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Is There a Diagnostic Mode for Gen 4 Pruis?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by ice9, Jun 28, 2019.

  1. ice9

    ice9 Active Member

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    The 2008 Prius had a self-diagnostic mode that you could enter by holding down the display button and turning the headlights on and off three times. Is there anything similar to this for the gen 4 Prius?
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    From the Repair Manual, haven't really read through it.
     

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  3. ice9

    ice9 Active Member

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    OK. I guess I should have been more specific - i.e. "is there a diagnostic mode for the 2018 Prius 4 premium (11 inch display, /w entune & 10 JBLs)?"

    The 2018 Prius 4 does not have a "car" switch as far as I can tell, and doubt the 2nd method would work with entune).

    Thanx anyhow.
     
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  4. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    What would you be wanting to do with said "diagnostic mode"?

    In the earlier generations, it wasn't useful for much of anything except issues with the infotainment electronics, testing your touch screen, and maybe getting a rough reading of your 12 V battery voltage, along with finding out whether the taillights, backup lights, or parking brake are on.
     
  5. ice9

    ice9 Active Member

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  6. husami

    husami Junior Member

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    What about the Dr. Prius app with an OBD-II reader?
     
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  7. Elektroingenieur

    Elektroingenieur Senior Member

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    Yes, but it’s described in a separate topic of the Repair Manual (more info); the pages @Mendel Leisk posted are for models without the navigation system. The procedure to start it is the same, though, except the AUDIO or HOME button is used instead.

    As @ChapmanF kindly noted above, and as I’ve posted before, this isn’t a general diagnostic or indicating system for the car, and it’s not a substitute for a Toyota Techstream diagnostic system.
     
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  8. ice9

    ice9 Active Member

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    I am looking at the various ODP2 apps like Torque Pro, etc. Unfortunately, most of these require excessive permissions to access smartphone functions that appear to circumvent phone privacy restrictions - I suspect for 3rd party data mining. Techstream, on the other hand, is too cumbersome for my purposes. If I cannot find a workaround to the privacy issue, I'll probably end up getting an ODP2 app (and/or as you suggest, an ODP2 reader) as these appear to be the most practical way to go.
     
    #8 ice9, Jun 29, 2019
    Last edited: Jun 29, 2019
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    ^ Maybe the developer of the Dr. Prius app would like to comment? Paging @jacktheripper ?
     
  10. jacktheripper

    jacktheripper Active Member

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    Great question from @ice9, I work in health care industry therefore I know the importance of user privacy, here is a list of permission requirement and explanation from Dr. Prius App:

    Storage access -> Store test results and saved data in local storage.
    WiFi -> Connect to App store for purchasing information, connect to WiFi OBD2 adapter, connect to Yelp to retrieve repair shop around user.
    Bluetooth -> Connect to Bluetooth OBD2 adapter
    Location -> Feed coarse location to Yelp for a list of repair shops.

    hope this helps,
    Jack
     
  11. ice9

    ice9 Active Member

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    I assume you are speaking on behalf of the product that you are promoting to be so knowledgeable on this matter <sarc>.

    ALL programs use storage. The issue is whether or not you want to access storage for purposes other than what's necessary for the app... ...such as for cookies (in which case you advise the user that you install cookies) or collect other information that the user may not want you to have access to. Reputable programs at least provide notification of access specific to the need (over and beyond temporary storage) and give the user the opportunity to deny that access. That way the user is made aware of when and by whom access is obtained.

    WiFi permissions are not necessary. If the user does not want you to use WiFi to promote your products, you should respect this. Other apps have a simple remedy for this when they want to promote their products. They provide a box that the user can check to say if the user wants to receive promotions or they sell their product as "freeware" with ads. What YOU want is to be able to access the user's smartphone without the user's knowledge.

    The point being made, for the above permissions, is that the requests are too broad. They basically circumvent the user's smartphone privacy agreement. That's why service providers warn users with a disclaimer that their privacy policy does not cover third party applications.

    Yes. Bluetooth is required for this app. But, no. Location is not required for this app.

    If your app only requested Bluetooth access, and you specifically stated why you needed memory/wifi access, WITH reference to a formal privacy agreement, THEN I might use your product.
     
    #11 ice9, Jun 30, 2019
    Last edited: Jun 30, 2019
  12. jacktheripper

    jacktheripper Active Member

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    Hi @ice9 , the App will prompt you for permission the first time you install (or re-install), you can selected accept or deny.

    Just FYI Apple or Google will review/scan the App for security hole every time developer upload a new release. Not everyone can upload anything to the App store, it doesn't work like that.
     
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  13. ice9

    ice9 Active Member

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    And the app will still install if you select deny?

    If so, then that's better, depending upon which options to permissions are offered (you cited five separate permission category). I would expect that accepting (granting) memory access would be pre-requesit for installation, so you would still need a separate privacy statement to go along with it to limit scope. Providing unfettered memory access is still unacceptable for obvious reasons.
     
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  14. jacktheripper

    jacktheripper Active Member

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    yup, you still can install but later error/warning message will pop-up saying file access error or internet connection not found.. etc
    if security/privacy is a big concern, my suggestion will be using an old phone/tablet to install App, and keep your daily phone isolated. hope this helps.

    Jack

     
  15. ice9

    ice9 Active Member

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    Yes. That was my next option. I have an old Iphone 6 that I can use. The question is whether or not the app can be installed via wifi.
     
  16. jacktheripper

    jacktheripper Active Member

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    I also use my old iPhone 6 to develop this App so it's perfect.
    and yes, it can install via wifi.

     
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  17. ice9

    ice9 Active Member

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    Thanx!
     
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  18. Samsonite801

    Samsonite801 Junior Member

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    I know this is a super old post, but just thought I'd share an idea I practice. I just buy a used phone on eBay which I never activate cellular and don't put any personal info on, and you can run all the apps like car stuff on it.

    I have my normal iPhone SE I use in daily life for calls and text, then I have another SE and even a Samsung Note 5 (I use for Android apps), where they can be for anything you don't trust or whatever. You can just disconnect it from your home WiFi or connect it to your Guest WiFi if you want.