Standard OBD2 systems provide a wealth of information about your vehicle, but often, there’s even more data hidden beneath the surface. For car enthusiasts and those wanting a deeper understanding of their vehicle’s performance, accessing vehicle-specific CAN codes can unlock a new level of insight. These codes go beyond generic OBD II PIDs, offering access to parameters not typically available. For example, in models like the BRZ/FRS/GT86, community discoveries have revealed CAN codes for crucial data points like oil temperature and fuel remaining, information not readily available through standard OBD2 protocols. A Smart Gauge Obd2 reader, when configured correctly, can tap into this expanded data stream, giving you a more complete picture of your car’s health and performance.
Finding these vehicle-specific CAN codes is the key to maximizing the potential of your smart gauge OBD2 setup. Luckily, the groundwork has often been laid by online communities and resourceful individuals. Here are some of the best places to start your search:
- Online Forums: Vehicle-specific forums dedicated to your car’s make and model are goldmines of information. Enthusiasts often share their discoveries, including CAN codes for various parameters. Diesel truck forums, in particular, have proven to be valuable resources.
- Torque App Forums: The forums associated with the popular Torque Android app are another excellent place to look. Users frequently share custom PIDs and CAN codes they’ve found and tested.
- Scangauge X-gauge PID Library: Scangauge, a well-known manufacturer of smart gauges OBD2, provides a public library of X-gauge commands (http://www.scangauge.com/support/x-gauge-commands/). While not vehicle-specific in every case, this library is a great starting point and may contain codes applicable to your car.
If your search in these readily available resources comes up empty, you can take matters into your own hands and delve into CAN sniffing. This process, while more technical, allows you to directly observe the data being transmitted within your vehicle’s network and identify the codes you need. There are numerous guides available online, such as this Instructables tutorial on CAN bus sniffing with Arduino: https://www.instructables.com/id/CAN-Bus-Sniffing-and-Broadcasting-with-Arduino/ . CAN sniffing empowers you to become your own data explorer, uncovering the unique language of your car’s internal network.
Once you’ve identified the correct CAN codes for your desired parameters, the next step is to integrate them into your smart gauge OBD2 device. This often involves configuring the device to send specific commands to the car’s CAN bus and then correctly interpret the responses. For instance, using an ELM327 interface, you might need to send specific initialization commands, like setting a vehicle-specific CAN header, before querying for the PID of interest. For example, the command AT SH 7E0 is specific to certain models like the FRS/GT86/BRZ. Following this, a command like 21 01 might be used to request specific data bytes. The exact commands and procedures will vary depending on your smart gauge OBD2 device and the CAN codes you are using.
Interpreting the data returned from CAN codes can sometimes be tricky. The raw data often comes as a string of characters, and you’ll need to pinpoint the exact bytes that correspond to the parameter you’re monitoring. This may require some trial and error, possibly using an Arduino sketch to send queries and observe the responses. Spamming the serial monitor with responses and then graphing the data in a spreadsheet can help you visually identify which hexadecimal values change in relation to the sensor reading you’re interested in. Cross-referencing with known good OBD2 programs or even physical sensors can further validate your findings and ensure accuracy.
In conclusion, while standard OBD2 offers valuable diagnostics, utilizing vehicle-specific CAN codes with a smart gauge OBD2 unlocks a deeper level of vehicle data and performance monitoring. By leveraging online resources and, if necessary, exploring CAN sniffing, you can tap into previously hidden information, enhancing your understanding of your car and optimizing your driving experience.
