Tuning Using ODBII and Your Phone

AndyCr15 · 14 Mar 2015 at 07:37

I've had an ODBII for some time, I used it on my last car for giggles mainly. See all the cars dials on your phone, in theory apps can record you 0-60 etc.

It was recently mentioned that a remap was a good idea, the gadget to do it would be $400 or so. Surely it can be done with a phone?

Has anyone used this - https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...id=com.sct.tsx

TUNE YOUR FORD OR GM VEHICLE WITH YOUR ANDROID BASED MOBILE DEVICE
NOTE: This app requires the TSX for Android Wireless OBDII Interface. Visit www.sctflash.com for more information or to find a dealer. Requires Android 2.2+ OS.
From the factory, your vehicle's computer is calibrated for the masses, designed with the average driver in mind, not the performance enthusiast. This not only leaves valuable Horsepower & Torque hidden inside your vehicle, but it also makes for a mediocre driving experience. The TSX for Android System unlocks your vehicle's hidden performance potential by wirelessly re-calibrating your vehicle's computer for Maximum Horsepower & Torque, Increased Throttle Response, Firmer Shifts and even Increased Fuel Mileage.
Using Bluetooth wireless technology, TSX for Android app lets you install a pre-loaded or custom tune into your vehicle, monitor or data log your vehicle's OBDII parameters and even measure your vehicle's performance (1/4 mile, 0-60 and even 60-0 braking), all using your Android based mobile device.

AndyCr15 · 14 Mar 2015 at 08:13

Thanks. I'm 20 minutes into this video and surely this isn't what I'm asking about? The little box they bought tries to trick the ECU (and fails). Wont the ODBII actually adjust settings in the ECU?

** EDIT ** Yup. I don't see how it relates. A cheap eBay box doesn't do anything. I'm wondering how a $400 box that plugs into the ODBII and changes ECU settings is different from a phone that plugs into the ODBII?

AndyCr15 · 14 Mar 2015 at 08:57

The connection shouldn't be an issue. Firstly, I've never had Bluetooth drop when I've been connected to it before. Secondly, most hardware transfers data over, once it has it, it applies it. If you did lose connection, I would hope simply the transfer gets interrupted, not the flashing of it.

This video suggests it gives close to a 10% increase.

There is an option to backup stock settings before you start, so I don't see that being an issue.

My only thought is what you then point out (I think) that you need someone to set up a map specifically for your car, which I guess might be what you're really paying for in a tune up?

AndyCr15 · 14 Mar 2015 at 09:04

rodenal said:
If the connection drops during transfer and you can't re establish it you are in serious trouble. You are just I troducing more variables should something go wrong.

Do you know this for sure? As I said, almost any type of hardware in the world transfers then flashes. Why would this be different? I'm not even sure it's possible any other way? All we're doing is changing the transfer method. The danger comes if you kill the power while flashing, which is the same if you use a cable.

Also, I use Bluetooth every day and have never had it just drop... it's very reliable.

AndyCr15 · 14 Mar 2015 at 11:27

rodenal said:
I find obd2 Bluetooth not to be

Kenai said:
Bluetooth itself is pretty reliable but eBay special OBD Bluetooth adapters less so.

Yeah, this is a fair point actually. I've just tried, it's actually hard to tell when it's connected and not. The TSX app doesn't seem to work all that well. I might try it on iOS instead of Android.

On Android, 'Torque' seems reasonably reliable once it's connected to the ODB, but that might take an unplug and plug back in again of the device to get it to connect. TSX though, tough to tell if it connects or not.