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Which OBD/CAN code reader to get?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by prberg, Dec 7, 2006.

  1. prberg

    prberg Member

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    2004 Prius
    Hi all...

    I'm just a bit confused about what code readers will work with the Prius. I know the CAN-View is a really nice option. Also the Scan Gauge also looks pretty good. I am thinking about buying a reader for my Dad for Christmas. And I thought if I could use it on my Prius from time to time that would be nice too. Basically all we would need is the ability to read trouble codes off vehicles and clear that code out. I'm looking at the cheap readers that are on ebay or at auto part stores ($50-$80).

    I know that OBDII is one of the standards. What about CAN... does the Prius use both standards somehow? Can I get a reader that is OBDII compatible? Does it also have to be CAN compatible to be able to read codes from the Prius? If it doesn't have the CAN functionality will it still work and maybe report less codes?

    I would appreciate any advice or clarification.

    thanks,
    -Peter B
     
    #1 prberg, Dec 7, 2006
  2. glenk

    glenk Member

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    Three
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(prberg @ Dec 7 2006, 07:00 PM) [snapback]359084[/snapback]</div>
    OBDII was required in all cars after 1996, the CAN protocol is the most recent enhancement for OBDII and I believe will be required for all cars in the future, so it might be a bit more cost effective to pay extra for CAN capability. Here's the handheld model I was considering but I bought a PC based system so I'd have scanning and capturing ability.

    Equus
     
    #2 glenk, Dec 7, 2006
  3. nicoss

    nicoss New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(prberg @ Dec 7 2006, 04:00 PM) [snapback]359084[/snapback]</div>
    For your dad’s car the Scangauge-II should be perfect;

    As for your PRIUS the choices are really limited. Please review the attached link
    http://priuschat.com/CAN-View-Software-Updates-t15966.html and search this forum for CAN-View. You will get a treasure-trove of information about it.
     
    #3 nicoss, Dec 7, 2006
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