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Best OBD2 Reader?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by imthejaybird, Jul 24, 2019.

  1. Jul 24, 2019 at 8:25 PM
    #1
    imthejaybird

    imthejaybird [OP] I make things and do stuff. TTC #287

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Jay
    Burleson, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2006 Tacoma DCSB
    Looking for a good solution to monitoring my trucks vitals. What do y’all use? Connection device, apps, phone/tablet? TIA!
     
  2. Jul 24, 2019 at 9:23 PM
    #2
    OvrlandTaco

    OvrlandTaco IG: Ovrlandtaco

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2016
    Member:
    #200368
    Messages:
    168
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Colton
    Wyoming/Texas
    Vehicle:
    '06 Black DCSB TRD Off-Road
    I use blue driver, it’s like $99 online for the actual module but the app is free. I can monitor engine vitals while on roadtrips like coolant temps, load value, etc. also allows me to read the codes whenever a light comes on, on the dash. Nice to be able to help friends out when their check engine light comes on. Just unplug from my truck, plug it into theirs, open up the app on my phone and read what the code is.
     
  3. Jul 24, 2019 at 9:40 PM
    #3
    TacomaSport86

    TacomaSport86 2010 Tacoma/2016 4Runner Pro

    Joined:
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    Torque app on my android and a bafx bluetooth obd2 reader. Total cost about $25.
     
  4. Jul 25, 2019 at 1:10 AM
    #4
    Chuy

    Chuy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2008
    Member:
    #8328
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    3,378
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    Male
    Lakeside, CA
    Vehicle:
    07 V6 DCLB 4X4 Sport
    Silver Taco
    http://www.ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/

    I was sold on the configurable audio alarms for all the gauges. I am not always checking my gauges; so having an alarm go off will draw my attention right away to a problem. They have a wired display, or wireless with their phone app.
     
  5. Jul 25, 2019 at 1:54 AM
    #5
    JeffBoyardee

    JeffBoyardee Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2019
    Member:
    #288021
    Messages:
    754
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    Seminole, FL
    Vehicle:
    2011 TRD Off-Road Tacoma DCSB
    I have a cheapo Bluetooth ELM327 reader and an old tablet that I keep in the truck, and the torque app. I do kind of like the hardwired ultragauge though. I’m curious what it can do, that my setup cannot.
     
  6. Jul 25, 2019 at 3:18 AM
    #6
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2014
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    Billy
    Largo Florida
    Vehicle:
    '13 5 lug AC w/convenience package
    A few OE parts from fancy trucks
    I run SCII in both my vehicles. I don't care for the phone apps, the phone has enough stuff on it now.

    Like the others mentioned, it's good for reading / clearing codes & monitoring systems.

    But for 'real' diagnostic work, I have laptop based software that includes freeze frame capability, etc.

    But here is the good news. I just sold an '04 Highlander with 130k+ and it never set a code. Well, once when a lady who we loaned it to for a month didn't put the gas cap on properly.

    My '13 Tacoma has never set a code. My '14 RAV has never set a code.

    So at least for me, monitoring is adequate.

     
  7. Jul 25, 2019 at 5:02 AM
    #7
    JeffBoyardee

    JeffBoyardee Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2019
    Member:
    #288021
    Messages:
    754
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    Seminole, FL
    Vehicle:
    2011 TRD Off-Road Tacoma DCSB
    I didn’t care for using the phone when it was in my phone, then I had the thought of rooting an old tablet and using it for only the Torque app. I do like the extent to which you can customize the Torque app. I’m still interested in that standalone ultragauge though.
     
    TacomaSport86 likes this.

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