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OBD2 software for Windows PC

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by AmirZ, Aug 14, 2023.

  1. AmirZ

    AmirZ Junior Member

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    Hello,
    I have a OBD2-USB cable to read the OBD2 codes.
    All I need is to read the voltage of the hybrid battery blocks.
    Is there any free software for Windows PC so I can install on my laptop just to read the voltage of Hybrid battery cells ?
    Thanks
     
    #1 AmirZ, Aug 14, 2023
  2. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Active Member

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    #2 Brian1954, Aug 14, 2023
  3. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Why not just use Android and all of those silly apps that can do that even with the Bluetooth dongle that cost like $12 at least many of those can at least read your block voltages or module voltages or whatever I don't think you have to go crazy with necessarily window software I think they're quite a few pieces of software that can work on your phone but if you want to work with a Windows laptop or tablet there's a whole section here that goes over the USB cables and their capabilities and the capabilities they don't have Good luck.
     
    #3 Tombukt2, Aug 14, 2023
  4. AmirZ

    AmirZ Junior Member

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    My cable is Mini-VCI J2534.
    I do have an ELM 327 and a few apps which it works fine reading all other codes, but for hybrid battery voltage apparently the only app is Dr. Prius and that app doesn't recognize ELM 327 or may be ELM 327 isn't good enough for hybrid battery voltage reading because 6 of the connectors are not even connected to the board, so I thought before I buy a new dongle, I try the cable I have.
    But if you guys have a better and easier suggestion, I can try it.
    First please tell me if there is any other app that can read hybrid battery voltage using ELM 327.
    Or ELM just isn't advanced enough for that?
    Thanks for your help.
     
    #4 AmirZ, Aug 14, 2023
  5. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    There are many counterfeit ELM 327 devices out there. Some of them just don't work. Try another.
     
    #5 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Aug 14, 2023
  6. alftoy

    alftoy Senior Member

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    Try Hybrid Assistant, Android
    Hybrid Assistant: OBD
     
    #6 alftoy, Aug 14, 2023
  7. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Active Member

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    Then you should download and install TechStream on your Windows PC.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #7 Brian1954, Aug 14, 2023
  8. AmirZ

    AmirZ Junior Member

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    I tried Hybrid assist too but it doesn't work with this ELM I have.
    I have 4 other apps ( Car Scanner, in Car Doc, OBD auto doctor, Torque Lite ) which they all work fine with ELM but none read hybrid battery voltage.

    Is TechStream free ?
     
    #8 AmirZ, Aug 14, 2023
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  9. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Not really they're hacked copies available but it drives everybody crazy because of the spyware malware software whatever's in the mess I find it hard to believe well anyway. Three post back or so there's a list of all the things you're asking about It may clear up a lot for you.
     
    #9 Tombukt2, Aug 14, 2023
  10. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Active Member

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    Hacked versions are fee. Do a Google search.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #10 Brian1954, Aug 14, 2023
  11. alftoy

    alftoy Senior Member

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    Yes, hacked versions, but you have to buy dongle, or maybe will work with your Mini-VCI J2534. You're on your own trying to find the correct version for your Mini-VCI J2534. How did you get Mini-VCI J2534, normally will come with Techstream.

    I bought VXDiag VCXNano, works fine with Techstream.

    WIFI version VXDIAG VCX NANO for TOYOTA TIS Techstream V18.00.008
    Further down page shows link to download compatible Techstream.
     
    #11 alftoy, Aug 14, 2023
  12. AmirZ

    AmirZ Junior Member

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    I got it from a neighbor who did not need it anymore. OK, if getting this TechStream is so tricky, then may be I just get a new dongle.
    Apparently this one works with Dr. Prius :

     
    #12 AmirZ, Aug 14, 2023
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  13. Goodcitizen

    Goodcitizen Junior Member

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    #13 Goodcitizen, Aug 14, 2023
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  14. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    If your ELM device works with Torque, then you should be able to "turn on" the Gen2 Prius add-on data lists. BUT you need the paid "pro" version of Torque to do this.

    Car Scanner also has (some) hybrid control and HV battery data. Go to "All Sensors" then scroll way down, that's where the battery block voltage data should be. Again, I have the paid "pro" version, but I'm not sure you need that.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #14 mr_guy_mann, Aug 14, 2023
  15. AmirZ

    AmirZ Junior Member

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    #15 AmirZ, Aug 15, 2023
  16. AmirZ

    AmirZ Junior Member

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    Thank you. I tried the Car Scanner again. I went to "All Sensor" and looked at all the options. There is nothing there for Hybrid battery.
    I already ordered this new dongle for $14. It should arrive today and I will try it with Dr. Prius to see what voltage I have on the blocks.
    The codes I see are P0a80 and P3017 ( weak block 7 )
    The other problem I have is that as soon as I start the car ( even after 3 days ) , the hybrid battery fan starts running at high speed. I don't understand how in literally 5 seconds the battery gets so hot that it triggers the fan.
    Does this mean I have problem with the invertor too ?
     
    #16 AmirZ, Aug 15, 2023
  17. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    The hybrid battery fan starts running at high speed simply because those two codes are set. It doesn't mean your battery is hot.
     
    #17 dolj, Aug 15, 2023
  18. AmirZ

    AmirZ Junior Member

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    Hi folks,
    The $14 dongle worked great.
    Attached please see the voltage of the blocks.
    Obviously I need to replace the 2 cells in block 7.
    Apparently the proper way is to load test each cells and see which one has low capacity and also change those cells too, correct?
    I don't have these fancy machines for charging and discharging 4 cells at a time, 3 to 5 cycles each cells so I think the best thing I can do is to find a 14 or 21 volt charger for a monitor or laptop and charge 2 or 3 cells at a time and then connect a headlamp to each cell one by one for 2 minutes and see how much the voltage drops after 2 minutes and choose a few of the low capacity cells to be replaced too. Is this the right way to do this?
    Thank you again for your help.
     

    Attached Files:

    #18 AmirZ, Aug 15, 2023
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