The world of car diagnostics has become increasingly accessible thanks to OBD2 scanners and smartphone apps. For car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics, tools like Bluetooth OBD2 scanners paired with apps like TorquePro offer a wealth of vehicle data right at your fingertips. But can you really push these generic setups to their limits, perhaps even “trick” them into performing like more specialized, brand-specific tools such as BlueDriver? Let’s explore the potential and realities of using generic OBD2 apps.
Understanding Generic OBD2 Scanners and Apps
Generic OBD2 scanners and apps are designed to be universally compatible with most modern vehicles. They communicate with your car’s computer system through the standardized OBD2 port, typically located under the dashboard. These tools, like the popular OBDLink LX Bluetooth scanner, can wirelessly transmit vehicle data to your smartphone or tablet running an OBD2 app. Apps like TorquePro then interpret this data, displaying it in real-time gauges and offering diagnostic capabilities.
The appeal of generic OBD2 tools lies in their affordability and broad vehicle compatibility. They offer a cost-effective entry point into vehicle diagnostics, allowing users to monitor engine performance, read and clear basic trouble codes, and gain insights into various vehicle parameters. However, users often wonder if there are ways to go beyond these basic functions and unlock more advanced features or data.
The Quest for More Data: Are There “Tricks”?
When we talk about “tricking” generic OBD2 apps, what we’re really asking is: can we push these tools beyond their intended limitations to access more in-depth information or manufacturer-specific data? The reality is that “tricking” in the sense of hacking or fundamentally altering the app’s functionality is generally not feasible or advisable. However, there are certainly ways to maximize the potential of generic OBD2 setups and explore their capabilities more deeply.
One area of exploration is Parameter IDs (PIDs). OBD2 standards define a set of generic PIDs that all vehicles must support. These PIDs cover common parameters like engine coolant temperature, RPM, vehicle speed, and intake air temperature. Generic OBD2 apps are primarily designed to access these standardized PIDs. Users might notice, as one user experienced with TorquePro, that certain desired PIDs, like “Engine Oil Pressure,” are not readily available in the generic PID sets.
This doesn’t necessarily mean the data isn’t accessible, but rather that it might not be part of the standard generic OBD2 PIDs. Car manufacturers often have proprietary PIDs that go beyond the generic set, providing access to more specific or detailed information. Generic apps might not automatically include these manufacturer-specific PIDs.
Delving into Custom PIDs
The good news is that many generic OBD2 apps, including TorquePro, offer the ability to add Custom PIDs. This is where a degree of “trickery” – or rather, advanced configuration – becomes possible. By manually entering the correct PID codes and formulas for your specific vehicle and parameter, you might be able to access data beyond the standard generic set.
However, finding these custom PIDs can be challenging. They are often manufacturer-specific and not publicly documented. Online forums, car enthusiast communities, and specialized databases can be sources for discovering custom PIDs for particular vehicle makes and models. It’s crucial to verify the accuracy and compatibility of any custom PIDs you find before implementing them, as incorrect PIDs could lead to inaccurate readings or communication errors.
The Engine Oil Pressure Mystery (and Sensor Types)
The original user’s disappointment at not finding an Engine Oil Pressure PID in TorquePro highlights a common frustration. Whether or not an Engine Oil Pressure PID is accessible via OBD2 depends on several factors, including the vehicle’s sensors and the manufacturer’s implementation.
Some vehicles might use a simple oil pressure switch that only triggers an “idiot light” when pressure drops below a critical threshold. These switches do not provide a continuous pressure reading, and therefore, there’s no corresponding PID to access a numerical oil pressure value. Other vehicles, particularly newer models or performance-oriented cars, may be equipped with true oil pressure sending units that provide a variable voltage signal corresponding to the oil pressure. In these cases, an Oil Pressure PID might exist, potentially as a standard PID or a manufacturer-specific custom PID.
Tools like FORScan, mentioned in the original text, are designed for specific brands like Ford, Mazda, and Lincoln. These tools often have access to a wider range of manufacturer-specific PIDs and diagnostic functions compared to generic OBD2 apps. This is because they are tailored to communicate with the specific protocols and data structures used by these manufacturers.
Transmission Temperature and Data Interpretation
The experience with the Transmission Temperature PID initially mirroring the Engine Coolant Temperature in TorquePro underscores the importance of careful data interpretation. While a PID might be labeled “Transmission Temperature,” the actual data source and its behavior might require further investigation. As the original user discovered, observing the gauges side-by-side revealed that the “Transmission Temperature” PID was, in that instance, actually reading coolant temperature.
This highlights that even with OBD2 apps, a degree of automotive knowledge and critical thinking is necessary to correctly interpret the data and ensure you are monitoring the parameters you intend to.
Generic vs. Brand-Specific Tools: BlueDriver in Perspective
Brand-specific tools like BlueDriver offer a more integrated and often more user-friendly experience, particularly for DIY users focused on a specific vehicle brand. BlueDriver scanners and apps are designed to provide deeper diagnostics, including access to manufacturer-specific trouble codes, enhanced system scans, and sometimes advanced functions like bidirectional controls (depending on the vehicle and tool capabilities).
While generic OBD2 apps excel in broad compatibility and affordability for basic diagnostics and monitoring, brand-specific tools often provide a more comprehensive and specialized solution for users who need in-depth diagnostics or brand-specific features. BlueDriver, for example, focuses on providing a user-friendly experience with features tailored to specific vehicle makes.
Conclusion: Maximizing Generic OBD2 Potential
While you can’t magically “trick” a generic OBD2 app into becoming a brand-specific diagnostic powerhouse, you can certainly maximize its potential. Exploring custom PIDs, carefully interpreting data, and leveraging online resources can help you unlock more information and functionality from your generic OBD2 setup.
For many users, a generic Bluetooth OBD2 scanner and an app like TorquePro provide a valuable and cost-effective way to monitor vehicle health, understand basic diagnostics, and gain deeper insights into their car’s operation. While they might not replace professional-grade diagnostic tools or brand-specific systems for advanced troubleshooting, they offer a powerful and accessible entry point into the world of automotive diagnostics and data analysis. Understanding the limitations and exploring the available features, including custom PIDs, is key to getting the most out of your generic OBD2 tools.
