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OBD II and your smartphone

Discussion in 'The DIY Room' started by jeff_t, Jan 31, 2014.

  1. jeff_t

    jeff_t

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    I looked at this for a while, and finally decided to do it. Very impressed so far. Especially for the $30 I have into it.

    I have this app http://torque-bhp.com/
    And this adapter http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005N...200_QL40#ref=mp_s_a_1_1&qid=1391170118&sr=8-1
    Both work exactly as they are supposed to.

    There is a similar app for iPhone/iPad, but apparently it hasn't been updated and doesn't work with iOS7. I really wanted to do this with my iPad, but the reviews were horrible.

    Anybody else using this? It seems capable of more than I am. It may be more difficult to use than a scanner, but it was cheap. And hard to believe I'm using a phone for something like this.
     
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  2. Grizzly Adam

    Grizzly Adam Guest

    So this would be like the diagnosis tools that you plug in?
     
  3. jeff_t

    jeff_t

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  4. Grizzly Adam

    Grizzly Adam Guest

    That's cool. Too bad, as you said, it's not worth a crap on apple products. Guess I will keep using my dad's tool.
     
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  5. smoke show

    smoke show

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    So its completely wireless?

    I'm sure they'll improve with time...
     
  6. jeff_t

    jeff_t

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    Yes. Plug the bluetooth adapter in, pair it with the phone and go.

    The Android app works really well. I have only messed with it a little bit, but it is easy to read and clear codes. It will also do all kinds of other tests and record a bunch of data. I sprung $4.95 for the paid version. Not sure what it has over the free one, but it is pretty well done. I've had it installed for a week and already have an update.
     
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  7. smoke show

    smoke show

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    I assume it can only scan powertrain modules?
     
  8. papadave

    papadave

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    This would be nice to have and inexpensive too.
    If it works well.....I'm probably in.
    I could use it right away on Mom's vehicle.
     
  9. papadave

    papadave

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    Jeff, one of the reviews says it doesn't work well with Android, but you say otherwise.
    Maybe it's the difference between the free and paid versions.
     
  10. jeff_t

    jeff_t

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    ECM and PCM.

    Are you talking about the adapter? My research into choosing that one involved reading '#1 best seller' on amazon :thumbs:

    It is an Android app, sooo...
     
    Last edited: Jan 31, 2014
  11. papadave

    papadave

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    Evidently, the reviewer had a problem with the software on an Android device.
     
  12. jeff_t

    jeff_t

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    I see. I guess it is bound to happen when there are a bazillion different devices that are changing constantly.
     
  13. smoke show

    smoke show

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    ok, thx. ecm/pcm one in the same...