Dr. Prius App

Toyota and Lexus hybrid traction battery diagnostic App

Dr. Prius / Dr. Hybrid is an App developed to assist professional Toyota/Lexus hybrid repair shop and owners to examine/monitor the health of the vehicles High Voltage battery. This App turns your mobile device into a professional diagnostic tool/system that would normally cost thousand of dollars and difficult to use. Our Dr. Prius/Dr. Hybrid App is trusted and used by 125+ professional repair shops around the world. User friendly and easy to use, makes the Dr. Prius App the #1 choice of professionals and home users

Dr. Prius perform test and provides access to all the relevant battery information to quickly help identify problems with a simple touch on the screen of your smartphone, do not fall victim to bad battery, test the battery and print the certificate to prove the health of your hybrid. Dr. Prius means peace of mind and saves your money!

Note: This app requires a Bluetooth OBD plug in interface to communicate with your hybrid vehicle, please see What OBD2 Plug In Unit to buy page for more detailed information.

Note: Most features are free to use. The test features require in-app purchase.

Dr. Prius supported vehicle model:
1. 2020+ Prius all lineup except 4WD version
2. 2020+ Highlander hybrid
3. 2017-2019 Prius Prime Plug-In
4. 2016-2019 Prius Gen4 One, Two, Two Eco, Three(Lithium) and Four(Lithium)
5. 2012-2015 Prius Plug-In
6. 2009-2015 Prius Gen3
7. 2003-2009 Prius Gen2
8. 1997-2003 Prius Gen1 (partial support)
9. Prius V
10. Auris
11. Aqua
12. Prius C
13. Feilder hybrid
14. Axio hybrid
15. Camry Hybrid
16. Avalon Hybrid
17. Highlander Hybrid
18. Lexus CT200h
19. Lexus ES300h
20. Lexus HS250h
21. Lexus RX400h
22. Lexus RX450h
23. Lexus GS450h
24. Lexus LS600h
25. Lexus UX250h
26. CHR Hybrid
27. 2006 Estima Hybrid (partial support on Android and Amazon Fire)
28. GM hybrid - Tahoe

Find the trouble battery blocks:

Android - Find out the remaining life of the Prius traction battery:

iOS - Find out the remaining life of the Prius traction battery:

2017 Prius Gen4 Lithium battery life expectancy test:

2017 Prius Gen4 Lithium battery dagnostic:

Easiest way to find out problem block(s):

Promotion video:

Prius Sodium-ion upgrade

Check out the one and only sodium-ion upgrade pack for NiMH hybrid vehicle SodiumHybrid.com
Taking a look at what the cutting edge sodium-ion chemistry can offer to your aging Prius!!

Feedback

Thank you for your support! If you have any questions and any feedback, please feel free to contact us at: support@PriusApp.com

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ELM327 OBD2 Adapter: The Clone Wars

Nothing can be worse than waking up in the morning and seeing a one-star review from a user claiming my app isn't working. Luckily my friends and loyal users help me identify that 90% of the problems are caused by bad clones out there flooding the market, those bad clones lure users with unbelievable low prices but the results never end well... at least for Dr. Prius App and other hybrid-specific Apps like Hybrid Assistant.

It's a misconception that whatever works for Torque App should also work for Dr. Prius, the reality is, to get to the battery specific information, the OBD2 adapter must have the ability to "set message header" to a different ECU address, while other generic Apps only targeting the main ECU to retrieve very basic vehicle information like speed, rpm, coolant temperature.. etc. So with that, I decided to buy all the cheap clone adapters and see for myself, you, my friend, just sit back and enjoy the show.

PS: Most of the adapters are for Android only, iOS users please jump to the bottom of the page.

The tool/App that I use for testing

1. ELM327 Identifier
2. Elm327 OBD Terminal
3. Dr. Prius App
4. Hybrid Assistant App
5. Torque App

Mini Junk

This expensive adapter claims to support bluetooth 4.0 and all OBD protocols.
Yeah right! this is another junk adapter that is being packaged in a tiny and beautiful space-grey semi-transparent case, however, it is far from usable and it does not have the ability to switch between ECUs, I've tried it on both iOS and Android devices with the same disappointing result. The only App that works for this adapter is called "Mini OBD II" App, it is nothing more than a proxy to the basic vehicle information.

No Name Junk

This no-name Junk is sharing the same packaging as the previous Mini Junk.
It has a nice transparent blue finished, and it "looks like" it is able to switch between ECUs, however in the end it failed to retrieve any battery-related information from both Prius Gen2 and Gen3. Please browse away whenever you see this packaging, I believe they are from the same company that produces defective/un-tested products.

Mother of all Junks

This particularly cheap clone has dominated the market for many years and it's absolutely disgusting, there is a real ELM327 version out there but with a more expensive/realistic price tag.
Definitely one of the worst adapters, it doesn't even support most of the basic OBD command from v1.2 all the way to v2.3, it might work with a few simple OBD apps but definitely not for Dr. Prius.

OBD2 mini with ON/OFF switch

This is a weird adapter that kind of works.
This adapter with On/Off switch has a tendency to losing connection, on top of that it is missing info in every response (missing number of additional bytes at the beginning of each payload). I was able to make it work for Dr. Prius, however, I still do not recommend using this adapter.

GNTOP - almost there

This adapter comes with a nice acrylic case and instruction, it almost passes the test...
My first impression with this adapter is pretty good, it feels like this manufacturer/distributor spent time in branding and packaging, it works for most of the part but unfortunately, it has this weird bug that preventing some data from being retrieved consistently.
Note: This adapter can work with Dr. Prius but is missing DTC error code data, people actually give me one-star reviews for this reason...

Bait and switch Junks

You will find these packages on the internet everywhere, however only a handful of sellers are actually selling the good stuff, so please ~~make sure you see double-layer PCB from the product pictures~~
Update 07/11/2018 - After a couple of one-star user reviews, I found that even a dual-layer PCB could be a bad clone, at this time I don't want to approve any OBD2 adapter in this form factor, it feels like someone from the Chinese factories is watching this post and changing their strategy to counter back, not cool, not recommend and buy at your own risk!
Update 06/09/2018 - Thanks to our friend Alexandr from Belarus, we actually found a good clone on AliExpress that is cheap and works well (as of 6/8/2018), be sure to pick the BLUE or WHITE adapter NOT the black with MINI on it. Please be aware that this seller recently swaps the black adapter with a bad clone that doesn't work at all, NOT COOL!
AliExpress OBD2 adapter for Android

BlueDriver - expensive orphan
I got quite a few requests from users asking if BlueDriver can work, well... The quick answer is NO, even after spending $100 bucks.
Turns out BlueDriver can only work with it own proprietary App using their own proprietary protocols (not ELM327 compatible)
Don't get me wrong, it is an excellent adapter on its own but the story ends there, I have even contacted their technical support and confirmed that it is a closed-loop system that will not work with any other ELM327 software, sorry!

Expensive adapters not always good - OBDLink LX and MX

If you believe expensive items are always good, think again..
I've received 50/50 praises/complaints about this OBDLink adapter that I had to purchase myself despite the expensive price.
Well, turns out this is a really fast adapter but all the good things pretty much stop there. The manufacturer claims to support “both Android and iOS,” however with iOS, it only supports classic Bluetooth and not BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), unfortunately 99% of the iOS App only supports BLE, Dr. Prius App included. Also, I found it frustrating to pair it with Android devices, I think you have to click the connect button either at the right timing or with the right duration to make it discoverable by your Android devices, overall, I would not recommend this fast adapter to users.
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H9S71LW/

Viecar for iOS and Android

Used to be Carista
FIXD is another company selling the same adapter bondo their own App, the adapter works the same but at a much higher price.
Amazon US: Viecar OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter for iOS and Android
AliExpress: Same OBD2 adapter from AliExpress

Dr.Prius OBD2 clone Viecar

PanLong - for Android

An adapter that you can trust!
I got this PanLong OBD2 adapter from Amazon thinking I could return it anytime, and surprisingly that never happened in the past two years. This adapter is the work horse of all my developing and testing efforts.
Open up the case and see for yourself how beefy it is compared to any other clone mini, however their new adapter in red color is defective and won't work for Dr. Prius App or Hybrid Assistant App.

Amazon US (10% promo code LP6ACKZD):
Android only version: https://amzn.to/3kSmvY8
for both Android and iOS: https://amzn.to/3rkAV9G

Dr.Prius OBD2 clone adapter-PanLong

Veepeak for iOS and Android

Great adapter at a good price
Let's start with their Bluetooth for Android, it's basically the same as PanLong or any other beefy clone adapters selling at a great price, great deal!
What really impress me is their Bluetooth BLE 4 adapter out-performing many adapters in terms of speed.
Their WiFi adapter is only an “ok,” due to the fact the on/off button is confusing to use
Amazon US: VEEPEAK OBD2 BLE for iOS and Android
Amazon US: VEEPEAK OBD2 BLE+ for iOS and Android

Dr.Prius OBD2 clone adapter-veepeak

INFOCAR for iOS and Android

Popular OBD2 adapter on Amazon
An user approved/suggested OBD2 adapter.
Amazon US: INFOCAR OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter for iOS and Android

Dr.Prius OBD2 clone infocar

Popular Bluetooth OBD2 adapters that work for Android

Following are the popular OBD2 adapters that approved by many Dr. Prius users.

NEXAS Bluetooth 5.0 (iOS and Android)
Amazon US: NEXAS NexLink Bluetooth 5.0 OBD2 Scanner for iPhone & Android

Dr.Prius OBD2 adapter Nexas bluetooth 5.0 OBD2 adapter

BAFX 34t5 Bluetooth (Android only)
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NLQAHS/

Dr.Prius OBD2 adapter BAFX 34t5

OBD2 scammer that does not work

AUTOPHIX OBD2 Bluetooth Scammer for iPhone & Android

Dr.Prius OBD2 adapter Autophix

Expensive junk

This FIXD adapter cost $60 on Amazon and it is super slow and keep skipping records, although I made it to work for Dr. Prius App but I would not recommend it.
The problem with skipping records is that the test result will not be accurate and I can smell another one-star review already :(

Dr.Prius OBD2 adapter FIXD

Hybrid Assistant helpful page

Please also visit my friends at Hybrid Assitant for more helpful information:
Dr.Prius-friend page

http://hybridassistant.blogspot.fr/p/obd.html
http://hybridassistant.blogspot.fr/2016/08/quality-of-obd-adapters.html

This is it for now, I am pretty sure there are still hundreds of clone adapters out there waiting to be tested, and I am sure there are hundreds of sellers having different opinions than I do. Please feel free to reach out to me at feedback@PriusApp.com, it will be my pleasure to test/re-test your adapter and share the result with the community.

With gratitude,
Jack C.

This page is dedicated to answering one of the most frequently asked questions:
How can I fix the battery on a budget?

Finding the Dead - Single Blade Replacement

If your hybrid battery is showing error code other than P0A80, chance are, one or multiple battery blades need replacement.

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The bad battery blade(s) can be easily identified by running a full battery test or life expectancy test.
Repair shops have a starting rate of $500 USD minimum for this service and parts. Alternatively, you could DIY and save the money towards your next car, Please read the following notes and precautions before moving forward:
1. First and foremost, you should have basic electrical knowledge, Without some base electronic experience or knowledge, by touching the + and - on a high voltage battery pack could result in injures and may even cause death.
2. You should disconnect the orange servicei plug before moving forward with the repair. This will reduce the battery voltage from 200v into the 100v range.
3. You should only repair the battery pack with used blades in similar capacity. Be sure to use battery replacement blades closest in mAh. You cannot use a 3000mAh battery with a 6500mah battery. Doing so may result in error code(s).
4. Reserve a good half day to perform the repair, take your time and do it right. (just FYI a professional can repair a Gen 2 pack in 60 min, 90 min on Gen3 pack.)
5. If you have any questions or concerns, PriusChat.com is the best place to look for answers and to post your questions. There are also many YouTube video available to guide you through the process.
6. Once the repair has been completed, drive the car gracefully for the first couple of days and let the NiMH battery blades balance themselves with this break in period.

Product link: Certified used NiMH blade

Prius used battery blade

Waking the Dead - NiMH Battery Refresh

If your Toyota/Lexus Hybrid is experiencing the famous P0A80 code, chance are, you can refresh and revive the NiMH battery cells by using the Prolong charger and discharger.

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P0A80 is a warning code informing you the performance of the battery pack is bad. At this time the life expectancy test should result in less than 50% remaining in total capacity.
Toyota dealer or most repair shops offer you only one solution for this type of situation. A complete pack replacement that usually will result with an overall cost that is higher than the value of your vehicle.
Fortunately you could refresh/revive the battery pack with the Prolong charger and discharger, the whole refresh process takes about 3 days. Each refresh last 6~12 months, the more you drive, the less frequent you will need to refresh the battery.

Product link: Prolong charger and discharger combo

Prius Prolong charger

Getting Rid Of the Dead - Full Pack Replacement

If your plans are to keep your Hybrid vehicle longer, it is a great idea to replace entire battery pack. This will insure many more years of worry-free driving experience.

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Green Bean Battery company was built around the core of creating a reliable reconditioned hybrid battery and extending the hybrid battery life, they have grown to create a proprietary hybrid battery reconditioning process that enable them to offer a Lifetime Warranty and go above and beyond with their customer service.

Product link: Gen1, Gen2, Gen3 replacement battery pack

Prius whole pack replacement

Tomorrow Never Dies - The ULTIMATE Sodium-ion battery Upgrade

If you are looking for an upgrade and future proof your Toyota/Lexus hybrid, this is the perfect solution.

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After 6 years of research, development and testing, Dr. Prius proudly presents you the Sodium-ion Battery Upgrade solution that take your hybrid vehicle to the next level.
Dr. Prius NexPower Sodium-ion Upgrade Pack directly replaces your old NiMH pack and brings you the following benefits:
1. 1/2 of the weight of the original battery pack Stock NiMH battery weights 80 lbs! Dr. Prius sodium-ion pack weight less than 40 lbs.
2. 4 times more powerful Dr. Prius NexPower Sodium-ion pack delivers 400Amp peak power compared to 100Amp peak power from stock NiMH battery.
3. Better fuel economy with improved EV range NexPower Sodium-ion pack maintain an optimal voltage to trick the computer in favor of electric power. Resulting in better fuel economy
4. Highest Level of safety NexPower Sodium-ion solution is proven to be safe and has been tested in extreme conditions around the world (sub-zero temperature, extreme humidity, extreme desert heat) with more than half million miles logged, test videos available on YouTube, keyword "Dr. Prius lithium test"
5. Toxic free No more hazardous chemical emitted from NiMH chemistry.
5. Affordability NexPower Sodium-ion Upgrade Battery replacement costs less than recondition pack! sodium is abundant and we translate the saving onto customers.

You can follow the progress at PriusChat.com: Lithium replacement project

!!! Pre-order now open with limited quantity and discounted price !!!

Dr. Prius sodium-ion battery replacement

Dr. Prius App

Toyota and Lexus hybrid traction battery diagnostic App

Dr. Prius supported vehicle model:

Find the trouble battery blocks:

Android - Find out the remaining life of the Prius traction battery:

iOS - Find out the remaining life of the Prius traction battery:

2017 Prius Gen4 Lithium battery life expectancy test:

2017 Prius Gen4 Lithium battery dagnostic:

Easiest way to find out problem block(s):

Promotion video:

Prius Sodium-ion upgrade

Feedback

Dr. Prius main features:

Dr. Prius FAQ

Feature request

ELM327 OBD2 Adapter: The Clone Wars

The tool/App that I use for testing

Mini Junk

No Name Junk

Mother of all Junks

OBD2 mini with ON/OFF switch

GNTOP - almost there

Bait and switch Junks

BlueDriver - expensive orphan

Expensive adapters not always good - OBDLink LX and MX

Viecar for iOS and Android

PanLong - for Android

Veepeak for iOS and Android

INFOCAR for iOS and Android

Popular Bluetooth OBD2 adapters that work for Android

OBD2 scammer that does not work

Expensive junk

Hybrid Assistant helpful page

Finding the Dead - Single Blade Replacement

Waking the Dead - NiMH Battery Refresh

Getting Rid Of the Dead - Full Pack Replacement

Tomorrow Never Dies - The ULTIMATE Sodium-ion battery Upgrade