Diagnostic tools recommendations?

[Citationdoc]

Howdy folks,
I'm looking for advice about good diagnostic tools for my '13 SHO. I'd like to start learning how to interpret real time data, as well as monitor trends and hopefully nip problems in the bud BEFORE things start breaking. I thought I saw something about an android app (I assume there's an interface with OBD port)? Also, does anyone have a preference on code readers/diagnostic readers that'll read CAN Bus, ABS, etc?

 

[xFallenxCripplex]

Buy an odb link MX Bluetooth or WiFi WiFi will log faster
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...i&sprefix=Obd+link,aps,347&crid=3N7VWEBKU42WX
Then get forscan for android you can log as far as I can tell everything that is loggable same with the PC version if need to program new receiver's have to use the PC and ask the forscan forum for a limited time key for it

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Another great thing with forscan of many! Is being able to turn items on with the PC version if you need to see if the fuel pump is working you can get a ohm reading from there and also just turn it on to as one way to see if not getting fuel is because of the pump or a clog injector.

So far I've seen forscan is a poor mans ids ( what ford uses for obd diagnostics and programming of features)

 

[SHOdded]

Stay away from the obdlink wifi, their bt version is far better. Look on amazon for wifi adapter reviews. I use the vgate/icar device when i use wifi. If the device is not being used exclusively for logging/monitoring, you could lose concurrent connectivity ootions. That's why I dedicate a device just to this, but it is up to you.

Torque Pro is another software option, but it is Android only at this time. You CAN add custom PIDs/parameters, and there are a few useful ones avsilable already.

If you decide to log, Forscan data return rate is > than Torque Pro.

 

[xFallenxCripplex]

From their a boost look tester https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...id=28IUC70HRT8X9&rh=i:aps,k:boost+leak+tester
And compression tester
https://www.amazon.com/s//www.amazo...AJH&rh=i:aps,k:compression+tester&ajr=0&ajr=0


Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[SilverSH0]

Has anyone had issues with the Forscan App connecting to their phone? I have a bluetooth adapter that has worked for years with Torque Pro. I recently downloaded the Forscan app and the phone connects to the device but Forscan doesn't see that car. It tells me to make sure the key is in the on position and try again later (but the car is running). I can close out of Forscan, go straight into Torque, and it connects/reads data just fine. Anyone had similar issues?

 

[SHOdded]

None here, but I use the OBDLink MX BT. Never an issue with the top-rated cheapo adapters on Amazon either.

 

[Citationdoc]

Thanks for the tips!

Next question, and a little background. I fix jets for a living (tech support for mech's in the field now but turned a wrench on 'em for years), so I'm technically and mechanically inclined. However, I don't know what I don't know! Are there any good resources on this forum or elsewhere to learn how to read and interpret data from FORscan? I can tell you everything you need to know about the health of any number of Pratt & Whitney turbines.....but not much help for an Ecoboost! I'm sure I've got quite a learning curve ahead.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[SHOdded]

Well, there's the Forscan site - http://forscan.org, their user forum - http://forscan.org, and the helpful information they include on practically every PID that they have for your vehicle. For general terminology/car related help, I use this site often - http://www.aa1car.com/ but there are many helpful sites across the internet.

There are some videos on YouTube also, that can help you with setup & stuff. Interpreting Ecoboost data should be taken with a grain of salt, because it is supposedly different from most turbo logic that people are familiar with. The basic principles still apply, but to understand why parameters behave the way they do, you will have to ask questions. There isn't a repository out there currently that I am aware of.

Forscan has great logging capabilities, but display gauge selection and log element selection go handinhand, you cannot pick & choose, that is the downside. And I would recommend a device with at least 1 GB of internal RAM for logging shorter (ie, up to an hour) intervals. My device has 3 GB internal RAM, and no hiccups even with 5-6 hours of trip logging.