OBD2 software

I am working on using one of my CF-U1's and a ELM327-usb adapter.
I have a 03 Ford Ranger and a 96 Mazda Miata.
I want scan reset codes and a real time "dash"

Any suggestions? I prefer free but will spend a small amount for a good program.
Torque for Android seems to be a favorite. I would need an Android emulator for it.

 

Maybe Torque + ELM327-bluetooth adapter + your smartphone?

 

I think these old eyes need a larger screen than the phone has.
I suppose I should give it a quick try.

 

You could comb through some of the Ford forums to see if anyone has written anything. I had a Porsche once and a guy on a forum wrote his own software to communicate with it. He also published schematics for the "box" to communicate with the car and laptop. I etched my own PC board, built the box and used his software.

I also had a BMW 3 series where I was able to purchase pretty cheap software off the Bay with an OBD2 - USB connector. It allowed you to program a lot of stuff in the BMW ECU.

I see a lot of BT OBD2 connectors on the Bay... I am sure someone makes freeware software somewhere...

 

Great ideas.

 

Hmmm.
Forscan is made for Fords and Mazdas. The Windows GUI is very basic and lacks the bells and whistles.
They have a free version designed for Windows. Also a paid version for Android. $6.00
The Android version has a much nicer and more modern GUI.
Forscan does promote their own OBD adapters and say it may not work on cheapo adapters. Sales pitch?
https://forscan.org/home.html

Torque is the free Android app that seems to be very popular.
Only runs on Android which means a tiny screen, new tablet, or setup Android x86 on a U1. A used FZ-N1 with a 5" screen could be a solution to consider.
https://torque-bhp.com/wiki/Main_Page

Another option is a dedicated OBD2 device such as a Turbogauge IV
Amazoon link for info only. Turbogauge costs about $70
Extremely simple but they work and give trip info also.
No battery to charge as it is powered by OBD port.
https://www.amazon.com/Roadi-TG4-Vehicle-Computer-Digital/dp/B002U2E9F8

 

Ford & Mazda IDS can be downloaded here (torrent).
But it seems serious diagnostic software will not work with ELM327.

 

From what I just read the IDS needs a higher cost adapter. VCX nano is supposed to be a good clone, but there are lots of junk ones being sold.
One webpage suggested that Forscan for Windows can do 90% of what IDS can do.
I need to look into IDS more.

I agree that for serious diagnostic you need something more than the ELM327.

 

ford has one of the better obd2 features. I mostly use android and use torque but for ford i use fordsys. its the only one i was able to read abs and tranny codes. i used windows in the past and the best is on laptop but is been convenient to use phone
This is what i use for pc https://www.palmerperformance.com/downloads.php scanxl

 

I use elm for most but serious tech use the snap on versions that can turn on devices and program

 

I have not heard of Fordsys before.
I loaded NOX emulator on my CF-52 so I can investigate a few of the Android options on a 15" screen.

Fordsys looks very interesting.

 

I'm not sure if it's relevant to your needs, but I have HPTuners and MPVI II ($300) for reading all the obd2 things on my Savana van. I also got the 2 credits required for writing to the ECM ($+100) but have not began tuning yet. Lot's of videos available on exactly how to use the software to tune/write to the ecm

Also, there is PCM Hammer for win10, and LS Droid (android) which are both free, read free, and write free, but you better know what you are doing.

 

Haven’t used HP Tuners myself but have played with LsDroid and PCM Hammer on my bench flashing setup. Also downloaded but got to get time to learn tuner studios better.

my other Car computers stuff I can burn the earlier Chevy chip.

also got four different generations of Holley EFI

been wanting to pick up a microsquirt to learn mega squirt As well.

just for my basic scanning I have used a ELM327 reader I got off eBay.

 

I have been away TOO long!!

Love this thread! Gonna grab the popcorn and read up!!

 

I have an Android tablet that I loaded Torque on. It has a lot of options and parameters that it can check. I am finding that a lot are not available on some cars.

 

Yes I would say. Hope all is well.

 

EDITED...................................................

 

I tried almost all of them. Torque i use for gm and dodge. fordsys was able to read powertrain module and reset abs and the others could not.
I havent played with the pc versions in many years so maybe they are better now.
I like to get a key programmer one day though.

 

Great info. I will check Fordsys on my Ranger.