Connecting your Kia to a diagnostic tool can provide valuable insights into your vehicle’s performance and health. The BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII scan tool is a popular choice among car enthusiasts, but does it work with Kia vehicles? This guide provides a step-by-step approach to using a Bluetooth OBDII adapter and the Torque Pro (TP) app with a Kia, specifically focusing on configuring custom PIDs for in-depth data analysis.
Setting Up Torque Pro for Kia Vehicles
Successfully utilizing an OBDII scanner with your Kia requires proper configuration of the Torque Pro app. This involves installing specific PID (Parameter ID) files that enable the app to interpret data unique to Kia vehicles.
Installing Kia-Specific PIDs
After installing Torque Pro on your Android device, download the necessary PID files. These files, often available in CSV format, contain definitions for sensors within your Kia. A reliable source for these files is the GitHub repository maintained by JejuSoul: https://github.com/JejuSoul/OBD-PIDs-for-HKMC-EVs/tree/master/Hyundai%20Kona%20EV%20%26%20Kia%20Niro%20EV/extendedpids
Locate the “extendedpids” folder and download the relevant CSV files (typically named 003 and 004). These files contain the necessary PIDs for Kia vehicles.
Using a file manager app on your Android device, navigate to the Torque Pro folder (usually found in Android/data/org.prowl.torque/files/.torquePro) and move the downloaded PID files into this directory. You may need to enable the option to show hidden files in your file manager settings.
Bluetooth OBD2 Dongle Connection and Configuration
With the PIDs installed, connect your BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII adapter to your Kia’s OBDII port. Ensure your car’s ignition is switched on. Then, in your Android device’s Bluetooth settings, pair your device with the BlueDriver adapter. The pairing code is usually 1234.
Important Note: If your Android device is also connected to your car for audio or Android Auto, Torque Pro might encounter connection issues. Temporarily disconnect these other Bluetooth connections to ensure a successful connection with the BlueDriver.
Next, configure Torque Pro. Open the app and tap the gear icon to access settings. Navigate to “OBD2 Adapter Settings” and select your BlueDriver adapter. Return to the main settings menu and select “Manage extra PIDs/Sensors”. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner, choose “Add predefined set,” and select the PID files (003 and 004) you previously downloaded.
Customizing Your Torque Pro Dashboard for Kia
Torque Pro allows you to create custom dashboards to display real-time data from your Kia. You can add gauges for various parameters, including battery temperature, state of charge, energy consumption, and more.
To add a gauge, long-tap on a blank space in your dashboard. Choose your preferred display type (digital or analog) and size. Select the corresponding sensor from the extensive list provided by the custom PIDs.
For comprehensive monitoring, consider adding gauges for parameters like Battery Heater Temperature, Battery Max/Min Temperature, Battery Power (Energy Draw), Cumulative Energy Charged/Discharged, State of Charge (BMS and Display), and State of Health. You can adjust the number of decimal places displayed for each gauge by long-tapping the gauge, selecting “Display Configuration,” and adjusting the “Number of Decimal Places” setting.
Using Torque Pro with Your Kia
Once configured, Torque Pro will connect to your BlueDriver adapter when your Kia is switched on. The app will display real-time data on your customized dashboard, allowing you to monitor various vehicle parameters. This data can be valuable for tracking energy consumption, monitoring battery health, and diagnosing potential issues.
By following these steps, you can successfully use the BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII scan tool with your Kia vehicle to gain valuable insights into its performance and health. Remember to consult your Kia’s owner’s manual for specific information regarding OBDII data interpretation.
