Curious as to how they work. I have a smart phone, but I am a dumb operator. I am not that inclined when it comes to electronics and would like a little more insight as to how it actually functions with the truck. I have read a lot of people recommending them and just want to know how it works. Thanks

 

Most apps on smartphones utilize some sort of transmitter that takes info from the obd2 port under the dash and sends it to your phone. Iphone nerds use a wi-fi transmitter, while us android junkies use a Bluetooth adapter. The Bluetooth adapter runs $20 on ebay, and my app that I use is called Torque for Android. That was ~$5. So for ~$25 you have the same diagnostic capability as a $150 scangauge. Can't beat that, especially with the need to keep an eye on these trucks vitals.

 

Good to know and thanks for the info!

 

I've also been experimenting with Mileage+ and "Car maintenance" apps for my Android phone to track fuel filter, or oil & filter changes, wheel alignment, etc. type things rather than using a notepad.

Many are free (at least for 1 vehicle) and have notifications and "life remaining" type graphs so you can put that smartphone to work for more than just "tweating" and "Facebook" stuff.

 

What kind of phone do you have? We can get a little more specific with that info.

 

That made me laugh -- I often tell folks my phone is smarter than me . There are some things you might need to fiddle with, but there are experts here on both types of phones and the preferred app for each.

So yeah, tell us what your phone is and we'll help you from there...

 

DashBoss for iOS (apple devices) uses Bluetooth. The Bluetooth Gateway module is Apple approved/certified. It's plug and play, no formulas to punch in or guessing.

DashBoss used with a Ford PowerStroke 6.0 and external sensors

DashBoss monitoring review. - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum

You can also add two external sensors to the Gateway OBDII connector, in order to read Fuel Psi and EGT.

DashBoss/iPhone external port "how to". - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum

 

My phone is a Casio not sure of the name of it. Its the rugged one. Thanks this is making me excited. I will probably get in an accident looking at my phone now.

 

That's more truth than you know! It's where the data logging comes in handy...

Sounds like you are a droid user (that's short for Android which is the operating system on the phone -- Google's platform (they own it)).

Do you do much on your computer, like buying stuff on eBay or Amazon? Just wanting to figure out where we start out from...

 

Here's a video of what you can expect. I don't have an Android but it looks pretty cool.
Check NewEgg or Amazon for "OBDII Bluetooth Adapter", many available for less than $20. And download the Torque app to your phone. You'll be collecting data in no time.

 

I am using an android device. I can maneuver around the computer ok. Buy stuff online, stuff like that. I am just not good when it comes to the phones. I think after getting this I will like my phone a whole hell of a lot better.

 

From what I have seen, Torque app is pretty straight forward and not many issues with how it works. The Bluetooth part confuses some people but it helps to think of it as an invisible USB cable. It's just replacing the wire between the adapter at the OBDII port and the phone with radio transmitter/receivers. The truck doesn't know the difference and the phone barely notices if your using USB or Bluetooth once you turn on the Bluetooth feature and get it connected. And No wires! Pretty cool.

 

Absolutely you will like the phone more! My wife bought a $1.99 golf app and now we fight over who gets the phone!

Have you ever done a bluetooth pairing? We'll walk you through it if not. Here's a BT adapter on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Black-ELM327-Bluetooth-Super-Mini-OBD2-Scanner-Adapter-Tool-TORQUE-Android-/181090500702?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item2a29d5c05e&vxp=mtr
This seller has great feedback and guarantees the unit won't be DOA (I went through 2 to get one good one). This isn't the exact unit I have or the seller I used, but it's similar to mine, and many of these have light displays (which I don't care for as it's distracting) but this one doesn't. If you go with this seller you can get this unit cheaper buy bidding on one of his auctions. So either way, let's get one on order for you. DO NOT bother with the s/w cd they will send with the unit...

You need to set up a Google wallet (there may be other ways IDK) so you can buy the Torque Pro app. So go ahead and do that and get the app on your phone and let us know when you are there, ok? On edit: you get the app from Google Play (the Google store).

 

Thanks for all the help and tips. I will be doing this by tomorrow (at least putting the order for the bluetooth thing in). I am waiting on a turbo, its supposed to be here today. And I am hoping and praying that is the only thing I will be installing this week. I have a piece of equipment down and my truck so its hurting my wallet this week. Thanks again for the help. Great site and forum!!