For Ford diesel owners looking for a reliable and affordable way to monitor their engine’s health and performance, an Android Bluetooth OBD2 scanner combined with the Torque Pro app can be a game-changer. I’ve been using the Veepeak Mini Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner with the Torque Pro app on my Android device, and here’s my experience.
My Take on the Veepeak Mini OBD2 Scanner and Torque Pro App
This Bluetooth OBD2 scanner and app combo has proven to be a valuable tool in my garage. Setting it up is straightforward: simply plug the Veepeak Mini into your Ford diesel’s OBD2 port, pair it with your Android device via Bluetooth, and launch the Torque Pro app.
One of the biggest advantages is the level of customization Torque Pro offers. While it can feel a bit overwhelming at first, the ability to tailor dashboards to display exactly the parameters you want to see is incredibly powerful. For Ford diesel owners, this means accessing specific PIDs (Parameter IDs) beyond the generic OBD2 readings. You can easily find and download Ford-specific PID sets online – they are typically free and installation instructions are readily available. Once set up, you can monitor crucial Ford diesel parameters such as FICM voltage, high-pressure oil pump (HPOP) pressure, and much more.
The customization extends to visual displays as well. You can create custom gauges, graphs, and logs to visualize the data in a way that makes sense to you. Furthermore, Torque Pro boasts a wide range of add-ons, expanding its functionality even further, including advanced graphing and data logging capabilities. The Veepeak scanner itself is compact and discreet, and its Bluetooth connectivity is generally reliable. It also performs the fundamental function of reading and clearing diagnostic trouble codes, which can save you trips to the mechanic for minor issues.
However, the extensive customization can be a double-edged sword. The sheer number of options within Torque Pro can be daunting for new users. It’s not a plug-and-play system that you’ll master instantly; there’s a learning curve involved in fully harnessing its potential. Another minor drawback is that the Bluetooth dongle remains powered when plugged in, potentially drawing a small amount of battery even when the vehicle is off. While the power draw is minimal, it’s something to be aware of if you leave it plugged in constantly. Finally, while data updates are frequent, they are not quite as instantaneous as a dedicated, laptop-connected diagnostic tool, which might be relevant for very precise, real-time analysis.
Is This Setup Right for You?
For everyday monitoring, I primarily rely on a dedicated tuner like my SCT, which constantly displays essential temperatures like oil temp, coolant temp, transmission temp, and exhaust gas temperature. However, the Veepeak and Torque Pro combination becomes my go-to tool when I need to delve deeper into diagnostics. While you could configure Torque Pro to replicate the basic monitoring functions of a tuner, its real strength lies in its diagnostic capabilities and deep customization for specific issues.
In conclusion, the Veepeak Mini Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner and Torque Pro app offer a powerful and versatile diagnostic solution for Ford diesel vehicles. While there’s a bit of a learning curve and minor quirks, the ability to access Ford-specific PIDs, customize displays, and perform in-depth diagnostics makes it a worthwhile investment for any Ford diesel owner who likes to understand their vehicle better and tackle DIY maintenance.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Veepeak, Torque Pro, SCT, or Amazon. The links provided are for informational purposes only and are not affiliate links.
