Thanks guys for the replies. What I have learned is that lots of data, such as the ABS data, doesn't show up for most generic OBD readers. You need something better. So I started searching for that something better, and came across these guys. They have several options, basically if you go with them it will cost you about $360 to be able to read the low level ABS data. I have no idea if this brand is any good or not, or if there are cheaper options, I'm just taking what they emailed me at face value: Here is our email exchange: My question: I need to troubleshoot both an ABS issue and a fuel gauge / fuel tank issue for a 2008 Prius. Can you please tell me exactly what I need to buy from you to be able to see all data on the related systems?

Their reply: Thank you for your interest in EASE Diagnostics. We do offer Personal Level Software for Toyota however, you would need an EASE Pro Level Interface or Toyota Mongoose Interface to support the Software. Unlock Rar Password.

You would need Level 1+2 software for $159.00 + a supported Device. The EASE Po Level Interface and OBDII cable is an additional $200.00 if you do not have the Toyota Mongoose already. Click to expand.Only because the software isn't capable enough?

Or because the data you need doesn't pass through the ODBII interface at all? --- Am I correct to think that ODBII is just a series of pins, like a serial interface - i.e. The adapter doesn't matter much? An adapter would only translate whatever data the OSBII interface supplies into data that a BT device could read? Does the adapter matter at all? Then then next question is, does ODBII supply the needed (ABS) info at all? If ODBII does supply the info - then it's just a question of finding the right software - if it's available at all separately from the adapter.

Some Toyota ODB-1 ECUs have a serial output allowing an appropriate scan tool to read and display live engine operating parameters, similar to what a standard OBD2. OBD-1 Serial Interface - Toyota Wiki - Download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online. ALDL OBD1 Cable Instructions. Your computer only has a USB interface). With a standard serial port.

If it does not - then like you said, you have to find something else. Click to expand.It can be a bit of both. There are a bunch of pins on the diagnostic connector there, with different ones used for some different physical layer communication standards (K-line, CAN, etc.), and some not even really used for serial communication at all, but just for signaling certain ECUs in the car by pulsing them to ground or other specified voltages. It's essentially a 'standard' creating by combining the several different approaches car manufacturers were using at the time. Not all OBD-II hardware dongles will be electrically able to support all the signaling methods, baud rates, and so on, used in the car.

Then, if you get one that does, there is still the software issue. OBD-II standardizes certain pieces of data (mostly to do with engine control and emissions) that have to have the same addresses and data formats in all cars, and all standard OBD-II reading software knows how to retrieve those. Everything else is vehicle-specific and often can be read if the software you are using has a way for you to enter custom PIDs and conversions, and if you are able to figure out what those are.