Hey everyone, I’m currently considering getting a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner to use with an app like OBD Fusion, possibly instead of Torque Pro. Torque seems to be a popular choice, but I’ve heard updates are infrequent now. My main goal is to keep an eye on various car readings while driving and leave the OBD2 scanner plugged in all the time.
This leads me to a couple of questions I’m hoping some of you might have insights on:
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Battery Drain Concerns: Do these Bluetooth OBD2 scanners consume much power when the engine is off? I’m wondering if there’s a significant risk of draining the car battery if it sits unused for a few days with the scanner plugged in. I assume they mostly power down when the car is off, but confirmation would be great.
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Essential Sensors to Monitor: What are some of the most valuable sensors or data outputs to monitor? Coolant temperature (or engine temperature?) is my top priority, as I’m surprised my Honda Fit doesn’t have a temperature gauge. I haven’t used the app yet, but checking if the cooling fans are operating would also be useful. Beyond that, what other parameters could help identify potential issues early on? I’m thinking maybe transmission temperature, oil pressure, and similar things. I’ve seen demos of MAP sensors and fuel trims, but I’m not sure how practical that data would be for me.
Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated!
