What kind of code reader?
- Thread starter Southtwnr
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ajonesnv
New member
I use DashCommand and Rev (I think) and a cheap Wifi interface...works great. The Rev app has a trans temp code add on too.
ScubaS
New member
I'm guessing you're looking for a Bluetooth obdII dongle to connect to your phone. Here's the one I'm using: Amazon.com: BAFX Products - Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool - For check engine light & diagnostics - Android ONLY: Automotive
I use it with the torque pro app and love it.
I use it with the torque pro app and love it.
Red October
Member
So, these are cool devices.
Not to thread jack here, but what kind of support do the various apps provide? Would they have the same functions as say a ScanGuage?
Not to thread jack here, but what kind of support do the various apps provide? Would they have the same functions as say a ScanGuage?
Ultragauge or Scan Gauge for stand alone units. I have a Bluetooth OBDII dongle and use an app called Torque on both the 99 and 2000 4 Runners. I have the Scan Gauge in my Tacoma and the Ultra Gauge in my wife's 2003 V8 4Runner.
The Bluetooth dongle and Torque app will set you back about $15 total shipped if you have Amazon Prime.
The Bluetooth dongle and Torque app will set you back about $15 total shipped if you have Amazon Prime.
ScubaS
New member
I've never owned a Scangauge so I can't say for sure but I don't see why the OBDII dongle/app combo wouldn't have all of the same functionality (they both can only tell you as much as the ECU tells them). I would actually expect you to get more support and features from using an app since they are so easy to push updates to. The torque app also includes some unique features that take advantage of the smartphone's capabilities like acceleration data and logging your trips on a map using gps.
The main difference is that the scangauge is a standalone and the OBDII dongle/app combo requires you to use your phone as a display.
To answer the OP's question, I choose to use the torque app because I heard good things about it. I didn't even look at alternatives but I suspect it comes down to interface preferences. The readout from the ECU shouldn't be any different.
BrianSD_42
New member
The Torque App with a $30 (Amazon) BlueTooth OBDII Reader is a great combination if you don't need or want a permanent install of the $150 ScanGaugeII.
The downsides of the phone app are simple. You would only keep it on when there is an issue. Having the BlueTooth running "all the time" drains your phone battery and is inconvenient. When I was using the phone and Torque I only accessed that data if I had a code. Now that I have the ScanGaugeII, I can see the data all the time.
The downsides of the phone app are simple. You would only keep it on when there is an issue. Having the BlueTooth running "all the time" drains your phone battery and is inconvenient. When I was using the phone and Torque I only accessed that data if I had a code. Now that I have the ScanGaugeII, I can see the data all the time.
I paid $8 shipped for the BT OBDII reader and $5 for Torque. I chose it based on this thread at TW:
Write-Up: Torque APP OBD2 Reader
It gives me trans temp which was a big deciding factor, but it is actually very easy to set up, it shows active parameters highlighted, it also is very easy to calibrate.
Write-Up: Torque APP OBD2 Reader
It gives me trans temp which was a big deciding factor, but it is actually very easy to set up, it shows active parameters highlighted, it also is very easy to calibrate.
ELM 327 Bluetooth Obdii Obd2 Diagnostic Scanner
Ignore the 1 star, both of mine have been perfect.
I also bought 2 extension cables of these since the dongle extends down from the port towards your right foot:
OBD-II OBD2 16Pin Male to Female Extension Cable Diagnostic Extender 30cm
Ignore the 1 star, both of mine have been perfect.
I also bought 2 extension cables of these since the dongle extends down from the port towards your right foot:
OBD-II OBD2 16Pin Male to Female Extension Cable Diagnostic Extender 30cm
What gauge is better?
I just got a Vgate OBD wireless dongle from Amazon and the Torque app. Yesterday.
It's been great so far.
One thing: It won't read oil pressure. Is that an issue for '98 4R's or is it my vehicle or the dongle?
I may want to go to a permanent installation later. What's better? The Scangauge II or UltraGauge?
ScanGauge is smaller but more expensive. Ultragauge is cheaper, bigger, but supposed to be more customizable.
I just got a Vgate OBD wireless dongle from Amazon and the Torque app. Yesterday.
It's been great so far.One thing: It won't read oil pressure. Is that an issue for '98 4R's or is it my vehicle or the dongle?
I may want to go to a permanent installation later. What's better? The Scangauge II or UltraGauge?
ScanGauge is smaller but more expensive. Ultragauge is cheaper, bigger, but supposed to be more customizable.
