I got an inexpensive handheld scanner for my birthday and I was considering returning it to get an OBD2 Bluetooth and an app for my android phone. I was wondering how much you can do with the apps and do they track codes.while you drive. I have some intermittent problems with my 01 Monte SS (intermittent tranny, abs/traction and A/C)

 

search around here as i know there is a couple topics about the elm327 and the android app.

 

Make sure your interfaces can read ABS and Transmission codes first.

Most just read OBD Emissions related codes.

 

i like the elm, it's pretty fun to mess around with and see the gauges..

that is one of the most emphasized things with the elm... it's live while driving, it will show you coolant temps, intake temps whatever you want basically, depending on the sensors that are on your car right now..

 

I like my ELM327 too. Best $30 I ever spent on my car. I don't have the Bluetooth version though. I use it to diagnose any problems that may come along and to basically verify that everything is working as it's supposed to. There is NO tuning capability with it though. That is not it's intended purpose. I know that there was a group trying to hack the ELM firmware to make it into a custom tuner, but I don't think that they got anywhere with the project. Good luck!

 

Search for Torque in the android markets. That will explain what the program can do. I have had my BT adapter since around Christmas and I am very happy with it. I have used it in multiple cars without a problem.

 

I paid less then twenty shipped on amazon for the elm327 and use torque. I do like the app but if I had a scanner I would keep that too. It won't scan ABS and anti lock codes tho. Your inexpensive handheld scanner probably won't either. You need a scanner specifically for that system.

 

Thanks everyone. The live sensor reading is what I was looking for. I'm definitely going for the elm, it seems like it can do more and has more software availability.

 

I got my elm327 bluetooth adapter and i got the torque for android. I was disappointed that it wouldn't read Uxxxx and Bxxxx codes. I had 9 fault codes that I found when I went to advance Auto Parts and used their reader. I guess if MIL isn't activated, torque won't read it.