Must-Have: OBD2 Diagnostics
Torque Pro (Android)
Pairs with any ELM327 Bluetooth adapter. Reads generic OBD2 codes. Shows live data: battery temp, SOC, fuel trims. $5 app, invaluable tool.
Dr. Prius App
Prius-specific hybrid battery health check. Shows individual cell voltages. The fastest way to know if your hybrid pack is healthy or dying. Free version is enough to start.
ELM327 Bluetooth Adapter
Generic $15–$30 OBD2 Bluetooth dongle. Plugs into the OBD2 port under the dash (driver's side). Works with Torque and Dr. Prius. Get one with "v1.5" chip — avoid cheap clones.
Techstream (Advanced)
Toyota's official diagnostic software. Reads Prius-specific codes standard OBD2 scanners miss. Requires a mini-VCI cable (~$20 on eBay). Free version available.
Basic Hand Tools (You Probably Own These)
| Tool | Why You Need It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10mm socket & wrench | Almost everything on a Prius is 10mm | Seriously. Buy a magnetic one so you don't lose it in the engine bay. |
| Ratchet set (1/4" and 3/8") | All general repairs | A 72-tooth ratchet is worth it in tight spaces. |
| Torque wrench | Spark plugs, wheel lug nuts | Spark plugs: 13 ft-lbs. Lug nuts: 76 ft-lbs. |
| Trim removal pry tools | Dashboard, door panels, combination meter | Plastic ones only — metal will scratch. $8 set on Amazon. |
| Floor jack + jack stands | Any under-car work | Never use just a floor jack. Always use stands. Prius jack points are marked on the rocker panels. |
| Multimeter | Electrical diagnosis, battery module testing | A $20 digital multimeter is enough for most Prius electrical work. |
Prius-Specific Tools
| Tool | Used For | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|
| HV-safe insulated gloves (1000V rated) | Any work near the hybrid battery | Amazon, electrical supply stores. Non-negotiable for hybrid battery work. |
| Toyota special service tool for HV plug | Disconnecting HV battery service plug | You can DIY with the orange service plug on the battery — no special tool needed if you know the procedure. |
| Soldering iron + capacitors | Combination meter repair | $30 repair kit vs. $500 replacement. See combination meter guide. |
| Coolant hand pump / vacuum bleeder | Inverter coolant flush | Makes coolant flush much cleaner. $20–$40 at AutoZone. |
Where to Buy Parts
RockAuto
Best prices on OEM and aftermarket parts. Filter by Gen 2 year range. Always check the "Economy" vs "OEM Quality" tiers — for critical hybrid parts, go OEM or better.
Toyota OEM (Dealer Parts)
Inverter coolant, HV battery components, and certain sensors are worth buying OEM. Toyota parts desks will sell to the public without service work required.
Florida Junkyards (Pull-A-Part, LKQ)
Excellent source for combination meter clusters, MFD screens, and body parts. Gen 2 (2004–2009) parts are interchangeable across most models. Always verify before pulling.
eBay (Rebuilt Parts)
Good source for rebuilt ABS actuators and reconditioned hybrid batteries. Look for sellers with Prius-specific listings and at least 50 feedback. Ask about warranty before buying.
Fluids (Always Have These)
| Fluid | Spec | Where Used |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil | 0W-20 full synthetic | Engine. 3.9 quarts with filter change. Gen 2 can consume oil after 100k — check monthly. |
| Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (pink) | Toyota SLLC | Inverter cooling system. Do NOT mix with green/standard coolant — it will gel and ruin the system. |
| Toyota Long Life Coolant (red/orange) | Toyota LLC | Engine coolant. Separate system from inverter. |
| DOT 3 brake fluid | DOT 3 | Brake system. Flush every 30k or 2 years — regen braking means pads last forever but fluid still ages. |