OBDii + torque pro / dashcommand pro?

How well do bluetooth/wifi obdii scanners work on the gen 1 (year 2000)? I wonder how much computerization/sensors the truck has... I know the newer trucks have more. Trying to figure out if it's worth it. Also trying to decide if I want to get a cheap Android tablet (for FSM reference and obdii app) or go with the iphone version (has to use wifi not bluetooth unless jailbroken).

 

Why not just get a stand-alone Ultragauge (or ScanGauge) that plugs directly into the OBDII port ? Then you can see it all the time and not have to stare at a phone screen (aka - distracted driving) while driving.

 

How is staring at a scangauge while driving better than staring at a phone? Or, does the scangauge have some storage and saves history that you can look at later?

I have a cheap blue tooth odbii thing and torque pro. Initially it's interesting, but really of no continual value. It's great for reading and clearing codes, though. And I think I'm all in for like $20.

 

Ok, if it's not outstanding, I won't get a tablet for it. I'll just get an iPhone wifi scanner and use my iPhone with it.

 

I got a wifi reader and free app for my iPhone just to check the unending stream of codes my truck throws. That it does. A better app may add functionality, and may be something I would consider buying. Dash-command is probably the one I would buy. But I'm good for now.

 

Staring at the scangauge while you drive is exactly as bad as staring at your phone. Plugging directly into the port is exactly how anything that plugs directly in works.

The only difference is the scangauge costs 100+ and the other route costs $5. So I'm not sure how that sg route is a better idea.

Anyway.

I got my generic bt obdiii for about $5 on ebay.

I've never used torque on iphone, used Android free for years, upgraded to pro about a year ago. The free version will do almost everything most people want, check and clear codes, watch sensors etc. Paying $5 more, grand total of about $10 got me a few more bells and whistles.

Ive used it with my old smartphone, tablet, new phone etc. tablet is nice for the screen size, old phone is nice since it basically is just used for torque and i dont have to mess with my real phone.

Now I've got a pair of bmw in the driveway. Torque still works but i had to buy a bmw specific adapter and other app to get deeper into them and be able to code the car. It was not at all needed but i found bmw has a ton of options built in to them that are fisabled unless you pay for them when ordered. an extra $100 has got me thousands in free upgrades.

 

Torque is for android only.

 

Is it possible that the $5 eBay adapter could drain the battery if left plugged in for a couple of days?

 

I've had a cheap bluetooth OBI reader for a couple years now, got it off Amazon. I use Torque(lite) - a free app and it works fine. I've left it plugged in for weeks at a time and never had it kill my battery charge. less than $10 for a OBI reader and does provide other useful info

 

Unlikely. at most it looks like an led is on. i keep mine plugged in all the time, i don't lose it that way. i đrive it every couple of weeks.