Alternate to Techstream & Bluetooth OBD2 Readers?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Robert John, Oct 22, 2024.

  1. Robert John

    Robert John Junior Member

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    I've bought a Mini VCI cable w/ software and have spent DAYS going through every possible install & set-up; downloading other versions; following extensive detailed line-by-line instructions in various forums; installing & uninstalling various versions of Techstream... and I've tried it all on 3 different x64 Win 7 laptops, as well as an x64 Win10 laptop running a Win 7 shell - with no luck - I can never get past the key code.
    I also have 2 Prius-recommended Bluetooth OBD2 adapters (one single layer, one dual layer), using 2 different (Android) apps. While they are helpful for many troubleshooting situations, they don't have the requisite level of detail for many functions: E.g. determining which wheel sensor is throwing-up an ABS/VSC fault.
    When I look-up 'Best OBD2 Reader' in this forum, everyone recommends either Techstream, or different Bluetooth readers for cell phones. Sooo... I give up! I'm willing to spend a few extra bucks on a reader that I just plug-in and can get detailed answers from.
    Q: Can anyone recommend the best comprehensive OBD2 reader for a 2008 Gen 2 Prius?
    Thanks everyone!
     
    #1 Robert John, Oct 22, 2024
  2. saneesh8

    saneesh8 Junior Member

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    I have this -> https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/ATDAP200. Bought it for bleeding brakes after brake actuator replacement. So far what i need, i can do it with this. It is capable than the Foxwell reader i have with the specific software pack. Also it is an app on the phone so is easier to use and blue tooth interface. Takes only few minutes for the whole thing.

    I had to install the DIS (bmw factory software) on the laptop. The whole thing is pure pain. Takes forever to make it work and randomly it "forgets" all the settings and then have to spend days to make it work again. I can feel your pain.

    Do you have some specific requirements? I can try it on mine (the Autel) and let you know.
     
    #2 saneesh8, Oct 22, 2024
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  3. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    #3 Brian1954, Oct 22, 2024
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  4. Robert John

    Robert John Junior Member

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    #4 Robert John, Oct 22, 2024
  5. Robert John

    Robert John Junior Member

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    Thanks for your reply!
    As mentioned, I have two Bluetooth readers and two Android Apps that are good for general ECU inquiries. But they're not adequate for more detailed investigations - in this case - trying to determine exactly which wheel speed sensor is triggering an ABS fault. Does the scantool & app combo you mentioned read individual wheel speed sensors?
    Thanks!
     
    #5 Robert John, Oct 22, 2024
  6. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    I used an Autel AP2500 to troubleshoot a failed rear wheel bearing in our car.

    It immediately called out a fault in the associated speed sensor and led me right to the problem. Saved a bunch of time.

    I did not use it to get a data reading from the speed sensor, not sure how it presents that. I just used its prompt to inspect the right rear bearing and found obvious problems to act on.

    The Autel was able to reset the ABS computer to clear the fault after I'd fixed the situation.
     
    #6 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Oct 22, 2024
  7. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    Yes, the Autel AP200 can do that. It is capable of reading all the trouble codes in your Prius
     
    #7 Brian1954, Oct 22, 2024
  8. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    The AP200 can scan ALL systems on a Gen2 Prius for codes & data (including INF sub codes). It also has some service functions like bleeding the ABS system, or accessing immobilizer functions (adding a fob).

    It is the same codes & data as Techstream. TS has additional capabilities (such as bidirectional controls) and can display things better on a laptop screen, but the AP200 is outstanding for "basic" diagnostics.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #8 mr_guy_mann, Oct 24, 2024
  9. Robert John

    Robert John Junior Member

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    Thanks everyone!
    Q1: Are you using the App that comes with the Autel AP2500E (upgrade of AP 200)? Or are you using a different/better App?
    Q2: If you're using a different App, which one?
    Thanks again - very helpful... I was looking at hand-held units in the $200 to $400 range. This sounds a lot more cost effective!
     
    #9 Robert John, Oct 25, 2024
  10. saneesh8

    saneesh8 Junior Member

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    I read somewhere that 2500E has less features than the 200. So bought the 200.

    I used their software, downloaded from the app store. Just followed the instructions. It was super easy. Its called MaxiAP200 and it will also install Diag-Asia(seems like a sub app for this). You can install MaxiAP200 without connecting it to the reader with blue tooth. On start, it will ask for the code on the device which you can scan or type it in. It is basically will link your email with the device's id. Super easy.

    As stated before, i tried the factory software on bmw, Foxwell on Honda and some other scanner on other cars. So far this is the best one. Cheaper than Foxwell and faster.

    One more thing, it comes with free specific software package for one manufacturer. if you want to buy packages for other makes, you have to pay and it is per year where as the first free one is life time.
     
    #10 saneesh8, Oct 25, 2024
  11. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    The Autel AP200 and the Autel AP2500E work with the Autel apps. I do not believe that they work with a third-party app.

    The Autel apps are different for the Autel AP200 and the Autel AP2500E. Do not install the wrong Autel app for the hardware that you purchased.
     
    #11 Brian1954, Oct 25, 2024
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2024
  12. Robert John

    Robert John Junior Member

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    Thanks everyone!
     
    #12 Robert John, Oct 28, 2024
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  13. Robert John

    Robert John Junior Member

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    Well, I bought an Autel AP2500E; installed the correct Autel App; initialized the unit w/ VIN, etc. for my 2008 Gen 2 Prius; downloaded the extra functions included with the purchase - fast & easy, no problem.
    But... it only reads basic ECU info - just like my other two inexpensive Bluetooth readers & free apps... nothing more detailed.
    All the important sections for ABS, ATCS, Hybrid Battery, A/C, etc. are listed under a menu labeled something like: 'Not Supported'.
    Any ideas on what I'm doing wrong?
    Thanks!
     
    #13 Robert John, Nov 3, 2024
  14. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Yeah it's not super obvious but you need to register an account with Autel and "buy" a subscription to get all the advanced features.

    You aren't buying anything; you already paid for it. You get one free lifetime subscription with the gadget- you just need to specify that you want it in Toyota flavor and then activate it.

    Once you have done that, the curtain opens and you get all the goodies.
     
    #14 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Nov 3, 2024
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  15. Robert John

    Robert John Junior Member

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    I did all that 'registration' stuff & exchanged the 'credits' that came with the purchase for every additional function available. Since then I've explored the App extensively, and functions like ABS/VSC/TRC; TPMS; AC; EMPS; etc. are listed under: 'System no Communication' - although it reads extensive real-time engine & exhaust information... but no more than my much less expensive single & double layer Bluetooth OBD2 readers.
    I contacted Autel about the ability of their Model AP2500E to read OBD2 data such as ABS/VSC/TRC; TPMS; AC; etc... and got this response:
    "Sorry, we are not the seller of the AP2500E model. Besides, AP2500E Scanner is not enough to meet all your needs."
    In another response in which I provided the Prius' VIN, they suggested two tablet scanners with price-points at $720 & $1,015 (CAD)
    Sooo... my hunt for a comprehensive (but affordable) scanner continues.
     
    #15 Robert John, Nov 24, 2024
  16. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Maybe Leadfoot can walk you through what he does with screenshots of the process.

    On the AP200, I can do a "system scan" that checks everything for codes, and from there I can go to any of the reporting systems to look at codes and data.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #16 mr_guy_mann, Nov 24, 2024
  17. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    What is the exact name of the app that you installed and the version number?
    Are you using the apple or android version of the app?
    Can you post a screenshot of the main app screen?
     
    #17 Brian1954, Nov 24, 2024
  18. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    I'm wondering if there's a chance that there is a communications fault in the car's onboard network?

    That's what I do, too.
     
    #18 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Nov 25, 2024
  19. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    That doesn't sound like a very professional reply. Are you sure you're dealing with an official Autel CSO?
     
    #19 dolj, Nov 25, 2024
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