Road Test: Bluetooth OBD2 adapter + Torque Pro (Android app)
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Make it so
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 482
Likes: 59
From: Austin, Texas
Road Test: Bluetooth OBD2 adapter + Torque Pro (Android app)
Last week before I decided to purchase a bluetooth OBD2 scanner, and an Android app to pair with it, I searched through the forums but found scant discussion regarding the subject. Hopefully this is a reference point for those considering the same options in the future.
I purchased the following combination:
ELM 327 Bluetooth OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner (pretty generic)
Torque Pro OBD2 app (for Android)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...g.prowl.torque
I got it on Saturday, but didn't test it until today since I had my university commencement on Saturday as well...and that meant I had other things to do
As we all know, the OBD2 connector is just below the trunk release button on our TLs, and plugging it in was straightforward. The connection didn't seem as tight as it could be, but it was secure, didn't fall off and the pins were all aligned, as it should be.
Setup is pretty simple: you turn your key to either "Accessory" or full-on start (with your engine running). I personally only turned it onto accessory so I could pair the devices properly first, and then turn the car on all the way to get more data.
Pairing worked without a hitch, and that's saying something- my HTC Thunderbolt (running Gingerbread) usually doesn't like to identify and pair with anything over bluetooth, but the device showed up right away.
Turned the vehicle on all the way, and WOW! Not only will this baby tell you what error codes your engine is throwing out (if any), but has the option to measure an incredible amount of data. O2 sensors, CO2 emissions, dyno, torque, HP, 0-60 times, mpg...there's very little that isn't shown to you. And with all of this, you can log all the info and have it give you nice graphs and charts (you can save them to your phone, email them, etc). The only thing missing from this app is a mechanic.
Specifically with fault codes, it also has a huge database of fault codes so you can look them up directly within the app (based on what your vehicle is telling you). And, if you so choose, you can clear out engine fault codes.
I know I probably sound like a salesman, but hopefully this lets people know that they don't need to spend money on a carputer or fancy adapter when this combination works perfectly for our TLs without breaking the bank. I can confirm that this combination that I used works for a 2004 TL, and I know that the app works with other bluetooth adapters (your mileage may vary, of course).
I will post some pictures of the process and screenshots of the app in action, if so desired.
I purchased the following combination:
ELM 327 Bluetooth OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner (pretty generic)
Torque Pro OBD2 app (for Android)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...g.prowl.torque
I got it on Saturday, but didn't test it until today since I had my university commencement on Saturday as well...and that meant I had other things to do
As we all know, the OBD2 connector is just below the trunk release button on our TLs, and plugging it in was straightforward. The connection didn't seem as tight as it could be, but it was secure, didn't fall off and the pins were all aligned, as it should be.
Setup is pretty simple: you turn your key to either "Accessory" or full-on start (with your engine running). I personally only turned it onto accessory so I could pair the devices properly first, and then turn the car on all the way to get more data.
Pairing worked without a hitch, and that's saying something- my HTC Thunderbolt (running Gingerbread) usually doesn't like to identify and pair with anything over bluetooth, but the device showed up right away.
Turned the vehicle on all the way, and WOW! Not only will this baby tell you what error codes your engine is throwing out (if any), but has the option to measure an incredible amount of data. O2 sensors, CO2 emissions, dyno, torque, HP, 0-60 times, mpg...there's very little that isn't shown to you. And with all of this, you can log all the info and have it give you nice graphs and charts (you can save them to your phone, email them, etc). The only thing missing from this app is a mechanic.
Specifically with fault codes, it also has a huge database of fault codes so you can look them up directly within the app (based on what your vehicle is telling you). And, if you so choose, you can clear out engine fault codes.
I know I probably sound like a salesman, but hopefully this lets people know that they don't need to spend money on a carputer or fancy adapter when this combination works perfectly for our TLs without breaking the bank. I can confirm that this combination that I used works for a 2004 TL, and I know that the app works with other bluetooth adapters (your mileage may vary, of course).
I will post some pictures of the process and screenshots of the app in action, if so desired.
Thread Starter
Make it so
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 482
Likes: 59
From: Austin, Texas
I have some pics and even a video I made as I was playing around with it. I'll upload it this morning!
Although I can't access the iOS app store (since I don't own any Apple devices) and be 100% certain, I did some searching elsewhere for you and this is what I found:
Unlike Android, iOS won't connect to unapproved/generic bluetooth devices (like the one I tested). Instead, you need to use a either A) Wifi-based dongle (an actual cable that connects your phone to the OBD2 port) or B) have a jailbroken Apple device to work around the bluetooth restriction. A caution on the second option, however- that is just speculation, and no one that I read was able to confirm that it even works.
For an example of a Wifi-based dongle, I found this page:
http://plxdevices.com/product_info.php?id=GSSTWIFI
This above link, if you scroll down, also has a good list of some potential iOS apps that will connect through this method. I obviously haven't used them so I can't recommend any of them, but scope it out and see what works for you.
Try searching "OBD2" in the App Store and then sort by ratings, so you make sure you get one that's got a ton of features and isn't buggy.
Just so everyone has all the information I had access to when searching around for this, I'm going to quote a post made by user subvertbeats over on JaguarForums. I found his post to be the most comprehensive, and useful, on this topic.
(MODS: I looked through the posting guidelines and didn't find anything against posting this information from another forum, but if it is against some guideline I did not see, please edit my post and remove the information).
If there's anything anyone wants me to test, or take a specific picture of (after I've posted the first batch), please let me know!
Although I can't access the iOS app store (since I don't own any Apple devices) and be 100% certain, I did some searching elsewhere for you and this is what I found:
Unlike Android, iOS won't connect to unapproved/generic bluetooth devices (like the one I tested). Instead, you need to use a either A) Wifi-based dongle (an actual cable that connects your phone to the OBD2 port) or B) have a jailbroken Apple device to work around the bluetooth restriction. A caution on the second option, however- that is just speculation, and no one that I read was able to confirm that it even works.
For an example of a Wifi-based dongle, I found this page:
http://plxdevices.com/product_info.php?id=GSSTWIFI
This above link, if you scroll down, also has a good list of some potential iOS apps that will connect through this method. I obviously haven't used them so I can't recommend any of them, but scope it out and see what works for you.
Try searching "OBD2" in the App Store and then sort by ratings, so you make sure you get one that's got a ton of features and isn't buggy.
Just so everyone has all the information I had access to when searching around for this, I'm going to quote a post made by user subvertbeats over on JaguarForums. I found his post to be the most comprehensive, and useful, on this topic.
Originally Posted by subvertbeats
All of these devices being discussed plug into your cars OBDII (OBD = On Board Diagnostics) diagnostic port and and sent data to a device (traditionally these devices have been special dealer equipment, or dedicated handheld devices, but in recent years software has become available for PCs, as well as mobile devices like Android, Apple or Windows Mobile phones)
The first interfaces were USB only - a direct cable from the cars OBDII port to the device.
More recently wireless interfaces have become available, meaning we can ditch the cable
The wireless interfaces are available in 2 forms. One sends the data wirelessly over bluetooth. The other sends the data wirelessly over Wifi.
USB devices:
OBDKey USB: OBDKey :: OBD USB
Wifi based devices:
PLX Kiwi Wifi: PLX Kiwi Wifi - Connect your iPhone / iPod Touch to your car's OBD2 OBDII Port.
ELMCanII-WLAN: OBDLink WLAN, USB, Bluetooth
OBDKey WLAN: http://www.obdkey.com/wifi/index.aspOBDLink Wifi: ScanTool.net LLC - OBDLink WiFi Scan Tool / Interface / Adapter - ScanTool.net
Bluetooth based devices:
PLX Kiwi Bluetooth: PLX Kiwi Bluetooth - Connect your Droid mobile device to your car's OBD2 OBDII Port
OBDKey Bluetooth: OBDKey :: OBD Bluetooth
OBDLink Bluetooth: ScanTool.net LLC - OBDLink WiFi Scan Tool / Interface / Adapter - ScanTool.net
Generic eBay ELM327 Bluetooth Dongle: e.g. (one of many) Bluetooth ELM327 Fault Code E-OBD-2 Scanner Live Dat | eBay
Note that the cheapest option of all is the generic ebay sourced device, typically manufactured in China or Hong Kong.
I know lots of people who've had success with these adapters, and others who have been less fortunate.
The developer of probably the most popular Android app (Torque) states this:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ian Hawkins, developer of Android Torque app
Many units seem to suffer poor build quality and reliability issues. Some units are perfectly fine. Make sure you purchase with a buyer who has a decent returns policy should the unit turn out to be defective. I would recommend avoiding this adapter, *especially* if you intend to use it on a Ford or other vehicle which uses the J1850-PWM protocol
Now, what to buy??
If you have an Android device, then you have two options:
1. Buy an OBDII dongle that is Bluetooth based. Once you have the interface, then you need an app. Most apps for Android devices support the Bluetooth based devices.
Like with apps for most platforms, these apps can give you nice realtime information in graphs / dials etc, as well as show and clear fault codes. Some apps are biased more toward realtime information than fault diagnosis and vice versa:
Torque: Torque — OBD2 Performance and Diagnostics for your Vehicle
DashCommand: DashCommand - Palmer Performance Engineering, Inc.
2. Buy an OBDII dongle that is Wifi basedSome apps (Torque I know at least) also support use with Wifi based devices.
Apps that support the Bluetooth based devices are more common so if you have an Android device I'd strongly advise getting a bluetooth adapter.
If you have an Apple iOS device (any iPhone or iPad) then you have two options:
1. Buy an OBDII dongle that is Wifi-based. Wifi-based devices must normally be used because Apple has a very restrictive bluetooth implementation that only lets us use approved bluetooth devices - and as far as I know there are still no 'Apple approved' OBDII bluetooth devices.
Once you have the interface, then you need an app. Several apps exist for iOS devices. Like with apps for most platforms, these apps can give you nice realtime information in graphs / dials etc, as well as show and clear fault codes. Some apps are biased more toward realtime information than fault diagnosis and vice versa:
Rev2:OBDKey :: OBD WiFi :: OBD WLAN :: OBD Wireless Lan
DashCommand: DashCommand - Palmer Performance Engineering, Inc.
2. You can work around Apples restrictive bluetooth implementation by Jailbreaking your device.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wikipedia
iOS jailbreaking is a process that allows devices running Apple's iOS (also known as iPhone OS prior to iOS 4.0) operating system (such as the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, and recently Apple TV) to gain full access (root access) to unlock all features of the said operating system, thereby removing limitations imposed by Apple. Once jailbroken, iOS users are able to download additional applications, extensions and themes that are unavailable through the official Apple App Store, via installers such as Cydia, one of a number of current means for older iPhones. A jailbroken iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch running iOS can still use the App Store and iTunes and other normal functions, such as making telephone calls. Jailbreaking is similar to rooting an Android device.
At its core, jailbreaking a device gives access to its root filesystem, allowing modification and installing Third-party software components. This gives the user more control over the device and may allow features that were previously unavailable without jailbreaking.
Under the DMCA of 2010, jailbreaking is legal in the United States, although Apple has announced that the practice "can violate the warranty."[1] It is also legal in many other countries including those of the EU. However, the jailbreaking process does not include any modification to the hardware, so it can be quickly and easily reversed simply by restoring the operating system through iTunes.
If you have a jailbroken device you can supposedly use bluetooth based devices such as those I listed for Android.
Realistically, I don't know of anyone actually doing this, and I haven't tried myself, so this is based on theory and internet gossip.
If you have an Apple device I'd definitely advise going the route of using a Wifi based adapter.
If you have a Windows Mobile device:
Windows Mobile devices will work with either USB devices or Blueooth devices.
The most popular app is:
OBDGauge: OBD Gauge
If you have a Windows phone (the new Windows phones):
At this time I dont know of any apps for the new Windows phones for diagnostics so can't recommend anything for this platform.
If you have a Windows PC:
Then you have too many options to list.
Tons of apps available, most work with USB devices - some with Blueooth and Wifi based devices.
Lots of apps are manufacturer specific, but some generic ones available too.
The first interfaces were USB only - a direct cable from the cars OBDII port to the device.
More recently wireless interfaces have become available, meaning we can ditch the cable
The wireless interfaces are available in 2 forms. One sends the data wirelessly over bluetooth. The other sends the data wirelessly over Wifi.
USB devices:
OBDKey USB: OBDKey :: OBD USB
Wifi based devices:
PLX Kiwi Wifi: PLX Kiwi Wifi - Connect your iPhone / iPod Touch to your car's OBD2 OBDII Port.
ELMCanII-WLAN: OBDLink WLAN, USB, Bluetooth
OBDKey WLAN: http://www.obdkey.com/wifi/index.aspOBDLink Wifi: ScanTool.net LLC - OBDLink WiFi Scan Tool / Interface / Adapter - ScanTool.net
Bluetooth based devices:
PLX Kiwi Bluetooth: PLX Kiwi Bluetooth - Connect your Droid mobile device to your car's OBD2 OBDII Port
OBDKey Bluetooth: OBDKey :: OBD Bluetooth
OBDLink Bluetooth: ScanTool.net LLC - OBDLink WiFi Scan Tool / Interface / Adapter - ScanTool.net
Generic eBay ELM327 Bluetooth Dongle: e.g. (one of many) Bluetooth ELM327 Fault Code E-OBD-2 Scanner Live Dat | eBay
Note that the cheapest option of all is the generic ebay sourced device, typically manufactured in China or Hong Kong.
I know lots of people who've had success with these adapters, and others who have been less fortunate.
The developer of probably the most popular Android app (Torque) states this:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ian Hawkins, developer of Android Torque app
Many units seem to suffer poor build quality and reliability issues. Some units are perfectly fine. Make sure you purchase with a buyer who has a decent returns policy should the unit turn out to be defective. I would recommend avoiding this adapter, *especially* if you intend to use it on a Ford or other vehicle which uses the J1850-PWM protocol
Now, what to buy??
If you have an Android device, then you have two options:
1. Buy an OBDII dongle that is Bluetooth based. Once you have the interface, then you need an app. Most apps for Android devices support the Bluetooth based devices.
Like with apps for most platforms, these apps can give you nice realtime information in graphs / dials etc, as well as show and clear fault codes. Some apps are biased more toward realtime information than fault diagnosis and vice versa:
Torque: Torque — OBD2 Performance and Diagnostics for your Vehicle
DashCommand: DashCommand - Palmer Performance Engineering, Inc.
2. Buy an OBDII dongle that is Wifi basedSome apps (Torque I know at least) also support use with Wifi based devices.
Apps that support the Bluetooth based devices are more common so if you have an Android device I'd strongly advise getting a bluetooth adapter.
If you have an Apple iOS device (any iPhone or iPad) then you have two options:
1. Buy an OBDII dongle that is Wifi-based. Wifi-based devices must normally be used because Apple has a very restrictive bluetooth implementation that only lets us use approved bluetooth devices - and as far as I know there are still no 'Apple approved' OBDII bluetooth devices.
Once you have the interface, then you need an app. Several apps exist for iOS devices. Like with apps for most platforms, these apps can give you nice realtime information in graphs / dials etc, as well as show and clear fault codes. Some apps are biased more toward realtime information than fault diagnosis and vice versa:
Rev2:OBDKey :: OBD WiFi :: OBD WLAN :: OBD Wireless Lan
DashCommand: DashCommand - Palmer Performance Engineering, Inc.
2. You can work around Apples restrictive bluetooth implementation by Jailbreaking your device.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wikipedia
iOS jailbreaking is a process that allows devices running Apple's iOS (also known as iPhone OS prior to iOS 4.0) operating system (such as the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, and recently Apple TV) to gain full access (root access) to unlock all features of the said operating system, thereby removing limitations imposed by Apple. Once jailbroken, iOS users are able to download additional applications, extensions and themes that are unavailable through the official Apple App Store, via installers such as Cydia, one of a number of current means for older iPhones. A jailbroken iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch running iOS can still use the App Store and iTunes and other normal functions, such as making telephone calls. Jailbreaking is similar to rooting an Android device.
At its core, jailbreaking a device gives access to its root filesystem, allowing modification and installing Third-party software components. This gives the user more control over the device and may allow features that were previously unavailable without jailbreaking.
Under the DMCA of 2010, jailbreaking is legal in the United States, although Apple has announced that the practice "can violate the warranty."[1] It is also legal in many other countries including those of the EU. However, the jailbreaking process does not include any modification to the hardware, so it can be quickly and easily reversed simply by restoring the operating system through iTunes.
If you have a jailbroken device you can supposedly use bluetooth based devices such as those I listed for Android.
Realistically, I don't know of anyone actually doing this, and I haven't tried myself, so this is based on theory and internet gossip.
If you have an Apple device I'd definitely advise going the route of using a Wifi based adapter.
If you have a Windows Mobile device:
Windows Mobile devices will work with either USB devices or Blueooth devices.
The most popular app is:
OBDGauge: OBD Gauge
If you have a Windows phone (the new Windows phones):
At this time I dont know of any apps for the new Windows phones for diagnostics so can't recommend anything for this platform.
If you have a Windows PC:
Then you have too many options to list.
Tons of apps available, most work with USB devices - some with Blueooth and Wifi based devices.
Lots of apps are manufacturer specific, but some generic ones available too.
(MODS: I looked through the posting guidelines and didn't find anything against posting this information from another forum, but if it is against some guideline I did not see, please edit my post and remove the information).
If there's anything anyone wants me to test, or take a specific picture of (after I've posted the first batch), please let me know!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 139
Likes: 9
Thanks for the extensive info Duo... had a chance to poke around this morning, it looks like GoPoint Technology has an app and a BT Dongle for iOS. http://gopointtech.com/
The reader and the app are $60 (wired) and $70 (Bluetooth) and looks like the software will allow you to clear CES codes as well.
Also provides all the fun data as well
The reader and the app are $60 (wired) and $70 (Bluetooth) and looks like the software will allow you to clear CES codes as well.
Also provides all the fun data as well
Cruising in my
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 649
Likes: 5
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
I'm thinking of getting the OBD2 bluetooth adapter and the app for my android (Galaxy S3) phone. OP how do you like it so far? Is it useful or what? From the sounds of it it looks fun to play around with at the very least.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 74
Likes: 10
Not sure if you already got yours, but I got my bluetooth adapter (generic one from Amazon) today and downloaded the app today as well. I have a Galaxy S2 which detected the OBD2 adapter right away. The app is great! It really does provide a bunch of information which is useful or can be used just for fun. Knock on wood, I don't have any error codes, so I couldn't test it for that, but overall it's a cool pair of products. You have to remember to setup your vehicle profile and go through a few settings at first as well. For example it asked to enter the vehicle weight, fuel tank capacity, engine size in liters, etc.
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I have the paid version of the app but I forgot to take my dongle out of my last car before I sold it 
It worked pretty well but I think it's estimated HP was a little off, it said I had over 600 but the truck was about 450... My dongle looked identical but I got it from eBay.
It worked pretty well but I think it's estimated HP was a little off, it said I had over 600 but the truck was about 450... My dongle looked identical but I got it from eBay.
Has anyone successfully used Torque to clear CELs? Long story short I was messing with fuses to put in an add a circuit for my amp remote lead, I think I accidently started it with fuse 29 out, I got the blinking D and VSA lights and 2 codes, put the fuse back in without the add a circuit and the other lights went out except I had two CELs that Torque could read but wasn't able to clear. The car runs fine so I'm not too worried about it but I do need to clear them.
Thread Starter
Make it so
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 482
Likes: 59
From: Austin, Texas
I actually got a new phone recently (Galaxy S3) and it works perfectly with that too- just the other day I used it on my roommate's truck (2003 Dodge Dakota) and my own to read some error codes and that makes you way more informed when you go get service because they tend to not screw you over when you go in already knowing what sensor is giving you a CEL and how to fix it. At least, that's been my experience.
Not sure if you already got yours, but I got my bluetooth adapter (generic one from Amazon) today and downloaded the app today as well. I have a Galaxy S2 which detected the OBD2 adapter right away. The app is great! It really does provide a bunch of information which is useful or can be used just for fun. Knock on wood, I don't have any error codes, so I couldn't test it for that, but overall it's a cool pair of products. You have to remember to setup your vehicle profile and go through a few settings at first as well. For example it asked to enter the vehicle weight, fuel tank capacity, engine size in liters, etc.
Has anyone successfully used Torque to clear CELs? Long story short I was messing with fuses to put in an add a circuit for my amp remote lead, I think I accidently started it with fuse 29 out, I got the blinking D and VSA lights and 2 codes, put the fuse back in without the add a circuit and the other lights went out except I had two CELs that Torque could read but wasn't able to clear. The car runs fine so I'm not too worried about it but I do need to clear them.
I did find, however, that when you do clear an error code manually, my 2004 TL takes two full drive cycles for the CEL to go away. It also depends on the code- if it's a sensor that is being polled at short intervals, even if you clear the code, it will come back very quickly (or may not even visibly "go away").
(Of course, you want to actually fix the problem instead of just clear codes for the sake of making the light go away).
I can definitely play around with it in the next little while and let you know what I did, how to do it, etc in case you want to try your hand at it. But it would probably take someone much wiser than me to successfully figure it out.
I have, and it's extremely easy. There's a separate app (it's "separate" but really it's an add-on to Torque) called "Torque Scan" which is the plugin for it to poll the ECU for error codes. It only takes about 10 seconds, pulls everything up, and you can do a web lookup giving you specifics on the problem. Works flawlessly, and yes, you can clear the error codes right within the app.
I did find, however, that when you do clear an error code manually, my 2004 TL takes two full drive cycles for the CEL to go away. It also depends on the code- if it's a sensor that is being polled at short intervals, even if you clear the code, it will come back very quickly (or may not even visibly "go away").
(Of course, you want to actually fix the problem instead of just clear codes for the sake of making the light go away).
takin care of Business in
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 30,994
Likes: 4,733
From: Kansas City, MO
I have been running the Torque PRO for a while now....LOVE IT !!!
It logs all my data, it displays everything I want to see and know....its clears the CEL, just amazing....
It logs all my data, it displays everything I want to see and know....its clears the CEL, just amazing....
Do you leave this plugged in all of the time?
If so is it killing your battery?
I was reading that they stay on and keep transmitting once the vehicle is off if you leave it plugged in.
I'm guessing the power on the OBDII connector isn't switched anywhere.
If so is it killing your battery?
I was reading that they stay on and keep transmitting once the vehicle is off if you leave it plugged in.
I'm guessing the power on the OBDII connector isn't switched anywhere.
Dallas Chapter Leader (Midwest Region)
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 502
Likes: 142
From: Dallas, TX
The OBD2 power is off when key is in off position. Ive had one for two years now. I live it, bought it because i am a mechanic and needed a scan tool for home. I have left mine plugged in before for a few months with no issues. Torque app is the best app for it. I got.mine at fry's for about. $80 price matched to some online site. Would recommend to anyone. My only complaint is the live data lags a bit but thats all!
the overexplainer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,287
Likes: 385
From: OC, CA
i left mine in plugged in over a week without driving, and while it might just be my old battery, the sound when cranking wasnt as strong as before.
It's still powered, red light is on and i believe the bluetooth radio is still active. Pretty sure my phone can connect to it with the ign off. I just leave it in my glove box now.
It's still powered, red light is on and i believe the bluetooth radio is still active. Pretty sure my phone can connect to it with the ign off. I just leave it in my glove box now.
found this thread after wife was charged 125 just to see why she had an engine light on will be getting one for each of our cars since the obd reader in the op only 16 with amazon prime
takin care of Business in
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 30,994
Likes: 4,733
From: Kansas City, MO
The OBD2 power is off when key is in off position. Ive had one for two years now. I live it, bought it because i am a mechanic and needed a scan tool for home. I have left mine plugged in before for a few months with no issues. Torque app is the best app for it. I got.mine at fry's for about. $80 price matched to some online site. Would recommend to anyone. My only complaint is the live data lags a bit but thats all!
and yes to little lag...that is something i think we can live with....the number of dials you are monitoring is directly proportional to the lag....on 1 screen, I am monitoring over 15 sensors and the lag is crazy, on my "main" screen, I just monitor 6 sensors so the lag is not bad at all....
125 just to read a check engine light? Autozone and oreily auto parts does this for free...
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 188
From: Dallas
dealers are corrupt. Even one of the Acura dealer that I highly recommended once upon a time, gave me hell and resisted doing warranty work because I was getting my oil changes done from a place closer to my dwelling and for 1/2 the price. So, it was like, if I was not in there all the time, he wouldn't honor a warranty.. Incidentally, this is a reason why I hate buying warranty's from dealers even if they call it "bumper to bumper", because getting the dealer to actually do the work is often difficult or impossible. They are all nice up front and tell you how much it covers, but later when you go in for work, it's another story.
Anyway, regarding prices for check engine light reading, this procedure is really a no brainier for dealers. They could get a porter to do it if they had to. The reason I say that is because a well skilled troubleshooting technician might make $25 and hour.. But this process takes them maybe 15 minutes. If they had to pull the car in and out of the shop, then maybe 30 minutes. So if it took them 30 minutes and charged you $125, that equates to $250 an hour, that probably a $7 an hour porter could do. Contract Engineering might make $100 an hour. $125 to read the codes that takes all of 15 minutes is corruption. You know, our government observes "price gouging" in times of weather devastation and trouble, but recently, remember when Bank Of America tried imposing this $5 monthly service charge and Washington said "No way"!! BOA was about to gouge us on service fee's as if they don't get enough money already with all their huge bonuses, and free money they get from the Fed and then they loan our own money and the Fed's money back to us at a much higher interest rate. So, meanwhile while, as they observe certain companies in price gouging, the Auto Maintenance arena goes largely unchecked. They charge whatever they want. And they keep pushing the envelope higher and higher and higher. Someday, someone, if not many people, will get tired of the treatment. GM is the worst by far. Even their parts counter people treat you like they are doing you a favor. Most Acura dealers are better than GM by a wide margin, but it still exists in some dealers.
Anyway, regarding prices for check engine light reading, this procedure is really a no brainier for dealers. They could get a porter to do it if they had to. The reason I say that is because a well skilled troubleshooting technician might make $25 and hour.. But this process takes them maybe 15 minutes. If they had to pull the car in and out of the shop, then maybe 30 minutes. So if it took them 30 minutes and charged you $125, that equates to $250 an hour, that probably a $7 an hour porter could do. Contract Engineering might make $100 an hour. $125 to read the codes that takes all of 15 minutes is corruption. You know, our government observes "price gouging" in times of weather devastation and trouble, but recently, remember when Bank Of America tried imposing this $5 monthly service charge and Washington said "No way"!! BOA was about to gouge us on service fee's as if they don't get enough money already with all their huge bonuses, and free money they get from the Fed and then they loan our own money and the Fed's money back to us at a much higher interest rate. So, meanwhile while, as they observe certain companies in price gouging, the Auto Maintenance arena goes largely unchecked. They charge whatever they want. And they keep pushing the envelope higher and higher and higher. Someday, someone, if not many people, will get tired of the treatment. GM is the worst by far. Even their parts counter people treat you like they are doing you a favor. Most Acura dealers are better than GM by a wide margin, but it still exists in some dealers.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 188
From: Dallas
I just remembered one thing, The acura dealer that denied my warranty because I wasn't getting my oil changes done there.. And yes he actually said oil changes... He said: "I haven't seen you in 3 years".. I was like ya.. So? Then he went on and said you want me to warranty this when I have not seen you in three years, So I told him I do my own oil changes. (And sometimes I hit this little shop that has a drive thru).. And not only do I do my own, but as of today I still only have 69k miles on my car. (My car hasn't even broken except for the starter that I replaced. But I couldn't drive it anywhere so I walked to autozone) But as of now, in the past year and a half I put 3,xxx miles on my car and that averages out to 2,100 miles a year. So, that's not many oil changes!! And I told him that. Plus I live 15 miles away. And dealers, you cant wait on the car most the time. It's crazy. That manager of the service department actually seemed offended that I was not in there more often. hahah Because when he was talking to me, he sounded offended!(and mad).. I was like, this guy cannot be for real..
Last edited by Chad05TL; Jul 5, 2013 at 04:59 PM.
I rarely go to the dealership. I used to go to acura of Lynnwood in Wa with the acurazine discount the prices aren't bad and i never had any problems with them. but im not on that side of the country anymore
Soooooooo... Im gonna get one of the cheap ELM327 bluetooth things and use Torque on the tablet in my dash to monitor the engine data- does anyone that uses this know if these things can display MAP above 0psi??? I cant remember if our MAP sensors are good for positive manifold pressure or not... What about fuel pressure, does that show up on Torque?
So I purchased a Nexus 7 last week and ordered a BT OBD2 unit...
I went with the BAFX on Amazon. It was $25. It had stellar reviews and people mentioned its a bit faster then the $12 ELM units. Anyway...
It seems overly large to me. Thoughts?
I went with the BAFX on Amazon. It was $25. It had stellar reviews and people mentioned its a bit faster then the $12 ELM units. Anyway...
It seems overly large to me. Thoughts?
Thats the same one I have, I bought it from "aceplusgear" on Amazon. It seems big but its not in the way once its plugged in. I still bought a "Y" splitter for my OBD port so I can move the BT adapter up under the dash out of sight. I was gonna post a review on here but I forgot until I saw this thread again...
It works great so far (5 days), I only had trouble with it connecting once but I just had to go in settings and upair it, then unplug and plug the unit back in, then re-pair. My password was 1234. Most importantly, because of how the ECU is programmed, not all of the sensors work for the display gauges. I dont have fuel press, oil temp, EGTs, or oil press. It does however have AFR (not accurate at all though due to our O2 sensors), IAT, RPMs, coolant temp, fuel trims for bank 1 and 2, engine load %, boost/vac (dont know about accuracy), and a few more which are pointless. Ill put pics up later today if I get a chance, Im gonna go put my PCDs and J-pipe on
It works great so far (5 days), I only had trouble with it connecting once but I just had to go in settings and upair it, then unplug and plug the unit back in, then re-pair. My password was 1234. Most importantly, because of how the ECU is programmed, not all of the sensors work for the display gauges. I dont have fuel press, oil temp, EGTs, or oil press. It does however have AFR (not accurate at all though due to our O2 sensors), IAT, RPMs, coolant temp, fuel trims for bank 1 and 2, engine load %, boost/vac (dont know about accuracy), and a few more which are pointless. Ill put pics up later today if I get a chance, Im gonna go put my PCDs and J-pipe on
takin care of Business in
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 30,994
Likes: 4,733
From: Kansas City, MO
Turbo...what I did was, I got a OBDII extended and splitter....
I have the Innovative LM2 which connects to the ODBII as well....since am running a lawn mower battery, I cut the power on the extender and gave it switched power....this way, my obdII port stays off when the car is off....
I have the Innovative LM2 which connects to the ODBII as well....since am running a lawn mower battery, I cut the power on the extender and gave it switched power....this way, my obdII port stays off when the car is off....
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 41
Likes: 2
From: San Jose, CA
Just picked up a Type S this past Saturday, unplugged the the adapter from my ford and plugged it into two different TLs, both gave readings right off the bat.
I got my adapter on ebay cheap and have the paid app. Absolutely awesome investment.
I got my adapter on ebay cheap and have the paid app. Absolutely awesome investment.
Swoosh- when I tried to connect it with the obd port splitter plugged in it wouldn't pair, so I'm just leaving it plugged in to the factory port. Its easier to take out when I need to use it another car
takin care of Business in
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 30,994
Likes: 4,733
From: Kansas City, MO
Turbo, I found out something recently....you can only connect 1 device to the OBDII port....I was not monitoring/recording OBDII parameters on my LM2 and when I tried to, only 1 device would connect and then other would just be "waiting"
Since I like the display on my screen, I keep my LM2 obd cable disconnected....this way, Torque displays what I need and logs it....but when I want LM2 to log, I just connect the obdii cable to the LM2 and hit record....
So my setup looks like this:
obdii port --> splitter --> OBD BT dongle on 1 port AND LM2 OBD cable on the other which is wired but not connected to the LM2.....will port a pic later today
Since I like the display on my screen, I keep my LM2 obd cable disconnected....this way, Torque displays what I need and logs it....but when I want LM2 to log, I just connect the obdii cable to the LM2 and hit record....
So my setup looks like this:
obdii port --> splitter --> OBD BT dongle on 1 port AND LM2 OBD cable on the other which is wired but not connected to the LM2.....will port a pic later today
