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So I've been using Torque occasionally for a while now, but I've just recently got a permanent tablet setup in my car and I'd like to configure it to use widgets for a live feed of some basic car info.
My car is a 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid and I'm using a PLX Kiwi Bluetooth adapter. I've read that many of the data protocols Ford uses are proprietary. There's still much I don't understand about the OBD specifics, but I've been looking at the OBDlink MX and on the website they mention the ability to interface with Ford's more proprietary systems, specifically MS-CAN. My question is this:
Would buying a more advanced adapter like this one allow me access to more PIDs and therefore more sensor data and gauges? I've also managed to find a comprehensive list of PIDs for the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid, though I'm unsure of how to implement them, specifically the "scaling" part.
And finally, last question: Some of the gauges I've setup for my Escape don't seem to update correctly, and two things happen that seem to indicate this: First, sometimes the numbers in the digital readout will blink and I can find no explanation as to what this means. Secondly, sometimes the tiny box inside the gauge blinks also. Still, no idea what this means.
Overall, I love the app and can't wait to get it working full time in my car. Thanks in advance for any help!
Posted : 07/01/2013 2:18 am
Hi! I'll try to answer these as best I can
The OBDlink MX can talk to other sysetms in the Ford, but this requires support from the software to do. At present I don't have any documentation on how to do this so it's a little difficult to implement.
The PID list is good, though you will need the following:
Name - so you know what it is 😉
PID - looks something like 2211AC
Equation - eg: (A *255)+ B
Units - eg: Degrees C
Without the minimum of the above, it is difficult to work out what the sensor/PID is - if you have simply a list of names, then unfortunately it won't be enough
If you do have that info, then you can go to Settings->Manage extra sensors/PIDs->menu->add PID and enter the information there (there are also some built-in ford PIDs that may be of use as well, though not hybrid specific)
When you mean 'not update correctly' do you have the name of the sensor you are using?
Some gauges can have a maximum reading set, and if they go over this value (or under) they will 'blink' as you have described to indicate they have gone over/under the preset value. Press-and-hold on the gauge to popup a menu that will allow you to see these values and configure them
Posted : 07/01/2013 8:52 am
Topic starter
Thanks so much for the quick reply! I do seem to have at least most of that information, but it's in a spreadsheet format that I'm having difficulty understanding.
Just the equation part anyway. Can I send you a copy of this info? It lists J1979 PIDs and "Enhanced Ford PIDs" and gives the PID as well as "# of bytes", "server", "units", "scaling", "offset" and "observed value ICE off, in park". Therefore, PID and units are easy ones, but I don't know what to do for the equation parts and scaling, as the scaling numbers are very long decimals.
As for the blinking, I seem to have found a workaround for this, but I'm still not sure what the problem is. Torque shows 2 different options for showing my fuel level: "Fuel Level" and "Fuel Level (From ECU)" I figured the ECU one was the right one to go with, so I used that one and it just keeps blinking at zero. The other one, however, works just fine now.
Posted : 07/01/2013 8:00 pm
