I just received an
OBDLink LX Bluetooth scan tool, a
Samsung Tab A 7* tablet, and
TorquePro software.
I went with the OBDLink because (a) it was highly recommended by several review sites, and (b) it has a passcode connection process so no one else can connect to it. They also provide firmware updates. I had no problem connecting it to my tablet.
I'm pretty new to this so don't know what to think of the TorquePro yet. One thing I have noticed is that there is not much documentation for these applications. Trying to figure out exactly what they contain before buying them is challenging. There are no specific PID sets in TorquePro for any Mazda.
When set up for a generic CUV and connected to the scanner, the app lists all of the available generic CUV PIDs, with 3 Status types:
-No Active Sensor seen
-Active Sensor seen but not receiving data
-Active Sensor, receiving data
The one thing so far that confuses me is there is no PID for Engine Oil Pressure in any PID sets, which is highly disappointing. This is the main gauge I wanted. I looked at the PIDs under the Ford-specific profile and there is no Engine Oil Pressure OID there or in this generic CUV set. I'm somewhat baffled by this. I know you can add Custom PIDs, but don't know much about it right now. One would think that Oil Pressure is such a basic gauge that would be included if there is a sensor/sending unit.
I'd appreciate input on this. Does FORScan have an Oil Pressure PID? Or do the sensors merely close a switch if the pressure hits a preset minimum (to turn on an idiot light), as opposed to being true sending units?
<s>I read that some folks have had a hard time finding software with Transmission Temp. There is a Transmission Temperature PID that Receives Data in my CX-5 in TorquePro. I just made a 20 mile round trip and the Transmission Temp is the same as the Engine Coolant Temp (198). I've read on this forum that others have had the same experience with Tran Temp=Oil Temp for a period of drive time, and that when the Transmission Temp finally rises above the Engine Coolant Temp (however long that may take), it stays there and does not cool back off. I only care about this measurement because the temp needs to be at a specific level in order to check the fluid. I don't plan on towing anything other than a small boat.</s>
edit to correct: The Transmission Temp PID in TorquePro actually reads the coolant temp. I would not have known this had I not added the coolant temp gauge right next to it and seen they move together.
TorquePro has a HUD feature where it displays the gauges backwards, so at night the reflection can be viewed off of the windshield. I have yet to try this at night...in daylight the display washes out. TorquePro also allows for multiple Profiles so you can set it up for multiple vehicles.
One downside on the TorquePro...their
user forum layout stinks. It does not have topic-specific layouts or sections. There are 11 Pinned topics, and then there are links to jump to specific pages (Individual Links for Page 1 through Page 115 and growing). Threads appear to be in date order. There is a Search box.
A side note on the Samsung tablet: One of the reasons I chose this model was I intended to mount it landscape (sideways) in the dash trough in front of the infotainment system in such a way so I could securely lay it down flat on-the-go in order to see the infotainment display (primarily to change radio stations), then raised it back into position safely with just one hand as I'm driving...I want an extended gauge set there (larger than my phone) where I can see it in my driving line of vision and not down by the console. The 7" Samsung is a perfect fit. I had the mounting all figured out without having to modify or permanently affix anything; however, I did not realize that you cannot see a tablet's display when turned sideways if you are wearing polarized sunglasses! (bang) This morning I went from excited to disappointed in one quick turn of the tablet. *sigh* In hindsight it sure makes sense.