Android Torque app for OBD2 volvos

Post by **tjts1** » 07 Oct 2011, 11:11

So I decided to give it a shot. First I installed the free version of the torque app (same as video) and bought an ELM327 from Amazon ($24).

It plugs right into the OBD2 port in front of the shifter and talks to my Optimus V phone through bluetooth. You don't need the CD, in fact throw it away immediately because it supposedly contains a trojan. Thanks China.
Anyway, the app connected to the ELM327 and I was immediately checking the ECU for stored trouble codes (had none), and getting a bunch of raw signal data off the ECU. The free app is kind of clunky so I bough the $4.95 paid version which is much nicer. On my 96 850 it can display the following signals:
RPM
TPS
MAP (my NA has a map sensor which was news to me)
MAF
O2 sensor 1 voltage (needs to be replaced, very lazy switching rate)
O2 sensor 2 voltage
Air temp
Coolant temp
Transmission temp (I don't trust this one since its a manual)
Ignition timing
Instant MPG (much faster update rate than the Volvo trip computer)
Avg MPG
Speed
Avg speed
Long term fuel trim
Short term fuel trim
Voltage
All done in real time.

In addition it has its own caculated imputs:
Acceleration in 3 separate axis (0-60, 1/4 mile etc)
Calculated engine load
GPS/ECU speedometer error
Cost per mile, per minute, etc

It can datalog all of these parameters and email them to your PC to turn into pretty graphs, charts etc. Newer OBD2 cars have even more outputs that can be accessed. One thing it can't do access the ABS, SRS and ECC modules because it only knows the universal OBD2 codes. But if I can find the PID data for the other volvo specific trouble codes, they can be added and accessed by torque.

All the displays can be customized.

Not bad for a $29 investment. I recommend it for anyone with a 1995+ 850.

Post by **IVIUSTANG** » 07 Oct 2011, 12:26

I use it with my 1998 S70 and like it, except the OBD2 port is in a bad spot for driving around with the ELM device plugged in; makes the armrest protrude

PresseR · Post by **PresseR** » 22 Dec 2011, 20:56

I just discovered this myself and am waiting for the ELM Dongel coming from China. $15.95 on eBay.

As for the 70 series cars and where the OBD2 port is located. Because I want to have the ELM installed while driving I relocated the port to inside the center console, beneath the e-brake handle.

I am really looking forward to playing with this.

Were you successful in creating error codes and reading them via this device?

gswede · Post by **gswede** » 19 Sep 2012, 05:37

Well, I`ve got the ELM327 and Torque Pro for android. I get connection with the car but no data. No realtime data no nothing. Says its connected "blue car symbol" on torque active and all. Just no data. Is there anything in the settings department that needs tweaking. BTW using samsung pad.

Any info much appreciated

byeboy · Post by **byeboy** » 19 Sep 2012, 14:43

App shows in phone? Did you phone find it in Bluetooth? Key on, car running?

louty · Post by **louty** » 19 Sep 2012, 23:03

oh this is cool

Post by **rmmagow** » 20 Sep 2012, 07:14

QUESTION!
I don't own a "smart" phone, I only use a Tracfone for emer use and phone calls. No, I'm not a luddite, just can find it in me to spend 75~100 a month for a smart phone service. That being said, this looks cool and I want to set this up for my cars. Can I just by an Android smart phone, say used and non network functional and use it to USB or Wi-Fi connect to this thing? Any way to get the App without having it subscribed to some service? Any other method for using either this system or others with a WiFi enabled device? My kid has an iPad, it only is usable off my home network, so, it is just WiFi. I'm assuming I can run this device or some other type via Bluetooth to it and use a Wifi connection at home to dowlload the application.
If I'm totally missing the boat here, explain to me in technical terms what I need to do. I understand most tech, just don't use a lot of it.

byeboy · Post by **byeboy** » 20 Sep 2012, 07:54

rmmagow wrote:QUESTION!
I don't own a "smart" phone, I only use a Tracfone for emer use and phone calls. No, I'm not a luddite, just can find it in me to spend 75~100 a month for a smart phone service. That being said, this looks cool and I want to set this up for my cars. Can I just by an Android smart phone, say used and non network functional and use it to USB or Wi-Fi connect to this thing? Any way to get the App without having it subscribed to some service? Any other method for using either this system or others with a WiFi enabled device? My kid has an iPad, it only is usable off my home network, so, it is just WiFi. I'm assuming I can run this device or some other type via Bluetooth to it and use a Wifi connection at home to download the application.
If I'm totally missing the boat here, explain to me in technical terms what I need to do. I understand most tech, just don't use a lot of it.

I don't want two year contracts, either, so after I fulfilled my contracts to Verizon, then to AT&T I tried Straight Talk, then after a bout a year Tracfone...both worked fine, but the phone support was pretty horrible, especially on Straight Talk,, and it seemed I had to get involved with them about every month!...but I developed a craving for a Smart Phone, then discovered Wal Marts NO Contract "Family Mobile"...which is through T-Mobile, but T_Mobile denies any association (but everything you do through the phone is T-Mobile). Under this program I purchased a 4G (higher Speed) Android Samsung Smart Phone,, which has been working flawlessly, no contract, and my monthly bill is $54.00, after those pesky taxes and fees (which neither Tracfone or Straight Talk stuck on), with unlimited talk, text (which I try to avoid as much as possible), and internet...but after a very short threshold, it switches to 3G speed (but hardly any difference).

I choose to pay my bill online monthly, or you can pay in the store. They have the automatic payment option, but I never sign up for those from anyone...I don't like my bank's computer dealing my cards out.

ANYWAYS...I downloaded the Torque Pro App, bought a ELM 327 Bluetooth OBD II port gizmo off Amazon ($13.00, but has to come from China). Then, after figuring out the bluetooth "hand shake" between my car and my phone...TAH DAH! 'works like a champ!

Post by **osman** » 20 Sep 2012, 10:02

I use my android motorola and PLX devices KIWI. Works Great Diagnosed a dead O2 sensor this morning. (Oxygen sensor graphing for under a hundred bucks. I love it.)

Post by **regent** » 20 Sep 2012, 15:21

The ELM interface comes with drivers ona CD and can be used on a bluetooth-capable windows PC or laptop (or smartphone) in addition to android. I just ordered one and will post back as soon as I get to play with it.