OBD II- Scanner

Any scanner should do the trick.

I've used my ScanGauge to read Prius codes. It worked fine. I could clear them too.

 

Check your oil level right now. A low oil level will make the red triangle flash.

 

Mini VCI is the best available tool as this will give you essentially the same diagnostic power as the Toyota dealer tech enjoys, for a low two-digit price.

 

This has not been the tale told by many posters, using brandX scanners. Generic units are not to be trusted.

 

Just code reading doesn't work?

It makes sense that some can't do anything else helpful.

 

Since the Prius contains multiple ECUs including many which a regular car does not have, a generic OBD-II code reader will generally fail when the time comes to read codes produced by such ECUs. For example, skid control ECU, traction battery ECU, body ECU, immobilizer ECU.

A generic reader will usually read engine ECU DTC and sometimes hybrid vehicle ECU DTC. Don't expect much more than that.

 

I fully concur with Patrick on this one. The best and cheapest option is the Mini VCI.

John (Britprius)

 

Updated my AutoEnginuity reader to the latest version. DO NOT USE this program on your GENII! It caused all kinds of havoc and left me dealing with ABS and brake system problems. As I had installed this update on a different computer, I was able to go back to the previous version of the program on another computer and with it was able to clear all the specious codes that the update generated. I'm still working on dealing with the ABS problem that didn't clear.

 

January 31, 2015 --- what is the latest version of the Mini VIc that folks are using with techstream? What suppliers have you had success dealing with? What is the latest update version for the Chinese pirated Techstream ? Best place to get it?
Thanks,
Ed

 

Do not worry about the latest updates they are available on line. The updates mostly add new vehicles as the VCI works on all Toyota, Lexus, and Scion cars with obd2 from about 1994 on.

John (Britprius)

 

Unfortunately anything other than a Techstream is a crapshoot at best. Generic tinkertoy 'scanners/ code readers' don't access most of the modules, usually just the powertrain module and then limited data. The only reliable way to look into your Prius's electronics are with a factory Techstream. Of course all the modules are available, as well as many bidirectional functions, personal preference settings, etc. More and more independents garages are becoming equipped with factory level scanners. A few phone calls and you should be able to find one. I certainly hope any service facility you are frequenting would be properly tooled up to correctly service your Prius.

 

Not sure if the above poster has ever tried a mini VCI setup but basically all you need is the cable and the latest software can be downloaded online.

Cable:

Software: Dropbox - Techstream

First install the cable driver, then the techstream software, then connect to the vehicle.

 

What's a better OS for Mini VCI Techstream - Windows XP (32 bit) or Windows 7 (64 bit)?

 

Windows XP 32 bit is easier to set up, but once running both systems work the same.

John (Britprius)

 

Would you happen to have the set-up instructions for Windows 7 ? My XP laptop is almost a decade old and I suspect it would crap out anytime now.

Thanks...

 

Leave it with me for a few minutes, and I'll get back with the details. Unless someone beats me to it.

John (Britprius)

 

Windows 7, 32 bit OS would be the best choice.

 

Ok hear goes. Load the drivers, then load Techstream, but do not open it. Go to my computer and double click on the hard drive. Scroll down to "program files (x86)" double click (from now I will call DC).
Scroll down to Toyota diagnostics (DC)
Scroll down to Techstream (DC)
Scroll down to ENV (DC)
Scroll down to IT3system (DC)
Scroll down to Avialable function setting and change TISFunction=1 to =0 then go to file at the top of that box and choose "save".

Job done.

John (Britprius)