Mini VCI , possible using without laptop?

With Mini VCI, you need a Windows XP or Windows 7, 32 bit OS computer. Obviously a laptop is more practical for mobile use than a desktop.

You could probably buy a suitable used laptop on eBay for ~$100 or thereabouts. Replace the laptop battery and you will be good to go.

 

The Mini VCI is the best available device for Toyota vehicle troubleshooting, it will retrieve any DTC logged by any of the ECUs, and the price is a bargain.

You will likely pay more for other potential devices and they will do less.

Since you are an Apple consumer, a MacBook Pro with BootCamp will run Windows 7, 32 bit OS. That is what I use with my Mini VCI.

 

If you know IT people, ask them if they have access to any old 32bit Windows laptops? You might be able to get a free one.

If you go the Windows route, Read this from the Tundra folks. Techstream ABCs and 123s: Reference point for all new users

EDIT ADDITION. The Tundra link above contains a link for those who want to use a 64bit Windows Operating System.

 

If all you want to do is read general error codes, you can do this with a cheap code reader, or use free EOBD-Facile on your iphone in conjunction with a $15 wifi (not bluetooth) ELM OBD adapter. I carry the latter in my car in case I get a CEL away from home.

The mini VCI will obviously do lots more. It all depends on what you need.

 

Agreed, it all depends on what OP wants to do.

General generic OBD2 code readers (ie Elm 327) will work, but has limitations. Many people have reported numerous times of junk codes from a generic OBD2 reader. Going to a dealer for any diagnosis/have codes read, costs $100 in my area.

If OP wants to do some more "robust" DIY maintenance, mini VCI is a must! If he wants to bleed brakes, mini VCI is a must; otherwise its a PITA to attempt to do the traditional way.

My post #2 may help OP to figure out which one to get. A comparison of ELM 327 vs BAFX OBD2 vs mini VCI. LINK

OP is encouraged to hit up IT friends, craigslist, Tigerdirect for refurb and off lease laptops. BlackFriday and Cyber Monday sales coming soon too.

 

I use a windows based netbook with windows 7 32bit OS. I believe the netbooks are so slow and outdated, you can get one really cheap. These netbooks are great because they are very compact and light......does everything you need it to do with a miniVCI cable and software.

I also have an really old and heavy Dell with XP 32bit OS with the minivci software installed. If anybody needs one, I have it for sale.

 

The Prius is really a very reliable car, you won't see many warning lights pop up. What you read on here is not exactly the normal case in an everyday Prius.

Hanging out at these forums is not a good thing if you are paranoid about breakdowns. It'll just make you more paranoid.

And yes, having a minivci in your car will give you real time information, including diagnostic codes.

 

For the sake of curiosity I dug out an ancient Windows 98 SE laptop and loaded the VCI drivers, and Techstream. This has an 8gb hard drive and 125 mb RAM. This works perfectly if a little slow, so any Windows laptop later than this will work including XP,Vista, 2000, and Millennium.

John (Britprius)

 

Link to Toyota Techstream minimum requirmenets. And as Briprius points out, even something far less than Techstream's minimum requirements still works. Plenty of "obsolete laptops," out there.

 

That's a very useful writeup - thanks for the link!