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OBD2 Using Laptop

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by andyprius, Nov 3, 2008.

  1. andyprius

    andyprius Senior Member

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    Hello Again: I notice that EBay sells a kit that comprises of: A interface unit, and 2 cables, one to the car and one to the computer, as well as a manual and a hard disk to preprogram the system. These seem to be generally made in China, total costs: about $28.00. The output readings seem to be more than generous and the price is right. I was wondering if this setup will produce every/ almost every output. I dropped into the dealers today and Mike Morrison, the shop foreman invited me in and showed me Toyotas Computer. It can literally do everything, even change electronic parameters should you say install a different size tires, or othe mods. Since Toyotas set-up cost $6500, I find it difficult to believe that these units from Honk Kong ( or whereever ) can perform even half as well. MY QUESTION: Has anybody actually ordered and used one of these kits, and are you satisfied with it? Please do not hijack this thread, I am only interested in the answer to my question. ty:)
     
    #1 andyprius, Nov 3, 2008
  2. rigormortis

    rigormortis Active Member

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    no i have not actually used that device. its hard for fellow readers to reply to your
    message when you do not provide the manufacturers name, model number or a link to the actual product.

    also you did not mention if it supports CAN. do not know about 2005, but newer prius cars use CAN (controller area network).

    i vaguely know that theres an adapter to go from obd2 to can, i do not know if its
    interchangeable or if the adapter is actually needed
     
    #2 rigormortis, Nov 3, 2008
  3. andyprius

    andyprius Senior Member

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    Yes, it supports CAN, Total nomenclature is: ELM 327 USB Scan Tool Can Bus OBD2 OBDII. That's the best that I can come up with.
     
    #3 andyprius, Nov 3, 2008
  4. bedrock8x

    bedrock8x Senior Member

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    I have one, it does not include any software for your PC.
    It provides links on a CD to get demo softwares or sharewares.
    It cannot do the Toyota scan tool stuff without the software from Toyota.


     
    #4 bedrock8x, Nov 4, 2008
  5. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    I would very much doubt they system is much more than a generic OBDII kit. It probably can't access the proprietary extended CAN information
     
    #5 jayman, Nov 4, 2008
  6. padulo

    padulo New Member

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    Check out this carplugs.com for good scanner using laptop.

    Unfortunately, Toyota specialty codes (SRS, ABS, Transmission) are not yet available but are supposed to arrive soon.
     
    #6 padulo, Nov 4, 2008
  7. ken1784

    ken1784 SuperMID designer

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    The ELM327 chip itself costs CDN $32.50.
    ELM Electronics - Around the Home
    Maybe, the eBay one is based on a copyright violated Chinese clone ELM327.
    Please select one for real functions and quality at your own risk.

    Ken@Japan

    edit: add another link
    http://www.scantool.net/forum/index.php?topic=2379.msg8840
     
    #7 ken1784, Nov 4, 2008
  8. andyprius

    andyprius Senior Member

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    Thanks much for all the info, that helps alot.
     
    #8 andyprius, Nov 4, 2008
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