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  1. Alnilam

    Alnilam The One in the Middle

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Carlsbad, CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    I just saw a short review of CarMD (CarMD.com) in PC World today. It is a hand-held device that plugs into a car's On-Board Diagnostic Port II. It gives indications of (1996 or later) car problems that are spelled out more clearly, with diagnostic codes and possible fixes, when you re-attach the device to your home computer's USB port using their software.

    Where is this port on the Prius? Anybody have any experience/ideas if this is a worthwhile gadget for our favorite car? It connects on-line, with car registration necessary, and is good for up to three cars, allowing a maximum of three reports a month per car. It gives unlimited reports of smog-test-pass predicability. It costs $90, not sure if for year or forever.

    BTW, does the Prius need to be smog-checked in California?
     
  2. catmother

    catmother IEEE Life Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    So California
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    The Prius does not ever require smog testing in California. In fact, existing smog test equipment is not capable of testing the Prius.
    I have an OBDC tester purchased from Kragen on sale about a year ago. About $50. This is a basic tester that will read all the mandated general codes (but not manufacturer specific codes) and will indicate all faults in that category. I can also reset fault codes and reset the check light. Have not ever needed to do this on my Prius.
    The OBDC connecter is under the dash, forward of where the drivers knee is. The tester works fine on the Prius and on any OBDC compliant car. Every compliant car is required to have a placard under the hood whick lists OBDC compliance. My Prius has such a placard.
    My reader is made by Innova, www.codereader.com The Prius uses a "scanbus" and the Innova reader is scanbus capable. You can get this tester at any autoparts house or probably cheaper from an internet dealer. There is no computer interface on this tester.
    No experience with CarMD. Some owners like the Scanview tester, more expensive but much more versatile.

    Peter
    K6OPY
     
  3. IsrAmeriPrius

    IsrAmeriPrius Progressive Member

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    2005 Prius
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PAK @ Aug 9 2006, 04:56 PM) [snapback]300493[/snapback]</div>
    The exemption is in place only until January 1, 2010.

    Here is the link:

    State of California Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Automotive Repair
     
  4. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PAK @ Aug 9 2006, 04:56 PM) [snapback]300493[/snapback]</div>
    have you actually pluged it in and see if it can connect to the car Most Innova readers can't. Unless it say's CAN capable it won't find the car. I've got one in the basement that can't find the CAN buss in the 2k4.
     
  5. eagle33199

    eagle33199 Platinum Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Alnilam @ Aug 9 2006, 06:20 PM) [snapback]300470[/snapback]</div>
    It looks like all you have is the one time upfront cost - no cost to use the report generating feature or the website (i just went in and registered to see if it would ask me for money - can't find anything that does)
     
  6. catmother

    catmother IEEE Life Member

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    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Frank Hudon @ Aug 9 2006, 11:50 PM) [snapback]300645[/snapback]</div>
    As I said in my post "The Prius uses a "scanbus" and the Innova reader is scanbus capable. "
    My reader is the model 3100, I have tested it on the 06 Prius and it works properly

    Peter
     
  7. Drift Motion

    Drift Motion RMS13

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Pasadena/Riverside, CA
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    DMV site clearly states no Smog check for Hybrid vehicle
     
  8. IsrAmeriPrius

    IsrAmeriPrius Progressive Member

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    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Drift Motion @ Aug 11 2006, 12:36 AM) [snapback]301366[/snapback]</div>
    This is what the the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Automotive Repair clearly states:

     
  9. Richard Harris

    Richard Harris New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 26, 2016
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    Location:
    Moncks Corner, SC 29461
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    How do you use the CarMD on a Prius 2012? The CarMD manual says the car has to be ON, but not cranked, how do I get to that On with having the motor cranked?
     
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome! try pressing power once, or twice, without pressing the brake.
     
  11. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Location:
    Clearwater, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    How much is the CarMd?

    I would be surprised if it can pull Hybrid Codes.
     
  12. Richard Harris

    Richard Harris New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Thanks for the information!
     
    bisco likes this.