ODB 2 Reader for Gen 2 and Gen 3 Recommendation Pls?

This is the one I have been using for roughly a decade. It's not cheap, but it works extremely well and it's what the high-end apps require.

OBDLink LX OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner for Android and Windows https://a.co/d/haT7MS9

 

Here's a buyer's guide: Hybrid battery diagnostic and repair tool for Toyota and Lexus

 

Here's a thread that reviews a number of scantool apps and devices. Several of the fancier ones worked ok when I tried them on a Gen3. It comes down to what you need to be able to do.

https://priuschat.com/index.php?posts/3290690

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Budget?

 

for $50 it can do more than the basic obd2 scanners out there.

 

I just purchased this one based on a recommendation from the service reps st Greenbean battery….

I purchased it, but haven’t used it yet…..

 

Just on the price alone, that looks like a very basic engine scanner. It likely is not good enough to scan all of the Prius' computers.

 

Can't beat techstream.
Get an older tablet or laptop with windows 7, a mini vci cable from amazon or somewhere and download v15 of techstream here.
HiDrive
Give it a minute for the download to appear . . . .

 

I have that Autel MS309 "scanner"- it's a decent (budget) device but ONLY does basic generic OBD functions from the ECM.

As mentioned, it can't talk to any of the other 14 or 15 systems on a Gen2.

Not completely useless, just mostly useless.

Now the Autel AP200 is pretty darn good functionality for the price.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Another vote for techstream. It doesn't have to be a W7 PC anymore. It can run within virtualbox under W10 (and I assume W11, maybe even under Linux.) That's for the older hacked versions most people use. If you get a legal version from Toyota (expensive to be able to run it all the time, but a pass for a few days isn't bad) it will run natively on newer Windows.

If you want to carry something in the car all the time try a Veepeak BLE+, which will talk to an app on your Android or IoS phone. The BLE model is almost the same but only supports the older Elm327 protocol.

See also:

Hybrid battery diagnostic and repair tool for Toyota and Lexus

 

Looking @ the Autel AP200 v. the Xtool Anyscan A30 series.
So far, it looks like the Xtools has
- more bidirectional functions(?),
- but not key programming (limber up for some chicken dancing)
- NO extra cost for multiple vehicles indefinitely! vs. Autel 1 vehicle indefinitely & each additional $22/yr. Ugh!!!
- A30M functions> A30D>A30
- A30M $ > A30 > A30D
- Xtools A30M $ > Autel AP 200 > A30D
per my research so far.

How valuable/important are the additional functions the A30M has v. A30D?
And the Autel vs. the Xtools A30 series difference in functionality?

Or… why would I choose the Autel AP200 or Xtools A30M over the A30D, as a non-handy^ but curious/must-be-informed consumer who over researches many things & shops like a nut to get the best $.

^ only basics like tire changes, battery charging, replacing rv mirror, in middle of 1st HV battery swap. Nothing technical or requiring specialty tools (yet)

 

I now have the Launch Creader Elite 2 (specifically for Toyota)
Free updates for life and does most of the things that techstream can do.

 

I have never used my Techstream for a very long time ever since I got the Xtool A30D, for majority of the diagnostic and bidirectional features it's enough for me. Note that Xtool doesn't give INF codes compared to Autel so that's a major bummer but it has lifetime free licenses for all brands and makes which is very important to me since I service other brands of cars.

 

It depends - on what you want or "need" a scantool for.

The Autel AP200 has FreezeFrame data and INF codes (where applicable), most brake system service functions and immobilizer functions. (TPMS sensor programming didn't work for me).

The Xtool A30 series has bidirectional controls, more service functions, but no FF data, INF codes, or immobilizer.

Lots of folks have fixed cars without either, but there are times when having those capabilities is really handy.

HV battery isolation fault code? I want the INF codes.

No start? I want to turn the fuel pump on (easily). Coolant Heat Storage code? Command the coolant pump on or off.

The ThinkCar - ThinkDiag is "the whole enchilada" (ie, pretty much does everything), but I don't want that functionality enough to pay a continuing subscription.

That, and all of these need accounts set up and periodic login in order to work. So lack of network connectivity (or having their server offline) will cause problems.

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