least costly way to read INFO subcodes ?

You won't find one because there is not a single configuration. It is not really rocket science as I hope my further responses below will indicate.

Any laptop in working condition that runs Win XP, Win 7, or Win 10. The secret to using Win 10 is to use an installation (and this is mainly the cable drivers) that is 64-bit. The main goal of using a separate laptop is to isolate from your private systems, programs, and data. Even so, you can achieve the same goal of isolating by installing Techstream inside a virtual machine (VM) where you can choose the operating system (OS) and the VM's connectivity.

This statement indicates a fundamental misunderstanding of the components. 1) You need Techstream. This is the software that contains all the specialist knowledge about your Toyota. 2) You need a J2534 compatible interface cable and its associated driver for the system (Windows) to recognize the interface cable. When the system knows about the cable then Techstream can connect to the car via the cable.
J2534 cables come in many forms. Those labeled Mini VCI are knock-offs (oh, the irony) of a J2534 cable put out by a now-defunct company called X-Horse. These are popular because they are cheap (for a reason). However, it might take buying two or three before you get one that works completely and/or reliably. There's the VxDiag VCX Nano made in China, and the Tactrix Openport 2.0 made in California, among various other J2534 dongles. The ultimate J2534 cable would be the Mongoose Pro from Drew Technologies – the Toyota tested and endorsed cable to pair with Techstream. (Caution: don't be fooled by the abundance of Mangoose knock-offs all over e-commerce sites)

It doesn't really matter. Any version from about V3.xx.xxx will know about your Prius. I'd suggest not going higher than V10.xx.xxx just because from what I read installation is easier. But I have seen plenty of screenshots of V11.xx.xxx onwards, so it is not impossible to get more modern versions up and running. Higher versions might deal with 64-bit better, but I have no personal experience.

Suffice it to say in this forum you can assume Gen 2 for sure. 2004-2009 should all be fine with V10.xx.xxx or less so the question is moot, really.

Of course, if you have other more modern Toyota/Scion/Lexus cars in your fleet, that will come into the equation.

You just need to jump in the pool and swim. You can be guaranteed of at least one thing, it will be an adventure. How much of an adventure will really come down to your technical prowess

Techstream is a less costly way to read INFO subcodes, so this is very much on-topic.

 

A recent Toyota dealer mechanic's "Car Care Nut" youtube channel suggested the XTool D7 or D8.

Remember the Techstream versions sold cheap are illegal copies where the instructions tell you to stay offline.

For example, part of their instructions after you do a windows registry hack:


(1) DO NOT change the "User Type" when you will run your TIS Techstream for 1st time! LEAVE IT with the Default option! "Official" Dealer/Repairer with other words...
(2) The software we provide is a offline standalone version, If someday you get a Update Notification from Toyota web to ask you upgrade your current TIS Techstream software , DO NOT do it , just click cancel and move on if you don't have a official Toyota TIS account . Disable internet , Uninstall program , then reinstall and use program without internet . Thank you for your cooperation!

 

Copy all. That makes wonderful sense. Thank you very much.

 

Remember also that if using a hacked Techstream version would go against your grain, you may always download the authentic version from Toyota and install that on your laptop. Whenever you want to use it, it will be ready to go, but you will need to enter an activation key from the TIS website (techinfo.toyota.com). A $65 "professional diagnostic" subscription includes a key that will work for two days. That's generally less than you would pay at a dealer for them to plug their own Techstream rig into your car and tell you what it said, and you don't have the fuss of getting the car to the dealer.

Plus if you decide you have follow-up questions and you want to plug in again and get follow-up answers, you can do as much of that as you want in the two days for no further charge. Try matching that at the dealer.

Toyota - New Subscription

 

Thanks for all the great info I have an old notebook running win 10 64bit. I’ll pick up the software and cable and since I have 2 Prii and work on a third for a friend I might just buy the $498 cable.

 

Dr Prius reads sub codes?!

 

Only the subcodes that you most need to diagnose battery side of the hybrid system... But there's plenty of options for other code readers via phone apps. I think Car Scanner app is currently the new favorite because according to @ChapmanF they let you know which computer detected the trouble codes and most apps don't do that.

 

I use car scanner too but no subcodes I do love all the sensor info tho

 

Hmm... Well a $30 mini-VCI Dongle and Toyota Techstream on a old windows computer is an option. I wonder which app gives subcodes?

 

Autel AP200 and ThinkDiag do.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

there are cheaper ways to get detailed codes (or subcodes as described in this thread) and other good stuff (ABS/TPMS/Injector resets)
- Autel MaxiAP 200 - 55$ in amazon
- Xtool A30D - $159 in amazon

these can be installed in iPhone and Android, I have a laptop with techstream before and I no longer used it since I can just pop in or carry this dongle in my pocket just anywhere. Most of the time you don't really need techstream.