I searched the forum and only saw some threads dating back to 04/05 talking about monitoring, diagnostic tools, etc. So if I have missed a thread in the 4th gen forum which covers this topic - be kind.

Topic:
Best diagnostic tool in the affordable (100-250) price range. I am not referring to simple Actron scanners that Auto-zone uses to clear CEL's, but something that can read DTC, perform sensor analysis, ABS, etc.

I have looked at the Actron higher series 9190 but that doesn't clear ABS codes and even the non-basic checks seems to come with mixed reviews.

I realize Consult is the dealership tool, but I was unable to even find good prices from China and then the wording concerned me on some due to it indicating software would not be provided.

Looking to get feedback on what everyone uses to perform thorough diagnostic (outside of the dealership). Maybe staying in the price range above is not possible.

 

If you're willing to use a laptop, scantool.net has awesome USB and bluetooth OBD-II tools. The software is very nice too. I have the OBDLink SX. It is a bargain at 50 bucks, and it does everything a 150-400 dollar handheld would. You can monitor all of your sensors live, collect data, etc.

 

If you have a smartphone, there's a pretty sweet bluetooth scan tool out for Android called Torque Pro. It allows you to scan and clear DTCs along with monitor other data while the car's running. The app itself is $4.95 and there are several different bluetooth OBD II adapters out on the market. I recommend one from Amazon.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. How much have you used these apps in real troubleshooting situations? Have you encountered any situation where there is no CEL and you wasnt sure of the problem, and these apps helped identify it?

 

Was just reading today that the Torque Pro app now has Consult support.

 

I have the Torque Pro app on my Droid, and really like it. I got a Bluetooth OBDII adapter from eBay for like $22. You gotta be careful with the eBay ones, though. Some people have complained that theirs didn't work. Mine, thank god, did.

 

I got mine on on ebay for $12. The consult support for the app only works with one specific adapter though.

 

Which OBDII adapter are you using? I tried this ELM327 V1.5 bluetooth adapter but it has limited features



I'm using it with the torque SW application I baught for $5 from google play but it doesn't get all the readings I want.

I contacted the ebay seller and requested to trade it for this ELM327 because it claims it works with all OBDII vehicles

 

I'm using an ebay ELM327. Which readings are you missing?

 

It won't calculate MPG. I input the VQ 3.0 engine profile. Any other info it needs to Calculate MPG?

 

I use the same adapter with my Bluetooth laptop with a program called CarPort and wOBD. Works great. I don't have an android phone but it is still a good alternative. So far I have been able to clear codes and check CEL's which is all I really needed. It even does a bit more than I expected for the price...

 

I got the torque SW application to calculate MPG on my droid smartphone using this ELM327 I got for $11 on ebay.



In the torque main menu you first have to click 'Vehicle Profile' and input the 3.0 engine and vehicles weight. Now click 'OBD2 Adapter Settings' under the main menu then scroll down and click on 'Enhanced MPG Calculation'.

The readings aren't as fast and big as on my SCANGAUGEII but for only $16 total ($11 elm327 + $5 Torque SW application) it was good enough.

EDIT: When I fill up tomorrow I'll clear the data so it can calculate the AVG MPG I get on that tank alone.

 

OBD DroidScan Pro with a Bluetooth Mini OBD-II Scanner is the best for monitoring your car while driving. No wires messing with your driving especially if you have a 5-speed. Here is a screenshot of what it looks like ...



I use this one...



Torque never worked for me on my 96 Maxima. I assume it's because my car is on the border line of the Federal mandate for OBDII in all cars. I also have this...

http://www.scantool.net/scan-tools/p...bluetooth.html

It provides more data in an organized fashion. For example, it will provide you decimal point precision compared to Droid Scan which will provide only provide unit precision for something like the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor).

 

Torque communicated with my OBDII but costing only $2.99 I just loaded OBD DroidScan Pro onto my smartphone and will try it out tonight.

I have Nissan Consult loaded on my laptop that I use with the consult interface adapter. I also have an OBDII scanner, and a scangaugeII but like you said bluetoothing with the smartphone is the easiest way of monitoring while driving.