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Review: Dash Command Vs Torque OBD II scantool apps

Recently I had the opportunity to test both apps out. They are both are great apps and provide many readings for a vehicle maintence/repair DIYer.

They do require an ELM compatible bluetooth scantool transmitter. These can be purchased on sites such as Ebay or Amazon, just make sure you get an Official ELM chip and not a knock off. Quality devices run about $50.

I found that they both provide excellent and accurate readings of every vehicle sensor I could think of. They both also allow you to setup vehicle profiles so you can use the app on several vehicles and keep track of logs. Each can read and clear DTC codes (check engine light) and provide reference to explain each code.

The bottom line: Torque currently costs $4.99, Dash Command costs $49.95. While Dash Command has an easier to read and navigate interface, the $45 more in cost isn't worth it. Spend your money on Torque.

Comments

Wildman

Boy you are sure ahead of me on this one, I have the original OBD II reader and the devices you are speaking of appears to a better ideal, do you know if either one of these devices support firmware upgrade with usb interface kind of like the original devices because this may be something I may have a interest in as well.

crb79

Wildman wrote:
Boy you are sure ahead of me on this one, I have the original OBD II reader and the devices you are speaking of appears to a better ideal, do you know if either one of these devices support firmware upgrade with usb interface kind of like the original devices because this may be something I may have a interest in as well.

With the newer bluetooth devices there should be no need for firmware updates, the one I purchased is ELM327 1.3& 1.4 compatible. As of yet I don't even think any apps have been written that require 1.4. A lot of the older OBD II scantools do not have ELM327 chips so all they do is pull codes and limited sensor readings. So even with firmware updates they are very limited.

Unfortunately you can't do flash tuning to your PCM with these apps or the bluetooth device, you will still need to look into the Ford Sniper tuning software and dongle or software specific to your vehicle if that's what your looking for.

I got this device off of Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-ELM-Scanner-OBDII-Diagnostic/dp/B004B7YXOM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1302050096&sr=8-3

However, this one appears to be the same device for about $20 less. http://www.amazon.com/Soliport-Bluetooth-Diagnostic-Scanner-wireless/dp/B004KL0I9I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1302050096&sr=8-2

I did in fact open mine upon arrival and verify that it was a genuine ELM327 chip inside and not a knockoff with a sticker over it.

ELM327 chips used to cost about $90 alone, now more companies make them so they run about $10, that's why competing scantools prices have dropped so drastically in the last few years.

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