OBD2 Scanner

I'm trying to teach the girls to drive stick on my '98 2.4L 5-lug 5-speed.
Would be really helpful to have a Tach!
I understand most of the Scanner tools - considering free version of Torque - include engine speed.
I have a solid dash mount for my iPhone 16. So, should just need a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter.
Can anyone here:
a) confirm that Torque has an easy-to read tachometer/engine speed gauge?
b) advise a good quality but cheaper-end bluetooth OBD2 adapter for use with Torque and a recent iPhone on the Gen1 Taco? or
c) point me to a relevant somewhat-recent thread which discusses such things?
Thanks for the help!

 

Technically, the tach idea feasible/shows shift pts….i get it

i would get the girls to “feel/listen” to the engine…..better yet the name they gave to the Taco
(My daughter calls the taco Dusty(bc she rather learn on a Lexus or better))
Not gonna happen.
Me: “Kennady, listen to what Dusty is trying to tell you.”

I have taught 4 females how to drive stick
IMO better learners than males

Typically everyone instructs to release clutch and then at same time give gas….too much info for beginners

I have found that I instruct (with vehicle in 1st…in parking lot)
To only concentrate on slow release of clutch pedal. That’s It. After a 1/2 dozen times. The student “gets” the slow C pedal release as vehicle starts to creep forward
THEN
I instruct to then gently push gas pedal
After few mini burn outs…..student gets it

not a 2 pedal at one time thing
one pedal 1st then the 2nd pedal comes into play

once the Dreaded 1st gear start off is learned, the rest of shifts become easy
Before they know it they are using both pedals at same time
GL!

 

You know you can drive a manual when you can just use only the clutch pedal.

 

Agreed

I was taught that 2 pedal thing
I was horrible
I got it after 1/2 a clutch and tire tread wasted on my parents and parents friends cars

then I got the idea from a mechanic that was a Porsche tech
They would have contests who could get car moving……in 6th gear!
I put 2 & 2 together

 

Thanks guys.
I appreciate the pointers.
My first car (twin-stick 4-speed) didn’t have a tach until I’d been driving it for a year and installed one myself.
I taught them both to drive been their (automatic) Mazda3, which they’ve been doing quite proficiently for 4 years. Just think it’s time they learn the manual just-in-case.
They’ve both done well launching and shifting in an abandoned parking lot. One was just fine driving around the neighborhood, until there was a car behind her. Then 3 out of 4 times, she stalled. Was hesitant to re-start in case the engine was running.

I’m not planning to rely solely on the tach. It’ll just be nice to have as a point of reference in certain situations.

id also like to use it, myself, to set a baseline for sound at a given speed. 2.4 sounds nothing like the 3.0 I6t in my DD 6MT 135i.

can anyone help with original question?

 

Sorry

I’m more of mechanical person
I saw some vids on how to install a tach with correct pinout. I found a 2.4L cluster with a tach at junk yard(was plug and play)
That’s how I got a tach
But
I’m sure there is an easier way with iPhone/torque app though
GL

kudos to you getting your girls to learn on a stick!!!!!!!!

 

Good question, OP. I am also looking for a good OBD scanner for my Tacoma. Just to watch things that the dash doesn't show.

I have been looking at this one:

$42 Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+ Bluetooth OBD II Scanner Wireless Car Diagnostic Scan Tool Check Engine Code Reader for iOS & Android

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076XVQMVS?smid=A2NG1XFT08RF8V

But I would be really interested in what members have had good success with. I plan to use it with an iPhone.

 

I dont use torque, but here is what I use. I swapped a 2.4L(2rz) into my 86 samurai. Obviously the gauges are an issue. I use a veepeak scan tool and OBD Fusion app on my iPhone to display Tach, Temp, Volt, etc on my phone while driving. It works perfect and I am thinking about dedicating a cheap used phone for permanent usage in it.

$42 Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+ Bluetooth OBD II Scanner Wireless Car Diagnostic Scan Tool Check Engine Code Reader for iOS & Android

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076XVQMVS

 

Excellant teaching them to use a manual transmission. After they have mastered that teach them to back up a trailer. When they apply for jobs in the future and the prospective employer/application are asked if they any special skills, list this, this will seperate them them from the massses of applicants.

On top of this, I taught my daughter gun saftey and how to shoot long guns and handguns when she was 12, mom wanst too thrilled but she knows what to look for now when she is out and about in the world.

 

I'd consider a ScanGauge or UltraGauge that you can mount somewhere easy to see. I don't like those BT dongles... they always rely on software on your phone... I like the "self-containedess" of the SG- you just plug it in, and it works. Don't have to open additional apps, or mount your phone, etc..

I have an SG II that's mounted in front of my auto shifter (which wouldn't be great for your use case), that I use for water temp, trans temp, long term fuel trim, short term fuel trim. So not things I need to look at constantly while underway, but nice to glance at.

I was just looking at the SG and UG websites, and I didn't realize they weren't made by the same company.. or rather, I thought they all used to be made by the same company.. the SG product line up seems to have become more confusing with the introduction of the SGIII...

Anyway, an UltraGauge might be what you're after...

 

Veepeak says it only works with Torque on Android.
OBD Fusion looks like it'll provide the functionality I'm looking for.

I have an older OBDLink MX, but it doesn't sync up with my iPhone.

Good idea. First I'll need to teach myself to back a trailer! I've done it (successfully) a couple times, but it isn't something I'm proficient at or comfortable with. My BiL has been towing a boat for 5 decades. He's amazing with a trailer. Perhaps I can enlist his services.

 

The Veepeak is good for iPhone, I use it with OBD Fusion and I keep ATF temp, coolant temp, and MPGs on my stereo screen. You can view RPMs but be warned that there is a delay in reading with all the apps I've tried. UltraGauge is better for all that stuff but it definitely is a little pricy.