iOS OBD Trans temp monitoring solutions

Yup. I'm an Apple guy and I went round and round trying to find a good solution for my iphone. In the end, I bought an old android off a coworker and now it's a dedicated device in my Tundra.

 

Yes, I spoke with Shubert at OBDLink+ support back around the time of purchase and he confirmed custom pids are supported.

I confirmed this when I bought it. But because I bought the MX+ product (I believe) and not the CX, it came pre-loaded with a gaggle of custom pids pre-configured when you open and connect OBDLink to your MX+, there was a flag I had to toggle. I'm pretty sure it also allowed me to get into various networks, like TPMS, so I could solve my flashing TPMS light issue once and for all, telling TPMS system to ignore the sensor that was slowly failing.

What I don't remember is whether or not trans temperature is included in that custom output. To be honest, the MX+ came with so much extra stuff, I didn't even scratch the surface. I did play around a bit with the temps and whatnot, and with gauges, just to give other members a clue on what to expect if they bought it.

I'm hoping for some good days ahead where I can really sink my teeth into getting stuff done, I'll keep this in the list of things to work through, but their support was always responsive for me, even before sale, even kicking me a coupon to buy, I'm sure they'll get to you first.

 

Oh, and the other thing I noticed: I don't think there's anything special about Torque Pro. While doing my research and reviewing apps for Android and iOS, they all seem to be using the same underlying platform. I'd guesstimate about 80% of the apps out there are all based on the same software, Torque Pro and OBDLink share a ton of similarities.

 

And none of em can modify signals? Like on hot days bumping the IAT up a few degrees to run a little richer to keep things cooler? Or cold days lower the maf a hair to make it run a touch leaner & meaner.

 

If you haven't done so, download the Toyota app, enter your VIN and it will show you the build specs for your Tundra. Lots of good info there including if you have the tow package, LSD, etc.

Enjoy!

 

Score one for Android! I've never owned an iPhone.

 

Actually we did that… However I didn’t get the answer as to whether my unit has the tow package or not…

in fact the next time on there, I’ll get a screenshot, maybe I missed something…?

 

Yeah, the system as of late is unfortunately friendly, nor putting out adequate info.

I don't think tow pkg started until 2003, though? And I'm fairly certain three things all factory tow pkg owners have are:

• Factory hitch
• Factory 7-pin wire plug on bumper
• Extra trans cooler up front where @Mr.bee shows it on page 1 of this thread

If you don't have one or all, or I'm remembering correctly on the year (which I get fuzzy on for 2003/2004 crossover year options), you probably don't have factory tow pkg.

 

This is what the Toyota app shows for my '03 Tundra. The 7-pin trailer connector also came with it.

 

i will have a look tomorrow, to confirm the xternal cooler, but I believe we have all three…

 

As Shifty mentioned, the site is temporarily offline…

but I pretty sure my sheet for my vin was very similar to what you show, but minus the bit about the tow package…

 

BAM! AT Trans Oil Temp on iphone solved.

So it seems one easy solution to view transmission oil temps on an iphone is to buy the OBDLink MX+ ($130). It pre-loads mfr. specific custom PIDs* and the Toyota package includes AT Trans Oil Temp (among a zillion other PIDs)I was viewing that display w/in 10 minutes of opening the box. The OBDLink CX ($80ish) also works with iphones but the custom PIDs require an additional purchase.

If others have different iphone solutions (other than chucking it and getting an android ) please post 'em,

PID=Parameter ID, in short the PID tells the app which OBD2 reported parameter to display. Each mfr includes different parameters so some require a custom PID...or something like that.

 

OK cool so I wasn't totally losing my mind. Sorry I couldn't get that info for you sooner! And yes, there's a freaking ZILLION pids those guys give (pre-loaded) you with the MX+ unit!! You can do some pretty damn powerful stuff with the tool. I did feel like the gauge setup was a little clunky, although it looks almost identical to how Torque Pro and others set it up.

 

Well, I don't know a thing about you losing your mind but your information on the MX+ was entirely accurate. I e-mailed OBDLink yesterday and received the response from Manny below w/in hours. I agree with you, their service is pretty darn good. Against your sage advice, I purchased from that big store but OBDLink has a store there now (not that goofy seller you pointed out previously), got it next day and had it running this afternoon. Thanks for the good info on OBDLink. By the way, OBDLink charges similar prices as BlueDriver but approaches things entirely differently: OBDLink allows customization, is compatible with many other apps while BlueDriver is $99 but controls the experience much more closely by only supporting their app and not supporting custom PIDs.

Hi Jim,

Yes, the MX+ and LX* allow custom PIDs. You can do this using the OBDLink app or Torque. Most apps should allow you to create your own custom PIDs.
Warm regards,
Manny
OBDLink Technical Support

* the LX is not compatible with iPhone.

 

I’m pretty sure I only ordered directly b/c they gave me a coupon to sweeten the deal after I pointed out the scam shop on scAmazon. But I have this nugget in my head that I may’ve asked for a coupon to share here too. I don’t remember - long time ago now.

 

Honestly not trying to stir the pot, but I have some updates on my quest for seeing trans temps in our 2002…

I tried creating user defined pid, (based on info from other threads) but it fails for my year truck.

BUT, What does work is the default, (not enhanced) pid for “AT Fluid Temp” as soon in my screenshot below… The empty AT Pan ones are my non working pid’s

 

Thanks, Jim!

 

I think the 4 speed doesn't use a PID and the 5 speed does

 

Yet another UPDATE:

Ok, so I was not ok with the Fusion app after all. Didn’t like it that the Veepeak caused a flashing ABS light if it was left plugged in after a normal end of day shutdown.

Also, none of the advanced pid’s seemed to work for my FGT, even though I made sure the correct ones for my truck had been purchased.

in addition, the connection did not seem to be 100%, and the iPad would go back and forth tween Home Screen and fusion, with no interaction.

So, I've sent the dongle back to Amazon, and have received refund/credit for the app and pid bundle…

BTW, I was informed by the fusion crew, a refund had to come from Apple, not the manufacturer of the software. REALLY? How Bizarre!

Oh Well, back to the learning curve to try other avenues to explore!!

 

Sounds like it may be time to get an old, or new, Android device of whatever size you like, load Torque Pro and be on your way. There's something to be said for having a dedicated device, too. It's nice having the android showing you what you want about your rig while your phone can be maps, give directions, play music and do any other thing you do with your phone while on the run.

 

+1 for a dedicated android device for monitoring. I just switched to this set up after using a ScanGauge II for a year. I now use a Kyocera Duraforce Pro 2 that I bought for $60 on eBay, a Veepeak OBD2 adapter, and the Torque Pro and Tasker apps.

The Tasker app allows you to set different tasks based off of certain criteria. I have it set so that when the usb port recieves power the phone wakes itself, turns on bluetooth and GPS, launches the app, and opens the dashboard. When the phone no longer has power at the USB port, it kills the app, turns off bluetooth and GPS, and puts the phone into a sleep state. In that stat I only lose a couple percent of battery per day. Something that is easily replenished during normal driving.

All that means I never have to touch the phone, I just start the truck and the phone is displaying live data in ~10 seconds. Then after turning the truck off the phone screen is off and in sleep mode in less than 5 seconds.

 

New must do just launched for me! I'm not an Android guy so I'm not privy to all the cool stuff that these things can do. I may have some questions about the details when trying to get all that set up.

 

Tasker can be a fairly large learning curve, but it's worth it IMO. I'm no expert , basically just learned the bare minimum in order to do what I wanted it to do. But if you have questions on setting it up for this let me know.

There is one hurdle, in order for Tasker to be able to kill an app you either have to be rooted, or run an adb command. More info here.

I did it the hard way listed in that link, because I didn't catch there was an easy way to do it when I skimmed the article. Their "easy way" should hopefully make it less painful.