Why can't my vci cable read the ecu's in Techstream?

Techstream usually won't connect unless the car is ON (two power button pushes, foot off brake). If the car doesn't recognize the key you're using and won't turn on, that's an obstacle.

There is supposedly a way to make Techstream connect with the car off, I think by some diddling of the dome-light switch on the door frame, it's in the documentation somewhere. (Otherwise, how else would a dealer use their security-enabled Techstream license to teach the car a new key?)

I remember reading about the procedure sometime and trying it, but never getting it to work, myself.

 

can you please clarify?

a battery was installed 3 years ago and wouldn't start, and it has been sitting ever since?

 

Well this thread is off to an interesting start...

 

Just a WAG, have you installed new fully charged batteries in the fobs?

 

Dealers are stealers... They're warranty specialists, not old car repair repair people... You're wasting your time taking your car to them.

Also all old Prius batteries are corroded, that's normal.

Did the dealer give you error codes and sub-codes or were they too clueless to even do that?

Next step is to pull the battery pack and do a diagnosis. If you lived near me I'd put in a loaner pack to confirm that's the only problem, then you could enjoy your car while your pack is being repaired and I'd charge in the $500 range.. A hybrid mechanic who has lots of overhead in paying bills for a shop would be in the $1000 range.

But what happened to the installer 3 years ago? Did they discount the price? Did they keep your old battery? Sounds like the ripped you off and installed a broken battery pack?

 

Oh good... That's a wise approach... As for EMF, keep in mind every cell in your body generates EMF and your heart cells generate the strongest EMF. The more you can exercise and bring lots of energy and growth to your body, the more your body will be able fend off other EMF fields. I've found that the people who are most vulnerable to EMF are the ones who aren't activating their own EMF fields intensely enough. For example it used to take me all morning and early afternoon to feel awake. These days, first thing every morning I run to the end of the street and back and just that easy 1/3 of a mile is way stronger than coffee. It's changed my life!

 

Probably not... I suspect they didn't do anything more than realize 12v was dead and then moved on to a long line of brand new cars with warranty that need attention.

 

Techstream does and will connect with the car off and without a key. Depends on your obd dongle u got. Most of the cheap vci knock offs suck and won’t connect properly. I use a really obd dongle as well as a vci I bought a long time back. I know all this because I make key fobs all the time.

 

Any suggestion on what you would buy if you had to buy a mini-VCI again? What to look for? I don't buy on Amazon, but maybe if you could find some options on ebay? That'd be a big help for myself and others!

 

If you want you can buy the vxdiag unit which goes for around $70 which is better actually. Don’t fall for the WiFi/Bluetooth version because I have yet to see one work. But the unit does work pretty well with techstream. I’ll take a look at my vci dongle if there is a version. But the amazon version I bought was the image I attached if that helps but the ebay link for that order is too old.

 

Hmm... Image you attached above looks identical to the $25 Mini-VCI that your were recommending against? I'm confused?

But in searching for "vxdiag techstream" on Ebay I found this in the $60-$70 range... Is this the one you're referring to?

Are you saying this is the one that's going to provide the most reliability&usefulness, or nothing more than additional door lock functionality? Also, is software installation challenge on old Windows machine with no internet access still the same hassle, or is it easier?

Thanks for taking the time to help us figure this out!

 

Yea I think so in my opinion. I use one. I also have a mvci for like $15 both work. But I prefer to use the vxdiag. Don’t get the bs WiFi or Bluetooth. Stick to the wired.