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Programming Ourselves?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by rachaelseven, Jul 25, 2009.

  1. SkiTrak

    SkiTrak Junior Member

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  2. rachaelseven

    rachaelseven New Member

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  3. SkiTrak

    SkiTrak Junior Member

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    Re: Anyone have any idea if this woud work?

    What do you think of this one?

    Intrepid Control Systems
     
  4. rachaelseven

    rachaelseven New Member

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    Re: Anyone have any idea if this woud work?

    I think it's pretty much the same price as the Mongoose, so why mess around with something unproven when you can just buy the one that is known to work.
     
  5. SkiTrak

    SkiTrak Junior Member

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    Re: Anyone have any idea if this woud work?

    It is about $200 less then the Mongoose based on my Googling.

    Do you know where I can get a new Mongoose for $300?
     
  6. rachaelseven

    rachaelseven New Member

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    Re: Anyone have any idea if this woud work?

    Link Removed
     
  7. SkiTrak

    SkiTrak Junior Member

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  8. Paul58

    Paul58 Mileage Miser

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    I know this is WAY off topic, but a full tank of gas was actually listed on my Window Sticker! So, it's already included in the price you're paying for the vehicle, i.e. not a goodwill gesture by the dealership...
     
  9. rrg

    rrg Active Member

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    Does the Mongoose cable adapter come apart?
    I wonder if it could be built from a parts list?
    They sell the universal OBDII connector assembly for cheap, $5.00.
     
  10. rachaelseven

    rachaelseven New Member

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    I'm sure it could be built, but I would be very surprised if it didn't have at least a proprietary eeprom or something like that.
     
  11. rrg

    rrg Active Member

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    Are there any other low cost options out there.
     
  12. pEEf

    pEEf Engineer - EV nut

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    There's almost no chance that any device put into a car in the last 10 years needs a Vpp to accept programming. In any event, this would only be if you are intending to re-flash an ECU with new firmware. To query the ECUs, activate functions, etc, programming would never be needed.
     
  13. pEEf

    pEEf Engineer - EV nut

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    It appears that the Chinese have knocked off (or are at least back-dooring) the Mongoose interface.

    Here is a supplier offering one for $250 FOB China.

    Here is another for $260, claiming "Equal to Drew Technologies"

    This one even has the Drew logo and the flyer on the page!

    I seriously believe these are all knock-offs. This seems to happen anytime someone tries to sell some simple electronic item for 1000% over the BOM. Beware though: Caveat Emptor!
     
  14. AbuS3ood

    AbuS3ood Member

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    what about tactrix OpenPort 2.0 with GenII prius and techstream(reading and setting configurations)?
     
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  15. shamrock1

    shamrock1 Junior Member

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    Buy Mongoose MFC its worth it, if you are done with it you can always sell it on ebay
    I got mine from Turner tools, its good for reading /clearing codes and diagnostic purpose but to calibrate you still need to pay toyota $55/day
     
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  16. pEEf

    pEEf Engineer - EV nut

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    I have tested several of the "alternative" interfaces:

    The Tactrix OpenPort 2.0 will indeed work with TechStream, but not 100%. It seems to have problems with K-line timing and will generate errors occasionally, but it does do most everything most people want to do. One of the notable K-line functions it has trouble with is the stuff involving key programming.

    The Chinese Mongoose knock-off called a "Mangoose" has crappy drivers, but actually works better than the Tactrix and will do the K-line functions. The drivers are buggy and do cause occasional problems requiring a reboot, but for most functions it works well. No, you cannot use the Drew drivers from a real Mongoose either. The "Mangoose" shipped with a Pirated version of TechStream that's older than what's currently on the TIS site, but it still connected to a 2010 Prius.

    FYI: All of the major ECU's in the Prius are Flash-based and can be reprogrammed, but only if Toyota issues a new software version. You must also have a current subscription to TechStream and an active internet connection. Toyota refers to firmware updates as a "calibration". The firmware data is encrypted and protected by some sort of hash. I did not spend much time on this analysis, but my conclusion is that it would not be easy to alter the firmware, if at all.

    I originally set out hoping to alter the firmware in the Battery ECU, but instead I simply built my own after reverse-engineering it.
     
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  17. 10Prius

    10Prius Junior Member

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    Hi all,

    Long time lurker. I been following these post regarding some added features our Prius have and dealer wanting money to customized the vehicle to it's customers wants and needs. I been following pEEf post for awhile regarding his knowledge and know how regarding the car CAN bus system.

    Hopefully my post will clear up some questions that has been asked in the past but no one had a definitive answer to.

    First off, there are two cables from Drew Technologies that will work with the Toyota Techstream software. The two that will definitely work is the Drew Technology Mongoose Toyota (MFC) cable as it been verified by the maker. The other one is also from Drew Technology Mongoose ISO/CAN cable. If you look at both specs the only difference other than the price tag is the Toyota (MFC) supports J1850VPW (mainly a Chrysler/Fiat Protocol). I took a gamble on this cable thinking why do we need the J1850VPW protocol? So for those who are looking to tweak the software on their Prius, you only need the Mongoose ISO/CAN cable which is listed for $295 on Drew Technology website. There's no need for the Toyota (MFC) - Most Foreign Cars $495 cable to work with the Toyota Techstream.

    I received the cable today and did minor tweaking and added another SKS to my 2010 Prius all within 15 minutes. So anyone in the Socal area that want to customized, add SKS fob, or add/remove TPMS sensor. Hit me up PM, I'll do the service free of charge. My contribution back to the Prius community.

    As for the Tactrix Openport 2.0 cable, it will work but I got too many errors on my HP Windows XP laptop. Just like pEEF stated, you run into error messages when you trying to add the SKS fob. I took some pictures of the Techstream menu for you to see what you can do.
     

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  18. snijd

    snijd DIY or die

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    You'd only need J1850VPW to talk to a 1996-97 Toyota. It's also used by GM. I believe the Mongoose you purchased is described in some places as VW-compliant.

    Update: Tuner Tools says about the Mongoose ISO/CAN version: "We know from experience the ISO version does not work as a J2534 device on a lot of Asian and European models and that it actually WAS developed (by Drew Tech) specifically for VW. The whole reason they developed the MFC version was for Toyota & a few others where the ISO model only works as an OBD-II device (not as a J2534 pass-thru)."

    I guess YMMV.
     
  19. rrolff

    rrolff Prius Surgeon

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    Where do you this 'Mangoose' cable? I've searched EBay to no avail...

    TIA!
     
  20. pEEf

    pEEf Engineer - EV nut

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    Google is your friend, search for "TIS Mangoose". Be sure it doesn't auto-correct and substitute MONgoose for MANgoose!