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Does anyone have any experience with wireless ODB II adapters? I recently decided to go ahead and purchase a scan tool and stumbled upon these while shopping. They are less expensive (“they” collectively being the adapter and software for a phone to run them) than a cheap scan tool that only pulls codes.
The software I would use with it would be something like this (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque&hl=en). The feature list is impressive (at least in my mind).
My questions are:
- Does anyone have any experience with a tool like this? Good, bad, indifferent?
- If I’m looking for a scan tool that has a minimum of being able to read live data, is this fine or should I spring for the “real deal” that you can find in auto parts stores?
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This is the adapter you see in the video
This is the android app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque&hl=en
[quote=”Raistian77″ post=80030]
This is the adapter you see in the video
This is the android app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque&hl=en%5B/quote%5D
Wow. That looks pretty much painless to use. Have you ever had any trouble with it?
I bought an ELM327 Bluetooth adapter after returning an inexpensive code reader that refused to connect with my car. I’ve only used it a few times with the Torque app to diagnose a faulty O2 sensor, but it works well for reading and clearing codes, and checking the emissions status. Also, I only used the live data feature once to graph the sensors’ output, but I have no idea how close to real-time it is or how it compares to a professional scanner.
I had some issues with the initial setup. I would have read the manual on the included CD, but the reviews for the device reported malware detected on the CD. In short, the adapter has to be paired with the phone before it can be used with the app. Also, it seems that I had to scan for the Bluetooth device and enter the passcode within ~30 seconds of plugging the adapter into the port. Then, the phone remembers the device and future connections are painless.
I bought the PLX Devices Kiwi Bluetooth adapter. It works great with the Torque app. I found the adapter online at a discount for $65. This has been the single most valuable addition to my toolbox. It has simplified diagnosis for many repairs. I believe that it already goes beyond the diagnosis abilities of the devices that the auto parts stores use. Plus, after you pay the $6 for the app (well worth it), all of the additional plugins are free (correction, they now have advanced OBD2 codes for specific models that are extra – or “lite” versions – Hyundai, Fiat, Nissan, Kia etc.) But even so, those are only $5.
I have used it to diagnose the EGR DPFE problem with my wife’s Sable. That repair diagnosis alone paid for the adapter and app.
Plus, the free plugins add so much more:
Track recorder – way fun.. films your drive with gauge overlays that record exactly what the engine was doing at every point.
Racing meter – don’t have this yet.
Live view – Ditto
SmartWatch – Ditto – I need to download some of these new plugins!
Widgets – Nice to have while in driving mode.
Shift lights – cool, but don’t use.
And the list goes on.
I can’t imagine starting a diagnosis without it now.I got this one with the torque App. Was a bit pricey but I didn’t see great reviews of cheaper ones. Some complained of lagging with cheap ones but I didn’t get any with this one even on older cars.
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