Setup Torque Pro OBD2 Android App
If you read my previous ELM327 OBD2 Bluetooth Adaptor Review, you’ll recall I said I was going to test the device with the Torque OBD2 app for Android. Well here is my review and a brief set up guide to get you started if needed.
This review is for the paid version of the app available here:
Torque For Android
To start with setting up the ELM327 OBD2 adaptor to work with Android is really easy. Just Plug the adaptor into your cars diagnostic socket go to Android Settings – Bluetooth – Scan For Devices – Once OBD2 or ELM327 is found click it – Enter Pass-code 1234 – Let It Pair.
When I first started the app, I was greeted with a really well thought out UI. It is really smooth and fluid, everything is positioned to suit your thumbs natural position on the screen. The following screen shot is from my Samsung Galaxy Tab 2.
As you can see Torques UI looks really nice on a Tablet display.
Lets analyse what we see here. First the top left hand corner you have 4 blue icons. The left one is GPS it will flash until you get GPS lock on. The next icon across is just to show that the app is running I think, although don’t quote me on that. The next is an icon to show status of connection to the ELM327 OBD device. Flashing = Not connected and Solid Blue = Connected. The right hand icon is connection to the car’s ECU, for this the ignition needs to be on and then same as before. Flashing = Not connected and Solid Blue = Connected.
Then you will notice the Profile is set to Ford Focus. That’s because I own one and have set up a profile for this. Although not necessary, you need to set up a profile for Torque to correctly calculate fuel cost, MPG, HP, Fuel remaining and more.
Before you set up a profile, I recommend setting up which unit measurements you want to use first. To do this press the settings button on the bottom left of the screen – Select Settings – Then Units – Then tick or un-tick the boxes as necessary. Here is how mine are set up:
Now you are ready to set up a profile. Go back to the first screen and again press the settings button on the bottom left – Select Vehicle Profile – Create New Profile- Then fill in the boxes with details about your car. Here’s mine:
OK that about sums up what you should do to get started with Torque For Android.
Back at the first screen if all 4 icons are blue an have stopped flashing you’re ready to begin.
First thing I did was read the fault codes on my car. It had none as expected so to try the app out I disconnected the MAF sensor, re read the codes and was greeted by 2 new fault codes.
Yay!! It worked. I decided to plug the MAF sensor back on and clear the fault codes. Which worked a charm as well. At the top right of the screen is the menu button which when pressed gives you some really cool options. Let me show you:
My personal favourites are obviously ‘Clear faults on ECU’ and also the ‘Share’ option. This allows you to email the faults to anyone you choose including your self. Handy for tracking down returning faults.
Right lets go back to the first screen and this time we go into ‘Realtime Information’. This brings up a set of six gauges, but if if you swipe left, right, up or down, depending on which way your holding the screen it reveals more gauges. These are fully customisable. Anything from style and size, to what data they display can be changed. Press and hold a blank area of screen and you will have the option to ‘Add a Display’ Here you select the type of gauge you want, then what data you want it to show, then the size. Press and hold a gauge that’s already on the screen and it brings up,the customisation menu.
Here’s a shot of my screen:
Overall I really have only just scratched the surface of what this wonderful app has to offer. Things like ‘Map View’ and ‘Graphing’ I haven’t delved to deeply in to yet and will update this review when I do.
To sum up. I give Torque For Android 10 out of 10. Just because it is packed full of functions, is a breeze to set up and has a brilliant UI. I really hope this helps you get set up and on your way with this brilliant Android App.
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