I am considering getting an app (Android) on my phone so I can scan for codes for check engine lights (for various cars in the family). Just thought it might be handy to have. Also it would of course be necessary to have a blue-tooth (or wifi in some cases?) connection to the OBD2 port. Cash-flow is not abundant so I'm looking for something that is a good value, yet reliable. So I'm looking for suggestions for a good app and a good device to connect to the OBD2 port that can communicate with the phone. Phone is a Droid Mini if it matters. Thanks!
OBD Apps / Bluetooth
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BAFX reader off Amazon is good but only does engine codes like most of the less expensive ones. I use it with torque app
Budget OBD2 reader is the ~$20 BAFX on Amazon
Baller OBD2 reader is a OBDLink MX, ~$100 on Amazon
Torque Pro is good all around, with specialty apps giving better functionality for specific marques
Baller OBD2 reader is a OBDLink MX, ~$100 on Amazon
Torque Pro is good all around, with specialty apps giving better functionality for specific marques
Originally Posted By: Wolf359
The BAFX ELM327 is $23. There are cheaper ones there, but some of them can be hit or miss, may work on one model and not the other. The Torque App Pro is about $5.
Yep, any of the ELM327-based ones should work just fine. Don't spend more than $40 on one of them.
The BAFX ELM327 is $23. There are cheaper ones there, but some of them can be hit or miss, may work on one model and not the other. The Torque App Pro is about $5.
Yep, any of the ELM327-based ones should work just fine. Don't spend more than $40 on one of them.
The BlueDriver is $99 if you want the nice ones
i always check these postings knowing the answer already but ALWAYS hoping that someone will post up one day that app X can do ABS, SRS, TCM stuff. But i dont know if that day is going to come.
I have cheap-o ELM327 clone and Torque for most of my needs. Anyone know of a FREE PC based software that links with the ELM.
I have cheap-o ELM327 clone and Torque for most of my needs. Anyone know of a FREE PC based software that links with the ELM.
Originally Posted By: Wolf359
The BAFX ELM327 is $23. There are cheaper ones there, but some of them can be hit or miss, may work on one model and not the other. The Torque App Pro is about $5.
This is my exact setup. Works fine for me.
The BAFX ELM327 is $23. There are cheaper ones there, but some of them can be hit or miss, may work on one model and not the other. The Torque App Pro is about $5.
This is my exact setup. Works fine for me.
Originally Posted By: Virtus_Probi
Originally Posted By: Wolf359
The BAFX ELM327 is $23. There are cheaper ones there, but some of them can be hit or miss, may work on one model and not the other. The Torque App Pro is about $5.
This is my exact setup. Works fine for me.
+1
Originally Posted By: Wolf359
The BAFX ELM327 is $23. There are cheaper ones there, but some of them can be hit or miss, may work on one model and not the other. The Torque App Pro is about $5.
This is my exact setup. Works fine for me.
+1
I have both a cheap $7 ebay ODBCII corded scanner and a Garmin Bluetooth with the accompanying Garmin Mechanic app. If all you are doing is scanning for codes go with the cheapy corded scanner that can clear codes.
You'll only need the Bluetooth ones if you are want to begin logging/recording data while the car is running or if you cough up much more money for both the Bluetooth scanner/app get into vendor specific settings/codes found in $1k 'REAL' scanners.
I'd honestly just start with the cheapy scanner. When I used to have check engine codes, I used to go to Autozone nearly once a month to barrow theirs. That
If is pretty fun/interesting to get additional gauges such as intake, coolant temp in F, estimated MPG, horsepower, even shift lights, but after about a week, I stopped. Even with a Garmin via the Garmin app, the Bluetooth doesn't always auto-connect. It's probably the fault of where the ODBC connection is. It's low in my dash in a very noisy environment, blocked by a wall of wires connected to the car's computers. It doesn't help that my fat leg and arms are in the way too.
You'll only need the Bluetooth ones if you are want to begin logging/recording data while the car is running or if you cough up much more money for both the Bluetooth scanner/app get into vendor specific settings/codes found in $1k 'REAL' scanners.
I'd honestly just start with the cheapy scanner. When I used to have check engine codes, I used to go to Autozone nearly once a month to barrow theirs. That
If is pretty fun/interesting to get additional gauges such as intake, coolant temp in F, estimated MPG, horsepower, even shift lights, but after about a week, I stopped. Even with a Garmin via the Garmin app, the Bluetooth doesn't always auto-connect. It's probably the fault of where the ODBC connection is. It's low in my dash in a very noisy environment, blocked by a wall of wires connected to the car's computers. It doesn't help that my fat leg and arms are in the way too.
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Originally Posted By: bowlofturtle
i always check these postings knowing the answer already but ALWAYS hoping that someone will post up one day that app X can do ABS, SRS, TCM stuff. But i dont know if that day is going to come.
I have cheap-o ELM327 clone and Torque for most of my needs. Anyone know of a FREE PC based software that links with the ELM.
That would be the Launch X431 Easy Diag. You can find them on Aliexpress. At one point I bought one and it worked fine for about a year or so, then either an android update or a software app update caused it to stop working and I never got it going, maybe I should try again as there's been a few other android updates. It's a common complaint if you read the reviews. Still it's pretty cheap, around $30-$40. I managed to get one last year when they had one for $35 and it came with access to 2 manufacturers set of codes. Still haven't used it as I'm saving it for a problem.
The only real free software I know of is Forscan, I think it only works on Ford cars. Can do some pretty serious stuff including coding new keys to the car.
i always check these postings knowing the answer already but ALWAYS hoping that someone will post up one day that app X can do ABS, SRS, TCM stuff. But i dont know if that day is going to come.
I have cheap-o ELM327 clone and Torque for most of my needs. Anyone know of a FREE PC based software that links with the ELM.
That would be the Launch X431 Easy Diag. You can find them on Aliexpress. At one point I bought one and it worked fine for about a year or so, then either an android update or a software app update caused it to stop working and I never got it going, maybe I should try again as there's been a few other android updates. It's a common complaint if you read the reviews. Still it's pretty cheap, around $30-$40. I managed to get one last year when they had one for $35 and it came with access to 2 manufacturers set of codes. Still haven't used it as I'm saving it for a problem.
The only real free software I know of is Forscan, I think it only works on Ford cars. Can do some pretty serious stuff including coding new keys to the car.
Originally Posted By: razel
I'd honestly just start with the cheapy scanner. When I used to have check engine codes, I used to go to Autozone nearly once a month to barrow theirs. That div>
Yeah, I used to go to Autozone or Advance Auto too, but then ended up getting the ELM327. Had it in my car one day when it started running rough, I managed to pull over and read the code and it wasn't anything major so I managed to drive home. Once I checked the codes online, it said it was a vacuum leak so I went and look at the engine compartment and found a loose connection. Hooked it back up and it ran fine. Well worth not having to go to Autozone to have it read.
I'd honestly just start with the cheapy scanner. When I used to have check engine codes, I used to go to Autozone nearly once a month to barrow theirs. That div>
Yeah, I used to go to Autozone or Advance Auto too, but then ended up getting the ELM327. Had it in my car one day when it started running rough, I managed to pull over and read the code and it wasn't anything major so I managed to drive home. Once I checked the codes online, it said it was a vacuum leak so I went and look at the engine compartment and found a loose connection. Hooked it back up and it ran fine. Well worth not having to go to Autozone to have it read.
Originally Posted By: michaelluscher
Budget OBD2 reader is the ~$20 BAFX on Amazon
Baller OBD2 reader is a OBDLink MX, ~$100 on Amazon
Torque Pro is good all around, with specialty apps giving better functionality for specific marques
I have not been able to figure what extra abilities is provided by the "Baller" one.
Budget OBD2 reader is the ~$20 BAFX on Amazon
Baller OBD2 reader is a OBDLink MX, ~$100 on Amazon
Torque Pro is good all around, with specialty apps giving better functionality for specific marques
I have not been able to figure what extra abilities is provided by the "Baller" one.
Originally Posted By: Vikas
Originally Posted By: michaelluscher
Budget OBD2 reader is the ~$20 BAFX on Amazon
Baller OBD2 reader is a OBDLink MX, ~$100 on Amazon
Torque Pro is good all around, with specialty apps giving better functionality for specific marques
I have not been able to figure what extra abilities is provided by the "Baller" one.
Mainly significantly faster and more reliable connections (Bluetooth and OBD2)
Improved connectivity to newer CANBUS networks
If you own a newer GM or Ford, it has access to MS/HS CAN buses, where all the fun tests and information can be had
Take FORScan for example (FoMoCo, some Mazda and Jaguar products)
http://forscan.org/download.html
The things it can do with my OBDLink MX, almost meet, and in some ways exceed what a dealer level Ford IDS can do, at 1/10th of the price
I had a BAFX before my MX, and things that didn't work or were buggy/too slow to be useful with the former, are great with the latter
Originally Posted By: michaelluscher
Budget OBD2 reader is the ~$20 BAFX on Amazon
Baller OBD2 reader is a OBDLink MX, ~$100 on Amazon
Torque Pro is good all around, with specialty apps giving better functionality for specific marques
I have not been able to figure what extra abilities is provided by the "Baller" one.
Mainly significantly faster and more reliable connections (Bluetooth and OBD2)
Improved connectivity to newer CANBUS networks
If you own a newer GM or Ford, it has access to MS/HS CAN buses, where all the fun tests and information can be had
Take FORScan for example (FoMoCo, some Mazda and Jaguar products)
http://forscan.org/download.html
The things it can do with my OBDLink MX, almost meet, and in some ways exceed what a dealer level Ford IDS can do, at 1/10th of the price
I had a BAFX before my MX, and things that didn't work or were buggy/too slow to be useful with the former, are great with the latter
Bludriver is what i use
ELM327 + Torque
If you just wanted engine codes the BAFX/ELM unit is a good value but the Bludriver can also read enhanced codes such as ABS/Airbag/transmission which the inexpensive ones cant do....The BLUdriver is on my Amazon wishlist
Originally Posted By: Vikas
But which auto manufacturers does it support for getting the ABS/Airbag/Transmission etc codes?
If you are asking about Bluedriver, it's Ford, GM, Chrysler, and Toyota, according to their website.
If you are asking about OBDLink MX, it's Ford, GM, and Mazda.
But which auto manufacturers does it support for getting the ABS/Airbag/Transmission etc codes?
If you are asking about Bluedriver, it's Ford, GM, Chrysler, and Toyota, according to their website.
If you are asking about OBDLink MX, it's Ford, GM, and Mazda.
Hey thanks for the suggestions everyone! I'll check into the ones suggested and go from there. This has been very helpful.
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