Scangauge vs. Torque Pro

[vr4z06gt]

I am looking into buying an OBDII monitor/reader. There seems to be two paths that are common: either a dedicated reader such as Scangauge or some sort of wireless protocol (OBDlink/cheap chinese knockoffs et al) that pair with Torque Pro.

I am aware of the usability factors between the two but I cannot find is a real comparison with the 4Runners.

Some topics seem to suggest a preferance towards Scangauge

While others like the Torque Pro for data collection and plotting among other features.

I couldn't find many notable discussions around the 4th gen about a wireless protocol and torque pro. Most seem to prefer the Scangauge.

I am leaning towards the OBDLink MX since it also supports Ford/GM protocols. I have plenty of friends who are Chevy guys so I might as well as pony up a little extra to gain some extra functionality for them. I would like the ability to read ABS/SRS protocols in addition to OBDII protocols, which the MX and Torque Pro combination allow for.

So my question is, are there people in the 4th gen forum who have experience with an OBDLink with Torque pro?

Can anyone recommend a reliable and comprehensive as the MX device that isn't as pricey as an OBDlink MX ($100 at the moment)?

I am not opposed to paying for quality but with plenty costing $10 and several costing >$100 there is likely someone in the middle who makes a quality unit a reasonable price but doesn't have the brand recognition of OBDLink and thus who doesn't charge for that.

I have a 2008 V8 Limited if that is of importance. I also have a 2010 Maxima that I would like whatever I end up buying to work with. At the moment my hopes are to monitor data in both vehicles. However I would like whatever I buy to be a little more future proof in terms of features (if this is possible) and usability.

Thanks in advance for all of your help.

 

[drewm]

I don't see why you wouldn't pick up one under $10. You can also use Torque Lite (which is free). I own the cheap one and I've never ever had a problem doing a read on the 10+ cars (including the 3rd and 4th gen) I've used it on. Also note that if you have an iphone you need the wifi version, only android can use the bluetooth one.

I am looking into buying an OBDII monitor/reader. There seems to be two paths that are common: either a dedicated reader such as Scangauge or some sort of wireless protocol (OBDlink/cheap chinese knockoffs et al) that pair with Torque Pro.

I am aware of the usability factors between the two but I cannot find is a real comparison with the 4Runners.

Some topics seem to suggest a preferance towards Scangauge

While others like the Torque Pro for data collection and plotting among other features.

I couldn't find many notable discussions around the 4th gen about a wireless protocol and torque pro. Most seem to prefer the Scangauge.

I am leaning towards the OBDLink MX since it also supports Ford/GM protocols. I have plenty of friends who are Chevy guys so I might as well as pony up a little extra to gain some extra functionality for them. I would like the ability to read ABS/SRS protocols in addition to OBDII protocols, which the MX and Torque Pro combination allow for.

So my question is, are there people in the 4th gen forum who have experience with an OBDLink with Torque pro?

Can anyone recommend a reliable and comprehensive as the MX device that isn't as pricey as an OBDlink MX ($100 at the moment)?

I am not opposed to paying for quality but with plenty costing $10 and several costing >$100 there is likely someone in the middle who makes a quality unit a reasonable price but doesn't have the brand recognition of OBDLink and thus who doesn't charge for that.

I have a 2008 V8 Limited if that is of importance. I also have a 2010 Maxima that I would like whatever I end up buying to work with. At the moment my hopes are to monitor data in both vehicles. However I would like whatever I buy to be a little more future proof in terms of features (if this is possible) and usability.

Thanks in advance for all of your help.

 

[vr4z06gt]

What I have read about quite of a few of the $10 units is that their connections are iffy at best and generally they have a high DOA rate. I would rather pay a little more for long term quality. The other consideration is that many of the cheaper units do not include ABS/SRS scanning capabilities. I would like whatever I buy to have this.


As far as $10 units, what would you recommend?

 

[NuclearN8]

I bought this one and have been using it for over a year with zero issues
Super Mini OBD2 OBDII ELM327 V1 5 Android Bluetooth Adapter Auto Scanner Torque | eBay

torque pro app too for $5 so for $18 total I have more functionality and customization than the scangauge.

This is really a no brainer in my book. Especially if you have an old smartphone with bluetooth you can use as a dedicated screen. Even without that it's still the most cost effective and functional option in my book. I've had scangauges on previous vehicles and they are nice, but they are also way more expensive for the same thing.

 

[nevada]

I haven't used it a lot yet, but I picked up a cheap OBD2 connector, I think it was $13. found the link somewhere on here, where others had good luck with it.
it seems to be working well so far.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Ultra-Gauge?

There is also the Ultra-Gauge.

UltraGauge OBDII Scan tool & Information Center

Ultra gauge is similar to the Scangauge II but costs less ($61.00).

I use both. I have a Scangauge II in my 4runner and an Ultra-Gauge on my DD Mazda B2300 pickup (AKA Ford Ranger.)

Biggest differences between the two are that the UG does not show transmission temperatures and cannot be configured to do so (to my knowledge.) Since my Mazda is a manual, I don't need the tranny temp anyway.

I do like the SGII on the 4runner especially since I tow a trailer (and we just got a bigger trailer), I definitely like to be able to monitor trans temp.

Personally I don't like the idea of using the phone for the same reason I don't like using the phone as my GPS: Because often times a "jack of all trades" is a master of none, and also because I don't want to have to scroll through a bunch of apps to get to the one I need.

On both of my vehicles my OBD scanner is placed where I can see it and on both of them I program it to show my DTE - Distance to Empty - as well as my "instant" and average MPG, and I use this to try and keep my fuel consumption down as well as knowing when I need to refuel.

With a phone-based system I'd have to have a cradle mounted to the dashboard to keep my phone visible, and I'd also have to disable the automatic shut off of the screen.

Honestly, spending $10 on the app and the dongle is probably a nice intro to see if you like having an OBD scanner, but my feeling is once you decide you want to monitor what is going on with your vehicle, you'll want a dedicated unit that stays in the vehicle and doesn't do anything else. It's just easier to use and provides more immediate (and usable) information. My $0.02 :

 

[yosh2000]

I do like the SGII on the 4runner especially since I tow a trailer (and we just got a bigger trailer), I definitely like to be able to monitor trans temp.

mind sharing how you got trans temp on the SCII (codes). i just picked one up for my 05 and would like to add this function, thanks.

 

[Martinjmpr]

mind sharing how you got trans temp on the SCII (codes). i just picked one up for my 05 and would like to add this function, thanks.

You program it using the X-gauge feature. I don't recall what the X-gauge settings are but you should be able to google them or even search them on this forum, since I'm pretty sure I found them here.

You can also use X-gauge to show the Tank-To-Empty distance (i.e. Distance to Empty) which is my de facto gas gauge.

 

[vr4z06gt]

Does the ultragauge allow for ABS/SRS inquiry? Also does an ultragauge allow for data logging and export?

I fully agree that a dedicated device would be much nicer/simpler to use. That still puts me on the fence because a prepaid android phone, that can run Torque Pro can be acquired cheap enough to act as a dedicated car platform for music/monitoring/maybe GPS. My 4Runner has factory Nav so I don't need to use a phone all the time. The biggest advantage to a Cell Based Nav is traffic.....that is a godsend.

There is also the Ultra-Gauge.

UltraGauge OBDII Scan tool & Information Center

Ultra gauge is similar to the Scangauge II but costs less ($61.00).

I use both. I have a Scangauge II in my 4runner and an Ultra-Gauge on my DD Mazda B2300 pickup (AKA Ford Ranger.)

Biggest differences between the two are that the UG does not show transmission temperatures and cannot be configured to do so (to my knowledge.) Since my Mazda is a manual, I don't need the tranny temp anyway.

I do like the SGII on the 4runner especially since I tow a trailer (and we just got a bigger trailer), I definitely like to be able to monitor trans temp.

Personally I don't like the idea of using the phone for the same reason I don't like using the phone as my GPS: Because often times a "jack of all trades" is a master of none, and also because I don't want to have to scroll through a bunch of apps to get to the one I need.

On both of my vehicles my OBD scanner is placed where I can see it and on both of them I program it to show my DTE - Distance to Empty - as well as my "instant" and average MPG, and I use this to try and keep my fuel consumption down as well as knowing when I need to refuel.

With a phone-based system I'd have to have a cradle mounted to the dashboard to keep my phone visible, and I'd also have to disable the automatic shut off of the screen.

Honestly, spending $10 on the app and the dongle is probably a nice intro to see if you like having an OBD scanner, but my feeling is once you decide you want to monitor what is going on with your vehicle, you'll want a dedicated unit that stays in the vehicle and doesn't do anything else. It's just easier to use and provides more immediate (and usable) information. My $0.02 :

 

[Martinjmpr]

Does the ultragauge allow for ABS/SRS inquiry? Also does an ultragauge allow for data logging and export?

I don't think it allows for either.

 

[XR250rdr]

I bought this OBD2 adapter: BAFX Products - Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool with Torque Pro running on my old Droid 2 in its car cradle. I have zero connection problems. I needed to adjust for speedometer inaccuracy due to the larger tires I'm running, but that was about the only tweaking I needed to do. I wish PIDs were known to view oil pressure and temperature, but I do have transmission temperature working. Oil temperature and pressure aren't available on ScanGauge either though.

I've used it with my 2006 T4R, 2010 Fusion Sport, 1995 Ranger, and read codes on my mom's 1996 Tacoma without any issues.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

mind sharing how you got trans temp on the SCII (codes). i just picked one up for my 05 and would like to add this function, thanks.

You program it using the X-gauge feature. I don't recall what the X-gauge settings are but you should be able to google them or even search them on this forum, since I'm pretty sure I found them here.

You can also use X-gauge to show the Tank-To-Empty distance (i.e. Distance to Empty) which is my de facto gas gauge.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/148594-scangauge-trans-temp.html

 

[alpine]

To me, most important feature on a bluetooth obd reader was the auto sleep feature, so you don't have to plug/unplug each time. Just plug and forget.

Got this one couple mnts ago, comes with its own app and a desktop software (didn't have the time to mess with yet) and able to connect torque pro (and variants). So far, no problems.

https://www.scantool.net/obdlink-lx.html

Got a 10$ one off of ebay before, it died after a year. Didn't have the auto sleep, so it was a little more effort. But to be honest, as far as connectivity and operation, was not any different from this new reader, as far as the torque pro app is concerned.