ODBII Scanner

[FL_Prius_Driver]

What ODB II scanner (and why) would someone recommend for reading Toyotas? I have decided no more going to the dealer for a check engine light (without me knowing what the code is). The internet has made obscure codes tractable. It will not take many "dealer diagnostic" charges to make this a true investment. I fully understand that the only thing standardized is emission control codes. The real question is there something that has some of the Prius codes figured out or is the THHT the only thing that does this. Optionally, is there a scanner that can be tapped/modified to read specific modes (like getting the three digit information codes associated with the DTC)?

[Swanny1172]

OBDII codes are agnostic (i.e. all automakers use the same codes), so just about any scanner should work as long as it is compatible with the transfer protocol of your vehicle. You can pick one up on eBay for less that $50 that is compatible with all of the transfer protocols.

[hobbit]

Yes, but *interpretation* of the manufacturer-specific codes is an
entirely different issue, as are being able to read realtime data
from the various ECUs and do some of the bi-directional "activation"
tests that are pretty much needed if you're doing your own wrenching.
For that, you're looking at significantly more money -- but not
necessarily the $4K or whatever for the OEM Mastertech, since several
of the aftermarket "generalist" scantool makers are slowly coming
up to speed on the hybrid specific stuff. Autoenginuity claims to
have it 100% although that's not quite correct; various offerings
from OTC and Snap-on and the like might be getting close by now.
Some of them are going to be aimed at the professional independent
tech market, with ability to read many different vehicles in depth
because you never know what's going to show up in the bay today.
.
But most of the generic readers will still be able to pull codes by
numeric value, even if they don't know what it means -- then you can
look those up in the service manuals.
.
_H*

[FL_Prius_Driver]

Thanks for the info. Now I have a start point. I'm thinking long term here so I am willing to spend a few more $$ than average to account for future hybrids (or better!)

[KTPhil]

Doesn't Kragen scan your car for free now?

[David Beale]

Of course you could buy a "Scangauge II" from the shop at Priuschat.com. It will read codes and let you reset them. It will also display four of about 20 parameters while you drive. And it has a "trip" function. A little more expensive than some, but I find more useful. Mine displays:

fuel consumption (l/hr)---------------------------12V battery voltage
Engine RPM----------------------------------------Coolant temperature

It will not display the CAN messages (most of the hybrid component values are CAN such as battery SOC, voltage, current, etc.). It will do most of what any OBDII reader will do. I don't think you will currently find an effective reader that will also do CAN. Maybe soon?

That's it on the right above the on/off switch.

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[FL_Prius_Driver]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Jul 17 2007, 11:17 AM) [snapback]480225[/snapback]</div>

Of course you could buy a "Scangauge II" from the shop at Priuschat.com.
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I would like to do this, but it's the Camry engine check light that broke the camel's back. Paying $50 to "tighten the gas cap" woke me up to get off my rear. (Imagine an auto mechanic explaining this to his work crew. I have to keep this a secret from those around me.) So the focus is on a true OBD II reader that can handle what car I will get in the future....and I do not know what comes after the Prius is yesterdays marvel.

Still, thanks for the great advice.