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on board diagnosis vs scan tool

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Raqune, Oct 13, 2008.

  1. Raqune

    Raqune Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2008
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    Location:
    Portland Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I am shopping for an early Prius. After a couple of trys having a mechanic look at a potential car of interest and pull codes (for $100+ each) it's becoming clear to me that it will become very expensive. I would like to find a better way to eliminate cars with problems before investing more time & $.

    Is there a way to access diagnostic information on 2001-2003 prius using the onboard screen or must a seperate tool be purchased?

    If a seperate tool is purchased, it sounds like OBDII gives most for $$ but does it give access to sub-codes? Or is that Toyota exclusive domain?

    I think I can use the scan tool to my advantage after the purchase and also on other vehicles we own. Any suggestions on best way to approach this?
     
    #1 Raqune, Oct 13, 2008
  2. rigormortis

    rigormortis Active Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    san jose, ca
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    you will need a seperate tool. the scanguage II sold here is really popular because its not only a scantool but you can also read other stuff like fuel economy

    its probably a good idea to make sure the scantool you buy supports CAN because a lot of newer cars use it. i know 2004-2009 uses CAN but don't know about 2001-2003

    the codes in the mfd are not engine codes, just codes the mfd stores when it encounters errors with "av-lan" devices like the radio, camera, cd player, dvd player, etc

    there is some device called canview??? that lets you pull codes and stuff on the mfd screen, i don't know if it is still available

    i think there are plenty of retail shops / service departments that will pull codes for free...
     
    #2 rigormortis, Oct 13, 2008
  3. JimboK

    JimboK One owner, low mileage

    Joined:
    May 1, 2006
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    Location:
    Chesterfield, VA
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    No it's not, except for 2004+ Prius with a plug-in modification. And it never was available for the 2001-2003 models.
     
    #3 JimboK, Oct 13, 2008
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