Is there any other way of getting codes?

Stating the obvious:
1) A Prius is not a Dodge product.
2) Don't you think everyone here would have used the built in code reading capability, IF such a feature was built into the Prius. But alas, that feature does not exist. Thus the requirement of an OBD2 code reader or ideally Techstream software and mini VCI cable, to read all of the Prius specific codes that generic OBD2 readers miss.

Some auto repair chain stores and chain auto parts stores offer free code reading. But, incorrect or no codes are sometimes given because these places are not using Techstream software.

EDIT: Do you have an old Windows 32bit Operating system (XP, 7) laptop? Can you afford $25-$30 to purchase mini VCI cable w/ the Hacked Techstream software (later versions are available in various user forums). This is all that is required. Make life easy on yourself and get mini VCI. This piece of equipment would be comparable to the modern smartphones and blink codes would be the old analog cell phone only for sending and receiving phone calls only.

 

There are literally hundreds of possible diagnostic trouble codes that can be logged because the Prius has several ECUs that can log DTC: engine, hybrid vehicle, transmission control, traction battery, skid control, SRS, air conditioner amplifier, body, to name a few that immediately come to mind. The codes are alphanumeric, not just numeric. And, the DTC are supplemented by three-digit info codes that can provide additional information.

So you probably can see that "blink" codes will not be particularly effective in such a complex environment.

Therefore, your best bet is to get Mini VCI.

 

sorry.

 

My Gen 1 actually does give two-digit blink codes from several of the computers, and I have used them. They can be handy because all you need is a piece of wire and the ability to count light blinks. The service manual has tables that cross reference the two-digit blink codes to the five-alphanumeric OBD-II trouble codes. (Sometimes the same blink code is used for several different DTCs, so you get strictly less information than if you read the DTCs.)

I've assumed that blinky codes are vestiges of older designs and get phased out in the later Prius generations, but a post I saw recently confirmed that at least the skid-control ECU still gives blink codes in Gen 3.

Sadly, the hybrid-vehicle ECU and battery ECU, the two that people are very often interested in getting codes from, have never given blink codes, not even in Gen 1.

-Chap

 

I have both a modern Toshiba Satellite laptop running Win 8.1 and an older Dell D630 Latitude running Win XP SP3 business.
Which is the better machine to use for this "Techstream" stuff?....

Can you get this software and cables from a store (Autoparts, Harbour Freight, etc), or do you have to get it all online?

Will this give me the same coverage as those dedicated code readers the service techs use? I have an '04 Gen 2.

thx

 

The Dell running Xp will be easier to setup than the Windows 8.1 that is 64bit. It will give complete coverage of all codes plus the ability to do service tasks such as:- bleed flush brakes, zero point calibration on steering, linear solenoid calibration on brakes, custom functions on lights, AC, beeps, and so much more.
On line is the place to go.

John

 

Definetly get mini VCI and the official Toyota service manual from TIS.

Get the cheapest mini VCI from Amazon/eBay. Software version doesn't really matter, as you can find a more current version online somewhere if you plan to work on very late model Toyotas/Lexus/Scions.

Read this for more information on setting up Techstream and using the min VCI cable.
TundraTalk.net - Toyota Tundra Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Offical TechStream software thread( settings and such)

Whatever laptop you install this hacked copy of Techstream on, this should be a spare junker laptop to be only used for Toyota diagnosis. Assume the software has malware on it tracking all your keystrokes and reporting to some criminal organization trying to steal your identity/financial information; definitely do not use this laptop on websites that require log-in/password entries (email, banking, etc). Given this warning, the many Prius gurus here have had no problems/issues using the hacked Techstream software.
One reason why you need mini VCI w/ Techstream is to bleed the brakes. Do NOT let anyone one bleed the brakes on your Prius, as the Prius is a unique braking system that REQUIRES Techstream to properly bleed the brakes. Mbleeding can be done w/o Techstream, but why experience misery?

Get the official Toyota service/repair manuals (engine, mechanical, interior, exterior, electrical, essentially EVERYTHING), go to TIS
Two days will cost you $15. Supposedly only business days are counted (remember reading this in other threads). If you start on a Friday 12:00:00 AM, you have until Monday 11:59:59 PM, to finish.

Supposedly PDFs no longer available from TIS. Another Prius Chat member discovered how to make a CHM file into a PDF. Toyota TIS download tips | PriusChat
This user downloaded both his Toyota cars over the course of his 2 business day subscription.
Internet search "CHM to PDF." There appears to be all kinds of software (some free, some purchase) that will accomplish this. Be weary of free as it could contain malware.

 

As far as I know, there are also a number of document viewers available that you can use to view CHM files directly (wikipedia lists some) rather than converting them all to some other form like PDF. That might be worth considering, as it seems that along with Toyota's decision to stop producing dead-tree versions entirely since 2011, they really got religion about making the electronic manuals be heavily hyperlinked within the CHM ... that's genuinely helpful, and the one example I've seen here of a PDF that somebody converted to had all of the hyperlinks killed in the process, and if it were me I think I'd prefer to avoid that.

-Chap