Cheap way to read Camshaft Retard
 

Found inexpensive Android app ($8.95) that will read CMP Retard on my Blazer, using a BAFX Bluetooth OBD2 adapter clone (Amazon).

It's called Car Gauge Pro. A bit clunkier to use than Torque Pro, but it looks like it reads more PIDs. People tend to complain about the UI, but I don't see why. I bought it specifically to work on Ford/Nissan because of some advanced features it has there and found the GM enhanced PIDs to include the CMP retard as well (typically missing in the phone apps). I have verified that the CMP Retard PID works just fine.

Looks like it has capability to do ABS and a number of other systems as well (at least on something - maybe Ford only, maybe more - the system choices are there). Don't know how it works for that right now.

Pretty cool little Android app!

Car Gauge Pro - CMP Retard/Camshaft Retard
 

No ABS on Blazers. ABS on Ford.

Here's one custom gauge screen I made to view live data. Note CMP retard and misfire counters. Use the CMP Retard PID with single asterick.

https://blazerforum.com/forum/attach...ine=1444752723

Nice find.
I had previously bought Palmer Performance GM Enhanced to be able to read the cam retard PID.

Me too!! But if I remember correctly, the Palmer software Scan XL Pro GM Enhanced does ABS and other things on the Blazer (that I have not yet needed). I did use the simple OBD2 Terminal in Scan XL Pro to communicate with my TCCM when 4wd was inop by typing in the binary and receiving what the TCCM sent back. Bought HP Tuners to do the crank sensor relearn, injector balance test, and control of trans/torque converter. It seems they all have their use. But a cheap way to the cam retard really seems to be needed by the Blazer Masses for all those misfires!

Misfire counter bug
 

Potential Bug found when using Car Gauge Pro v.3.66.26

Misfire counters for #1 and #2 cylinders in GM Powertrain module are switched. #1 in Car Gauge Pro is really #2 and #2 in Car Gauge Pro is really #1. The rest of the misfire counters are correctly labeled for V6 Blazers (V8 Vortec engines are unknown at this time).

More on Misfire Counter issue
 

Same thing for Torque Pro - so probably not a software bug int he app itself - must be elsewhere. Checking against Scan XL Pro (Windows) using both BAFX (bluetooth) and OBDLinkSX (USB) to eliminate or confirm any problem in the bluetooth adapter (firmware) or Android Phone (OS) or in the PIDs themselves. Should be able to tell.

I cannot get ScanXLPro GM Enhanced to read Misfire counters at all on my Blazer (must be disabled??)! HP Tuners was correct - misfire on #2 showed up as #2.

Been in contact with Car Gauge Pro developer. He is planning a "Misfire Alternate" in next release of Car Gauge Pro to be used with our Blazer Vortec V6.

Alternate Misfire #1 and #2 PIDs have been added to Car Gauge Pro for use with our engines, and the update will be available to the public with the next official release. Note that the app is in process of being renamed Car Diagnostic Pro.

les, how did you get those gauges set up like that? I can read the pids but haven't figured out how to make the gauges and what not....

I'll give a quick and dirty for now. Note this is for v.3.66.26 of Cr Gauge Pro. I have seen a later un-released version of Car Diagnostic Pro and there will be a slight change to this procedure sometime in future.

If you have not already scanned all PIDS while connecting and then saved the file - then you will first need to connect to your vehicle and do so. After that you can disconnect and build gauges without being connected to your vehicle.

Select connect (GM/Powertrain), but this time select no scan and then select "Import PIDs (offline)". Note that at this point there is no need to actually be connected to the vehicle to build gauges. Select import from file and select the PID file that you previously saved. You will be returned to the main screen.

Select Dashboard and then click in the top right corner of a screen. Click the same place again and three gauge options will appear at the bottom of the screen. Select add gauge. Select the PID that you want from the available PIDs, and if you want digital gauge check that box. Select add and the gauge will appear on the screen. You can change the size/location and drag and move it by holding on the gauge until the options appear. Add the gauges that you want and arrange to your liking. Then click on gauge profile and save it to a file. Note that multiple gauge pages can be built and saved under the same file.

In the future, you just recall the gauge profile after connecting to your vehicle without scanning PIDs. You no longer have to scan PIDs each time (unless you want to use the "Diagnostics" area live data).

From what I have seen you can set the software up for a specific set of guages/vehicle. In preferences there is an option to choose a profile to load at startup, but I have not investigated this yet. Seems that would load a specific gauge profile without having to select it. I just tried it and it seems to do just that.

I see that Car Diagnostic Pro v.1.26 is now on Amazon (this version has the alternate misfire PIDs for us), but Google play still offers Car Gauge Pro 3.66.26. Don't know how future upgrades work on Amazon as I have never bought an app through them, or when Car Diagnostic Pro will be available on Google Play as a free upgrade. I heard he is having trouble with Google Play vendor inputs right now.

Now I can't even get the sob to connect. GRRRRRR!

What is the message being given?

I have Autoenginuity with the GM enhancement for my more serious work...but that runs off of my laptop and of course is tons more expensive then the BAFX along with the apps. My question is is it possible to use the BAFX with different apps on the same device? (note I have TorquePro currently installed on my tablet(which fits very nicely and snuggly in the in the dashboard over top of the speedo :) )) So can I have TorquePro and also add one of the other apps without any confliction problems? I would assume that both apps can't be running at the same time...but can I decide to use one app for it's features and then close that to use one of the other apps for its features?

Absolutely you can do this. I switch back and forth with Torque Pro myself. Just have to make sure to exit the former app and not just close the screen.

Got it figured out, thank you. Now, I can't seem to figure out how to save the data logs. After I disconnect and try to view what I just did, it says "no profiles available". I have to be missing something here. Oh, one more thing, I must have a loose pin or something because it sometimes won't connect or disconnects itself. The message is something about IO java something. I'll try to write it down next time. Appreciate it.

I think Isn't that message the same one you get when you try to connect when the BAFX is not plugged in or if you are simply not in range. If so your Android is not communicating with the BAFX through Bluetooth for some reason. If the BAFX has leds lit, then it has power from the car. I think you could contact the BAFX guy and he would send you out another one pronto. Wasn't you the guy on the Blazer forum that purchased a used one? Maybe not but if so maybe was a returned unit that was found work but now giving problems again. Just some ideas.

I have not tried to do data log files yet, but I bet you have to consciously give it a filename somewhere before you start to log anything. If you continue to have trouble with data logs, let me know and I will see if I can figure it out. I have done live PID graphing and I think that is very cool to watch how fast and far the voltage actually swings on O2 sensors.

Let me know! Good luck!

Les

No sir, I bought a new one. It's only done that a couple of times so it could be something I am doing. I e-mailed the car gauge pro people to inquire about the data logging and his reply was, "Your device should be equipped with xls viewer. The files are stored in /car gauge pro/data log/gm/." I don't understand this myself. Is he trying to say that the information is stored in the phone and not the app? Am I lost here? I think that's very cool being able to graph things also,btw. Then again, who doesn't like new toys? Edit, just got this from him: "Go to data parameters, select multi-data view. A message will indicate a sheet has been created. Exit app to generate xls file." Sounds geek to me.....

Viewing Data Logs in Car Gauge Pro
 

"the files are stored in /car gauge pro/data log/gm/"

Sounds like he is initially telling you how and where to view data log files (using the xls spreadsheet viewer program that should be built into your Android). Just find the file in indicated directory using "My files" and click on it to view. (assuming you have "My Files" - I have it on more than one device). You cannot view the data log from within the app - needs external XLS spreadsheet viewer.

"Go to data parameters, select multi-data view. A message will indicate a sheet has been created. Exit app to generate xls file"

The second part is about how to actually generate the log file (which is automatically named with the Module, date, and a sequence number). I believe you need to select the PIDs that you want to log after selecting Multi-data-view in diagnostics and view them for the time you wish to log. Then exit and close the Car Gauge Pro program to generate the log file.

If this doesn't get you where you want, then let me know and the next time I hook up the scanner I will try it. But raining cats add dogs here today. I did check in that directory on mine and I have logs there that I could view, from when I was previously dinking around with Multi-data view in diagnostics. Look there, you may already have some data logs stored there for the same reason.

If your communication fails again, please note if the lights on the BAFX are lit up and/or blinking - and also please verify what the connection error mesage says.

I will note the message the next time it happens. I did not have "my files" on my android. However, I downloaded a similar app (There's hundreds of them for free) and walah! There where data logs right there waiting on me. I can't wait to play with this thing some more! Thanks for the help,Les Myer.

I just joined so I could get more information from you. I have been battling issues with my 1997 Suburban. With out going into all the gory details, and trust me they're gory, one of the problems has been P1345, so I need to replicate the gauges you showed on page one. I bought the software and BAFX OBD2 adapter, but I have not figured out how to get a gauge setup like you show could you walk us through how to set that up. Also how do you clear codes to turn off the CEL? Thanks, so much.

I started to write up a user guide some time ago and was sidetracked. Got the intro written so I am pasting it below. I'll try to get some simple instructions written up that will cover your questions sometime today. In the meantime, please start your own new thread if you would like specific help with your issues.

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Intro:

Car Gauge Pro is an app for Android that functions as an OBD2 scanner. The following information is specific for using Car Gauge Pro v.3.66.26 on a 2001 Chevrolet Blazer. As far as I know this should be the same for all 1996-2004 Blazers and S10s. Like-year GM vehicles with 4.3 or 5.7 Vortec engines should be very similar.

Car Gauge Pro seems to have a very complete set of Enhanced GM PIDS for Powertrain. It does In fact include the PID for Camshaft Sensor Retard (CMP Retard) used for GM Vortec 4.3 and 5.7 liter engines (PIDs are Parameter IDs that are used to request data from the vehicle PCM). Having all of these enhanced GM PIDs in software or scanners under $150 is very rare in my experience. Indeed, Torque Pro (a favorite of Android users) includes many of the GM Enhanced PIDs but fails toprovide the one for Cam Sensor Retard (which is typically used for checking/verifying distributor rotor position during misfire diagnosis, or for those of us who want everything to be just right). It is available in the Car Gauge Pro PID list as “CMP Retard” (note use the PID with single asterick). Still Torque Pro has a very nice user interface and some nice features that Car Gauge Pro does not provide. I think of these two apps as complimentary software and the price for both is certainly right! $8.95 for Car Gauge Pro and $4.95 for TorquePro. Both of these are installed on pretty much any fairly recent Android Phone or Tablet, but to connect with your vehicle there needs to be an OBD2 adapter.

Android OBD2 apps are usually interfaced with the vehicle computer wirelessly through their Bluetooth connection using a small (traditionally ELM327) OBD2 adapter plugged into the OBD2 connector. There is an expensive version of this adapter that is known to give highest refresh rates and reliability (OBDLinkMX), but they cost about $90. Fortunately there is one inexpensive “Chinese Clone” that has been shown to give excellent refresh rates as well as reliable connectivity. This is the Bluetooth OBD2 Adapter from BAFX as sold on Amazon for $23.99. Note the 5000+ reviews and 4.5 star rating – I believe both of these are real. I have had both OBD2 adapters connected to my Blazer and the only difference I have seen is that the OBDLinkMX obtained around 30 scans/sec while the BAFX gave around 20 scan/sec. Both are adequately fast and do exactly the same things on the Blazer (no more no less). In contrast, a $10 Bluetooth OBD2 adapter from Amazon that I tried gave only 3 scans/sec, and this made it virtually un-useable for live data where more than one PID was being monitored at the same time. This is why I think the BAFX device gives the most value, and is definitely the one to choose for use with 1996-2004 Blazers and S10s.

There seem to be three common complaints about Car GaugePro.

1) User interface is not intuitive and is difficultto learn how to do things

2) There are no instructions for using it

3) Says it requires OBDLinkMX /Can’t Connect, or simply does nothing when a particular function is selected.

The first two I am attempting to help with through these instructions (at least for Blazers/S10s). The last complaint I will address now.

You need to understand that Car Gauge Pro has unfiltered lists of Modules and PIDs for different vehicle makes. Just because a module exists under GM, that doesn’t mean that you can connect to all of the 36 listed modules with every GM vehicle, nor does it mean that you can do all things within a module. Your vehicle system has to be compatible, and there is no guidance given regarding this. You might get a “requires OBDLinkMX” message, but know for the 2001Blazer that putting an OBDLinkMX in place of the BAFX will not make the function work. I know this as I have tried. Only difference is the message changes to “failed to connect”.

The only truly functional module I have found to connect to in Car Gauge Pro for the 1996-2004 Blazer is the Powertrain module, but that in itself (ability to do cam sensor retard) is reason enough to buy this app. I should note that in my 2008 Ford, additional modules like SIR and ABS seem to be fully functional, so you mayfind a lot of additional functionality as well on different vehicles. It really was designed for late model Fordand Nissan, so additional functionality is to be expected with those makes. Car Gauge Pro is even known to do injector buzz tests on Ford diesels.

As an aside, I have been told by the maker of Car Gauge Pro that it does not support any enhanced GM PIDs for CAN Bus vehicles. This would be most 2006+ GM vehicles. To connect to the PCM on my 2006 G6 (firstyear of CAN protocol for GM), I have to connect as OBD2 generic – but it doeswork for basic OBD2 functions and data. Torque Pro cannot connect at all to this vehicle as I have not figured out how to select OBD2 generic in that app – it tends to be more automatic. More expensive software with USB connection like ScanXL Pro and HP Tuners have zero problems connecting to my G6 . Your experience may vary with your late model GM vehicle. I have not tried any GM vehicles newer than my 2006 G6.

That said, let’s get into installing and using the Car GaugePro app with the BAFX Bluetooth OBD2 Adapter to display CMP Retard on a 2001 Blazer.

Clearing Codes (DTC's)
 

After the software has connected to the vehicle, the functions used to clear DTC's appear in the Diagnostic menu.

Thanks to your direction on this, I was able to do my distributor swap easily and got it to about 0.5 degrees. Thanks! In fact I have emulated many of the gauges you showed.

In playing with this app, I have noticed it does have transfer case ratio and it does pull data which changes from 0.2 to 0.5. Do you by any chance know if this is accurate data? I am running this on an 01 Bravada and have had issues over time with the dependability of the Smartrack system, and if something like this shows usable data it would be huge.

You are welcome!

I have never tried transfer case ratio (which is found in the Powertrain Module), or understand what it represents.

As an aside, I could never get the GM transfer case module in Car Gauge Pro to work with my 2001 4-button Blazer, even though it appeared to connect with the TCCM. I have connected and read/cleared codes with my 4-button TCCM by using an OBD2 terminal in ScanXLPro and typing in the binary. I imagine it would work with any valid terminal application for the Android. I can tell you what to type to request codes and how to decipher what it gives back but you would have to get a terminal app working on your Android and connected with the Bluetooth. I know of no way to read actual transfer case data - only read/clear codes.

The gauge I was showing was actually working in the Powertrain Module. Not sure if the data is pulling from anything relevant, but I did get a variance in the reading as I drove. May be nothing, but with the lack of documentation for the app, I didn't know if you ran across anything like this.

I am not familiar with ScanXLPro...need to check it out. If you can provide that data on how to request the codes, I would LOVE to try it.

I have done as much digging as I can, and have emailed the developer on the Car Gauge Pro app to ask about the Transfer Case Ratio percentage. Once I get a response I will share that. But thanks again for all your work on providing data for this app. If not for this thread I would have taken my bravada in and had the distributor swapped by someone with the tool.

Making Gauges in Car Gauge Pro
 

Quick and Dirty How to make Dashboard Screens

* Connect/GM Powertrain/Full Auto Scan/OBDII/select the shown address
* Let software scan the available PIDs
* Save PIDlist to a filename of your choice.

Now you don't have to be connected to the vehicle to do the rest so disconnect and go back into the house.

* Connect/GM Powertrain/no scan/import PIDs /import from file/select your PIDlistfilename

To make a CMP Retard gauge like mine

Select Dashboard

* go to a blank page
* tap in top right corner of the screen
* select add gauge
* select CMP Retard* from available PID list
* Check Digital
* Select Add

Then to make a misfire counter like mine

* select Misfire #1 from available PID list
* Select Add

Repeat last steps again for each of the other desired misfire counters

When done hit your back button on your phone and the Add gauge screen will disappear.

Press on a gauge you wish to move until Display config appears.

* select Drag and Move
* Drag the gauge to the position where you want the gauge on the screen.

Repeat until you have the gauges where you want them on the screen.

To save your profile, touch the top right of your screen, select Guage profile/save/tell it where to store it/type in a name/hit save.

Now you can select from multiple gauge profiles by name by touching the top right of the screen, selecting gauge profile, and recalling the file.

Post 4 of the following thread expains the hexadecimal codes sent/received for checking/clearing codes on NP8 4WD using a ODB2 terminal. It's not that you need to have ScanXLPro and a laptop - it's just that ScanXLPro included an OBD2 terminal that I could use. Should be able to find an Android app that will do this through your bluetooth device. There are tons of free OBD2 terminal apps in the Google Play Store. Anything made by OBD Scantech is the same guy that made Car Gauge Pro. I do not know if the all wheel drive is the same as NP8 4-button, but I see no reason for it to be different for the purpose of checking/clearing codes.
https://blazerforum.com/forum/2nd-ge...-blazer-89044/

If you are interested in my foray into 4WD diagnosis, that is here
https://blazerforum.com/forum/2nd-ge...or-lock-89046/

Good stuff. Just went through the 4WD diagnosis thread. My Bravada is on its second encoder motor (the one I put in last year started blowing fuses so I put a new one in it but have had no weather to really test it out under severe load - yes I just threw the part at it but it was under warranty so cost me nothing). I get the Service AWD light when i first start up and then it shuts off like it should. This is where I wish I had a Blazer instead to test the buttons...like your Blazer, this Bravada is super nice and I am the second owner (my father in law was the first), but the whole SmartTrak system is maddening.

Regardless I am going to find an OBD2 terminal program and see what I come up with. I have long suspected something with the TCCM on mine, and your journey seems to confirm that for me. I'll see what I can find and then go from there.

ntjoe, Keep in mind that RPO code NP8 is a 2 speed, Auto transfer case, (NV236). Your Bravada has either RPO code NP3 or NP4 which are single speed, SmartTrak, transfer cases, (NV136). Diagnostics are similar, but not the same.

Thanks...good points that I didn't consider. I am so tempted to find older case that's the full time AWD (Borg and Wagner) and put it in and be done with it, or find a manual shift one and the shafts and cut a hole in the floor and be done with it.....

Oh well. I'll see what I can do with the terminal app and dig around on it. I am going to pull the TCCM later and see which one it is, as Rockauto lists several models as compatible for the Bravada. If they are similar then I would suspect that some of the diagnostics would be very similar.

You'll need to make sure the Borg Warner transfer case is compatible with your TCCM and wiring. Standard transfer case in your 2001 Bravada is NV, (New Venture) and there are differences. Don't want to get off topic in this thread, if you want to discuss it more, you need to start a new thread ;)

Thanks for the input :)

I have been playing around a little more with Car Gauge Pro as this post has caused me to get interested in it again. Here are some gauges I am able to get some data from using the Powertrain Module:

Last Shift Time ( in seconds)
Torque Converter Efficiency (in percentage)
Transfer Case Ratio (in degrees - I see from 0.2 to 0.5 regularly)
Transmission Fluid Temperature (in degrees)
Slip Counter (number)
Intake Air Temp (in degrees)
Fuel Tank Capacity (in gallons)

Very happy with some of the transmission stuff, including the temp.

I'm with you Les, I have been unable to get anything to work in any other module. The transmission ones surprise me a bid, and the fact that there is a transfer case ratio says there is some communication there (albeit if its anything of substance remains to be seen).

On the Activate Components portion in Diagnostics, I have been able to turn the fuel pump on and off, and when I tried to trigger the ABS light, it would turn the Service Engine Light on and off.

I have found the tap cells and shift times for the transmission pretty interesting since I just had my tranny rebuilt. Keep in mind that this software was geared towards later model Ford/Nissan. Indeed the ABS and SIR modules work on my 2008 Ranger.

You do know that you can easily look at a table of multiple PIDs in diagnostics without making a gauge, but only after you are connected to the vehicle does the choice come up?

If you try the GM transfer case module, Car Gauge Pro finds the TCCM at the correct address but none of the PIDs work.

I did download a couple of Android terminal apps and can connect to the bluetooth OBD2 device and send the standard ELM327 commands to the computer and get back a response, but I have not yet figured out how to enter the hexadecimal commands to get responses for retrieving/clearing transfer case codes like I did in ScanXLPro on my laptop using the USB OBDSX device. I did have to select custom terminal in Scan XL Pro. Something about the format the commands are in it seems. I'm not enough of a computer geek to easily figure it out. Anyone out there know what my problem might be? I did find your Olds listed together with the 4-button Blazer for codes on the Dorman site, so I think retrieving/clearng TCCM codes are probably the same. Diagnosis charts should be similar but undoubtedly with some differences.

Yes, I saw the table of PID's in diagnostic....I am pretty visual though so I tend to stick with the gauges :)

I noticed that with the Transfer Case Module...surprising that it some TCCM functionality is in the Powertrain module, however again what the data actually points to is up for debate at this point. I plan to try some of the terminal apps this weekend when I can sit in there and work on it.

I think we are at that stage with these 2nd gen blazer/bravadas that we can get just enough cool data to wet our appetites and do a lot, but not enough to do EVERYTHING we want without more costly apps and options...course that's me just being greedy I suppose.

I started out with Torque Pro, which is a pretty nice little app in itself. I have three softwares that will do cam retard on the Blazer (Car Gauge Pro, Scan XL Pro, and HP Tuners). Only HP Tuners with it's proprietary interface will do the crank sensor learn, injector balance tests, control the transmission, turn things on/off, etc on the Blazer. They cost $8.95, $150, and $350 respectively.

HP Tuners has piqued my interest. Do you feel that it was worth what you paid for it? I see if on Summit's site for $349 (can't get to the HP Tuner site as I am at work and its blocked - guess I should be working). I plan to keep my Bravada as long as possible as my father in law bought it new and I got it from him in 2011. I still have the original window sticker for it and its in great shape overall, but getting the normal bugs that would come up on a 15 year old vehicle with 270k on the clock.

The functionality of CGP and Torque Pro (have both) on the go is awesome for on the spot diagnostics, but I am not opposed to having that deeper level of functionality. Can it control the transfer case at all?

I don't know this for fact, but I doubt it. There was about 5 screens of controls with various buttons to click on /etc. I can say that I could completely control the tranny and torque converter, but doubt they have the market type to use the transfer case. I have also heard good things about Autoenginuity and EFI LIVE, but don't know much about either one. I have only used HP Tuners to do crank sensor relearn and injector balance tests don't like to drag out the laptop and the hardwire OBD2 adapter unless I have to. Only software I regret buying is Scan XL Pro, but I guess I did use it's OBD2 terminal to diagnose my 4WD. I've been curious about the Tech2 clones, but currently don't have any problems to diagnose to justify the $300+.

I am not doing something right, because the only gauges that it shows under added pids is RPM (1) ECT (2) IAT(3). when it scans for available PIDS it doesn't show the cam retard, and I am not sure of how to save the PID list. Any help you can give me would be great.

Connected to the vehicle.
* Connect/GM Powertrain/Full Auto Scan/OBDII/select the shown address
* Let software scan the available PIDs
* Save PIDlist to a filename of your choice.
I don't know how to make this any clearer.

I guess I did forget to state that when you go back in the house to build your gauges, you need to first:

* Connect/GM Powertrain/NoScan/IMportPIDs Offline/Import from file/select your PID file......... Then open dashboard. Now all the available PIDs should be under Available PIDs.

After you have built your gauges, you save the gauge profile to a file and you can always easily recall it.

Hope this helps. If all else fails, PM me and we will go through it together on the telephone during an evening.