Bluetooth OBD2 monitoring device

Skintsaver

Not really money saving but potentially could save a large bill.

Recently brought a diesel car, and I've seen you can get Bluetooth obd2 devices which your phone can read. I wish to in the future check for any fault codes condition of dpf filter so I know when to take it for a decent drive. And when it's regenerating.

Are these a good idea, or could they cause harm to the vehicle? I'm looking at a cheap £5 one on ebay. 

AdrianC

The bluetooth dongle is just a connection between the port and code-reader software. It's the software which will do the bulk of the work.

They aren't designed to be left permanently attached. They're designed to be attached as and when required. But, no, the dongle won't do any damage. Ill-considered use of the software might.

Realistically, though, you don't need to check the DPF data constantly. Check periodically, if you're particularly worries - you'll quickly understand the patterns of journeys that the car will use to regenerate.

DB1904

Skintsaver said:

Not really money saving but potentially could save a large bill.

Recently brought a diesel car, and I've seen you can get Bluetooth obd2 devices which your phone can read. I wish to in the future check for any fault codes condition of dpf filter so I know when to take it for a decent drive. And when it's regenerating.

Are these a good idea, or could they cause harm to the vehicle? I'm looking at a cheap £5 one on ebay. 

What app or software are you planning on using? Many won't read the dpf.

Skintsaver

I've been recommended the fap app

AdrianC

Skintsaver said:

I've been recommended the fap app

That sounds like something altogether more...

user1977

AdrianC said:

Skintsaver said:

I've been recommended the fap app

That sounds like something altogether more...

I wouldn't use it while driving anyway.

chrisw

I've been using Car Scanner app for a while and it reads a large number on parameters including the dpf loading in my Volvo. 

Skintsaver

chrisw said:

I've been using Car Scanner app for a while and it reads a large number on parameters including the dpf loading in my Volvo. 

Have you had any issues with leaving it in? What device do you use? 

chrisw

Skintsaver said:

chrisw said:

I've been using Car Scanner app for a while and it reads a large number on parameters including the dpf loading in my Volvo. 

Have you had any issues with leaving it in? What device do you use? 

No, I don't leave the reader plugged in all the time. I have 2 cheapie readers from eBay, one connects via Bluetooth to my old Android phone and a WiFi one which connects to my iPhone or iPad. 

It gives the amount of soot in grams so you'll need to find out from a forum or somewhere what is the critical amount. The last time I checked mine it said 13g of soot, last regenerated 400 miles ago.