Mini VCI - what's the point ?

Basic readers don't always see hybrid specific codes. "Good" readers that do can cost hundreds of dollars. A mini VCI along with Techstream software and a laptop will read all Prius codes but it really shines at looking at numerous other things like the HV battery state of health, turning off annoying reverse beeps, running diagnostic tests, etc.

If you aren't a DIY type, there's no real need to get one.

 

To observe things will driving, use the phone app Torque with a bluetooth OBD transmitter. Some folks get a super cheap, small android tablet just to keep in the car for such use. You'll plug the wireless transmitter into the OBD port underneath the dash and connect to the tablet/phone via bluetooth.

 

The next time warning lights come on, you will be able to read the trouble codes. Based on the trouble codes, you may be able to get a cursory estimate of what the cost to fix it will be.

As it stands now, any warning lights, you have to goto a place that will read it for free and their reader will most likely not be able to read ALL codes. Then you will have to goto a service shop that will likely charge to read the codes, and even they may not be able to read ALL codes. Last resort is the dealership, which will charge, but can read ALL codes. The diagnostic reading will cost you $100+.

So, imitation Moongoose cable (mini VCI) + hacked Techstream softwares + a spare obsolete laptop (ask friends in IT for this b/c likely they can give it away for free) should be far cheaper than a one time dealer diagnostic fee.

As an added bonus, you will be able to read codes for all Toyotas/Lexus/Scions. The latest models will likely require newer version of Techstream which can be found online somewhere.

Your 2013 is too new, and unlikely to have HV Battery issues. With Techstream and mini VCI, you can look at the HV Battery itself, upload a screen shot of the analysis and the electrical guys can comment. You could learn how to conduct a discharge/charge test to get an idea off the module pair health.

 

Well, there are varying degrees of not handy. Toyota's repair manuals are all on line (the shortest access period you can get is two days for $15, pretty cheap compared to a trip to the dealer to get their opinions) and a nice thing about that is you can easily look up what is likely to be involved for a particular set of codes. Then you can decide how handy you feel. Even if you, quite reasonably, decide that what you see looks over your head and you'd rather have a shop do it, you go to the shop knowing what it is you're asking them to do, which is an advantage.

-Chap

 

I've managed without MiniVCI and Techstream so far. I think about it, that's about as far as it gets. Most basic maintenance can be done without it. If you can snag the Repair Manual (an ugly but tolerable tome) it helps, because nothing is covered in the Owner's Manual anymore. Even brake bleeding can be managed without Techstream, by putting the car into "invalid mode" (a chicken dance of pedal tromps and shifter positions). And brake pad replacements are doable, simply by disconnecting the 12 volt at the outset, and leaving it thus 'till you've completely reassembled and pressurized the brake pedal a few times.

 

never had a mini in 12 years, or worried about my battery. it's a car, enjoy it until it breaks.

 

So the main use is for diagnosing problems with the car. It takes an expensive obd reader to equal its power to read all of the codes from the different Prius ECUs. I depend on my car and I like to fix things myself, so I have one so that if anything breaks, I can instantly read the codes and go get whatever parts I need. It seems like waste to pay a dealer $200 what I can do myself with a $20 cable. I'm also always a bit skeptical about what auto shops tell me the problem is, so if I have the codes I have more information to know if they're trying to swindle me or not.

Techstream would help you diagnose your battery as it can read the voltages across 2 modules (There's 28 modules in gen 2&3, and it reads the voltage across every 2 modules). It sounds like your car is probably okay though; the battery meter on the car simply estimates the capacity of the battery, based on the voltage and current coming from the battery. It doesn't truly know how much charge is left. How the battery behaves changes as the temperature changes and as the battery is first used from being "inactive" overnight; it's not rare for there to be a bit more change than normal at the start of your drive as the surface charge is used and the battery warms. When the battery charge does more drastic swings, it's pointing towards a failure. Unless you've got some serious mileage on your 2013, it's unlikely your battery is anywhere near failure.

Techstream can also change some other settings that are nice to access, like turn on and off your alarm, change the unlock button on your key to unlock all 4 doors with a single push, change how long the interior lights stay on in "door", calibrate the climate control temps to actual, read TMPS tire pressures, etc. There's not a ton of settings, but there are some nice little tweaks you can do.

I consider it well worth the $20 investment, but I also like to diagnose and fix things myself. YMMV.