Best reasonable ODB reader for Prius and other non hybrid vehicles

If you have an Android phone, the Torque App paired with the OBDII to bluetooth adapter is a good choice.

 

Does torque read prius hybrid codes or just engine codes?

 

There are PID's that can be configured to read Prius specific hybrid codes.

 

This thread should help you understand the Torque app and using PID's.

Gen2 Prius: Custom PIDs for Torque (Android App) with formulas | PriusChat

 

You are welcome. By the way PID stands for Parameter IDentification.

 

If you want a code reader that will read not only all the Prius codes, but most other vehicle codes I am afraid your going to need a large bank account to take care of the cost. Although the OBD2 engine codes are supposed to be standard the actual connectors are not, and the coding for other systems "transmission, body, air bags, ect" are very manufacturer, and vehicle specific.
Snap on make a reader for most vehicles at around £2000, $3200, but even then add on units are needed for different manufacturers at extra cost.
The mini VCI will read all the codes for most Toyota vehicles, and engine codes on most other manufacturers cars providing the OBD connector is the same. For those that use different connectors adapters are available cheaply ($5). These are typically for German cars, Mercedes, BMW, but are not limited to those.
You will often find reference here on PC about retailers that will read vehicle codes free of charge, you will also note these readers often give only part of the code, no code or even codes that do not exist. They have also been known to cause problems with the car. This is because they are not scanners specific to the Prius.
This is not just a Prius, or Toyota problem, but a problem with manufacturers using there own individual systems and codes.
I am not saying the VCI is the best reader. I am saying it is the best reader by far at it's price and above, for a Toyota. If you need a device that will read all codes on most cars be prepared for the cost involved.

John (Britprius)

 

The protocols you mention are the methods of communication, and not the actual coding used within those protocols by the manufacturers.
As stated previously the engine coding "basically anything that affects emissions" should be standard by agreement on all cars from around 1998 on, but there was or is no agreement on a standard for other systems. These being specific to manufacturers and in some cases different vehicles by the same manufacturer.
The version of the VCI being sold in the UK supports all the protocols you list, and more.
In the UK I do not know of any parts supply stores that read codes free of charge, but there may be some. In the US "from reading these posts" I understand companies like Sears do carry out this service. Again being in the UK I do not know if Sears operate within Canada.
As previously stated if your budget is tight the VCI is the way to go providing you have a suitable computer. This does not have to be a laptop, but obviously a laptop is more convenient.
If you read carefully the ads for most of the hand held scanners they only talk about engine trouble codes.

John (Britprius)

 

This is what I'm running...

Modding My 2008 Touring...."JustDidIt" | Page 8 | PriusChat

 

I too have the ELM 327 device, and a great piece of equipment it is for extra monitoring on the dash as Justdidit shows.
I also use the same device with a laptop and the free program "Priidash" that will give virtually every parameter available from the Prius on one screen along with recording of vital information. By courtesy of OP "A Wimp DIYer".

The VCI is not the tool for the above capabilities, "apart from recording information". It does however not only give the ability to read all!! the Prius DTC's, and sub codes, what they mean, and clear them. It also gives the ability to do all the service tasks, and program any programmable features such as lock timing, lighting, seat belt and reverse beep, register key fobs, and more.
To sum up. Two different pieces of equipment that are capable of different functions with some overlap.

John (Britprius)

 

As you are aware you have a problem. The Mini VCI with Techstream (comes with the VCI) will tell you what the DTC is and guide you to the problem "gives a list of possible causes for the DTC (s)" and will clear it or them.
I have the equipment myself and honestly believe that anyone that has a Toyota particularly a Prius should buy one. One trip to the dealer for DTC reading will pay for the device x4.

John (Britprius)

 

While i was dabbling with the custom CAI, as well as my last issue which everyone thought it was my battery causing the car not to start - My continual Prius problems lately | PriusChat - Using the Torque app and ELM327 helped in telling me the DTC codes and clearing them for further troubleshooting.

 

Please do not blame the car for problems that a lousy service department fails to fix.
Over the last 50 years I have had more cars than I can remember, non have matched the Prius for reliability.

John (Britprius)