Bluetooth OBD2 Adapter + Torque App for Realtime Info and Fault Codes

[3xp3d1t1on]

There is a superb way to get real-time information from your OBD2 port (the plug beneath the steering wheel) for $16.
Back in the day this was a $10K plus endeavor and not realtime as you drive.

1) Get an OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter
- Amazon.com: Yongtek ELM 327 Bluetooth Obd2 Scan Tool - For Check Engine Light and Other Diagnostics - Android Compatible: Automotive
- Ford has some 'special' codes so if you go EBay, etc. be sure to look in comments and make sure it's a Ford-OK adapter.

2) Get the Torque app for your Android device.
- Torque — OBD2 Performance and Diagnostics for your Vehicle
- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque&hl=en

3) For reference, here are the Ford PID codes:
- http://www.paladinmicro.com/documents/200304PIDs.pdf

It's quite amazing how much information this will yield.
Also gives you the ability to check for Fault Codes and much, much more.

Enjoy and drive safe.

 

[Erich Zeppelin]

I've got it and I'm real happy with it! Does everything I need and more.

 

[rexster314]

Same here works great

 

[superexpy]

got it too! I got it from ebay for 6dolla!

 

[BlueOtter728]

Torque is a great app and inexpensive! However an app i happen to like better but it is more pricey is DashCommand. this one has a much nicer looking screen and better layout in my opinion but its 9.95, the problem is it has advanced parameters per vehicle manufacturer that's an extra 9.95. I have not purchased this part yet and that's where it gets tricky with trouble codes, due to some being proprietary.

 

[RevBBD]

There is a superb way to get real-time information from your OBD2 port (the plug beneath the steering wheel) for $16.
Back in the day this was a $10K plus endeavor and not realtime as you drive.

1) Get an OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter
- Amazon.com: Yongtek ELM 327 Bluetooth Obd2 Scan Tool - For Check Engine Light and Other Diagnostics - Android Compatible: Automotive
- Ford has some 'special' codes so if you go EBay, etc. be sure to look in comments and make sure it's a Ford-OK adapter.

2) Get the Torque app for your Android device.
- Torque — OBD2 Performance and Diagnostics for your Vehicle
- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque&hl=en

3) For reference, here are the Ford PID codes:
- http://www.paladinmicro.com/documents/200304PIDs.pdf

It's quite amazing how much information this will yield.
Also gives you the ability to check for Fault Codes and much, much more.

Enjoy and drive safe.

Thanks for the info - I also bought one last week from Amazon except it was a different name. Same thing though:

Amazon.com: Koolertron F-12 ELM 327 OBDII PC Car Diagnostic Scanner: Automotive


Haven't used it yet - too damn cold out. Did you go with the free or pay version of Torque? I figure the few bucks for the pay version is the way to go.

 

[bedrck46]

I did the free version to check it out then went with the pay version

 

[3xp3d1t1on]

RevBBD-
I might have bad news for you... if you look at the reviews for the one you bought, it's the one that does not work with Ford.
You need to get the Yongtek, not the Koolertron.

Also, yeah, I went paid edition.
Not expensive and supporting developers of great software is important.

Thanks for the info - I also bought one last week from Amazon except it was a different name. Same thing though:

Amazon.com: Koolertron F-12 ELM 327 OBDII PC Car Diagnostic Scanner: Automotive

 

[RevBBD]

I did the free version to check it out then went with the pay version

Thanks - I'll try the same thing - especially with the bad reviews on this model

RevBBD-
I might have bad news for you... if you look at the reviews for the one you bought, it's the one that does not work with Ford.
You need to get the Yongtek, not the Koolertron.

Also, yeah, I went paid edition.
Not expensive and supporting developers of great software is important.

Thanks - I read some bad reviews on several models, but the one I bought also had a review from a guy with an 01, 02 and 05 Ford and he said it worked fine. Maybe only the older fords? I guess I'll find out. If not I'll have to shell out another 10 bucks for the one above, haha. I should have waited another week and I would have seen this post.

For 15 - 20 bucks, software included, these are a steal.

 

[RevBBD]

Thanks - I'll try the same thing - especially with the bad reviews on this model



Thanks - I read some bad reviews on several models, but the one I bought also had a review from a guy with an 01, 02 and 05 Ford and he said it worked fine. Maybe only the older fords? I guess I'll find out. If not I'll have to shell out another 10 bucks for the one above, haha. I should have waited another week and I would have seen this post.

For 15 - 20 bucks, software included, these are a steal.

UPDATE: Today I finally tried the OBD reader device I bought that had mixed reviews for Fords. It wouldn't even light up when plugged into the OBD port on my 01 Expy, so I couldn't pair it with my phone. It did work on my 09 Lincoln (it's CEL was what finally motivated me to try it). It detected a bad 02 sensor at bank 1 sensor 1 on the Lincoln.

Since the device wouldn't even light up when plugged into the OBD port on my Expy, it makes me wonder if the device just didn't work on the Expy as some reviews mentioned, or if there is a problem with its OBD plug since it did work on my Lincoln. Guess I'll just buy the other model and see.

 

[RevBBD]

UPDATE to the UPDATE: Sometimes it's the obvious things that get you...the OBD port shares the same fuse as the cig lighter, which I never use. The power port works fine, but I just tested the cig ligher and nothing. Fuse no 3, 20 amp was blown. Don't you know it's subzero outside and the only fuse not in my stash is a 20 a amp. Off to the auto parts store.

 

[bedrck46]

you could have put in a smaller fuse and just not use the lighter I ob2 Bluetooth doesn't draw many amps

 

[IMINYOURCHAIR]

3) For reference, here are the Ford PID codes:
- http://www.paladinmicro.com/documents/200304PIDs.pdf

For those of us who have not used the app, You can use the built in custom PID list for "FORD INCL POWERSTROKE" It has most of the PID's already there. But, if you know how to add these it'll help.

 

[RevBBD]

you could have put in a smaller fuse and just not use the lighter I ob2 Bluetooth doesn't draw many amps

Oh well, a new fuse fixed the problem. The Koolertron model works fine with a 1st gen Expy using the Torque App and identified a known P0156 code for a bad 02 sensor (son's previous exhaust mod).

 

[thewizardatst24]

Some other things to watch for with the ELM units and Torque, sometimes it won't pair depending on what phone is used. Works great with my LG Lucid but NOT Motorola Droid X2!!! I think it is something with the bluetooth setup on the phone.

 

[bedrck46]

I use mine with a 10 inch Samsung tablet Makes it easier for these old eyes to view

 

[BrandonB]

Haven't tried it yet but it looks like if your a windows phone user you can use the app "CarDash". It has built in code databases, car performance, sensor data, etc. It's $3.99

 

[splintrcel]

anyone get this to work with apple OS. I am a crappy person and bought an apple phone

 

[YoungKraze]

You could Get Torque For Free On Pirate Bay browser and utorrent if it's of any help

 

[SirJeffro]

Transmission temp?....

Those of you that have and use this device and app.....
I'm considering getting this reader Amazon.com: Vgate ELM327 Bluetooth Scan Tool OBD2 OBDII Scanner for TORQUE APP ANDROID: Automotive
and using Torque Pro for an upcoming trip. Or I may go with the Koolertron or maybe the Yongtek...I dunno yet...

What I'd like to know is this: Will an 05 Expy provide tranny temp information? Gonna be towing a 28' Ultra Lite and wanted to be able to monitor a few things. SWMBO doesn't really want a stack of gauge pods on the A-pillar or under the dash, and I kinda agree...this is, after all, her DD.

Anyone know?......

Thanx!