thinking about getting code reader that you use with cell phone

[Ronzxcvb]

looks like it would be a good tool to have
but seems like the more I read about them the more questions I have
what would be a good transmitter to get? (cheap)
what does the software cost? monthly/yearly or good forever?
do they tell you more than what the ones the use at auto zone etc
can it be used on other vehicles like my wife's Saturn?
thanks for any help I have a android phone with blue tooth

 

[dantheman]

i use this one
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NLQAHS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

with the torque pro app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque

ive used it on my tahoe, lexus gs300, gto, my buddies suburban and F150s. if its OBD2 itll work.

 

[arens6]

I bought this one back on 2014 but its no longer for sale. You can look up the ELM versions to see whats real and what not. Torque is a good app for the android phone. You should not have to spend much on the bluetooth reader.

Koolertron F-12 ELM 327 OBDII PC Car Diagnostic Scanner
Sold by: GLOBALEBUY-US Product question? Ask Seller
$10.96

 

[Ronzxcvb]

Thanks Dan
They are cheaper than I thought they would be especially for something rated so highly
Do you think I should order the extension cable right away?


For anyone else looking if the link stops working this is what Dan linked and only costs $22
and the app is only $5
BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool for Android Devices
by BAFX Products

 

[select127]

i also got one of the bafx 34t5, works pretty good.

 

[SlowD]

I went with the OBDlink LX since it was rated as one of the fastest ones out there, found on Ebay for $45.
I also got a Kindle HD 8.9" for $60 on Ebay that I can dedicate as a display/code reader. With the obd adapter it displays information just as fast as the cluster.
My original plan was to have a friend write up a program that would have customizable displays that could replace our gauge cluster, basically the oversized tablet I was researching would mount In place of the cluster but the screen would fit the shape of the cluster to look stock.
Imagine looking at a cluster like the one in the picture (****** photoshop) but you could customize the layout however you would like.
It can easily be done to look stock plus you wouldn't need to butcher anything behind our cluster to mount it since we have a ton of room for mounting options.
You could hardwire in a remote to control it or use a mini USB remote.

Probably never get around to doing it but I think about it a lot.

 

[Ronzxcvb]

that does look pretty cool
But I'm happy with how the stock dash looks in mine I have been thinking for a future project of putting a backup camera in the dash though
I ordered the bafx 34t5 today
will it tell me how the coils are performing?
The engine sounds great but there is rust on the coil packs so was thinking about replacing them in the near future just because they looked old