Check Engine Light

The Mini VCI is a single lead with a USB plug at one end "for the computer" and a large OBD 2 Plug "to fit the car" with all the electronics built in at the other. It comes with a driver and minimal instruction CD. I will post a link shortly.

John (Britprius)

 

GC link for VCI there are many on Ebay cheaper than this one, but this one says delivered from UK, and is the same version I have. Search Mini VCI on Ebay or use link.
2012 MINI VCI FOR TOYOTA & Software TIS Techstream Interface Cable OBD2 OBDII

John (Britprius)

 

Check the level of coolant in the radiator (not the header tank) as this can cause this problem if low on coolant.

John (Britprius)

 

GC see below for first page of HV battery printout from Mini VCI.



John (Britprius)

 

The Prius actually monitors the position of the valve so the valve should be changed if topping up does not clear the problem, but you may have to top up more than once if air is in the system. Also check for engine water pump leak.
Cost wise I cannot help you with as I am in the UK and we do not have the coolant control valve or the thermos on our vehicles making life much simpler and cheaper.
I also do not know if this code will clear it's self after a few make ready cycles, but probably will after disconnecting the 12 volt battery.

John (Britprius)

 

That is my understanding, but I could be wrong. If you are happy with Torque, use it. I am in no way discounting or discrediting the product. FWIW, I was implying that the OP may not be able to read the code with a generic scanner. As it turned out, it appears to be a simple engine code which is a good thing for the OP.

Getting back to the OP's problem, I am glad to see that the problem has properly been diagnosed. Let us hope that he/she is able to get the system refilled properly and is able to get all of the air out of it.

 

Incredible that people come to this site...join...post...before even actually opening the hood.

 

John (Britprius)

I am in front of my laptop with my credit card in hand. where can I buy this VCI? any link would be much appreciated. any link where I can do my home work and read or know everything about VCI?
thank you

 

You do not give me a clue as to where in the world you are. This can be very helpful. If you go onto Ebay and do a search on Mini VCI with Techstream you should find lots.

John (Britprius)

 

NJ USA.

 

I am reading amazon reviews about this and it seems a little confusing. but Ill keep reading around until I know what I am doing.
I have 2 Priuses. mine 2gen 04 and wife's 3gen 010. it will be a good investment.
thanks for any additional info.

 

I suggest you put that in your avatar, as this can greatly affect the help you get here on PC. Sometimes this is as simple as guiding you to local workshops or supplies, but often there are differences in Prius systems especially in the areas of fuel tanks, cooling system, brakes, and wheels/tyres.

John (Britprius)

 

The VCI once up and running on your car is fairly intuitive to use, there being different sections to enter on the main screen such as, engine, transmission, AC, HV battery, and body. I am sure there is more these were from memory. If you can find your way round a computer you can use the VCI.
It is easier to set up if your laptop runs XP or Vista, but it can be made to run on windows 7 or 8. The first time you use it it will pay for it's self.
To a degree on the gen2 but more so on the gen3 you can set up or turn off items that you now have to pay the dealer for, EG reverse and seatbelt beep and light timings.

John (Britprius)