Monitoring non obd2 vehicles

[sbrodacz]

i know on obd2 vehicles you can get a Bluetooth adapter and plug it in and read everything from an app. Is there anything that works on pre 96 vehicles besides purchasing several gauges?

 

[lovetoski]

Gauges are what you need to use. Your 94 80 series has OBD1, which can give you codes if there are errors, but no real-time monitoring of engine status.

 

[EJ Lewis]

what if i plug an OBD1 extension cable with the Bluetooth adapter?

 

[ntsqd]

As I understand it there isn't any data there to monitor, only error codes. Convert to OBD II (if possible) or get real gauges if you insist on numbers. Personally I prefer warning lights with just enough gauges to figure out if I can make it home or that I need to stop.

 

[sbrodacz]

As I understand it there isn't any data there to monitor, only error codes. Convert to OBD II (if possible) or get real gauges if you insist on numbers. Personally I prefer warning lights with just enough gauges to figure out if I can make it home or that I need to stop.

With just enough gauges? Are you referring to anything aftermarket or what's provided already?

 

[ntsqd]

Depends on what is there already. After spending 7 years working in engine development I have a distrust of aftermarket automotive gauges. Most are dashboard jewelry and are no better (or worse) than the OEM gauges. Aftermarket gauge mfg's don't publish error data, so how do you know that the number an aftermarket gauge is giving is really correct? Short answer is that you don't and you have no idea how far off it might be unless you calibrate it.

What I look for is consistency, with everything operating normally are the gauges consistent about the number that they indicate? This is really more important than an arbitrary number anyway.
So when you suspect that there's a problem: oil pressure - is the gauge reading normal?, battery voltage - is the gauge reading normal?, coolant temperature - is the gauge reading normal? A good light will alert you to a problem much faster than a gauge will, simply because it draws your attention when it comes on. A changed gauge reading may or may not immediately draw your attention.