Getting GM specific enhanced scan data from a GM OBD2 PCM used to be an expensive proposition. Most OBD2 scan tools can only pull generic OBD2 PIDs which don't give you manufacturer specific data, like Knock Retard (KR) and some other things that are needed for custom tuning.
I've been watching the Android App market ever since I finally upgraded to a smart phone and here is what I found.
The first thing you need is what is called a OBD2 ELM327 bluetooth adapter which you can get from eBay or Amazon. You need to be careful though because there are cheap ones on the market that don't work well and aren't compatible with manufacturer specific communications protocols. The one I got I bought from this guy on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/320543314789 and it works.
Once you get the app installed make sure it is updated to the latest version available thru the Play Store. Make sure it can connect to your ELM interface and read data from your PCM. The TorquePro app can do GPS logging and acceleration based performance calculations, but you have to set up a vehicle profile in order to get this information (there's no need to set this up in order to scan and log data).
Once you are able to connect, you need to do a few things to get it set up so it will log data.
Under the main app's settings menu click on OBD2 adapter settings, and make sure you have the "Faster Communication" box checked (only works with GOOD interfaces).
Also under the main app's settings menu is the Data Logging & Upload menu. Select this, then select "Select what to log" then click on the menu button on your android device to bring up the "Add PID to log" option. Select that, then add what PID you want to be logged. Add as many PIDs as you want, but keep in mind the more you add, the slower the update rate will be. Available PIDs will be shaded in green and giving you data right there in this list (so make sure the key is on and you are connected to the PCM with the interface). It may take some time for all supported PIDs to show they are valid when you scroll the list down, so be patient.
After you're done adding PIDs, under the Data Logging & Upload menu, select the File Logging Interval menu and set it to the lowest possible setting in order to get the highest resolution data log possible (but keep in mind this will make a bigger log file).
Once you are done settings things up, go back to the main screen and select "realtime information". This will bring up some customizable screens where you can add gauges and such so you can watch real-time data. I would recommend you limit how much you add. Again, the more that is displayed, the lower the update rate.
While in realtime information mode, hit the android menu button and it should bring up the menu options - one is "start logging". Click on that to start the data log. Once you have logged as much data as you think you need, click on this menu again and then click on "stop logging". After you stop the log, click on "email logs" under this menu. Use your android device to email the log file as a .csv file to the email address you want the log to be sent to. It will be sent as a .zip compressed file which you will need to decompress in order to open the .csv file. The .csv file should contain some GPS data along with all the Data PIDs you selected earlier that you want logged.
These data logs can be used to tune an OBD2 PCM by as long as the right PIDs are being recorded in the log (consult your tuner).
-ryan
------------------ OVERKILL IS UNDERRATED Custom GM OBD1 & OBD2 Tuning | Engine Conversions & more | www.gmtuners.com
[This message has been edited by Darth Fiero (edited 03-11-2013).]
Justin has been talking about this app lately. Certainly going to pick up an interface to scan my cars. Even carrying my tablet would be much better than my old heavy tuning laptop.
Couldn't get your eBay link to work, had to copy/paste item number, which did.
[This message has been edited by Jncomutt (edited 03-11-2013).]
I have been using Torque for about 2 years now and it has progressed quite a bit over that time. I am actually thinking of eliminating my original dash and using an Android Stick Computer along with a small TV screen for my dash display. Torque now has a lot of features that it did not have originally like very large displays and some other things that make it better to use for a main display. You can even set up a mileage in your profile so you can continue the odometer setting from the original dashboard.
This is what I have displayed right now for my playing around:
I will still need to keep a few physical gauges since the oil pressure and the fuel tank level do not come through the ECM.
This display is a 15 inch TV with a 1080p display and a high brightness display with about 400 nits. You will need a bright display for daytime. The one thing I cannot do right now is use the GPS portion of Torque with the MK 809ii Android stick I have. But, I might be able to bring it in through a secondary system and the USB port.
Wow, I didn't think of that. I have a usb port in my center console, along with RCAs for the in dash dvd in my Cadillac. I can play the screen with the use of a lock pick. That would be great real time display, thanks!
[This message has been edited by Jncomutt (edited 03-11-2013).]
Just add the GM pack that comes with it. Does knock counts, knock retard, everything. You can customize gauges to alert at certain values, audio alerts, the whole nine yards. I've been using this for years, and it's the best $40 I've ever spent on my car.
Works on EVERY post '96 car I've plugged into, from BMW's, GM, ford, VW, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Diesels, you name it.
How are the refresh rates? Even when using a GM capable scanner the refresh rates are slow. Have used Genesis, Pegasys, Mac and some Snap On. The refresh rates/screen rewrites are too slow for RPM and MPH. Off course this is normally with a full data stream. Cans capable scanners have better rates, but the ALDL and early OBDII serial rates tend to be slow. Would be cool to watch misfire data on a larger screen when looking at 6 or more cylinders. Along with the other data. The more data up at one time the slower the rate.
Torque has some neat displays, like one that is a graph. So you could display what you want on a graph and it would capture it and keep it up for display for a while.
Does this do knock retard or do I have to manually add the pid?
Yes, it does knock retard - at least it does on the OBD2 3800 PCM's I've tried it on thus far (1998 and 2003).
After you install Torque Pro, download and install the TorqueScan plug-in (as directed to do in my original post).
Once you fire up Torque Pro, it will automatically connect to your PCM and scan for all valid PIDs on its own. YOU will still need to set up manually the gauge displays for the data PIDs you want to watch in real time, and you'll have to manually add whatever PIDs you want logged to the logging list when you set up the logging function (all of this is explained in my original post). But that is the extent of what you will have to do "manually". You should NOT need to add any "addresses" for any custom PIDs or anything like that. Knock Retard is already in the PID list you get with the TorqueScan plug-in.
[This message has been edited by Darth Fiero (edited 03-12-2013).]
Once you get the app installed make sure it is updated to the latest version available thru the Play Store. Make sure it can connect to your ELM interface and read data from your PCM. The TorquePro app can do GPS logging and acceleration based performance calculations, but you have to set up a vehicle profile in order to get this information (there's no need to set this up in order to scan and log data).
Once you are able to connect, you need to do a few things to get it set up so it will log data.
Of course guys you will have to "pair" your phone with the bluetooth device you do buy before it will communicate.
quote
Originally posted by Jncomutt:
Can you other users post links to the blue tooth units you're using?
I have been using this one with no problems so far. It did take like a month to get, they actually sent it via "slow boat".
After you install Torque Pro, download and install the TorqueScan plug-in (as directed to do in my original post).
Once you fire up Torque Pro, it will automatically connect to your PCM and scan for all valid PIDs on its own. But that is the extent of what you will have to do "manually". You should NOT need to add any "addresses" for any custom PIDs or anything like that. Knock Retard is already in the PID list you get with the TorqueScan plug-in.
I don't have my bluetooth unit yet, I ordered the one in your link, it should be here by the end of the week. I didn't realize that the program would automatically pull in the GM PIDs. I was looking thru the list after I installed Torque scan and didn't see them. SInce I don't have by BT unit yet, I haven't connected to a GM vehicle, and so they didn't get pulled in.
I was able to add them by going to Settings > Manage Extra PIDs > Menu: Add predefined Set > "Pontiac / GM / Opel / Vauxhall"
quote
Originally posted by IIKool:
Can someone please post what all the abbreviation are? Like pid etc. etc.
PID = Parameter Identification Data etc = Et Cetera
[This message has been edited by Jncomutt (edited 03-13-2013).]
I don't have my bluetooth unit yet, I ordered the one in your link, it should be here by the end of the week. I didn't realize that the program would automatically pull in the GM PIDs. I was looking thru the list after I installed Torque scan and didn't see them. SInce I don't have by BT unit yet, I haven't connected to a GM vehicle, and so they didn't get pulled in.
I was able to add them by going to Settings > Manage Extra PIDs > Menu: Add predefined Set > "Pontiac / GM / Opel / Vauxhall"
Yea, I would wait until you get your interface. Once you have that and connect with the PCM, Torque Pro will poll the PCM for all valid PIDs. In the master PID list menu, anything that is valid will be shaded in green. Anything black isn't supported.
Heh sweet, its in my town . I've been meaning to get in on Torque but was apprehensive because when I'd go to Azone to get my codes scanned the garbage little scanner wouldn't link up to my pcm. I guess I'll see how it works, ordering the bluetooth adapter later tonight with fingers crossed!
[This message has been edited by nitroheadz28 (edited 03-13-2013).]
How are the refresh rates? Even when using a GM capable scanner the refresh rates are slow.
They're directly related to the number of items displayed, but I have a loaded screen and it's like 3-4 updates per second. It's good enough for me, but if you want totally fluid updates like 20-30 FPS, it would probably just need to be 2-3 items scanned, and no logging.
Nice write up, thanks Ryan. Miss your column in FieroFocus (although Ray is doing a great job).
Yea, Jim tried to talk me into staying on but I just don't have the time to do it anymore. It's not just the writing, it's the research and editing that takes all the time.
I don't need wireless, but I do need reliable. I just want a cheaper alternative than having to pull my $4000 Tech 2 out every time I need to reflash a PCM using TIS/SPS.
I don't need wireless, but I do need reliable. I just want a cheaper alternative than having to pull my $4000 Tech 2 out every time I need to reflash a PCM using TIS/SPS.
still going to need flash tools access on the GM side, but you should be able to do it with any cable if you have the software.
I got my bt unit today. The whole setup is pretty neat. One weird thing is throttle position relative and throttle position manifold. The default tps guage only goes from 12 to 87 but the other seems accurate.
I also got mine today, but it wont link up? I plug it in, the power and obd lights come on but when I have Torque running and try anything it says its not paired with the bluetooth. I tried plugging it in with the engine off/ key on and something started spazzing out under the dash like relays clicking every second or so. With the engine on no weird stuff but no link either? I tried going in settings and disabling em327 and still nothing.
Has to be paired to the phone before starting Torque. Mine was 1234 pair code. It was originally name cbt, I renamed it to OBD2 reader. I loaded torque, selected it from the menu, and it worked no problem
Depends on which version of android. Go to settings, Bluetooth, it'll scan for the obd2 unit. Make sure the unit is plugged in and the key is on. When it shows up, click it, it'll prompt for a code, usually 0000 or 1234
Should I also download Widgets for Torque (OBD / Car) ?? https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torquewidget&feature=more_from_developer#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwMiwib3JnLnByb3dsLnRvcnF1ZXdpZGdldCJd $2.39 to go with the rest of the program.
------------------ He who dies with the most toys wins. 2004 White Sebring Convertible 1986 Black Fiero GT Kathryn's Welded Metal Artist
. I've been meaning to get in on Torque but was apprehensive because when I'd go to Azone to get my codes scanned the garbage little scanner wouldn't link up to my pcm. I guess I'll see how it works, ordering the bluetooth adapter later tonight with fingers crossed!
