OBD2 app question

Before I bought any scanner worth a dang I had it innova from advance auto that read most my codes and ABS .until I got to brake bleeding and serious HV issues it worked well . Now that I know this breed or model better I could do most of it with pretty much nothing now . Most issues with the Gen2 we're made for field repair without too specd. Equipment . Now past Gen2 and toyoda made it not so much . And lots folk out in wild now know a lot of this. .And how long are many folks going to be beating around in a 04 to 08 car . Most of y'all's minds won't allow you to do that you have to keep up with the neighbors the Joneses and all very few people no matter their financial status cannot make themselves do this I swear to God this is the truth and if you're under 40 it's almost out of the question you'll be bashed on social media and everywhere you go you have to get past all that it is kind of funny

 

This thread may be of interest:

Gen2 OBD2 app review | PriusChat

 

Well, you have a simple enough question, but the answer is a little complicated and potentially confusing, esp. to someone new to DIY.

A scantool such as the factory Techstream software and adapter can do the following:

-Scan the 15 or 16 ecu's on a Gen2 Prius (electronic control units or "computers") for codes and clearing them.

-Retrieve any freezeframe data - a "snapshot" of operating data that the ecu captures when a code sets.

-Retrieve INF or detail codes - subcodes that some ecu's have that can focus troubleshooting tests in a particular direction.

-View data from any of the ecu's - this is a list of certain sensor inputs and ecu outputs that change in "real time". Engine speed, temperature, accelerator pedal position, etc go into the engine ecu, while things like injector, ignition, &cooling fan control are outputs.

-Record and save data in order to view it at a later time. aka "datalogging", this can help track down faults that might happen intermittently while driving.

-Bidirectional tests - this allows you to command the ecu to activate certain controls such as the engine fuel pump, cooling fan, warning lights, solenoids, etc.

-Perform special service functions such as bleeding air from the ABS hydraulic assembly, registering new TPMS tire sensors, programming new key fobs to the car, etc.

-Setting some options that let you "customize" how your car functions- things like how the car responds to the fob when you "unlock" (mine is set to unlock all doors with one press and no "chirps" but still flash the lights).

Now some apps can talk to a few ecu's. On a Gen2, Car Scanner only pulls basic codes and data for the engine (aka the ECM), hybrid control, and high voltage battery ecu's. No other functions.

Of the apps that use a "separate" OBD adapter, maybe OBD Fusion has the best coverage (ie the most ecu's), but I found the user interface clumsy and slow. How many ecu's depends on how good the adapter is. The app only seems to have basic codes and data for the ecu's it can talk to.

Other apps only work with their own specific adaptor. This is where things get confusing. All of them (autel, thinkdiag, anyscan, and mucar) can scan all the ecu's for basic codes and data. Some can do freezeframe, or INF codes, others can't. Not all can do bidirectional controls, or datalogging. Some charge an annual fee (or subscription) for vehicle coverage or the ability to do certain service functions.

All four have different versions or variants of their devices that have different coverage (ie, the number of different cars or car brands that the tool will allow you to connect to), functions, and costs (subscriptions). All four seem to work fine on a iphone SE running ios 15.6.1

It comes down to what you think you need or want your scantool to be able to do, and what your budget is. The app review thread that was linked shows some of what each app can do.
None of these more capable apps are anywhere as "easy" to use as Dr Prius .

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Yes Dr Prius is only for HV battery data; and codes (engine and some hybrid control / HV batt codes).

For what it does, it's fairly easy to use. In comparison anything else will require more steps to set up and more menu selections to get where you want.

I mentioned that because of your desire for "something super easy to use". Some apps are not.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.