Using an ELM327 OBDII interface with the right app can unlock a wealth of information about your Ford S-Max. This article explores using a budget-friendly ELM327 Wi-Fi adapter and the Torque Pro app on an Android device to monitor various vehicle parameters, including custom PIDs specific to the S-Max.
For around $40, a comprehensive vehicle monitoring system can be set up. The key components include a $15 ELM327 Wi-Fi OBDII adapter from Amazon (chosen over Bluetooth for compatibility reasons), the $5 Torque Pro app from Google Play (not available on iOS), and an old Android tablet (a Nook Color with AndroidForNook installed for $20 was used in this example).
Torque Pro allows for extensive customization. A seven-inch tablet displays 17 different readings simultaneously, all updating within seconds. These include standard metrics like speed, RPM, and coolant temperature.
The real power of Torque Pro lies in its ability to display custom PIDs (Parameter IDs). Ford S-Max specific PIDs, found on various online forums, can be added to monitor parameters not included in the standard set. This example showcases monitoring State of Charge (SoC) of the hybrid battery, catalytic converter temperature (Cat B1S1), and timing advance. Experimentation with custom PIDs for monitoring high voltage (HV) battery current is ongoing, with some requiring adjustments to the provided equations for accurate readings during charging and regeneration.
While some included PIDs, such as “Absolute Load” and “Load,” require further investigation to fully understand, others like “Timing Advance” will be used to compare performance when using different fuel grades. The ability to monitor these parameters in real-time provides valuable insights into the vehicle’s performance and health. This setup offers a cost-effective solution for accessing detailed vehicle data beyond the standard dashboard display. The ongoing refinement of custom PIDs allows for even more granular monitoring, showcasing the flexibility and power of the Torque Pro app when paired with an ELM327 OBDII interface for the Ford S-Max.
