Techstream hardware

I have tried miniVCI, one from eBay, one from Amazon, and one from a site (probably Chinese?) OBD2EShop.com-OBD2 scanner wholesale Online Shop.
So far I have struck out. None has worked on my cars (Gen 3 before and Prime now). It could be software issue, but also hardware incompatibility on my old laptop running Win7 OS 32bit. I can't say I have tried very hard, but I have given up on cheap Techstream solution for now. That being said, there are many members of PC who have successfully installed and used knock-off Techstream devices with pirated software. Good luck.

 

I have the $20 Amazon miniVCi dongle paired to a seasoned Windows XP laptop.

It works well.

There is some settings you have to adjust to make it work though, which is a typical issue.

Looking for another seasoned laptop myself as we have newer cars and the newer versions of Techstream that you can download don’t have the same functionality as the version 10.30.028 that we have on the current laptop .

But there are plenty of fish in the old laptop sea.

 

I'm also using an el cheapo miniVCI from Amazon. Running it in an old version of Windows XP which is running in Virtual Box on an old Linux laptop. Seems to work fine, but I haven't tested all the functions.

 

I have also bought the cheapest off ebay miniVCI and used Virtual Box and Windows XP. It's pain to setup and get working but it worked for registering second key.

 

Are you guys able to see the TPMS data? My older interface doesn't "communicate" with the tire pressure ECU on the Gen-4 Prius. On my Gen-3 and 2018 Sienna, it works fine.

 

Gen 4 uses some OBDII protocols that older interfaces don't have. Gen 4 uses HSD4 which older models don't use. I have not investigated it, but apparently HSD3 OBD interfaces will not gather all the info from a Gen 4 but they have no trouple with Gen 3 & earlier. What they get and what they don't get is unclear to me, but I know that using Carista with Hybrid Assistant doesn't give me all the info but using HA with OBDLink LX does fill in all the blanks. It could be that TPMS is one of those data points that doesn't get through from the new car to the old dongle or bluetooth. I've gathered this from the explanation on the HA website as to why a good bluetooth reader like Carista doesn't completely work with HA. Hybrid Assistant: OBD

 

BlueDriver - for us, it recently captured forward collision fail that the factory / dealership couldn't. Had the phone camera not been able to quickly grab a screen shot off the dash ... the dealer would still be telling us, "uhhh we don't find anything wrong". Made a print out of our obd2 codes, & come to find out, it was a speed sensor. weird.
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I currently have a second gen Prius and a 2008 Toyota Sienna, and I'm looking at buying a third gen Prius soon, do you guys have any particular mini VCI cables that you recommend linking to on Amazon? There are so many I'm not sure which one to go with, and no clear winners regarding reviews..

 

If you're looking to run Techstream, I'd say to get a cheap interface to start. Don't be surprised if you don't get much tech support, or if the vendor disappears after a time. All these come with "aftermarket" Techstream; learn about that too, and sometimes you can find better versions online.

If you spend more, say around $100, you can get a better product and software like the above-mentioned BlueDriver, which come with their own software. Beware that these may not perform some functions, like registering TPMS sensors or new keys, or initiating some tests (like the brake bleeding--but there are often non-Techstream ways to perform these).

How do you plan to use the interface? To read/clear codes and look at live data?

 

Seems u have to use an old WIN32 .. (I think i have XP) -- not connected to internet ...
alot of reboots and getting the proper .NET framework version for the Vers. Tech. Strm. u r installing ...
it was one of those 'i did that but it took alot of time and pain and i dont wanna do it again' ...

 

Majority of the MiniVCI that are under $80 are all knock offs. I bought one off ebay during my Prius Gen 2 days and it still works with my Gen 4. There is a bit of computer skill involve with getting it to work, and making sure you select the right VIM in the techstream settings. Most of the ones floating around require to only work on 32 bit which is why many say they got it to work on Windows XP. If you have some good computer skills, there are instructions on the web that explain how to do it for a 64 bit machine. Because there are so many vendors around and all of them being knockoffs, it's going to be hit and miss. For the most part, I have heard good results for majority of the functions. You just need to get through the challenge of getting it to work.

I also have a VCX Nano which works a bit more reliably. I have not tried TPMS settings yet, but I have heard it should work. This device does work on a 64 bit. I recommend this device if you want it working on a 64 bit machine and your computer skills are minimal.

 

I bought a mini VCI from amazon, Brand was Washinglee,, It works great on my Win 10 64bit. I have used it on a few toyota's my 2012 prius, 2010 highlander, 2013 Rav4. Did the TPMS on the prius and the highlander, worked great.

 

Ray, any chance I could come over (also in bay area) to clear some Prius ABS codes my Foxwell NT510E apparently created and can't clear now ?

 

Looks like you are in Santa Cruz and that's a good bit of distance from me in Fairfield.

@SFO is a bit closer and has the software too.

Maybe he's down to assist.

 

Always down to assist, and if others need a scan or TS installation help, then I can make it a mini meetup

Have you already tried disconnecting the three plugs near the 12v battery for a period of time, or power cycling the vehicle a few times?

 

everyone, I'm not sure I understand the issue with TS... I have a 2008 Gen 2 w/ 355k miles. I have the nefarious P0A94 code found on my BlueDriver and now considering getting TS to get better data. I thought I could go to the TS website, get the TS Lite package with the cable, and be done. But am I understanding correctly that it is an annual subscription and the software does not run on PC with Windows 10? Could someone please share the thread or take a minute to break down exactly what is needed for TS? I'm not necessarily looking for the cheapest on eBay or Amazon, rather the most typical setup that works today in 2023 on an '08 Prius. The info might help others, too, instead of peacemealing from a thousand different threads. Thanks in advance.

 

First you need a compatible cable, there are a few options, either bottom of the barrel (20-40), another option in closer to 90, or the best option is an openport 2.0 cable at 170 : Tactrix

Then you need a copy of techstream, plenty of options on where to find and install for little or nothing, or you can pay toyota for the privilege.

Not sure if the toyota option works with windows 10, but if they are selling SaS, then it should. The other options can work with windows 10.