Hi Prius tekkies: I tried running a search on "CAN view" but didn't really get my question answered. The subject came up for me in another forum on blocking the grills to improve performance and mileage in cold weather and several posters, including Evan Fusco, suggested that without CAN view, we should be a bit more careful because we would not have the temperature monitoring capability CAN view offers. So, what kind of hardware/software comprises CAN view? As to what it does, I believe it's some kind of system for measuring a wide range of performance parameters, but how is it installed? Does it work through the MFD screen or, as some posts suggest, does it require the installation of an LCD screen somewhere? Can it be installed by a dealer or car audio guys if one is not inclined to dismantle the dash on his own? How expensive is it? Bob
It connects in the most basic way to the OBD II/CAN plug under the dash. Depending upon what MY Prius you have and whether or not it has the NAV will determine which system you get. Probably the best way for you to see what it does and how it works is to go to eflier's/Norm's site on it... http://www.hybridinterfaces.ca Mine interfaces via the MFD. The v4, for '06+ Prius require a seperate LCD screen. The rest of the connections are very simple.
Also consider the ScanGauge: http://www.scangauge.com/ Less data than Can-view, but less expensive and no installation or other pieces needed. It does monitor coolant temps.
Hi Bob Since the new V4 will work in any '04 through '07 Prius and is the simplest installation, you might want to look here also: http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=2...mp;#entry374268 By the way, Norm's site to which you have been referred to twice already is very comprehensive and worth spending some time studying. Norm is great to work with and stands behind his product. I don't think a Prius is complete without a CAN-view. You can really see what is going on in your car. If you have an '05 or '04 Prius, as was said, you have a choice of a unit which is a more difficult installation but uses the MFD. There is a DVD available showing how to do that installation. I have never heard of a shop doing it, but that is not impossible. I did my own (a V4). I know of a person who had another PCer do it for him on an '04.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bob Allen @ Jan 11 2007, 11:59 AM) [snapback]374282[/snapback]</div> On '04 & '05 (I believe that's true, but I have an '05) CAN-View version 3 works through the MFD. On '06 (and presumably later) version 4 of CAN-View is required. CAN-View 4 also works on earlier Prii, but with CAN-View 4, the other display is required. There are advantages/disadvantages to each. I do most of my driving now with CAN-View and only switch back to the regular display to see the mileage bars and cummulative mpg. ScanGauge also provides a lot of information, although I believe not as much as the CAN-View. I mainly went with the CAN-View because version 3 integrates into my system better (I do have NAV, and the NAV version doesn't require removing the dash), and has relays that make PHEV conversion practical. I won't be doing this in the near future, but want to keep my options open. Price will vary depending on what you want. Mine was about $550, counting cables, shipping and PHEV relay boards. I know this doesn't answer all your questions, but you'll get other input from those more knowledgeable that I am about this. Dave M.
I guess the answer is what you want to do? The MFD and the ICE temperature display on the Scan Gage can give you the basic information you need to push the limits of mpg. The CAN View lets one delve deeper into the system. Beyond basic intellectual curiosity I don't think it can add much to make you a better Prius driver. In summer the Hyper-miler team did better than 110 mpg. That was with a warmed up car driving continuously with out anything other than the feel of the car and the MFD. I think that the CAN View and the Scan Gage will help to get those few extra mpg if that is what you are into. The CAN View will let you explore some of the inner workings of the HSG system. It totally depends on what you want.
