[APP][5.0+]OBD2 Plugin for Android Auto - Use Torque with AndroidAuto

Do you want the app to incorporate it's own stats (See post #1127)

  • Yes

    Votes: 18 90.0%
  • No

    Votes: 2 10.0%

  • Total voters
    20
  • Poll closed .
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jkimbro

Senior Member
Oct 4, 2012
59
25
The app works in my Ford with sync3, but not my 2016 VW Jetta. Just says connection failed. AA works when I think back to stock.
 

jeromeo01

Senior Member
Apr 12, 2018
111
21
The app works in my Ford with sync3, but not my 2016 VW Jetta. Just says connection failed. AA works when I think back to stock.
With VW you have to make sure the headunit is started first and plug the phone with unlocked screen. For first time it's better to restart phone before.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk
 

jkimbro

Senior Member
Oct 4, 2012
59
25
With VW you have to make sure the headunit is started first and plug the phone with unlocked screen. For first time it's better to restart phone before.
I just reinstalled and tried again using your tip, but no change. It's like it almost works, my phone screen flashes black, and the VW screen flashes black, but then it says connection cancelled.
 

horrorshow21

Member
Aug 17, 2013
28
5
With VW you have to make sure the headunit is started first and plug the phone with unlocked screen. For first time it's better to restart phone before.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk
2017 GTI here. I think it depends on the phone. When I had my LG G20 I had to plug the phone in before even starting the car or it would fail. Also had to restart the phone A LOT. With my pixel XL and now pixel 3a it works flawlessly every time no matter when I plug it in.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk
 
TPMS PIDs for odb2aa

I am running Torque Pro and obd2aa on my Xiaomi Mi 6 and Redmi k20 Pro no problems in my Smart fortwo Brabus 125R media system based on Renault's Rlink system. I just want to know how to configure the TPMS section? My guess is i need the correct PIDs configuration in torque pro? Any ideas? Awesome app by the way!!?????? I would post an image but the XDA labs app says "bad request" when I try and upload one. Jeez does anything work anymore?;) Joke.
 

ControlNode

Senior Member
Aug 25, 2011
86
17
Eastern NC, USA
I know custom background and gauges images are supported. Not seen any official on supported formats. More targeted question: Are SVG files supported? I can select svg in the select image popup, but the in app preview does not appear to display the svg image. Really hoping that SVG is supported so I don't need to determine size of the gauge/background on a given device and it just scales much better than the other pre-rendered formats.

Well I tested an SVG as the background and think it froze up AA/OBD4AA. AA was working until I clicked to open OBD4AA and the app screen area went black (still had time and connection info at the come and the bottom media controls) and AA stopped responding at all.
 
Last edited:

ControlNode

Senior Member
Aug 25, 2011
86
17
Eastern NC, USA
Just sharing my non-rooted Pixel XL setup that seems to have helped with connection without having to manual intervene. Use to be during a work shift I would have to manually unlock the phone several times, now it's about once every day or two. Love the DPI forcing and the disable 6 touch option. Later I will likely root the phone as I would rather the screen off to reduce device heat, but for now this is working fairly well.
  • Enabled screen always on while charging in developer menu
  • Set the BT of my car to unlock the device.
  • Manually start AA server.
 

Sin10

Member
Jun 13, 2010
13
3
First, all working great an fine. But i have a small sound problem with OBD2AA 3.6 and Android 10 on my Pixel 2 XL (non rooted). I got always two notifaction sounds at the same time, when i am near a "speed limiter/cam". So i get the normal notification sound from my phone AND the "speed limiter/cam" sound.
Anyone has a idea to fix it? I want only the "speed limiter/cam" sound alone, and not my notifaction sound from my phone.
 

PeQuEsan

Senior Member
Nov 13, 2010
883
136
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3
Google Pixel 3
First, all working great an fine. But i have a small sound problem with OBD2AA 3.6 and Android 10 on my Pixel 2 XL (non rooted). I got always two notifaction sounds at the same time, when i am near a "speed limiter/cam". So i get the normal notification sound from my phone AND the "speed limiter/cam" sound.
Anyone has a idea to fix it? I want only the "speed limiter/cam" sound alone, and not my notifaction sound from my phone.

Yo must "tweak" your Android 10 notifications for ODB2AA, and just set "no sound" for that specific notifications. I start having this behaviour some days ago, and had to do that.
 
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FrAsErTaG

Senior Member
May 22, 2009
1,380
1,097
Canberra
I am trying to install this on a mate 20 pro but from xda labs it tries to install and then says app not installed

Xda labs has permission to install apps but can't get it to happen
 

Jonesy66

Member
Jan 22, 2018
17
2
Has anyone noticed that if you go to do the TPMS data the app goes back to original screen?
I can't enter the PID'S for TPMS but they're there in torque pro.
 

Dacoco

Senior Member
Dec 8, 2010
568
23
Hi there,

i bought the app and tried it but i didn't succeed.

Environment:
- Headunit Kenwood DMX8019DABS - AA Wireless capable
- Phone "Xiaomi Mi Max 3" BUT with AOSP / Pixel Experience ROM - NO MIUI!

After proceeding all the steps in the first post i connect the phone and i tried both regarding which app to use. OBD2AA and after it didn't work Android Auto.
I got the popup message regarding engine/water temperature but there is no screen with the gauges.
On the old AA design the last button only leads to a blank screen with "Return to Kenwood" Message.
But i think the connection is established via AA Wireless here. Because the select AA device screen on my radio just shows the wireless connection to choose from and the message "can't connect to usb device" after i connect the phone to the usb port.

1) Does it work with the new AA design?
2) Does it work with Xiaomi phones which don't use MIUI (AOSP, Pixel Experience in my case)?
3) Does it work when the Headunit is a AA wireless capable unit (using the cable to connect for OBD2AA)

What can i try to make it work?
 
Last edited:
My Sync3 seems to hang when connecting now. AA is 4.7.593824 release. I tried both 3.6 and 3.5 with the Same issue. I get:

SYNC is trying to initialize Android Auto. Please check device.

It doesn't seem to want to ever connect. When I select direct to AA it works but no 90dpi or gauges just normal AA. Running it on an LG V40 with Pie, no root.



Suggestions?
 
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tomcoch

New member
Oct 15, 2019
3
0
How does the demo mode work? I ckecked the box "demo mode" but nothing happens (tested on versions 3.5 and 3.6).
I need to test my custom gauges without connecting to the obd adapter (test with hdu on pc).
 

StanDudek

Member
Apr 16, 2012
6
2
37
Zephyr
My Sync3 seems to hang when connecting now. AA is 4.7.593824 release. I tried both 3.6 and 3.5 with the Same issue. I get:

SYNC is trying to initialize Android Auto. Please check device.

It doesn't seem to want to ever connect. When I select direct to AA it works but no 90dpi or gauges just normal AA. Running it on an LG V40 with Pie, no root.



Suggestions?

Experiencing same issue with Sync 3, latest AA, latest obd2aa beta, Pixel 3, Android 10, no root
 

Emil Borconi

Recognized Developer
Feb 18, 2008
3,278
3,137
Tg. Secuiesc / Kezdivasarhely
From Google:

Warning: There is currently a known issue where the DHU can crash on startup when connecting to Android Auto 4.7. To work around this issue, we recommend that you temporarily downgrade to Android Auto 4.6 until a fix can be released in Android Auto 4.8.

In other words, do not use Android Auto 4.7 as that will render obd2aa and aa useless.
 

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  • 56
    Update 30.11.2022
    End of life and open source.

    Due to lots of changes both in Android and in my life, I do not have the possibility to maintain / update the code any further, therefore I've decided to open source.

    Code is accessible: https://github.com/borconi/obd2aa

    I will like to thank all of those who supported this project.

    App Requirement
    • Torque Pro
    • OBD2 Reader
    • Android Auto compatible headunit or at least a copy of the Headunit Reloaded App (see signature).


    This app will have limited functionality if you are using Android Auto on a your phone, the only functions you will be able to use is to see are notification about the speed cameras and street card!
    Gauges and torque data will NOT work!

    Previous XDA purchases can be reclaimed here: https://www.b3itlabs.com/download.php

    How to purchase:
    1. Visit: https://www.b3itlabs.com/prod.php?id=2

    Instructions on how to get it running:

    Option 1 - Will work on any phone & car/headunit combination, however the following features won't: - AutoPlay Music, 6 Tap limit remover, DPI change

    1. After installing the app from XDA Labs, sign up for beta testing here: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/uk.co.boconi.emil.obd2aa and update the app
    2. Once app is updated, make sure you disable auto-update in PlayStore then please uninstall it and reinstall it from XDA Labs.
    3. With your screen unlocked, plug in the phone to the car, when prompted which app to use make sure you select "Android Auto"


    Option 2 - Might NOT work on some device combination (for sure it won't work on Xiaomi phones), but if this method works all functions of the app are available
    1. Install
    2. Make sure you do not have any other 3rd party app Android Auto app installed.
    3. Open the app and hopefully it will be quite self explanatory on how to set it up (choose colours, set gauge number, etc)
    4. Open Android Auto (on the phone), go to About, tap the "About Android Auto" header 10 times, once you are a developer from the 3 dotted right corner menu select "Start Headunit Server" (ROOT users can skip this step!)
    5. Close Android Auto
    6. MAKE SURE YOUR SCREEN IS UNLOCKED and connect to the car, when prompted which app to use select "OBD2AA" and always (this needs to be done one time only) - If you are a HUR user select Android Auto and always! (If you do not see the prompt to chose, please go to settings -> apps -> all apps -> Google Play Services -> Clear Defaults and then try again)
    7. Select the last tab on the right, by pressing it again you should see an app selector and choose OBD2AA
    8. Give it a bit of time to start pulling the data from Torque.

    Change log
    Version 3.2 and 3.3 released 04/11/2018

    • Fix "drunk" map effect on Sync 3 units
    • Fixed rooted devices not being able to start headunit server.
    • Added option to change DPI for your screen!
    • Added option to auto play music on start
    • Added option to select default start screen.

    Version 3.1 releases 26/08/2018
    • Compatibility fix for Pie devices.
    • Tap limit remover now working on all device
    • Tap limit remover allows Maps to be searchable even when driving.
    • Can be used for those who have problem with the parking brake wire.
    • Freeze issues fixes.
    Important notes

    Version 3.0 releases 05/07/2018

    • Compatibility fix for AA 3.0 and above.
    • Added option for overriding 6 tap limits
    • Added option for Bluetooth Audio output.
    Important notes

    Thanks to @slash_m_a_x for the support offered on this.

    - Some users have reported choppy audio when using the app, this will mainly be due to the speed of the phone, the buffer on the car/headunit and other factors which are out of my control, if that is the case and you cannot use the app please feel free to contact me for a refund.
    - Bluetooth Audio output might not work on all devices, it does depend how the car/headunit handles the Bluetooth. There will be devices which completely disable A2DP/Bluetooth capabilities of the car when Android Auto is running. In this case all the sound will be heard from the phone speaker rather then the car speakers.
    - Tap limit will be disabled only for cars/headunits which are equipped with a GPS.
    - In rare cases it can happen that after unplugging the phone from the headunit you will see a message which says that you are still connected to Android Auto, simply Force Stop the Google Play Services.
    - You always need to make sure that Headunit Server is running on the phone (unless you have root), if the icon bothers you simply hide it.



    Change log
    Version 2.0 releases 17/01/2018

    • Added new layout option
    • Added styled gauged
    • Option for custom background on each gauge.
    • Option for custom needle on each gauge
    • Removed integration for CamSam/Blitzer.de (fully integrated now)
    • Possibility to change needle color
    • Possibility to adjust arch (indent, position, length) when using custom bg
    • Separated speed camera settings
    • Option to only download speed cam db over Wifi
    • Fixes for min/max value
    • Speed camera warnings over car speaker (Thanks @martoreto for the how-to)
    • Street info card
    • Added French translation (Credit to @fbike for doing the translation)
    • Added Danish (Credit to @Gunde for doing the translation)
    • Added Finnish (Credit to @Pyrres for doing the translation)
    • Added Spanish (Credit to @madabase for doing the translation)
    • Added Italian (Credit to @ilgaspa for doing the translation)


    Version 1.6a - releases 03/10/2017
    • Fixed negative input for min/max values
    • Code cleanup
    • Added Greek language (credit to @sosimple for translating)

    Version 1.6 - releases 29/09/2017
    • Fixes for custom PIDS
    • Fixes on Graphics rendering.
    • Fixed overlapping text
    • Fixed PSI/BAR conversion
    • Enhanced the gauge style.
    • Different approach for torque data pulling.
    • Moved to service should start work automatically when connected to the car
    • Added Supports PID alarms from Torque.
    • Added Toggle/Collapse layout for Pid settings.
    • Added Preview button with random data
    • Added Option to toggle units display
    • Added notification cleanup on exit
    • Added translation for DE,HU,RO (Credit to @FormelLMS for DE)
    • Added import/export setting option
    • Added option for colored text
    • Added TPMS option/screen
    • Added option to override car's headlights based on day/night
    • Added warning screen if nothing is configured to prevent black screen with no information.
    • Added more settings and move them to separate Settings options.
    • Added customizable background
    • Added search for PIDs
    • Added Support for Heads-Up notification
    • Added Speed camera warnings (powered by CamSam Plus)

    Supported settings/Features:
    • 3 x Colors for each gauge
    • Text color
    • Toggle needle, arch,units,scale,decimal and text for each gauge.
    • Variable number or gauges ( 1 - 15 )
    • Set warning limit for each gauge (percentage). This will be calculated relative to the given PID max value which is retrieved from Torque at runtime.
    • Possibility to set gauge in reverse mode. (example fuel tank)
    • Units will be converted automatically based on your Preferences in Torque
    • TPMS Screen (if you have PID's for TPMS data)
    • Possibility to use custom background/needle for each gauge
    • Low Fuel warning
    • Warm Engine warning
    • Speed Camera Heads Up Warning
    • Option to Overwrite Headlights state based on calculated sunset/sunrise


    How to use it?
    Open app and select each PID you want to display on your screen, adjust the number or gauges you want to see adjust the preference for each PID. If you want to use custom background/needle and interested on how to, please read HERE

    Locking Pid values
    On some PID's Torque reports wrong min/max values, by default if while using the application a reported value is higher/lower than the initially reported range, the app will adjust the range to the new values. However in some cases this is not desired and you will like to specify manually what is the min and max value for the give PID. In this case, simple edit the minimum/maximum for the pid and they will become locked, meaning the app won't make any adjustments.
    By editing, it means you have to change the min or max value, the lock is triggered by the first keypress on this input fields.
    The lock will be automatically removed when you select a different PID for the same gauge.

    Preferences menu
    • Alternative pulling - Only enable this option if you have difficulties getting gauges updated, it uses an old deprecated method of obtaining data so should not really be used.
    • Enable debugging - Only enable it if you have problems with the app and I requested you to collect a bug report, otherwise it will spam the logs for no reason.
    • Automatically start Torque on Android Auto - Nothing to explain here :)
    • Launch FartKontrol on start - launches a Danish Speed Camera app (useless outside Denmark)
    • Custom Background (any background you will like to use instead of the black color)
    • Demo - When enabled random data is generated for the PID's just to see how things will look (in case you do not have an OBD2 adapter), so don't enable it.
    • Pid Alarms section. You can set up a low level fuel warning (displayed as a heads up notification) and a notification when the engine is warmed up. There a several PID options for both of this, pretty self explanatory.

    TPMS Settings
    - You set up the 4 PID's for TPMS, this will be used to display the tyre pressure values on the TPMS screen inside Android Auto

    Speed Camera
    • Show current street card - Displays information about current street (name and speed limit if know). This information is updated once in 5 seconds and at a minimum distance of 200 meters so it's not 100% accurate it's more for general information.
    • Enable speed camera warnings - This will enable the app to display speed camera warning when driving, like any app which does this it relies on a database, which means it does NOT guarantee that it will warn you of all the cameras, and it might also produce false warnings. All options are pretty self explanatory.

    Export & Import
    - Allows you to export your current app configuration file which can later be imported (grate way of saving time of re-doing everything) after a clean install or so. The format use for Export & Import is JSON so if you want you can manually edit/adjust the values. Please see following post for more details about the sturcture/value/meanings


    Permissions
    • Read notification permission - Only required so the app can read the notifications from CamSam and display them on AA scren
    • Locations - Only required if you want the app to overwrite the day/night theme based on sunset/sunrise
    • Storage - Only needed if you want to use your personal image as a background and/or planning to import/export settings

    Can I create my own layout for the gauges?
    - Yes, see instructions below:

    Here is an example of the XML structure required, once you created the XML please send it over by email to borconie@gmail.com and I will include it in the next build.

    Code:
          <FrameLayout
            android:layout_width="match_parent"
            android:layout_height="match_parent"
            android:tag="wrapper_layout">
            <!-- Left column -->
    
            <View
                android:layout_width="226dp"
                android:layout_height="226dp"
                android:layout_gravity="center_vertical|start"
                android:tag="gauge_2"
                />
    
            <!-- Middle column -->
            <View
                android:layout_width="match_parent"
                android:layout_height="match_parent"
                android:layout_gravity="center"
                android:tag="gauge_1" />
    
            <!-- right column -->
    
            <View
                android:layout_width="226dp"
                android:layout_height="226dp"
                android:layout_gravity="center_vertical|end"
                android:tag="gauge_3" />
    
        </FrameLayout>

    Important
    • Each view must contain a tag, which is formated like in the example, where the number corresponds to the Gauge number from the setting screen.
    • The layout which wraps everything together must have a tag called: wrapper_layout
    You are free to use any Layout you want, except ScrollView.


    How to produce bug report?

    Step 1 you need to enabled debugging in OBD2AA app, then follow this instruction set:

    2. Enabling Developer Mode
    1. Open Settings > About phone.
    2. Scroll down to the Build number.
    3. Tap the Build number 7 times in quick succession until "You're now a developer" appears.
    4. Return to the Settings menu and select Developer options.
    5. At the top of the screen, make sure 'Developer options' is set to On (green).
    6. Scroll down to Debugging and enable both USB debugging and Bug Report Shortcut on (green).
    7. Tab on Logger buffer sizes: Default setting is 256K. Select 16M to help capture more information for debugging. Of note, it can affect the apps performance especially with lower spec phone, so change it back after you have finished submitting bug reports.

    3. Capturing a Bug Report
    It's very important to do this right after you experience the issue again, so your device can log at least one occurrence of the issue.
    1. Hold the Power button down until the menu appears.
    2. Select Take bug report. and wait for the device to capture the bug report.
    3. Tap the 'Bug report captured' notification when it appears.
    4. Share the bug report. (I recommend to email it to yourself.)
    5. Download the bug report to your computer.
    6. Send the bug report by email to borconie@gmail.com


    I have decided to open up my software, meaning I have made the source code available on GitHub, but it's only available for personal use, and you are not allowed (under any form) to redistribute your own version of the app. You can download and compile it yourself if you wish to do so, and you can implement your own changes for your own personal use, but you cannot create clones of the software which you redistribute under your own name. Source can be found here: https://github.com/borconi/obd2aa.
    Due to the fact that there are some irresponsible developers out there, who created video apps for moving cars, which was one of the main reasons Google blocked 3rd party apps, I won't be updating the code on github any more, to try to prevent those developers to use my technique to overcome the limits. If you are developing a 3rd party app and you will like to know more about how I have done this, you are always welcome to contact me. If your project is something useful, I will be more then happy to share things with you.

    This does not mean it is now a free app and apk can be freely shared!
    17
    Thanks all, this is what keeps me going :) don't worry I haven't given up, finally today I had my exams (passed both) so I will be hitting the road in a couple of hours (1600 miles or 2700km with a few stopovers) so I should be home by Tuesday evening. Once home I'm sure I will find some time for more development.
    17
    I made some really good progress, with the app.
    All you guys with non-rooted phone can expect a public beta this week.
    16
    Non-Root users a gimps of hope for you too as well, today I have managed to move forward from where I was stuck since February with the hack, so hopefully I will be able to make further progress and get it back online in the next couple of weeks for everybody.
    16
    Hi guys. Back in the UK and I'm working on it. Currently still stuck at the same point (SSL related) I will update you as soon as I can, at least testing is much easier now.