Torque Pro OBD2 Scanner Android App (Page 1/8)
Darth Fiero MAR 11, 05:07 PM
Getting GM specific enhanced scan data from a GM OBD2 PCM used to be an expensive proposition. Most OBD2 scan tools can only pull generic OBD2 PIDs which don't give you manufacturer specific data, like Knock Retard (KR) and some other things that are needed for custom tuning.

I've been watching the Android App market ever since I finally upgraded to a smart phone and here is what I found.

The first thing you need is what is called a OBD2 ELM327 bluetooth adapter which you can get from eBay or Amazon. You need to be careful though because there are cheap ones on the market that don't work well and aren't compatible with manufacturer specific communications protocols. The one I got I bought from this guy on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/320543314789 and it works.

The next thing you'll need to buy is the Torque Pro App for $4.95 (the free version doesn't give you all the capabilties you'll need): https://play.google.com/sto...g.prowl.torque&hl=en

Also get the TorqueScan plug-in for Torque which has all the enhanced manufacturer specific PIDs (this is free): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torquescan&feature=more_from_developer#?t=W251 bGwsMSwyLDEwMiwib3JnLnByb3dsLnRvcnF1ZXNjYW4iXQ

Once you get the app installed make sure it is updated to the latest version available thru the Play Store. Make sure it can connect to your ELM interface and read data from your PCM. The TorquePro app can do GPS logging and acceleration based performance calculations, but you have to set up a vehicle profile in order to get this information (there's no need to set this up in order to scan and log data).

Once you are able to connect, you need to do a few things to get it set up so it will log data.

Under the main app's settings menu click on OBD2 adapter settings, and make sure you have the "Faster Communication" box checked (only works with GOOD interfaces).

Also under the main app's settings menu is the Data Logging & Upload menu. Select this, then select "Select what to log" then click on the menu button on your android device to bring up the "Add PID to log" option. Select that, then add what PID you want to be logged. Add as many PIDs as you want, but keep in mind the more you add, the slower the update rate will be. Available PIDs will be shaded in green and giving you data right there in this list (so make sure the key is on and you are connected to the PCM with the interface). It may take some time for all supported PIDs to show they are valid when you scroll the list down, so be patient.

After you're done adding PIDs, under the Data Logging & Upload menu, select the File Logging Interval menu and set it to the lowest possible setting in order to get the highest resolution data log possible (but keep in mind this will make a bigger log file).

Once you are done settings things up, go back to the main screen and select "realtime information". This will bring up some customizable screens where you can add gauges and such so you can watch real-time data. I would recommend you limit how much you add. Again, the more that is displayed, the lower the update rate.

While in realtime information mode, hit the android menu button and it should bring up the menu options - one is "start logging". Click on that to start the data log. Once you have logged as much data as you think you need, click on this menu again and then click on "stop logging". After you stop the log, click on "email logs" under this menu. Use your android device to email the log file as a .csv file to the email address you want the log to be sent to. It will be sent as a .zip compressed file which you will need to decompress in order to open the .csv file. The .csv file should contain some GPS data along with all the Data PIDs you selected earlier that you want logged.

These data logs can be used to tune an OBD2 PCM by as long as the right PIDs are being recorded in the log (consult your tuner).

-ryan

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OVERKILL IS UNDERRATED

Custom GM OBD1 & OBD2 Tuning | Engine Conversions & more | www.gmtuners.com

[This message has been edited by Darth Fiero (edited 03-11-2013).]

Jncomutt MAR 11, 06:19 PM
Justin has been talking about this app lately. Certainly going to pick up an interface to scan my cars. Even carrying my tablet would be much better than my old heavy tuning laptop.

Couldn't get your eBay link to work, had to copy/paste item number, which did.

[This message has been edited by Jncomutt (edited 03-11-2013).]

MadMark MAR 11, 06:43 PM
I have been using Torque for about 2 years now and it has progressed quite a bit over that time. I am actually thinking of eliminating my original dash and using an Android Stick Computer along with a small TV screen for my dash display. Torque now has a lot of features that it did not have originally like very large displays and some other things that make it better to use for a main display. You can even set up a mileage in your profile so you can continue the odometer setting from the original dashboard.

This is what I have displayed right now for my playing around:



I will still need to keep a few physical gauges since the oil pressure and the fuel tank level do not come through the ECM.

This display is a 15 inch TV with a 1080p display and a high brightness display with about 400 nits. You will need a bright display for daytime. The one thing I cannot do right now is use the GPS portion of Torque with the MK 809ii Android stick I have. But, I might be able to bring it in through a secondary system and the USB port.
Jncomutt MAR 11, 07:38 PM
Wow, I didn't think of that. I have a usb port in my center console, along with RCAs for the in dash dvd in my Cadillac. I can play the screen with the use of a lock pick. That would be great real time display, thanks!

[This message has been edited by Jncomutt (edited 03-11-2013).]

MstangsBware MAR 11, 08:25 PM
I ha e been using the App for over a year now and it works great. Connects everytime and the data is spot on and refresh rate is good.
nosrac MAR 11, 08:27 PM
Jncomutt MAR 11, 08:43 PM
Can you other users post links to the blue tooth units you're using?
MstangsBware MAR 11, 09:43 PM

quote
Originally posted by Jncomutt:

Can you other users post links to the blue tooth units you're using?



I use the one Darth posted the eBay link to. Works great and linked up with no issues..
darkhorizon MAR 11, 09:53 PM
Bought my dashboard today. Asus transformer. Going to replace my dash.
Jncomutt MAR 12, 06:27 PM
Does this do knock retard or do I have to manually add the pid?