The other day I learned about an OBD2 reader made to sync with iPhone (OBD stands for on-board diagnostics). Originally annoyed that it didn’t work with Android, I searched around to see if there was an Android counterpart. Sure enough, I ran into several options, but it also occurred to me that there must be a further shortcut: a way to ‘wirelessly’ pass OBD (not to be confused with ODB, for all you 90′s hip hop junkies) readings to a droid phone/tablet.
Sure enough, there is.
Between the Torque app ($4.99) and the Soliport ELM 327 Bluetooth OBDII OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner (Usually sells for less than $19.99) you can have an OBD 2 sensor reader for around $25 (plus taxes and whatever shipping option you choose for the scanner). A quick note, some people seem to have a problem with the Soliport ELM 327 Bluetooth OBDII OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner I linked to above. It worked fine for me (I drive a 2003 Ford Mustang). Below is a listing of other options.
http://torque-bhp.com/wiki/Bluetooth_Adapters
This video by Hemorrdroids.net explains the setup and is what I used as a guide.
In addition to the instructions in this video, I found I had to make one adjustment in the app’s settings in order to connect the sensor to my droid. Once on the main screen, choose Menu the function on your phone, then click Settings > OBD2 Adapter Settings > Choose Bluetooth Device, then choose the device name. Aside from OBD2 fault codes, Torque can also give you performance readings, connect to your GPS, and a few other things.