I want to maintain my Prius without getting screwed by techs. I’m guessing the best place to start would be a good diagnostic code reader specifically designed for the Prius (2007 generation). Can anyone recommend one? Also if there is a user friendly repair guide for Prius containing information on what to look out for; and the periods of when I should look out for them. That would be extremely helpful. Any other suggestions are welcomed. Thanks.
This is the code reader I purchased for a 2015. I think it should work fine for you. The Torque Pro app is good for checking/clearing codes.
i think you can get a maintenance schedule at toyotaowners.com the gold standard code reader is toyota tech stream, about 25 bucks on amazon, and you need a compatible laptop
I read up on it. I saw a lot of people saying its easier to install an older version of windows. Could you tell me what version of windows works best so I can purchase the correct compatible laptop??
i can't, don't have it myself, but there are lots of threads here with details included. all the best!
HI Ian, The hardest online purchase I ever made was an OBD2 code reader... They are very inexpensive but had to buy 5 total and return 3 of them to finally have a good one for myself and my friend. This article is a good resource to buy the right one: Hybrid battery diagnostic and repair tool for Toyota and Lexus Once you have a working OBD2 reader you can use Hybrid assistant app on Android phones, or DR. Prius app on Android and Apple phones. This will give you lots of data, most hybrid subcodes if red triangle comes on, as well as an easy view into what's going on with your vehicle so you can DIY your problems and not get ripped off by auto mechanics. The next step is pirated Toyota Techstream software, via ebay: Mini VCI J2534 OBD2 Diagnostic Tool Code Reader for Lexus Toyota Techstream New | eBay which will give you all the data, but if you're like me you're gonna have a really hard time getting the software installed and functioning properly and procrastinate on trying againdue to too many failed attempts. I've been using the veepeak OBD2 code reader, but their wifi one didn't work for me, so stick with the bluetooth one if you go in that direction.
The OBDII code readers + app aren't too bad. Techstream can be a LOT harder. The version I got claimed to be compatible with Win10x64. If it was I could never figure it out and I did a lot of digging, tried a lot of things. When I finally put Win7x32 on an old netbook I got the same program to work without much trouble. The problem when you start looking is there are a lot of versions, a lot of suggestions, and it's a pretty confusing mess.
