An alternative to a ScanGauge

[G.Johnno Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close G.Johnno]

My son showed me an OBD2 II Bluetooth Car Auto Diagnostic Interface Scanner Tool that could be a much cheaper alternative for a Scan Gauge and seems to offer the same sort of info.

He has one fitted to his SS Commodore and the information below is transmitted and available to read on his mobile phone.


Clear trouble codes and turn off the MIL ("Check Engine" light).
Read diagnostic trouble codes, both generic and manufacturer-specific, and display their meaning (over 3000 generic code definitions in the database).
Display current sensor data, including Engine RPM, Calculated Load Value, Coolant Temperature, Fuel System Status, Vehicle Speed, Short Term Fuel Trim, Long Term Fuel Trim, Intake Manifold Pressure, Timing Advance, Intake Air Temperature, Air Flow Rate, Absolute Throttle Position, Oxygen sensor voltages/associated short term fuel trims, Fuel System status, Fuel Pressure.

There is a number of these Diagnostic Interface Scanner Tools on Ebay ranging from a few bucks with free postage to others more expensive.

Set your phone up in a cradle and scroll through the menus but, before getting one check, as some listed will not work on a 'I' phone.

Has anyone out there in Prado Land got one installed and importantly ..... does it work and what are the pitfalls if any?

Cheers Graeme

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

I have a customer who uses a $30 obd2 Bluetooth or it might be wifi, not sure. Some app pretty cheap, much cooler than a bodgy looking scan gauge Velcro to ya dash. Plenty info available on it, you can choose what funky screen & what info you want up. Different apps to choose also.

[jika Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close jika]

Also interested in a response to this, especially regarding injector feedback values, map, egr values etc
thanks jika

[r4ndll Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close r4ndll]

I read somewhere ( maybe on here) about the Bluetooth ones overheating and melting from long periods of use. None of the Bluetooth/app combos I found had all the guages I wanted. Specifically the Auto Trans Temp codes, which what I'm really interested in as an auto owner. I'm not sure if the apps have fuel usage as well. Which I've found useful.

[raydes Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close raydes]

The OBD2 II Bluetooth Car Auto Diagnostic Interface Scanner Tool, does not work with Toyota. Toyota has a different system. I bought one from e-bay ,works good on most cars but it doesn't like my Prado.

[BlakMoth Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close BlakMoth]

My Prado isn't obd2 so I can't get a scan gauge. I've been looking into these things as well but I guess that's a no go too

[cbm8880 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close cbm8880]

I had my $30 one plugged in and the car wouldn't start. That was enough for me to chuck it in the bin.