Help with a monitoring tool

[Elmst-e]

I have seen people using a “dongle” and phone app which allows them to monitor state of battery charge, health and temp for both the hvb and lvb along with other things on the car. I have never paid much attention to this tool, never felt the need for one. We are getting ready for some extensive traveling and I think it would be good to be able to more closely monitor the car. Can’t have too much information!
could someone please recommend the best device for this? Thanks for any suggestions!

Sponsored

 

[AtomicInternet]

The "dongle" is an OBD II interface to read your cars diagnostic info. I use the one below, it will NOT work with FDRS (software updates) but it will work with the Car Scanner app which will have the info you're looking for.

OBD II Interface: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XGB4873/
Car scanner app: https://www.carscanner.info/

 

[Elmst-e]

The "dongle" is an OBD II interface to read your cars diagnostic info. I use the one below, it will NOT work with FDRS (software updates) but it will work with the Car Scanner app which will have the info you're looking for.

OBD II Interface: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XGB4873/
Car scanner app: https://www.carscanner.info/

Thanks for the suggestion. Can this stay attached and not drain the battery or does it need to be removed when not in use?

 

[JoanS]

Thanks for the suggestion. Can this stay attached and not drain the battery or does it need to be removed when not in use?

I just checked on this. It will drain the battery if left plugged in.

 

[ReverendPete]

It's certainly more expensive, but a lot of people use the OBDLink MX+ OBD2

https://www.amazon.com/OBDLink-Blue...agnostic-Performance/dp/B07JFRFJG6/ref=sr_1_1

It goes to sleep and won't drain your battery. (I have one but don't leave it plugged in. But others have confirmed that it doesn't drain their batteries, except that it stays active for a few minutes after you shut the car off before it goes to sleep, apparently).

I use it with CarScanner and with Forscan (for changing some settings that you can't get to through the Sync system screen).

 

[dtbaker61]

I have seen people using a “dongle” and phone app which allows them to monitor state of battery charge, health and temp for both the hvb and lvb along with other things on the car. I have never paid much attention to this tool, never felt the need for one. We are getting ready for some extensive traveling and I think it would be good to be able to more closely monitor the car. Can’t have too much information!
could someone please recommend the best device for this? Thanks for any suggestions!

https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...r-output-regen-charging-and-other-data.33211/

 

[AtomicInternet]

I just checked on this. It will drain the battery if left plugged in.

Not sure where you checked, but if you search the Amazon reviews for "battery" every one I saw specifically mentioned it does not drain the battery. Since the car shuts off the OBD II port when it powers off, I'm not sure how it could anyways.

Good luck

 

[Zardoz]

It's certainly more expensive, but a lot of people use the OBDLink MX+ OBD2

https://www.amazon.com/OBDLink-Blue...agnostic-Performance/dp/B07JFRFJG6/ref=sr_1_1

It goes to sleep and won't drain your battery. (I have one but don't leave it plugged in. But others have confirmed that it doesn't drain their batteries, except that it stays active for a few minutes after you shut the car off before it goes to sleep, apparently).

I use it with CarScanner and with Forscan (for changing some settings that you can't get to through the Sync system screen).

I went with this one too. It is supported by ForSCAN; used it recently with a win 11 laptop to change some things (seat belt chime, bring back speed sign tolerance slider, reverse tilt mirros , and kick to open power lift gate). Reading reviews on other OBD2 readers people had trouble with ForSCAN.

 

[Zardoz]

Not sure where you checked, but if you search the Amazon reviews for "battery" every one I saw specifically mentioned it does not drain the battery. Since the car shuts off the OBD II port when it powers off, I'm not sure how it could anyways.

Good luck

Reading reviews I found several readers have multiple complaints about battery drain. Could it be mis-use , circumstance or a slanderous review? Entirely possible.

 

[JimmyMachE]

I suggest iCar Vgate PRO 2S - turns off automatically, has improved wake-up function for EVs and hybrids (Vgate PRO turns off but has issues with automatic wake-up in EVs).

OBDII port is always powered, even when car is shut off.

 

[profdraper]

It's certainly more expensive, but a lot of people use the OBDLink MX+ OBD2

https://www.amazon.com/OBDLink-Blue...agnostic-Performance/dp/B07JFRFJG6/ref=sr_1_1

It goes to sleep and won't drain your battery. (I have one but don't leave it plugged in. But others have confirmed that it doesn't drain their batteries, except that it stays active for a few minutes after you shut the car off before it goes to sleep, apparently).

I use it with CarScanner and with Forscan (for changing some settings that you can't get to through the Sync system screen).

One of these apps now works with carplay, very useful. Dont recall which one, but google it if interested.

 

[Teslaeata]

I have seen people using a “dongle” and phone app which allows them to monitor state of battery charge, health and temp for both the hvb and lvb along with other things on the car. I have never paid much attention to this tool, never felt the need for one. We are getting ready for some extensive traveling and I think it would be good to be able to more closely monitor the car. Can’t have too much information!
could someone please recommend the best device for this? Thanks for any suggestions!

You really can have too much information, honestly.

I’d just drive and enjoy!

I only really use the Car Scanner for HV SoH.

I see so much spin and froth about 12V battery state for example, largely mis interpreted and unnecessary in my view, it’d spoil your experience.

The car handles everything, just enjoy ?

 

[Elmst-e]

You really can have too much information, honestly.

I’d just drive and enjoy!

I only really use the Car Scanner for HV SoH.

I see so much spin and froth about 12V battery state for example, largely mis interpreted and unnecessary in my view, it’d spoil your experience.

The car handles everything, just enjoy ?

the vast majority of the time, I’m in complete agreement with you, however when traveling in some of the “wide open spaces” of the western U.S. it might be better to have good info to see a problem coming. Plus, there is probably a little “just fun to play with it” involved!

 

[Teslaeata]

the vast majority of the time, I’m in complete agreement with you, however when traveling in some of the “wide open spaces” of the western U.S. it might be better to have good info to see a problem coming. Plus, there is probably a little “just fun to play with it” involved!

Haha! Have fun with your dongle ??

Sponsored