Best scanner/monitor app/tool (1 Viewer)

[Chrisleduc1]

I’ve had a (non-flashing) CEL for a couple weeks now and it’s not going away on its own. The dealer is 90 minutes away. Being an ‘18 with 20k miles, I’m wondering if it’s related to my LRA tank; but that’s just a guess.

I’ve wanted to monitor trans temps etc, and so I guess it’s time to buy something. I’m using apple products, though I have the ARB linx tablet. Id like something that I can both check (and clear?) codes with, as well as monitor other things if possible, AND not have to use the LINX tablet, if possible.

What’s the best option(s) these days?

 

[afgman786]

might be related to aux tank.. Torque and OBD Fusion are good apps for what you want to see and be able to do. I use OBD Fusion with an android (believe its available for iOS?). Costs very little and the Toyota add on didn't cost much either to view all Toyota PIDs. The app also lets you read error codes and clear them, all you need to buy is a bluetooth or wifi OBD reader of your choice.

 

[Chrisleduc1]

might be related to aux tank.. Torque and OBD Fusion are good apps for what you want to see and be able to do. I use OBD Fusion with an android (believe its available for iOS?). Costs very little and the Toyota add on didn't cost much either to view all Toyota PIDs. The app also lets you read error codes and clear them, all you need to buy is a bluetooth or wifi OBD reader of your choice.

Thanks!
Is there are bluetooth reader you recommend?

 

[afgman786]

Thanks!
Is there are bluetooth reader you recommend?

I bought a cheap Veepeak one off Amazon, the one I got is only for Android devices that's why I didn't share the link.

@linuxgod has posted info in the past, and that's where I found what was needed. Maybe he'll know if it matters whether its a pricey or cheap bluetooth reader.

 

[Fisher23]

I’ve had a (non-flashing) CEL for a couple weeks now and it’s not going away on its own. The dealer is 90 minutes away. Being an ‘18 with 20k miles, I’m wondering if it’s related to my LRA tank; but that’s just a guess.

I’ve wanted to monitor trans temps etc, and so I guess it’s time to buy something. I’m using apple products, though I have the ARB linx tablet. Id like something that I can both check (and clear?) codes with, as well as monitor other things if possible, AND not have to use the LINX tablet, if possible.

What’s the best option(s) these days?

I have that tank and occasionally on a cool morning it with throw 5 codes related to the evap system. You can clear them with one of those cheek $20 OBDii? readers and likely one of you neighbors has one.

I'll be following your thread here .. for same reason I would like to monitor trans temp when towing.

 

[linuxgod]

Any ELM327 reader should work. Mine is actually Wifi, not bluetooth, as that was all that was available a few years ago, but BT would be better as connecting my phone to Wifi disables any data service

 

[bloc]

The carista module works well with their app or OBDfusion. Plus when needed you can pay the small fee to get carista pro version of the app to program TPMS codes.
I also have an older Kiwi 2 (I think) that works with OBDfusion.

 

[Fisher23]

What do you folks think of the Scan Gauge ii ?

» ScanGauge II

www.scangauge.com

 

[Sandroad]

What do you folks think of the Scan Gauge ii ?

» ScanGauge II

www.scangauge.com

View attachment 2519597

Basic stuff but IMHO hopelessly archaic programming. Other readers are far more versatile and useful. However, the reason I use one is because I like the constant readout without tying up my otherwise very busy phone. If you use one, you’ll likely want another one for anything fancy. Keep in mind the LC’s computer reads out a bunch of stuff (to use a technical term) on the dash already.

 

[Chrisleduc1]

The carista module works well with their app or OBDfusion. Plus when needed you can pay the small fee to get carista pro version of the app to program TPMS codes.
I also have an older Kiwi 2 (I think) that works with OBDfusion.

I went ahead and ordered a carista

 

[linuxgod]

Basic stuff but IMHO hopelessly archaic programming. Other readers are far more versatile and useful. However, the reason I use one is because I like the constant readout without tying up my otherwise very busy phone. If you use one, you’ll likely want another one for anything fancy. Keep in mind the LC’s computer reads out a bunch of stuff (to use a technical term) on the dash already.

I agree. Personally if you want a dedicated display I suggest buying an old iPhone or Android device and dedicating that. An SG2 is like $150-200, and you can get much more info and a much nicer display out of an old iPhone 6, and ELM327 reader, and the paid OBD Fusion with Toyota PID pack for the same $ or less. I've actually been looking for an inexpensive 7-8" tablet I could mount in the dash using one of those DVD-slot tablet holders and dedicate that.

 

[bloc]

I agree. Personally if you want a dedicated display I suggest buying an old iPhone or Android device and dedicating that. An SG2 is like $150-200, and you can get much more info and a much nicer display out of an old iPhone 6, and ELM327 reader, and the paid OBD Fusion with Toyota PID pack for the same $ or less. I've actually been looking for an inexpensive 7-8" tablet I could mount in the dash using one of those DVD-slot tablet holders and dedicate that.

I sprung for a cellular iPad mini 4 in my daily driver and it is amazing for this. Offline google maps for navigation, all the other video/whatever apps you could want, isn’t too big/heavy, and OBDfusion gives all the diagnostic/live data feedback I could ever need. Plus having bought the app on my phone means it can be installed on my iPad without buying another license.

Lot more than a scan gauge but 100x more functional.

 

[Chrisleduc1]

I have that tank and occasionally on a cool morning it with throw 5 codes related to the evap system. You can clear them with one of those cheek $20 OBDii? readers and likely one of you neighbors has one.

I'll be following your thread here .. for same reason I would like to monitor trans temp when towing.

Were these the codes you had?

 

[Markuson]

Those evap codes are so common that I leave a reader plugged in 24/7....but I added an extension plug that has a built-in on/off switch because it eats power 24/7 if left plugged in. So do most bluetooth plugs, btw.

So... if I get evap codes, i flip the on/off switch, and then within about 15 seconds, I can clear codes...even while driving if need be.

If all you want to do is clear codes, tons of OBD2 readers can do that.

I’m not a fan of bluetooth readers for quickie stuff, because it’s far too fiddly, and also means apps, updates, connectivity questions, etc. Also, those BT units stay powered up 24/7...since the OBD2 plug stays powered if a reader is plugged in...and some produce quite a lot of heat. I had one hager so hot i feared it would melt. That’s a lot of power to leave plugged in (maybe defective?) But anyway...went the other route.

On the other hand, for settings tweaks, I did recently to Carista. Limited options on my 08, but it did let me remedy several annoyances. Only use the Carista reader for specific tweaks though. TheRest of the time, my basic OBD2 is connected.

 

[Chrisleduc1]

@Markuson i went with the carista and OBD Fusion. I was able to clear those 4 codes.

I wanted to be able to see trans temps etc, so maybe once I figure out this app I’ll be able to dig down in greater depth.

 

[FrazzledHunter]

I wasn't sure if I should post this here or in the Towing thread but as this is a question about monitoring apps I thought this was the better place to post.

Is anyone using OBDLink MX+ with their OBDLINK app with the Toyota specific package to monitor transmission temps?
I'm very interested in being able to monitor transmission temps while towing.
I got the following readings at idle with the suspect one reading "A/T Oil Temperature 3" starting at 17.6F, then 20.87F and 28.4F when the image was taken.

The thing is that ambient temperature was about 50F in my garage and the low earlier that night was in the 40's.
In other words this temp reading was WAY below ambient.

I guess "A/T Oil Temperature 1" looks OK but you know how it goes, one appears wrong so I wonder about the others.

I called technical support about the readings I got below [EDIT: above] and they told me:

"The Toyota data that we have was provided to us directly by North American Toyota, but I would not be able to let you know why A/T Oil Temperature 3 is giving you these values.. It might be that one set is valid for some vehicles with that ECU and another set is valid for other vehicles with that ECU(that used a different calculation method).
I would like to assume that A/T Oil Temperature 1 would be the correct value, but I would recommend that you perform more testing to verify if this is the accurate."

In other words they were no help at all IMHO.

Thanks in advance for any help/insight.

 

[Fisher23]

Were these the codes you had?

View attachment 2522668

Yes those are the codes I get occasionally. I have the cheep OBii reader that will clear them.

This one .. but you can get it for $20 if you look around.

Amazon product ASIN B0007LEG2K

 

[Fisher23]

Basic stuff but IMHO hopelessly archaic programming. Other readers are far more versatile and useful. However, the reason I use one is because I like the constant readout without tying up my otherwise very busy phone. If you use one, you’ll likely want another one for anything fancy. Keep in mind the LC’s computer reads out a bunch of stuff (to use a technical term) on the dash already.

Do you have yours mounted on the dash?

I'm looking for something to monitor my transmission temperature, especially when driving in soft sand or towing.

 

[linuxgod]

Do you have yours mounted on the dash?

I'm looking for something to monitor my transmission temperature, especially when driving in soft sand or towing.

Go buy a generic ELM327-compliant OBD2 bluetooth or wifi interface module off Amazon or Ebay for $20, then buy the OBD Fusion phone app for $5 and once it's installed add the OBD Fusion Toyota Enhanced PID pack for $10 and you will be able to get data for every possible sensor as well as view and clear OBD2 codes. Engine oil temp, two transmission temp sensors, etc are all part of the enhanced PID pack. Seriously I screwed around with figuring out the codes previously with other apps (Torque, EngineLink, etc) and OBD Fusion is ABSOLUTELY worth every penny of the $15 it costs.

If you want a permanent mounted solution, buy an older iPad or iPhone and mount that in your vehicle somewhere. IMO all the other solutions like Scangauge are far inferior nowadays.

 

[bloc]

Go buy a generic ELM327-compliant OBD2 bluetooth or wifi interface module off Amazon or Ebay for $20, then buy the OBD Fusion phone app for $5 and once it's installed add the OBD Fusion Toyota Enhanced PID pack for $10 and you will be able to get data for every possible sensor as well as view and clear OBD2 codes. Engine oil temp, two transmission temp sensors, etc are all part of the enhanced PID pack. Seriously I screwed around with figuring out the codes previously with other apps (Torque, EngineLink, etc) and OBD Fusion is ABSOLUTELY worth every penny of the $15 it costs.

If you want a permanent mounted solution, buy an older iPad or iPhone and mount that in your vehicle somewhere. IMO all the other solutions like Scangauge are far inferior nowadays.

Exactly what he said.

And to add.. I’m pretty sure it was linuxgod that posted more info somewhere about the two trans temp PIDs that do seem to work, one being pan temp and the other being torque converter temp. Exactly what you’d need to monitor.

There will still be some work in setting up a gauge interface you actually want to look at.. but once that is done this is by far the best solution.