Want to buy a Reliable Code Reader under $50

Welcome!

Techstream is the gold standard. It's what Toyota mechanics use. It runs on Windows. Sadly, a fully legitimate copy cost's as much as a used car. But there are lots of Mini vci adapters that come with an older version of the software available for under $50 on Amazon and probably Ebay. It's easiest to install the drivers on a 32-bit Windows laptop, but I've read of people managing it on the 64-bit versions. I have it on a Linux laptop that's running Windows XP in Virtualbox. I keep the wifi turned off so that the ancient Windows XP won't get infected and the Techstream software can't go trying to authenticate and update itself.

Since you have an iPhone, the simple answer would be a wifi OBDII adapter and EngineLink, which is available on the App Store. It's not nearly as versatile, but it's a handy way to see and reset codes as well as monitor sensors. But you will need to install the Prius DTC codes. There's a thread here somewhere about how to get the codes for Toque Pro, which also work with Engine Link.

 

For $25 buy a cheap Android device that can access wifi ( wifi needed only to download the app)
For $6 buy torque pro app
For $18 buy an ELM 327 OBDII Bluetooth adaptor

Not sure why your budget is so low. This will save you hundreds of dollars.

Back in the day these tools cost well over $500 if not $1000. I remember when $200 was a bargain price for a reader.

If you have $120 more you could also by a pirated version of Techstream, minivci, and a cheap Windows XP laptop. This is the most versatile, but more time consuming and awkward to set up.

 

The wifi is dead simple. Just plug the device into the OBDII port and it will make its own network. In the phone, go to "Settings," tap "Wi-Fi," and select the network it created. It should have an obvious name, but the manual will tell you the name in case there's any doubt. When you unplug the adapter from the car, the phone will reacquire your previous network if it's in range.

 

Do not bother buying any 1 trick pony code readers.

I suggest getting an adapter that does not directly read codes.

Instead just get one that collects and transmits the data. (Search elm 327 Bluetooth obdii). There are some as low as $10.

Then use an app, like the $6 Torque Pro app paired with a cheap ($25?) Android phone or tablet.

The whole setup is well within your $50 budget.

 

I like my VXDIAG with TECHSTREAM off amazon.com works very well full techstream one piece unit. The little box plugs into the obd connector the other end is a usb that plugs into a laptop. Has same software as the dealer uses. $77.

I also have a scan gauge X gauge. Thats a really handy box its a universal code reader but no techstream. I keep that in my car everyone at works knows I have it and I help alot of people who have codes pop up on there car.

 

Plus I don’t think an old laptop with a single core running windows 7 would cost that much. Biggest problem would be finding one with a battery good enough to run 1/2 hour or so.

 

Or spend $25 on a new laptop battery?

 

There's literally hundreds on my local craigslist. A few Dell D630's even. Most really cheap some $25.

 

Here mini vci and Techstream, 18 bucks

Cheapest MINI VCI for TOYOTA V13.00.022 Single Cable

Now you just need an old laptop.

 

Could never get knockoff version of techstream to run on my old netbook, but OBDLink® LX Bluetooth | OBDLink® | OBD Solutions paired with Android phone and apps (have Native OBDLink app, Torque Pro, Hybrid Assistance, and other free apps) are serving very well.

 

Follow this.

How to Install Toyota Techstream V13.00.022 on Win7 | | OBD2 Cable

And turn your wireless off when you use it. It try’s to phone home and it gets bricked.

 

My miniVCI is 2 years old, and not sure if it's compatible with the newer version of Techstream. When I tried on my old netbook running Win7 32bit, the driver just would not recognize the miniVCI. Tried few different versions of drivers and software, but no avail. I gave up on it a long time ago. If I have time and inclination, I will give a try again. Thanks for the info, though.

 

Did yours come with a disk? The driver is usually on the disk also. I’m pretty sure those instructions work on older versions. I guess your VCI could be bad also.

 

Yeah, the disk was busted en rout long way from CHINA!

 

Thats the problem then.