I am curious about something, I figured I would find the information I am looking for on here.
I have a 2000 Monte SS that has been nothing but trouble since we got it. I have a Bosch OBD scanner that will pull up any stored codes, and the codes on this car are all over the place. My question is, is there something else cheap that I can get to go deeper and monitor the engine more than just pulling up codes?
I got an Elm32 device for my Ford pickups that works great! I plug it into the OBD port and plug it in to my computer. It will live monitor everything that is going on with my truck with the use of a free downloaded program. The problem is I do not think it will work on the Monte. Is there a similar device I can get for the Chevy? The device I got for my pickup was only $30, so I am looking for something similar.
The computer diagnostics is a new thing for me. Back when I went to Tech College the "computer" we had for diagnostics was a very large instrument that took 2 men and a boy to roll around the shop. Back when I was turning wrenches we did things the old fashioned way, so I am now trying to teach myself about these newer vehicles.

 

I'm not familiar with the Elm32, but I have a Elm327 that works great. Just need to download the appropriate software. Capable of reading live data.
Here's a link to it on Amazon:

 

Yea man, check out the BAFX ODB2 adapter with the torque app.. Awesome little thing to have, monitors about everything with your car and then some.. I have a large phone I run it on wherever I go..

Hang on Ill get a picture in just a couple minutes here...

 

This is the one I got for my pickup, but I think it only works for Fords. I wasn't sure if there was something similar for Chevys.
I have been fighting joining the digital world for a long time now. A couple of weeks ago I upgraded from my 8 year old flip phone to an IPhone.

 

Ha! Tell me about it.. I had a keyboard slider phone up until about 6 months ago..

Anyway, the thing Im talking about is the same idea as what you have posted only it runs wireless to whatever bluetooth device you want (iphone). Im having some trouble getting the pics up on my PC but Ill get them up asap..

Another thing is I dont understand why that one you posted is only compatible with ford/mazda. I would assume it would be for any 1996+ vehicle (OBD2).. I def see in the description that tho.

Another edit... LOL

The plug-in adapter plumbob posted is different from the one I posted although they read the same exact things.. Its more dependent on what app you choose to run the OBD2 adapter off.. I would recommend "torque" like I said, its the most popular.

 

I agree. I also use the Torque app. Download it from Playstore.

 

Thanks for the information, I will definitely look into it. That sounds exactly like what I am looking for.
The one I got will read the CAN data and all trouble codes. Working with Forscan (free download) it will do a lot.
Warning, if searching for a forscan download be very careful with spelling!

 

I am posting a lot on here tonight. I have the night off and am almost all caught up in the shop, so I have been spending this evening surfing the internet for information on these devices.
I am not sure if the dash command or torque are what I am looking for.
A few months back my pickup started giving me a crank no start condition at random times. I had NO check engine light coming on. I can pull the OBD codes with my Bullydog tuner, and I can pull OBD codes with my little code reader. Neither of these were showing any codes, so I bought the ELM327 device and downloaded forescan. I connected it to my computer and turned the key on, immediately I got several codes the code reader would not pick up on. The codes that I got that were not recognized by my reader is one that showed my door dinger had been disconnected, another that showed that my fuel gauge was not reading accurately with the computers assessment of fuel consumption. I knew both of these things. It also told me that my antilock brake light was on at one time, which I also knew. I cranked the engine and was able to monitor the FICM voltage and sync and found I had low voltage to the FICM. Then I got a code saying low battery voltage. Replaced both batteries and it fixed the problem. This is a different sort of deal being a powerstroke diesel, but I can do a lot with the device. I can also do a buzz test on each injector to check condition of the injectors. I can monitor fuel pressure at each injector and so many other things.
Everything I can find on the dash command or torque programs it almost looks like these apps are glorified gauges along with an OBD scanner? I am not sure if this is an accurate assessment of the apps or if this is just what the developers of the apps are talking about? I don't really care what my speed or rpm's are at, I have that already.
Some of you have followed my other post on our problems with our Monte. It is running rough, starting by just running rough under load now it runs rough all of the time. Every time I have checked codes I get something different. Once I got PO301, misfire on cylinder 1. Then I got PO304. Another time I got PO131. The PO131 came back a few times after I cleared the codes. I also got PO300 often when I checked the codes. Now it is running very rough but is not showing any codes! I am looking for something that I can monitor each sensor like I can do on my Fords with the Forscan tool.
I have had a lot of good advice on possibilities with this car, but I don't want to spend a lot of money hanging parts hoping to hit on the right part to fix the problem.
I don't drive this car, I prefer my F350 but my wife drives it to work and now my 15 year old daughter wants to start driving it to school. I need to get it running right so they can be safe on the road!
EDIT: It looks like the Torque app is only for Android devices. I have an IPhone 7, or whatever the latest IPhone is called. Is there a comparable app, or the Torque app out there for the IPhone?