There are a number of relatively inexpensive devices that plug into the on board data port: the OBD-2 port. These devices use either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to communicate to a nearby smart ph'one or tablet. An app running on the phone can then display the information from the data bus in the vehicle. If there is a device code being generated, of the sort that would light up the "check engine" display, The app will tell you what the code is and even what it might mean. It provides a kind of super dashboard while running.Does anyone have experience with one of these? Did it indeed give you information that you could use? I might get one just because it's a cool gadget, and I'm really a gadget kind of guy. But it would be nice to hear stories of useful information people have gleaned from these devices.

I am also interested in one of the apps with the wireless odbII module. I'll be watching this one.

I have an I phone4 and am running DashCommand from the Itunes App store. I`m using a WiFi dongle (part that plugs into the OBDII port). it works as asvertised and gives quite a bit of info. it even gives you 0-60. 1/4 mile and G forces! you can read and erase codes if need be. on Fords, you do have to purchase an extra app to read data from a particular year, it is an extra $10. so for me it cost me a total of I think $20 for the app and an extra $10 for the extended app (2002 Ford) and 15 for the WiFi dongle! well worth it.The main reason I bought it was so I could watch my trans temp, however with all the info. it gives I have the gauges setup so I can watch my trans temp and engine temp off the same gauge. and the gauges can be configured any way you like.

Nifty gadget but if you have dash gauges I think it would soon be unused. I have a transmission temp gauge. It would be handy in a situation where the check engine light appears so the relevant cause could be found.

Dodge Guy -- I wondered about the in-app purchases for Dash Command, Are they available for all model years? 1999 Ford here. Also, would you share the manufacturer of your dongle? These seem to range all over from the teens to the hundreds.

I use this adapter Link and the $4.99 Torque App from Google Play. Give you lots of information and you can read and clear codes.Denny

Data port readers | Good Sam Community

filthy_beast
Explorer
May 04, 2014
I am also interested in one of the apps with the wireless odbII module. I'll be watching this one.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
May 04, 2014
I have an I phone4 and am running DashCommand from the Itunes App store. I`m using a WiFi dongle (part that plugs into the OBDII port). it works as asvertised and gives quite a bit of info. it even gives you 0-60. 1/4 mile and G forces! you can read and erase codes if need be. on Fords, you do have to purchase an extra app to read data from a particular year, it is an extra $10. so for me it cost me a total of I think $20 for the app and an extra $10 for the extended app (2002 Ford) and 15 for the WiFi dongle! well worth it.

The main reason I bought it was so I could watch my trans temp, however with all the info. it gives I have the gauges setup so I can watch my trans temp and engine temp off the same gauge. and the gauges can be configured any way you like.
westend
Explorer
May 04, 2014
Nifty gadget but if you have dash gauges I think it would soon be unused. I have a transmission temp gauge. It would be handy in a situation where the check engine light appears so the relevant cause could be found.
rich85704
Explorer
May 04, 2014
Dodge Guy -- I wondered about the in-app purchases for Dash Command, Are they available for all model years? 1999 Ford here.

Also, would you share the manufacturer of your dongle? These seem to range all over from the teens to the hundreds.
Denny___Jami
Explorer
May 04, 2014
I use this adapter Link and the $4.99 Torque App from Google Play. Give you lots of information and you can read and clear codes.

Denny
dodge_guy
Explorer II
May 04, 2014
Here are some screen shots of the app. The app has much more accurate readouts than the stock gauges. And again these gauges can be configured any way you like. You can even have each gauge give 2 different readouts! The analog could be a tach while the digital could be engine temp.

And some fun ones!

And yes i think the 99 Ford doesn't require an in app purchase? Only certain years. And that purchase covers any model of that year ford. I'll get back to you on the dongle manuf. i know i bought it from Amazon for less than $30.
powderman426
Explorer
May 04, 2014
Denny & Jami wrote:
I use this adapter Link and the $4.99 Torque App from Google Play. Give you lots of information and you can read and clear codes.

Denny

I have similar setup but got the elm bluetooth device off of eBay for less than half that price. Works well on my old droid phone since I had no further need for it.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
May 04, 2014
powderman426 wrote:
Denny & Jami wrote:
I use this adapter Link and the $4.99 Torque App from Google Play. Give you lots of information and you can read and clear codes.

Denny

I have similar setup but got the elm bluetooth device off of eBay for less than half that price. Works well on my old droid phone since I had no further need for it.

That's the one i got. The Elm WiFi version. I think it was around $22?
powderman426
Explorer
May 04, 2014
dodge guy wrote:
powderman426 wrote:
Denny & Jami wrote:
I use this adapter Link and the $4.99 Torque App from Google Play. Give you lots of information and you can read and clear codes.

Denny

I have similar setup but got the elm bluetooth device off of eBay for less than half that price. Works well on my old droid phone since I had no further need for it.

That's the one i got. The Elm WiFi version. I think it was around $22?
cheaper here
dockmasterdave
Explorer
May 04, 2014
This looks great. I wasn't sure if my 06 F 150 had a sender. Went to the ford forums and a former ford transmission engineer had already answered the question. "ALL" electronic transmissions have a built in sender, and with the obd2 scanner the guage is"far more accurate" than the in dash guage. Thank you for posting this.

Forum Discussion

Data port readers

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Gravity fill port

data port

OBD Port F53

Data Caps Starlink

OBD 2 Reader