CarMD

[Alnilam]

I just saw a short review of CarMD (CarMD.com) in PC World today. It is a hand-held device that plugs into a car's On-Board Diagnostic Port II. It gives indications of (1996 or later) car problems that are spelled out more clearly, with diagnostic codes and possible fixes, when you re-attach the device to your home computer's USB port using their software.

Where is this port on the Prius? Anybody have any experience/ideas if this is a worthwhile gadget for our favorite car? It connects on-line, with car registration necessary, and is good for up to three cars, allowing a maximum of three reports a month per car. It gives unlimited reports of smog-test-pass predicability. It costs $90, not sure if for year or forever.

BTW, does the Prius need to be smog-checked in California?

[catmother]

The Prius does not ever require smog testing in California. In fact, existing smog test equipment is not capable of testing the Prius.
I have an OBDC tester purchased from Kragen on sale about a year ago. About $50. This is a basic tester that will read all the mandated general codes (but not manufacturer specific codes) and will indicate all faults in that category. I can also reset fault codes and reset the check light. Have not ever needed to do this on my Prius.
The OBDC connecter is under the dash, forward of where the drivers knee is. The tester works fine on the Prius and on any OBDC compliant car. Every compliant car is required to have a placard under the hood whick lists OBDC compliance. My Prius has such a placard.
My reader is made by Innova, www.codereader.com The Prius uses a "scanbus" and the Innova reader is scanbus capable. You can get this tester at any autoparts house or probably cheaper from an internet dealer. There is no computer interface on this tester.
No experience with CarMD. Some owners like the Scanview tester, more expensive but much more versatile.

Peter
K6OPY

[IsrAmeriPrius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PAK @ Aug 9 2006, 04:56 PM) [snapback]300493[/snapback]</div>

The Prius does not ever require smog testing in California. In fact, existing smog test equipment is not capable of testing the Prius.[/b]

The exemption is in place only until January 1, 2010.

Here is the link:

State of California Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Automotive Repair

[Frank Hudon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PAK @ Aug 9 2006, 04:56 PM) [snapback]300493[/snapback]</div>

The Prius does not ever require smog testing in California. In fact, existing smog test equipment is not capable of testing the Prius.
I have an OBDC tester purchased from Kragen on sale about a year ago. About $50. This is a basic tester that will read all the mandated general codes (but not manufacturer specific codes) and will indicate all faults in that category. I can also reset fault codes and reset the check light. Have not ever needed to do this on my Prius.
The OBDC connecter is under the dash, forward of where the drivers knee is. The tester works fine on the Prius and on any OBDC compliant car. Every compliant car is required to have a placard under the hood whick lists OBDC compliance. My Prius has such a placard.
My reader is made by Innova, www.codereader.com The Prius uses a "scanbus" and the Innova reader is scanbus capable. You can get this tester at any autoparts house or probably cheaper from an internet dealer. There is no computer interface on this tester.
No experience with CarMD. Some owners like the Scanview tester, more expensive but much more versatile.

Peter
K6OPY
[/b]

have you actually pluged it in and see if it can connect to the car Most Innova readers can't. Unless it say's CAN capable it won't find the car. I've got one in the basement that can't find the CAN buss in the 2k4.

[eagle33199]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Alnilam @ Aug 9 2006, 06:20 PM) [snapback]300470[/snapback]</div>

It costs $90, not sure if for year or forever.
[/b]

It looks like all you have is the one time upfront cost - no cost to use the report generating feature or the website (i just went in and registered to see if it would ask me for money - can't find anything that does)

[catmother]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Frank Hudon @ Aug 9 2006, 11:50 PM) [snapback]300645[/snapback]</div>

have you actually pluged it in and see if it can connect to the car Most Innova readers can't. Unless it say's CAN capable it won't find the car. I've got one in the basement that can't find the CAN buss in the 2k4.
[/b]

As I said in my post "The Prius uses a "scanbus" and the Innova reader is scanbus capable. "
My reader is the model 3100, I have tested it on the 06 Prius and it works properly

Peter

[Drift Motion]

DMV site clearly states no Smog check for Hybrid vehicle

[IsrAmeriPrius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Drift Motion @ Aug 11 2006, 12:36 AM) [snapback]301366[/snapback]</div>

DMV site clearly states no Smog check for Hybrid vehicle
[/b]

This is what the the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Automotive Repair clearly states:

The following vehicles have been exempted from biennial and change-of-ownership Smog Check inspections until January 1, 2010:

Honda Insight – all model years
Honda Civic Hybrid – all model years
Toyota – click link for list of model years
Ford Escape Hybrid - all model years
Honda Accord Hybrid - all model years
Lexus RX 400h - all model years
[/b]