Veepeak on Amazon! About $15, supports the 5 OBD Protocols and works with any app on the app store.
Here's the product: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WPW6BAE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I use OBD Fusion for the app, it's free but you can pay $5 for Manufacturer specific diagnostic codes and troubleshooting to make it more in-line with your car. I drive a 2005 Mercury so I purchased the 2005 Ford add-on. Great app and I highly suggest it. It's also one of the highest rated OBDII Readers on Amazon.
The WiFi based OBD readers work from iPhone, but the bluetooth ones can't. I have this one because it's cheap and was on Amazon, but most of the WiFi based ELM327 clones will work with most of the OBD2 apps on the store.
I can't give recommendations for which app to use though, because my Jeep is far too old to have OBD2. I've used the Forscan app with my Ford and Mazda vehicles that are new enough to support it though.
I have aVeepeak one I ordered off amazon and I use the Dash Command app which was $15 or something. I’ve used it on a bunch of vehicles and it’s been great.
Ah ok. I have an Android but afaik the best bet with iOS is to buy one of these and use the enginelink app (paid version).
There's other OBDII apps out there but I don't personally have experience.
Good luck!!
Assuming you maintain your vehicle, a check engine light doesn’t generally require immediate attention. You shouldn’t drive somewhere far though, but with COVID you really shouldn’t be doing that anyway. If I were you, I’d invest in a Bluetooth OBD2 reader like the one below. They’re inexpensive and you can find free or lost-cost apps for your phone.
https://www.amazon.ca/Veepeak-Scanner-Diagnostic-Adapter-Trouble/dp/B00WPW6BAE
I bought one of these for the house. I’m pretty happy with it. Cheap, can connect with a laptop or phone using free software or apps. I don’t think it will do anything but engine/transmission codes.
Yup, I bought this one for my iOS device I liked that it was more compact so it didn't stick out under the dash as much.
Paired this with Dash Command and its really great for road trips if you want to monitor multiple parts of the engine's health, Dash Command also would track fuel economy over time, can give me a distance till empty (if I plug in my fuel tank size to it), and does in depth OBD2 code scanning, it also helped me find out why my Honda Civic was having hard shifts between 2000 and 3000 RPM, which was voltage spikes from the alternator of up to 18 volts.
Any car enthusiast or DIY should have one of these on hand, it makes diagnosing problems 100x easier, and cheaper.
I know I’m late to the party, but I thought I’d just voice my .02. You seem to be a very detailed oriented person with your car, and that’s a great for staying on top of things. Unfortunately those gauges aren’t designed for such precise information. While I agree that the thermostat could be stuck open, it could just be a problem with the position of the needle.
I have one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Veepeak-Scanner-Adapter-Android-Diagnostic/dp/B00WPW6BAE
It will allow you to read the exact coolant temp in F(or C probably)along with a bunch of other stuff. For example my car has a 180F stock thermostat and attempts to maintain that temp. If it was say, 155F, that would be abnormal. After doing a quick google search it appears your stock thermostat is 180F as well.
Not sure if it answers your question, but I’ve successfully used this scanner on my passat and my relatives ‘09 BMW 335i in addition to my other relatives ‘08 Dodge Journey. Bluetooth obd2 scanners are very finicky with iOS, but it does work.
is the CEL lit? if it is get it read and see which cylinder it is. You can also invest in a WIFI OBD2 reader which connects to your phone. https://www.amazon.com/Veepeak-Scanner-Adapter-Android-Diagnostic/dp/B00WPW6BAE/ref=sr_1_26?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1518487743&sr=1-26&keywords=obd2+scanner
I use this scanner with OBD Fusion on my iPhone.
Works great, I get exact coolant and intake temperatures, engine load, throttle, acceleration, MPG, etc.
Lots of different PIDs, but their availability depends on your car (e.g. my Accord doesn't support oil temperature or ATF temperature). Even has logging support.
Pretty configurable, takes a long ass time to make it look pretty, but it's worth it.
Only downside is the scanner I bought likes being plugged in for the Wi-Fi to connect automatically (you have to use static IP if you want to use the scanner and cellular data at the same time, for some reason if you unplug the scanner it'll drop the connection until you manually switch from static to DHCP to static again).
For $25, great way to keep track of my car's critical stats.
Thanks for the responses!
Would a OBD2 reader like this work? It has good reviews and is cheap. Just want to make sure it has the ability to change those settings and not just see error codes.
Veepeak Mini WiFi OBD2 EOBD Scanner Scan Tool Adapter Check Engine Light Diagnostic Trouble Code Reader for iOS iPhone iPad and Android https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WPW6BAE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Zuspzb9KMHRCX
This is the wifi dongle I use for my iPhone 7 Plus, it has instructions on what manual IP address to set so it doesn't interfere with internet connectivity through Cellular, jam your tunes and watch your boost.
I use something similar to this and so far it's worked pretty well https://www.amazon.com/Veepeak-Scanner-Adapter-Diagnostic-Trouble/dp/B00WPW6BAE
You can download different smartphone apps that will basically have all the functions of an expensive scan tool including showing how many of the monitors read "ready". Not sure how helpful this will be in your case but it definitely saved my ass last year with my old subaru.
I have this one...
Veepeak Mini WiFi OBD2 EOBD Scanner Scan Tool Adapter Check Engine Light Diagnostic Trouble Code Reader for iOS iPhone iPad and Android https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WPW6BAE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_Ehl6pEHj2elRL
If you have iPhone get the wifi version and if you and android get the Bluetooth version
It'll work just fine. If you have an iPhone spend the 10$ and get dash command or obd fusion app, if you have android get Torque pro app
Sorry! Coulda sworn I made a description with details. Ok here goes.
So, it's a 2006 S60 2.5T Automatic. 125k miles and it's completely stock in every regard. I run 93 octane and Castrol EDGE European Formula 0W-40 for the winter. Current temp was 24 Fahrenheit and vehicle was at operating temperature well before I did this test/pull.
I'm using the OBD Fusion app on iOS 10.2 iPhone 7. The OBD2 reader itself is called the "VeePeak OBD2 Wifi only for iOS and android" Here is a link to it in amazon where I bought it.
https://www.amazon.com/Veepeak-Scanner-Adapter-Diagnostic-Trouble/dp/B00WPW6BAE
Shortly after this, I peaked at 15psi boost :)
Depends, If you have a smartphone I'd recommend getting a bluetooth reader and the torque pro app. I'm not sure if there's standalone readers that will give you the full functionality that torque pro has, but I could be wrong.
That's the one I have
I got this one, it is slightly cheaper and smaller. http://www.amazon.com/Veepeak-Scanner-Adapter-Diagnostic-Trouble/dp/B00WPW6BAE/ref=pd_sim_263_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=41jeoWARLxL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=16FM9T794VA3TZRZAR5T
using it with an app is pretty cool the nerdy level of temps and speeds it gives you.
I used a wifi OBD2 adapter from Amazon to do it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WPW6BAE/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WPW6BAE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Worked fine on 2 volts and a bolt.
So the easiest way is either a aftermarket stereo or a Ipad or phone mounted. You need one of these plugged in to your car: Amazon.com: Veepeak Mini WiFi OBD2 Scanner for iOS and Android, Car OBD II Check Engine Light Diagnostic Code Reader Scan Tool Supports Torque Pro, OBD Fusion, Car Scanner App: Automotive
and a app(Ive used both of these so I know they work but theres many options: DashCommand - Palmer Performance Engineering, Inc.
Torque Pro (OBD 2 & Car) - Apps on Google Play
or a standalone device that does both: Amazon.com : obd2 gauge display
these all interface with the ECU and get the info from there. Also useful if you have a engine light on.
I used a WiFi dongle here, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WPW6BAE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
App is here, name was longer that i remember, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mygreenvoltconnect/id1207583266
And for extra, a shitty cell looks like this! https://imgur.com/azpArMK
Sorry, was referring to an OBD code scanner so you can see what any Check Engine lights are for. Very cheap and can put your mind at ease or help understand any isssues.
The one I have in each vehicle. I use with the “OBD Fusion” app on Iphone. $19 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WPW6BAE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_WRBEVJXF8F68HT51JEK3
The more capable “mechanic” level one I use. Does bi-directional control and communications and can interface with all the systems on the vehicle, even TPMS, Electronic Parking Brake, etc. $159. Foxwell NT530 https://www.foxwelldiag.com/products/foxwell-nt530?gclid=Cj0KCQjwgYSTBhDKARIsAB8KukuIxdz5q7hBaUrM1cfsoMfD_r5YFGa9D1bQptswlKQ8gFoqRgqnRnsaAu8kEALw_wcB
Yes.
Veepeak WiFi OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner for iOS and Android https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00WPW6BAE/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_CVY8V40CKZ9ANY83R3F5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I got this one and it has worked well.
link
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
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Veepeak Mini WiFi OBD2 Scanner for iOS and Androi… | $17.97 | $17.97 | 4.1/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
Veepeak Mini WiFi OBD2 Scanner for iOS and Androi… | $17.97 | $17.97 | 4.1/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
So the easiest way is either a aftermarket stereo or a Ipad or phone mounted. You need one of these plugged in to your car: Amazon.com: Veepeak Mini WiFi OBD2 Scanner for iOS and Android, Car OBD II Check Engine Light Diagnostic Code Reader Scan Tool Supports Torque Pro, OBD Fusion, Car Scanner App: Automotive
and a app(Ive used both of these so I know they work but theres many options: DashCommand - Palmer Performance Engineering, Inc.
Torque Pro (OBD 2 & Car) - Apps on Google Play
or a standalone device that does both: Amazon.com : obd2 gauge display
these all interface with the ECU and get the info from there. Also useful if you have a engine light on.
https://www.amazon.com/Veepeak-Scanner-Android-Diagnostic-Supports/dp/B00WPW6BAE/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=veepeak+obd2&qid=1607252671&sprefix=veep&sr=8-9 this is the one I use. Sees most of the PIDs from Sean’s website
This is what I use because it was recommended on e46fanatics forum, which is a mecca for e46 series BMW owners. The Veepeak is a cheap OBDII adapter, and OBDFusion is a program you will not regret buying. OBDFusion will read CEL codes, but it also has logging functionality to help analyze driveabilty problems.
I am strongly against standalone OBDII readers because of their high cost and crappy interface. I bought one at HarborFreight, which was handy for reading CEL codes, and thought it was the shiznit, until I tried the BT reader with Android phone. It is so much more convenient to use the smart phone that's already in your pocket. I haven't touched the standalone unit since I bought OBDFusion with BT adaptor. If you have an iPhone, you will need the WiFi adapter, not bluetooth.
I paid for this program twice, one time on Android, and then again for iOS version when I changed phones. It is still the best bang for your buck, even when paying for both versions.
https://www.amazon.com/Veepeak-Scanner-Adapter-Diagnostic-Trouble/dp/B00WPW6BAE
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WPW6BAE/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I have this. it was frustrating to set up but if you look in the answers section the seller describes it much easier, works fine after that
Get an OBD adapter to use with your smartphone. For example, a Veepeak with OBDFusion.
https://www.amazon.com/Veepeak-Scanner-Adapter-Diagnostic-Trouble/dp/B00WPW6BAE
https://www.obdsoftware.net/software/obdfusion
That combo will be far more helpful than any generic scan tool.
To me, it sounds like a vacuum leak. If that's the case, you'll need to do a smoke test. You can take the car to a shop to have a smoke test done, or you can do it yourself with a cheap fluid transfer pump, some rubber glove, and a cigar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsgB9eBl58I
If it's not a vacuum leak, the most likely culprits are o2 sensor, fuel pump, or MAF sensor.
There are Wifi based Odb2 sensors and apps
I use this along side OBDCarDoctor
The one covered in the video would be android only, sadly. However, there are iOS apps that do generally the same thing. The scan tool featured as well is android only, but much like the app, there are iOS Bluetooth OBD2 scan tools.
why not get an ODBCII Bluethooth reader? http://www.amazon.com/Veepeak-Scanner-Diagnostic-Adapter-Trouble/dp/B00WPW6BAE/
You can download the software for iphone or android for free.