Torque Pro ELM327 Android OBD Bluetooth Fault Scanner/Diagnostic Code Reader

A small, transparent, blue box that fits snugly into the OBD II port. However, as this connection is permanently alive, it is better to buy, additionally, the recommended flat ribbon connector fitted with a switch so that the device may be disconnected easily at the end of a journey. This is such as to allow the fuse cover plate to be in position as normal. Appropriately coloured Duct Tape keeps all in place with not too much intrusion. And, perhaps, position the device so you may see the activity lights – just to remind you to switch it off!You also need the Android App [Torque Pro (OBD 2 & Car)], connected by Bluetooth, with GPS activated, to be up and away. I have the paid-for version to support the Developer but the free one also provides as much data as you might normally need. To get up and running, you need to connect to your phone via Bluetooth using the supplied code number. Thereafter, you can set up your vehicle profile (e.g. engine capacity, vehicle weight). You will also be presented with a rotating menu that runs from Help to Realtime Information – you will have to “give it a whirl” to see all entries. You will also need to recognise that there are two Set-up menus. A short one when you first switch on, which enables preferences etc to be set, and another when you engage Realtime Information.In the former, where most of the action is, choose Settings and select which parameters you wish to record (there are very many from hearing that you have reached engine operating temperature to emission data, cost per trip and the percentage of idle driving). It is not too obvious how to access these. In the first Set-up/Settings menu select “Data Logging and Upload” and then choose “What to Log”. At this point, hit the menu key (Android 4) or select the on-screen three dots menu icon (Android 6). This will give a (very) long list of parameters that you may choose to record by checking the appropriate box. You might want to be selective here as the spreadsheet will, otherwise, be very large indeed! This is for the App Version 1.8.154. Hopefully it will not change too much in future.In the Realtime Information Settings, you can add screens and initiate the device to begin recording at the start of the journey. And, at the end, it is here where you can send any required records (zipped) by e-mail to a PC for further analysis. There are three formats available but CSV (comma-separated values) work well with Excel to show you a large table of your chosen parameters versus time. These may also be accessed from a PC using a USB connection. When you exit the App, you are also reminded to deactivate the Torque device.Also, you may choose a wide selection of meters or values to display on several selectable screens. However, this includes such items as 0-60 time (and many other) performance parameters that I do not need nor use when l am driving – and they are probably distracting to boot if the driver is the only one monitoring the system. I have mine displaying a large digital speedometer where there is a good range of sizes to choose from and mph or kph (and other units for elsewhere). This may be set to measure OBD or GPS speed. I have this positioned below an analogue display which can be set to your maximum likely speed (say 70 mph) rather than the needless 130 mph or so shown on the vehicle’s system. The output compares well with DashCam or SatNav data. There is also an on-line user forum which might be useful.Of course, it will also scan for errors and report or clear these if requested but I have not needed this on my vehicle to date.All in all, this is an excellent piece of kit and the only draw-back (for me) is that I am using an old phone running Android 4 rather than depleting the battery on my newer replacement. This makes the switch-on and set-up a little slower than otherwise and this older system, even with most of the Apps uninstalled, uses up the battery quite rapidly (it always did!). However, I also carry a portable battery booster should it be needed on a longer journey. And I keep battery discharge from unwanted background Apps under control with Phone Booster (Super Booster - Clean & Boost).I think that this device, with all of the ever-changing speed-traps which abound on UK roads today, is worth having even if it used for not much more than to show how much time and money are currently wasted in traffic and to provide an accurate speedometer in the car!

Sometimes you buy something technical and it just simple works - no drama, no hassle. This simple dongle arrived well packed but the only instructions were written on the back of the packet. Turns out this was needed.It works with any ODB2 ELM 327 reader - search the App Store for ELM 327 and pick one you like. Torque is the most common but I went for Old Mary. Most are free with paid for upgrades to remove adverts, install first before going to your car.Find the OBD2 port on yours car (a quick google search will tell you where - normally under the dash) and plug the dongle in. A red and blue LED flash to let you know it in. Then turn the ignition on or start the engine (not just to position 1, keep turning to position 2 else it won’t work)Then turn on you phone or tablet and using Bluetooth connect to the device which helpfully appears as ODB. Enter one of the suggested passwords on the back of the packet either 0000 or 1234 and connect.Then fire up your chosen ODB2 application. Choose the device from the list, select the vehicle type (for the correct protocol my Merced’s SL500 wasn’t listed but the suggested generic Mercedes profile worked fine) and that’s it.Real-time diagnostic data for faults, sensors and data appears on you phone screen. Couldn’t be simpler.For a fraction of the price of a “proper” scanner you get all the functionality on your screen.The dongle can transfer to any other vehicle too and it’s small enough to leave plugged in. If you have an android head unit you can have all those extra dials on the screen too! Great value simple tool.

It works perfectly. A must have for any person who cares about his car and his wallet.If you have difficulties connecting, is not you or your phone (well, that might be in some cases) or the device. Is the damn ridiculous instructions in the box.The app does not scan and pair the device! You have to scan and pair the device in android/settings/bluetooth, then select it in the torque app.The indications about not having a gear engaged in the car is irrelevant for the device, is for you for starting your car safely and properly, but you are supposed to know how your car works.Chinese manufacturers will be a serious competition when they learn how to document and produce marketing material that does not look like 5-year old kid school work, in the meantime they are still "chinese".