OBD2 readers - need some schooling

Hey All - I'd like to have some capability to check codes, monitor various temps and battery condition. I know nothing about diagnostics scanners / OBD2 readers. What is the easiest plug-n-play solution to do this? I've looked at various apps and reviews are all over the map. Torque Pro, for example. Also, how do these apps interface with the vehicle? Is it with a cable? If so, do you generally buy these separately? Getting ready to hook up Uhaul and move across a few states (WA here we come!) and I'd like to be able to monitor tranny temps.

Thx,

 

I don't know much about them either but from what I gather, a lot of the less expensive ones either don't give you access to things like transmission temp or they don't give you a live reading of the trans temp.

I'm interested in this topic as well, so looking for some guidance from people in the know.

 

I'm running one of these and Torque Pro on Android. Works well enough but it can take some custom PIDs to read specific sensors on some vehicles.
https://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Product...i&sr=1-1-1254d17a-1387-4dae-bb74-9da8fe434220

 

My recommendation is to get a carista dongle, do what you want in carista, then use the dongle for the “OBD Fusion” app and pay the $10 for the enhanced diagnostics for your vehicle. It will read and clear faults and as well as let you monitor values in every control module on the vehicle.

 

I can't say Scanguage II enough!! do it! you can get them just about everywhere. I was able to find a auto zone coupon plus signed up for their email blasts and saved like 30%!

It will do everything you said, read codes, display enough data to make your head spin and not to mention the tech support team is pretty active on the forums!

It isn't the most pretty device, but its small enough to be unobtrusive and truthfully its the only game in town. If you were handy with a 3d printer you could easily make a really cool contoured mount. I think it would look great right in front of the driver side dash mounted speaker grill...

Mine is currently mounted in the center of the steering wheel.

 

Torque Pro for me as well. Bluetooth to my Android tablet.

 

anyone use blue driver?

 

Yes, I use Blue Driver. I am very happy with it, and have used it on several different make of vehicles. Bluetooth to the phone, and the app on the phone downloads the software needed for the vehicle / engine type.

 

Awesome, thx for the replies - will start doing some research.

 

I do as well and it's awesome. It will even give you a link to purchasing the defective part.

 

What @Agent_Outside said.
Buy a Carista dongle and get a free one month access to customize your dings and lights etc.
https://caristaapp.com/vehicles/toyota/4runner/5th-gen

Then get a free or low cost phone app to create a dashboard of the sensors you want to monitor. Like OBD Fusion or Car Scanner ELM OBD2.