Code Reader

My check engine light came on so I'm needing a code reader. I'm wanting something better than the $20 unit at Wal-Mart. What do you guys use/recommend? Been looking at the Scangauge, but not sure if I would use it to monitor things while driving. I want it to be able to monitor the transmission temperature to help me do my fluid changes.

 

OBDII bluetooth reader, doubles as a code reader and performance monitor

Just one option

$22 Foseal Wifi OBD2 Scanner, Car Code Reader Check Engine Light Diagnostic Scan Tool for iOS and Android

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W0SDLRY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_LEQsAbPWZBCWB

You will need to download an app, I use Torque Pro, but there are a few free ones

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

 

I use one of these, Cheap, small and torque pro on an extra old phone

Mestart OBDII OBD2 Bluetooth Car Diagnostic Scan Tool Auto OBD Scanner for Android Devices

https://www.amazon.com/Mestart-Blue...F8&qid=1514842850&sr=1-4&keywords=ELM327&th=1

 

Is it OK to use the OBDII plugged in all the time? I have bluetooth one like the one in the post above ^^^, but was hoping to leave it on all the time with Torque pro running on my Android car radio head unit.

 

Yes

 

Bet you would. Particularly coolant temp (since your dash guage is an idiot light with a needle) and voltage, since you see the real deal. Lots of other variables to select from too, all useful at various times.

The latest Rev of the SCII will do both pan and converter. However, your ECU has to have that output(s) for it to work. I'm unsure if your '06 does or not. My '13 does, but my '04 Highlander does not.

If that's an expectation for you, verify that your truck produces that data first.

Just a wild guess here. *Maybe* all the 'sealed' units do have this output. The transaxle on my '04 still has a dipstick. My '13 does too , but by that time everyone was getting that readout as part of the operational algorithms

 

Thanks for your reply...won't it drain the battery if I don't use my truck for a week or so? I noticed it has a small red light on all the time, even with the truck off and key out of ignition.

 

Can't speak for all devices. But it's not an issue with the SCII.

 

Do you have a link to that particular unit? I might buy that one instead of keeping my cheap one:

 

https://www.scangauge.com/products/scangauge-ii/

 

I'm looking for something cheap, that also does the TPMS!

Any recommendations?

 

I understand that's a new option on the latest Rev of the SCII. While not 'cheap' they are good. I actually bought both of mine used. One through a car forum and one via eBay. Had them upgraded and they've been installed for years.

Can't speak to that option on other brands.

What I'd dig is something to turn TPMS off.

 

Scangauge II has codes for all 4 TPMS pressures that you can program. I’ve never tried it with mine but it’s possible.

 

I have the same unit, plugged in for over a year. Pretty shoddy software on Torque(lite) but free and does everything I need; reads codes, temps, gps/ecu speed, bearing, mpgs.. Any distinct advantage to using torque pro? Is it user friendly/reliable?

 

Anyone ever heard of fixd?

 

toms hardware has good things to say.. never seen it, but might be worth a little extra$ over torque to get a decent interface, sounds like it does a lot of what scangauge does for quite a bit less.. cool

 

Torque Pro allows for custom PID's so you can input the formula / pid for trans pan, and torque converter output temps. If you know where to look you can get it for free too.

 

Yea this is why I paid the $5 for torque pro, so I could get my trans temps.

For a total investment of $17 id say its worth.

 

When you say you paid $17.00, what did that cover, the unit and app.