Lanister
01-14-2014, 09:52 AM
So I've been reading more and more about the usefulness of the ODBII Bluetooth adapters; particularly with apps like Torque (Android only). With their prices around $13-25, I figured it wouldn't hurt to give one a try. There is a variety of choices out on the market at the moment and they all have their pros and cons. Some of the cons include size (too big), lack of power button (will drain the battery if left plugged in), inconsistent BT connectivity, compatibility issues with certain phones. So based on this data, I went with the following product as I couldn't find anything negative on it.
Specifications:
1. OBD2 Bluetooth
2. With ON/OFF Power Switch
3. Works with all OBD-II compliant vehicles
4. Bluetooth 5~10 meter range
Features:
Color: Black and White
Size: 4.6 x 2.3 x 3.1cm (L x W x H) (Approx)
With ON/OFF Power Switch
Read diagnostic trouble codes, both generic and manufacturer-specific,
and display their meaning.
Clear trouble codes and turn off the MIL ("Check Engine" light)
when used with compatible software
Display current sensor data, including:
- Engine RPM
- Calculated Load Value
- Coolant Temperature
- Fuel System Status
- Vehicle Speed
- Short Term Fuel Trim
- Long Term Fuel Trim
- Intake Manifold Pressure
- Timing Advance
- Intake Air Temperature
- Air Flow Rate
- Absolute Throttle Position
- Oxygen sensor voltages/associated short term fuel trims
- Fuel System status
- Fuel Pressure
- Many others...
11745
(Credit) Image and specifications have been obtained from AVIN Website (https://avinusa.com/torque-compatible-bluetooth-obd2.html)
As you can tell from the pictures and specs, it doesn't have any size issues and power button allows you to leave it plugged in. You still have to remember to turn it off but, supposedly, it's not an issue if your battery is in good shape.
Surprisingly, it was very easy to set up. Almost too easy. As soon as I plugged it into the ODBII port, it linked up with the ECU. My phone (Samsung Galaxy S3) paired with it right away--without the need to enter any codes. I might have to credit Android with that since it probably just tried the common (1234 or 0000) codes on its own but I can't be certain. The first time I started Torque, it immediately linked up with the BT adapter without me having to do anything. As I said, too easy. The only option I changed in Torque thus far is I've enabled the faster BT connection. Apparently not all phones/adapters support it but I think it's basically a higher refresh rate. No notable connectivity issues to report after about 30 minutes of use.
I've tried it in both of my cars (ZHP and VW Eurovan) and it worked as advertised. So far, aside from real-time data, I thought it was very cool to look up and clear fault codes from my phone. There's much more to be found with Torque application but that's not what this review is about.
The aforementioned AVIN site lists it for $25, but I managed to pick it up on eBay for $12.65 shipped from this eBay auction:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251333612755?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Specifications:
1. OBD2 Bluetooth
2. With ON/OFF Power Switch
3. Works with all OBD-II compliant vehicles
4. Bluetooth 5~10 meter range
Features:
Color: Black and White
Size: 4.6 x 2.3 x 3.1cm (L x W x H) (Approx)
With ON/OFF Power Switch
Read diagnostic trouble codes, both generic and manufacturer-specific,
and display their meaning.
Clear trouble codes and turn off the MIL ("Check Engine" light)
when used with compatible software
Display current sensor data, including:
- Engine RPM
- Calculated Load Value
- Coolant Temperature
- Fuel System Status
- Vehicle Speed
- Short Term Fuel Trim
- Long Term Fuel Trim
- Intake Manifold Pressure
- Timing Advance
- Intake Air Temperature
- Air Flow Rate
- Absolute Throttle Position
- Oxygen sensor voltages/associated short term fuel trims
- Fuel System status
- Fuel Pressure
- Many others...
11745
(Credit) Image and specifications have been obtained from AVIN Website (https://avinusa.com/torque-compatible-bluetooth-obd2.html)
As you can tell from the pictures and specs, it doesn't have any size issues and power button allows you to leave it plugged in. You still have to remember to turn it off but, supposedly, it's not an issue if your battery is in good shape.
Surprisingly, it was very easy to set up. Almost too easy. As soon as I plugged it into the ODBII port, it linked up with the ECU. My phone (Samsung Galaxy S3) paired with it right away--without the need to enter any codes. I might have to credit Android with that since it probably just tried the common (1234 or 0000) codes on its own but I can't be certain. The first time I started Torque, it immediately linked up with the BT adapter without me having to do anything. As I said, too easy. The only option I changed in Torque thus far is I've enabled the faster BT connection. Apparently not all phones/adapters support it but I think it's basically a higher refresh rate. No notable connectivity issues to report after about 30 minutes of use.
I've tried it in both of my cars (ZHP and VW Eurovan) and it worked as advertised. So far, aside from real-time data, I thought it was very cool to look up and clear fault codes from my phone. There's much more to be found with Torque application but that's not what this review is about.
The aforementioned AVIN site lists it for $25, but I managed to pick it up on eBay for $12.65 shipped from this eBay auction:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251333612755?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649