Code reader

crazyal · Dec 16, 2014

I have an Android phone with the Torque app and bluetootth connection. I don't think I would go back to any other type. With the smart phone you can customize which live screens you want to see and when you do get a fault code you can just search the internet by tapping on the code. You find out a lot more information than just the brief description that the handheld code readers give you. Also it's real easy to use when driving so you can check the sensors under operation. I was even able to use the phone under my truck while it was up on my lift.

Walkin Horse · Dec 16, 2014

Can somebody narrow it down. Which one of the 500 on Amazon is good. I have an I phone and the newest car is a 2012.

Fordman1981 · Dec 16, 2014

Walkin Horse said:
Can somebody narrow it down. Which one of the 500 on Amazon is good. I have an I phone and the newest car is a 2012.

Dash command is a real good code reader with lots of options for the iOS platform. Then all you need is the wifi obd2 plug. Like the one listed below.

Amazon.com: Elm327 WIFI Wirless OBD2 PC Car Diagnostic Reader Scanner Scan Tool with Wireless for IPhone: Automotive

jejeosborne · Dec 16, 2014

wmonroe said:
Thanks

Does the Bluetooth model show live data? I sort of remember a guy at work talking about getting this setup. I'll check it out.

Yes. Just as crazyal has mentioned. Do a YouTube search and see how customizable the displays are. It even will plot and record any parameters on Google maps as you go. Many 3rd party plug-ins as well. Amazing software for $5. Added benefit is it websearches the codes it displays.

crazyal · Dec 16, 2014

I got the software first and then went to their website to see which OBD2 adapters (elm 327) they said worked best. That was several years ago, back then it was a little hit and miss. My adapter is bluetooth but if I was to buy another one it would most likely be a wifi. Bluetooth doesn't transfer data as fast so it's not as accurate. But bluetooth was extremely easy to set up (not sure about wifi).

jejeosborne · Dec 16, 2014

crazyal said:
I got the software first and then went to their website to see which OBD2 adapters (elm 327) they said worked best. That was several years ago, back then it was a little hit and miss. My adapter is bluetooth but if I was to buy another one it would most likely be a wifi. Bluetooth doesn't transfer data as fast so it's not as accurate. But bluetooth was extremely easy to set up (not sure about wifi).

My Bluetooth one works perfectly. There is about a half a second lag but don't know if that is due to the obd2 port and computer or the transfer of data. My mechanical boost gage is quicker to respond but the values are the same.

truckdiagnostics · Dec 16, 2014

Take a look at these guys stuff. It is windows based, basic reader is $300.. The cost effective readers won't let you get to body control modules. Whats nice about this one is you can add enhancements as you need them. autoenginuity.com

Steve

dieselcrawler · Dec 16, 2014

I have an OBD2 Bluetooth ELM327 adaptor and an unused andriod phone with both Torque and DashCommand. I have had better luck with dashcommand. Trouble getting torque to connect to the pcm reliably. I am not real tech savvey person, and I'm sure both programs will do a lot more than what I do with them, but they work for me. I have about $75 in the adaptor and programs.

wmonroe · Dec 16, 2014

Thanks for all the replies. I've been doing a lot of looking online and right now I'm leaning towards a Bluetooth/wifi unit compatible with his iPhone.