FORScan forum

I've been reading quite a bit one here but this is my first post.

Found the forum by googling an iphone app that looked exactly like what I need. I'll admit I'm rather new to this (iphone- wifi obd live monitoring) and have always used handheld scanners but I need more functionality as I'm tracing a false over heat problem on a 2006 ford f150 (mine) and I need to real time monitor several engine parameters including CHT (cylinder head temperature).

I see the virtual CHT gauge on the forscan app BUT- when researching OBD adapters, no one can seem to tell me if that (CHT) function is supported. It's not specifically listed as supported on any of the clone Elm327 command sets and emails asking have not answered my question. When I looked into the real deal obdlink MX- it doesn't seem listed either...at least not in the standard command set listings but may be in the Ford enhancement?

Any quidance wold be appreciated.. even a recommendation on an adapter would be helpful since I've read most of the posts regarding adapters and it seems newer offerings are less likely to work- even though they may "look" like adapter which have worked in the past. I'm leaning towards either a legit oblink (not sure which one I should get- if SX would work that would be great) OR if one of the available clones could be used. BTW - I also have a laptop so using the iphone isn't required... it just seemed rather convenient.

thanks in advance.

John

FORScan has no virtual PIDs, all parameters are read directly from ECUs. It uses service protocol, not OBDII protocol (although OBDII protocol is supported too - you can read OBDII PIDs from OBDII module). Importancy of the adapter is in a compatibilty. Bad china clones are not fully ELM327 compatible, so may work with OBDII protocol but fail to work with service protocol. Such adapters will not work with FORScan. iCar and iCarv2 seem to be a "fair" clone, they will work. OBDLink MX WiFi is a white-label solution and it is generally better, but their WiFi chip has problems sometimes (that's not acceptable considering their cost).

Thanks forscan but then I guess I don't understand. - When I see the forscan app on my iphone for purchase, clearly there is a screen shot showing a CHT gauge (which I call "virtual" because it appears to be a software recreation of an analogue gauge). I was going to purchase the app just to get that functionality and was concerned because none of the adapters seemed to list CHT as an available parameter (PID?). I hope that makes sense (I'm new to all this) but my goal is monitor CHT real time - which it seems from the app screen shot forscan can do - am I incorrect?

Standard PID for coolant temperature is ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature), but many vehicles have also CHT (Cylinder Head Temperature), strongly speaking these may be 2 different sensors. OBDII applications have no such PID. FORScan may read it IF the PID is supported by module. So vehicle in screenshot you saw does support CHT, but your specific vehicle may or may not. Unfortunately FORScan Lite fo iOS has no free demo. You may use FORScan for Windows in order to check if the PID is supported for your vehicle. If you have no laptop, please contact us in PM to discuss other ways to check.