Cheap OBDII reader with your Andriod Phone

Ok So I have been debating on writing this but I have not really found much other than the expensive scan tools. For about $25 you can have a very detailed scanner using your Android phone.

Here is what you will need:

Android phone or tablet with Bluetooth, able to down load from Google Play (great for a POS Cricket phone)
This adapter http://www.ebay.com/itm/ELM327-v1-5..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item23168ea1cd&vxp=mtr
And this program for the Android device Torque https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque&hl=en

This program has a lot of function I was recently able to determine an intake gasket leak after poor mileage and Codes p0171 and p0174 Lean banks 1 & 2.
I stood out side the car with the phone and sprayed carb cleaner along the intake runners watching the 2 fuel trims. Found the leak at cylinder one and two.
These are normal levels leak when sprayed is +12-36 as I saw.


It will also give you a rough estimate (actually pretty close with in .5 MPG on the average) of MPG and Current MPG after you enter your vehicles GVW in kilograms.

It scans and and clears codes as well.
You can get actual speed as the computer sees it and pretty much any sensor available to your computer.

Here is a couple of screens I have setup you can set them up how ever you want.

Here is the codes read out.








Just thought I would share a cheap alternative to pricey scanners. This also works on OBD2 Fords, Dodges, GMC 96-10 since I tested yesterday on a 10' GMC truck and a neighbors 98 Sub. Will not work on Nissan's 97 Maxima fail.

I've got about the same system. I bought an ELM BT adaptor from Amazon and the torque app. I'm running an older Atrix, and the system is finicky. I have to either leave the phone paired all the time, or go through the process of reseating the OBD adapter, unpairing the phone, pairing it, then starting the app. Pretty painful overall; it can take about 5 minutes sometimes before I can start the truck. If it is started, the OBD won't connect.

BTW, if you want to read the tranny temp, you have to enable the GM codes in the config.

Never had a problem with that and have had this setup for 3 years must be a faulty adapter or something.

I have the exact same setup and I love it! I will never go back to a cheapo scan tool. This does so much more. I have had mine for about a year and has worked on everything I have tried it on.

What do you mean by " enable the GM code's in the config? " I would like more info please

YukonXL04 said:

I have the exact same setup and I love it! I will never go back to a cheapo scan tool. This does so much more. I have had mine for about a year and has worked on everything I have tried it on.

What do you mean by " enable the GM code's in the config? " I would like more info please

Click to expand...

To get the GM PID's, open Torque, get into the menu, scroll down to Manage extra PIDs/Sensors, hit the menu button again and press Add predefined set then press Pontiac/GM/Opel/Vauxhall.

This should give you more options to add.

BTW: additional PID's only work on 2003+ GM vehicles I think it has something to do with the CAN BUS data but not sure.

Vette66 said:

To get the GM PID's, open Torque, get into the menu, scroll down to Manage extra PIDs/Sensors, hit the menu button again and press Add predefined set then press Pontiac/GM/Opel/Vauxhall.

This should give you more options to add.

BTW: additional PID's only work on 2003+ GM vehicles I think it has something to do with the CAN BUS data but not sure.

Click to expand...

do you need to download torque pro for this? i have torque lite, and dont have the manage extra pids/sensors.

Thanks for posting the link. I bought one to use with my iPhone!

Make sure you get the Wifi one for the iPhone. Not sure all the tech stuff on it but iPhone does not play well with BT readers. Also the programs are cheaper for Androids. The iPhone program I have "REV" is $40 and works well on wifi I can not get it to talk to my BT dongle.

---------- Post added at 08:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:49 AM ----------

SteveCZ28 said:

do you need to download torque pro for this? i have torque lite, and dont have the manage extra pids/sensors.

Click to expand...

It must be Torque pro, not 100% I have had the program for 2 years and I just keep it updated. Mine just says Torque on the top. I would assume its the $4.99 program, at least that where Google play takes me to update.

I downloaded EngineLink. It claims to work with the wifi reader, I didn't realize there was a bT and wifi model... I contacted the seller to purchase the wifi instead! Thanks for the heads up!

Danzigman said:

I downloaded EngineLink. It claims to work with the wifi reader, I didn't realize there was a bT and wifi model... I contacted the seller to purchase the wifi instead! Thanks for the heads up!

Click to expand...

Nice looks like it takes the PIDs from Torque also. I might just have to try that out.