIS_CABLE.html

Is this the cable you don't found the driver for ?

Do someone have ever try this cable ?

 

Bonjour,

Yes the tactrix Openport 2.0 works perfectly with techstream.

With techstream, you can record data regarding ICE, MG1, MG2 (rpm, temp, torque) , mpg, battery status & so on....