Hybrid Automotive Grid Charger Instructions

The thing of which to be aware, is the problem is not with Techstream, but rather the USB driver that comes with the cable you buy. The Mini VCI driver is a no longer supported rip or clone of the original X-Horse driver. As such you need to be assured you are getting a 32-bit or 64-bit driver and install using an appropriate OS.

On that front, Win 7 (32-bit) installs the 32-driver without any drama. So, I'd recommend using the newer OS.

 

Even the words you typed right there, while clear, are actually quite complex to understand for many folks.
So much lingo...Driver, 32-bit, 64-bit, OS, Mini VCI, X-Horse, Win 7

 

Point taken, but unfortunately I'm not sure it can be made simpler without getting needlessly verbose. It is what it is.

If it doesn't make sense to a particular reader, perhaps they are not necessarily prime candidates for the information/process.

 

I mentioned in my post that I am specifically looking for a Mini VCI cable with Firmware version 2.0.4 - do I need to do something more than that?

Also - can you please explain what you mean by this - "The Mini VCI driver is a no longer supported rip or clone of the original X-Horse driver"??
I have spent some time trying to find the original XHorse cable and though I found some, none of them were specifying the firmware version. Here is one that is available - (2018 xhorse mvci 3in1 for honda for toyota tis for volvo diagnostic cable newest software V10.00.028-in Code Readers & Scan Tools from Automobiles & Motorcycles on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group) - a bit higher priced than the ones on ebay - but if there is a higher chance for this to actually work - then I don't mind spending the money.

What is the difference between these xhorse cables and the Mini VCI ones that are available on ebay?
Also - why are the xhorse cables not available on ebay or Amazon?

When you say "USB Driver that comes with the cable" and I say "Firmware Version of the Cable" - are we both referring to the same thing?

Thanks for giving me more food for thought.

 

I believe this refers to the version of the driver. The cable firmware will be 1.4.x or 1.6.x

Without going into it in great length, the short version is the Mini VCI is a clone of the X-Horse cable. In turn, the X-Horse was a clone of a main stream cable. With the market being flooded with Mini VCI cables at undercut pricing, X-Horse went out of business. Mini VCI copied and supplied the X-Horse driver software with their cables.

For the reason above, you will not find genuine new X-Horse cables. Mostly the X-Horse reference will be to the driver software.

As per above.

Probably. Don't confuse the driver software version with the cable firmware version, though.

I hope that helps.

You might want to look at the VxDiag for Toyota cable as well. It is a little more expensive, but you get a cable that is easier to install (still requires Win 7 or Win XP, though), runs more reliably and faster than Mini VCI. I don't have this yet ( but seriously thinking about it), but another member here (@edthefox5) does and is pleased with it.

If you have any other questions, please ask.

 

Anybody have any experience with the Maxx Volts grid charger currently on eBay - non-programmable for $300 or programmable for $400? Looks like he has done a lot of business on Honda Hybrids but does have some sales on Prius - am looking at the one for the Gen 2- my battery, at 220K miles is showing signs of quick discharge/recharge- it is colder and the battery has dipped to the purple but then goes back to the blue mid point in a mile or so. If I have a good downhill segment in my drive it goes all the way to green.I haven't had any red triangles yet though. I am wondering if I should just focus on spending the $1600 and replacing the battery with a new set of cells instead of trying a grid charger.

 

I don't, but here's an interesting discussion.
Buying the best grid charger | CleanMPG

 

Just my opinion but yes I think in Jan 2020 it makes more sense/cents to go with all new modules on an 05. If you were asking this question about 5 years ago when the warranty was fading, I would have said go with the charger.

OTOH, you don't state any time frame. If you only need the car to last another few months/one year, etc., till you get another vehicle, then the lower cost charger (and sell it later when finished with the Prius so you basically rent the device) is a fairly low cost solution. BTDT