For car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics, the Torque Pro app has become an indispensable tool for vehicle diagnostics and performance monitoring. When paired with an OBD2 adapter, it grants access to a wealth of data from your car’s computer. However, users often find that standard OBD2 parameters have limitations, especially when it comes to monitoring crucial metrics like Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) and fuel pressure. While Torque Pro out of the box might not directly display these readings for every vehicle, there are solutions to expand its capabilities and get the detailed insights you need.
Expanding Torque Pro Capabilities Beyond Standard OBD2
The beauty of Torque Pro lies in its flexibility and customization. While basic OBD2 protocols provide a good range of data points, they don’t always cover everything a performance-minded individual or someone diagnosing complex issues requires. This is where the concept of extended or custom OBD2 PIDs comes into play, allowing you to tap into sensors and data streams beyond the generic OBD2 set.
The Limitations of Standard OBD2 Monitoring
Out of the box, and with many basic OBD2 adapters, Torque Pro is limited to reading what the Engine Control Module (ECM) is already broadcasting via the standard OBD2 protocol. For many vehicles, especially older models, critical parameters like EGT and fuel pressure are not part of this standard broadcast. This leads to the common misconception that Torque Pro cannot monitor these vital signs. Discussions in online forums often reflect this limitation, with users initially believing that parameters beyond oil pressure – which itself is often just a basic on/off signal rather than a true pressure reading in many stock setups – are inaccessible through Torque Pro.
The PLX Solution: Hardware for Extended PIDs
Fortunately, innovative companies like PLX Devices offer hardware solutions that bridge this gap. By utilizing specialized OBD2 adapters and sensor interface modules, you can effectively feed data from external sensors into Torque Pro. The key components in this setup are the PLX Kiwi 2 Bluetooth (or WiFi) OBD2 adapter and the iMFD Adapter. These devices, when combined with dedicated sensor modules for EGT and fuel pressure, unlock the ability to monitor these parameters directly within the Torque Pro app. While this approach involves an additional investment compared to a simple OBD2 adapter, it remains considerably more cost-effective than dedicated monitoring systems like the Edge CTS2.
Setting Up Your Torque Pro for EGT and Fuel Pressure
Implementing this enhanced monitoring system involves both hardware installation and software configuration within the Torque Pro app. The process, while requiring some technical aptitude, is straightforward for anyone comfortable with basic car modifications.
Hardware Installation: Sensors and Modules
The physical installation of the sensors themselves – such as the EGT probe and fuel pressure sensor – is similar to setting up any aftermarket gauge system. You’ll need to choose appropriate locations for sensor placement in your exhaust manifold for EGT and fuel system for pressure. The outputs from these sensors are then wired to the PLX sensor module boxes. These modules act as intermediaries, converting the sensor signals into a digital format that the iMFD adapter can understand and relay to the Kiwi 2 adapter. Crucially, these modules require a 12V power source, which can be easily tapped from your vehicle’s electrical system using an add-a-circuit fuse tap. The modules are designed to be daisy-chained, supporting up to 32 sensors, offering significant expansion potential for more complex monitoring setups.
Software Configuration: Adding Custom PIDs in Torque Pro
Once the hardware is installed and the Kiwi 2 adapter is paired with your Android device, the software side involves configuring Torque Pro to recognize the new sensors. This is done by adding “gauges” within the app, just as you would for standard OBD2 parameters. The key difference is that the EGT and fuel pressure readings will appear as custom PIDs in the selection list, clearly identified as coming from the PLX modules. In the PID list, you’ll notice entries like “PLX Devices EGT #1” and “PLX Devices Fuel Pressure #1,” and potentially “#2” if you have multiple sensors of the same type connected. This clear labeling makes it easy to distinguish and select the correct PIDs for your newly installed sensors.
With the PIDs selected, you can then create custom dashboards in Torque Pro, displaying real-time gauges for EGT, fuel pressure, and any other parameters you’ve added or are monitoring. This creates a powerful and customizable digital gauge setup right on your Android device.
Performance and Considerations
While this PLX-based system effectively expands Torque Pro’s monitoring capabilities, there are a few performance aspects and considerations to keep in mind.
Data Update Rate and Real-time Monitoring
One noticeable difference compared to some high-end OBD2 adapters is the data update rate. While standard OBD2 PIDs with a fast adapter can provide near real-time data, the PLX Kiwi 2 setup has a slightly slower update interval, around 1.5 to 2 seconds. For most monitoring purposes, including EGT and fuel pressure, this is generally acceptable. However, for extremely high-speed data logging or very precise timing applications, this slight delay might be a factor to consider.
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
Some users have reported occasional “Faulty OBDII adapter” messages within Torque Pro when using the Kiwi 2 adapter. While these messages don’t always indicate a functional problem, it’s something to be aware of. In some instances, like a temporary loss of Engine Oil Temperature (EOT) readings, simply restarting the Torque Pro app can resolve the issue. If these errors persist, contacting PLX Devices or the Torque Pro developer (Ian Hawkins) for support is advisable.
Power Management of PLX Kiwi2
Another minor inconvenience is the power management of the Kiwi 2 adapter. Unlike some OBD2 adapters that automatically power on and off with the vehicle, the Kiwi 2 tends to power down after a few minutes of inactivity. This means you’ll need to manually power it on each time you start your vehicle if you want to use Torque Pro immediately. While not a major issue, it’s a slight difference in user experience compared to fully automatic adapters.
In conclusion, by leveraging the PLX Kiwi 2 and iMFD adapter system, Torque Pro users can effectively overcome the limitations of standard OBD2 monitoring and gain access to crucial parameters like EGT and fuel pressure. This solution provides a cost-effective and customizable way to enhance vehicle diagnostics and performance monitoring, making Torque Pro an even more powerful tool for automotive enthusiasts.
Product Links for Further Exploration:
- Kiwi 2 BT Adapter: http://www.plxdevices.com/Kiwi-2-OBD2-Wireless-Bluetooth-Diagnostic-Scanner-p/897346002573.htm
- iMFD Adapter: http://www.plxdevices.com/Kiwi-2-Wireless-Auto-Aftermarket-Diagnostic-Scan-p/897346002399.htm
- EGT Sensor/Module: http://www.plxdevices.com/EGT-Exhaust-Gas-Thermo-Temperature-Probe-Sensor-p/897346002184.htm
- Fluid Pressure Sensor/Module: http://www.plxdevices.com/Fluid-Oil-Fuel-Pressure-Sensor-Module-p/897346002382.htm
- Vacuum/Boost Sensor Module: http://www.plxdevices.com/Vacuum-Boost-Pressure-Gauge-Sensor-Module-p/897346002191.htm
