OBD2 Scan tool - Recommendation?

[eurovank]

I haven't been successful in getting tranny temps on TorquePro. In general though, the things that I AM able to get, Scangauge and TorquePro match up pretty well. Having said that, I HAVE heard of people using TorquePro to successfully read tranny temps. I am sure someone on this forum has done it.

My initial thought behind the split OBD thing was I wanted to use an android tablet as a head unit as well as OBDII monitoring. I have since ditched the idea for various reasons, but I will integrate it as a secondary display for Google Maps and such eventually.

[markcm2]

Have there been any developments reading VAG transmission temperatures with any apps other than VAGCOM or SCANGAGE?

I've seen limited comments about Torque working but most comments indicate no success and no-one offers any replies with how-to .

I just came across reference to two other app's which "might" read transmission temp on iOS. Four-Stroke and Engine Link.

I have vagcom but I also have Dashcommand and Torque which are much more user friendly for casual use.

I aslo see that vagcom is now offering an upgrade for their HEX-CAN device to include WiFi and a mobile app; it's $250. Considering I already paid over $300 for my vagcom I can't see paying $250 more for the limited GUI just to check transmission temperature for curiosity purposes.

[Abscate]

My $100 Autel 8xx can read both the engine and trans modules and reports AT fluid temperature
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[markcm2]

After further testing today I found that Torque PRO accurately measured transmission temperature on my 2001 Eurovan using the "Method 1" option when selecting the measurement.

I checked the measurement against vagcom and they were the same value.

Torque PRO is about $6 and I'm using a generic ELM327 wifi adapter from ebay/amazon that was about $12. Getting the adapter to communicate was a bit of a PITA.

This same setup would not read transmission temperature on my 2006 Audi A4 with CAN.

I also use this adapter with Dash Command on my iPhone. Dash Command is a great app although does not have transmission temperature.

[shenan-agon]

I've had the same trouble with the iOS apps being unable to read transmission temp - I'm currently using OBD Fusion, and have played around with it quite a bit to no avail. Sounds like I just need to get a cheap Android device and run Torque Pro...

[mkscott2]

I posted this elsewhere, but couldn't remember the thread.

The trans temp reading on our vans via Torque seems to require a delay in connection or something. Almost without fail, Torque will give me pretty much everything but trans temp at startup. Then, if I turn the bluetooth thingy off and back on to make it re-connect, trans temp comes right up.

I know others have had this issue and installed OBDII cables with an inline switch so they don't have to unplug and replug the adapter all the time. I found an adapter that has a power button on the face. You see it in the top-left slot on the pic. Also makes it so you can turn off the adapter since the OBD port is always hot.

[saintjobe]

Has anyone used the BlueDriver OBDII scanner? Reviewers seem to like it, but at $99 it is on the high end of price. Also, any experience with FIXD? Only $60 but I'm not sure it has as many bells and whistles. Thanks!

[bigfoot_ev]

[RichBenn]

I’m using a short, inexpensive Bluetooth dongle with Torque that doesn’t hit the knees. Have to unplug and plug back in after starting to get tranny temp. But I have one with an on/off switch on order. Start the car, adjust the mirror, put on the seat belt, and then turn on the OBD to Bluetooth (or wifi) device. Should be sufficient time for the TCU to respond.
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Rich

[mkscott2]

Bigfoot- answers to your questions:
1. the adapter does not auto-start, I have to push the on/off button on the dongle to get it to start reading
2. purchased off of Amazon. Of course the link I posted previously does not work, and I can't find the exact same one on the site.
3. Yes, but only had to modify the dongle slightly. Just trimmed a little plastic off the top and bottom, then hot-glued it in place from the back.

[sagavan]

Hi All,

With the update to the OBDII scanners, I thought I might revive this thread. Has anyone since found any scanners that do not have the issues of having to turn on and off, or relink the scanner? Perhaps there's one that can now remain plugged in?

I could also use some feedback on what I'm looking to buy. I'm considering the Foseal scanner that connects to my iPhone through WiFi? I plan to use it with either OBD Fusion or Torque Pro and my main reason for the scanner is to monitor ATF Temp.

Or.. as an alternative, it would be great to have a dedicated temp gauge for the transmission. So far I have only come across one write up on how to do it, which seems kind of complicated and requires calibrating the temp sensor. It would be so much easier to be able to tap into the vehicle's OEM sensor and have a permanent display with a readout or gauge. Has anyone had any success with another option for a permanent gauge?

Here is the writeup on VWVortex I am referring to:

https://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?7492658-Eurovan-adding-a-transmission-temperature-gauge

[d-9]

I’m guessing the bootup speed of the gearbox computer is slower than the torque dongle, hence needing to unplug/replug.

Has anyone tried rewiring the odb2 port so it is powered from the X-relief relay, not terminal 30? X goes to 0v when cranking, so should reboot the dongle after the gearbox computer is awake...maybe.

[orange_red05]

Similar to others, I'm looking to monitor ATF Temp but didn't know if the OBD Fusion app for iOS has this built in for a 2002 Eurovan or does it require special coding?

[OB Bus]

Once again - Scan Gauge 2. The programming is easily available. It starts and works every time. No dongles. No resetting every time you stop. It costs a little more than the assembled systems with ebay cables.... but it just works.
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Larry in OB
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69 Westfalia and 2002 Eurovan Camper.
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