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What should I monitor?

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2017 2:59 pm
by jalito
Hi all,
I have just joined the forum as an absolute newbie.

I got an OBDLink MX Wi-Fi (Red) a few days ago. Have used it little. Had some troubles to connect it first time but now seems to be OK. Still early days but I am not experincing the horror stories on connectivity issues with this device that you can read in reviews.

I downloaded the OBDlink software for iPhone. I am just overwhelmed wth all the information you can access.

What engine parameters is recommended to monitor while driving? I mean apart from the obvious that are usually found on the dashboard (speed, rpm, voltage, coolant temp, fuel consumption).I do not even know what 90% of the parameters measure!

Thanks for the advice.

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2017 3:13 pm
by saeb
It is entirely up to you, there is no have too items.

What do you want to monitor?

I monitor my tyre pressures, boost, voltage, charging amps, speed, coolant temp, transmission temp, intake temp to name a few of the top of my head.

There is no hard and fast rule it is just each to their own.

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2017 3:31 pm
by jalito
I use the car mostly for recreational purposes, often in challenging 4WD terrain. Essentially I would like to monitor the parameters that predict the car may go "Boing-puff-grrrrr-pop-pop-pop" before it happens. :D

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2017 3:47 pm
by GerryP
I would probably suggest something like EGT, Boost, Trans temp, Coolant temp to start with as if ANY of those wander outside of their safe limits, then "Boing-puff-grrrrr-pop-pop-pop" is the most likely. :o :cry:

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2017 11:25 am
by jalito
GerryP wrote: Sun Jun 18, 2017 3:47 pm I would probably suggest something like EGT, Boost, Trans temp, Coolant temp to start with as if ANY of those wander outside of their safe limits, then "Boing-puff-grrrrr-pop-pop-pop" is the most likely. :o :cry:
Thank you. Can you help me find those in the menu :oops: ? The OBD Link software offers:

- 4 different PIDs listed as "Exhaust gas recirculation temp sensor" A-D :(
- 16 different "Exhaust gas temperature bank" 1-2, sensor 1-8. :shock:

I cannot find a PID for Trans Temp :?:

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2017 1:26 pm
by GerryP
Jalito, unfortunately I'm not up to scratch with OBD Link ( evev though I have it, I haven't used it). Hopefully someone here can help you though. I have mine displayed on my Scangauge.

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2017 3:08 pm
by saeb
jalito wrote: Tue Jun 20, 2017 11:25 am
GerryP wrote: Sun Jun 18, 2017 3:47 pm I would probably suggest something like EGT, Boost, Trans temp, Coolant temp to start with as if ANY of those wander outside of their safe limits, then "Boing-puff-grrrrr-pop-pop-pop" is the most likely. :o :cry:
Thank you. Can you help me find those in the menu :oops: ? The OBD Link software offers:

- 4 different PIDs listed as "Exhaust gas recirculation temp sensor" A-D :(
- 16 different "Exhaust gas temperature bank" 1-2, sensor 1-8. :shock:

I cannot find a PID for Trans Temp :?:
You have a MY16 so EGT will not work. Add the ones you want to and if they give back some figures that move then you're on a winner.

I will go and try them later this arvo and let you know on EGR but some may work and other not.

There will be no correct Transmission PID for the Ranger as it's a one off. I will suss it out later and give you a working custom PID.

Gerry with all your spare time lately you should have this all sorted :lol:

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2017 4:42 pm
by saeb
Ok give this a go for Auto Transmission Temp.

This will work for OBDLink and Torque Pro

Max Value 200
Module/Header 07E1
OBD Mode 22
PID Number 1E1C
Equation ((A*256)+B)*5/72-17

Don't ask me how I worked that out as I'm unsure myself. But the more I read it more more sense it is making.

I have tested this against Forscan and IDS and it is showing the correct transmission temperature.

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2017 6:01 pm
by jalito
Thank you Stewart. Donation sent!

Can you clarfy what the PID definition in OMB does, as compared to those in forscan? If I understand correctly, a user-defined PID tells OBDLink to convert certain parameters sent by OBDII into a measure but does not change the settings in the car modules themselves. Is that right? The scary thing is that OBDLink displays a warning message saying commands entered when defining PIDs might damage the vehicle :?

Now, the changes you provide for forscan are meant to change how the vehicle "acts", eg when chimes sound, what displays show, etc. Right?

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2017 6:12 pm
by saeb
Header is the address of the module we want to talk to.
Mode 22 is asking for a vehicle specific PID - So Fords propriety PID for say the Ranger and sometimes other models.
PID is the PID we want to get data from eg. PID 1E1C is specific at this point in time for the Ford Ranger and BT-50.

Mode 22 is only requesting vehicle specific data. Maybe a mode 8 will cause you grief but all they are doing is covering their butt.

You're safe mate. I personally test everything I post or worst case Gerry will test it and break his car first :)

Forscan is a different game. Yes you can break things so always backup modules before making changes. No ifs or butts. I have fixed numerous issues online and at the meet due to people playing and not backing up. Forscan lets you change options that are already available in the modules but something Ford does not really want us to use or may enable in a later model so they can charge more.

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2017 6:16 pm
by saeb
I have made a new sub catergory under Software & Programming called OBDLink. I will move this thread to there http://www.saeb.net/viewforum.php?f=57 and if you want to start talking Forscan then start a new thread in the Forscan area http://www.saeb.net/viewforum.php?f=12 . Easier for people to research related items later.

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2018 5:48 pm
by subzero747
which EGT gauge are people using there is a dozen listed in app, different banks and different sensors in each bank?

my volts display is read by scan device it says in app, is there a more accurate voltage PID to use as the voltage read by scan tool always stays at 14.5 volts even without dual battery mode enabled?

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2018 7:32 pm
by saeb
Unless you have a DPF there will currently be no EGT PID to monitor.

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2019 7:42 pm
by Greedo999
saeb wrote: Sun Jun 18, 2017 3:13 pm It is entirely up to you, there is no have too items.

What do you want to monitor?

I monitor my tyre pressures, boost, voltage, charging amps, speed, coolant temp, transmission temp, intake temp to name a few of the top of my head.

There is no hard and fast rule it is just each to their own.
Hi Stewart - quick query, I've been monitoring my engine and trans temps and without fail they are within a degree c of each other all the time, even when I'm driving on sand. With my Prado there was always a significant variance which I would expect.

What are you seeing generally? Much disparity?

Cheers,
Andy

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2019 8:45 pm
by RossPat
Greedo999 wrote: Mon Jun 17, 2019 7:42 pm
saeb wrote: Sun Jun 18, 2017 3:13 pm It is entirely up to you, there is no have too items.

What do you want to monitor?

I monitor my tyre pressures, boost, voltage, charging amps, speed, coolant temp, transmission temp, intake temp to name a few of the top of my head.

There is no hard and fast rule it is just each to their own.
Hi Stewart - quick query, I've been monitoring my engine and trans temps and without fail they are within a degree c of each other all the time, even when I'm driving on sand. With my Prado there was always a significant variance which I would expect.

What are you seeing generally? Much disparity?

Cheers,
Andy
Try changing the equation to:

Equation: ((A*256)+B)*1/16

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2019 4:53 pm
by saeb
Greedo999 wrote: Mon Jun 17, 2019 7:42 pm
saeb wrote: Sun Jun 18, 2017 3:13 pm It is entirely up to you, there is no have too items.

What do you want to monitor?

I monitor my tyre pressures, boost, voltage, charging amps, speed, coolant temp, transmission temp, intake temp to name a few of the top of my head.

There is no hard and fast rule it is just each to their own.
Hi Stewart - quick query, I've been monitoring my engine and trans temps and without fail they are within a degree c of each other all the time, even when I'm driving on sand. With my Prado there was always a significant variance which I would expect.

What are you seeing generally? Much disparity?

Cheers,
Andy
I do not drive on sand but the difference for me can be 1 to 10 degrees depending on load.

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2019 9:37 pm
by Brett_32i
This is what I am currently running, (intake temp is at the manifold)

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2019 2:46 am
by saeb
Intake temp is either airbox or cold side intercooler.

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2019 9:17 pm
by Brett_32i
No, I used the cooler temp PID and just labeled it as intake temp

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Wed Aug 07, 2019 4:25 pm
by Justjim77
saeb wrote: Tue Jun 20, 2017 4:42 pm Ok give this a go for Auto Transmission Temp.

This will work for OBDLink and Torque Pro

Max Value 200
Module/Header 07E1
OBD Mode 22
PID Number 1E1C
Equation ((A*256)+B)*5/72-17

Don't ask me how I worked that out as I'm unsure myself. But the more I read it more more sense it is making.

I have tested this against Forscan and IDS and it is showing the correct transmission temperature.

Can some one please point me it he right direction on how do this? I’m not sure where to enter this info in the obdlink app. Trans temp is one I would like to monitor.
Cheers

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Wed Aug 07, 2019 6:35 pm
by RossPat
Justjim77 wrote: Wed Aug 07, 2019 4:25 pmCan some one please point me it he right direction on how do this? I’m not sure where to enter this info in the obdlink app. Trans temp is one I would like to monitor.
Cheers
Have a look here viewtopic.php?f=57&t=1459

And here viewtopic.php?f=57&t=217

Re: What should I monitor?

Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2019 12:18 pm
by Justjim77
Ah thank you .