Unlock Your Honda’s Gear Secrets: A Guide to OBD2 Gear PIDs with Torque App

Are you a Honda owner curious about what gear your automatic transmission is currently in? Knowing this information can be incredibly useful for monitoring your vehicle’s performance, especially when towing, driving in challenging conditions, or even diagnosing potential transmission issues. While your Honda’s dashboard might not display the current gear directly, the Torque app, paired with an OBD2 Bluetooth adapter, offers a powerful solution. This guide will walk you through creating a custom PID (Parameter ID) in the Torque app to specifically display your Honda’s gear information.

This tutorial is designed for Honda enthusiasts and DIY mechanics with a basic understanding of the Torque app. We will focus on setting up a “Current Gear” custom PID. While the process is generally straightforward, understanding the underlying principles can open up a world of possibilities for monitoring various aspects of your Honda using custom PIDs.

Understanding OBD2 PIDs and Why Gear Information Matters

Modern vehicles, including Hondas, utilize an On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD2) system to monitor and report on various vehicle parameters. PIDs are codes that request specific data from your car’s computer. While Torque app comes with a wide range of pre-defined PIDs, sometimes the specific information we need, like the current gear in a Honda automatic transmission, requires creating a custom PID.

Knowing your Honda’s current gear can be beneficial in several situations:

• Performance Monitoring: Observe gear shifts during acceleration and deceleration to ensure your transmission is performing optimally.
• Towing and Heavy Loads: Monitor gear behavior when towing or carrying heavy loads to prevent strain on the transmission.
• Cold Weather Operation: Some automatic transmissions might delay shifting into higher gears when cold. A gear PID can help you track when your Honda reaches optimal operating temperature for gear shifting.
• Troubleshooting: Gear display can be valuable in diagnosing potential transmission problems or erratic shifting behavior.
• Fuel Efficiency: Understanding gear changes can help you optimize your driving habits for better fuel economy.

Creating Your Custom Honda Gear PID in Torque App: Step-by-Step

While the exact PID for Honda gear might vary slightly depending on the model and year, the general process for creating a custom PID in Torque App remains consistent. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open Torque App and Connect to OBD2 Adapter: Ensure your OBD2 Bluetooth adapter is plugged into your Honda’s OBD2 port and paired with your Android device. Launch the Torque app and establish a connection to the adapter.

2. Navigate to Settings: From the Torque app’s main screen, access the settings menu. This is usually represented by a gear icon.

3. Go to “Settings” then “Manage custom PIDs”: Within the settings menu, look for an option related to “OBD2 Adapter” or “Custom PIDs.” Select “Manage custom PIDs”.

4. Add a Custom PID: Tap the menu button (usually three dots or a similar icon) and select “Add custom PID.”

5. PID Definition – Input the Details: This is the crucial step. You’ll need to input the correct information for your Honda’s gear PID. Here’s a general example, but you may need to research specific Honda PIDs for your model (check Honda forums, OBD2 PID databases online, or consult a Honda repair manual for potential PID information):

   • PID Name: Gear (or Current Gear, Honda Gear, etc. – something easily identifiable)

   • PID Short Name: Gear

   • Minimum value: 0

   • Maximum value: 8 (Adjust based on your Honda’s transmission – 6, 9, 10 speed etc.)

   • Scale factor: 1x

   • Unit type: Gear

   • Equation: This is where you enter the formula to interpret the raw OBD2 data. For Honda, you might start by trying a common transmission PID formula. Examples (these are generic and may require adjustment for your specific Honda model – research is key):

     • ((A*256)+B)/4
     • A-40 (This is less likely for gear, but examples vary)

     Important: These equations are examples. Finding the correct equation for your specific Honda and transmission is critical. Search online forums related to Honda OBD2 PIDs and Torque app to find user-verified PIDs. You may need to experiment or consult Honda-specific resources.

   • OBD Header to use: Leave this as default or “Auto” initially. If you encounter issues, you might need to experiment with different headers, but “Auto” usually works.

6. Test and Refine: After entering the PID details, tap “OK” or “Save.” Now, go back to the Torque app dashboard and add a new display. Choose “Realtime Information” and then select your newly created “Gear” PID. Start your Honda and drive. Observe if the gear display changes as you accelerate and shift gears.

   • If it works: Congratulations! You’ve successfully set up your Honda gear PID.
   • If it doesn’t work: Double-check your PID entries for typos. The equation is the most likely culprit. Continue researching Honda-specific gear PIDs and equations online. You might need to try different equations or consult specialized forums for your Honda model.

7. Refining the PID (If Necessary): If the gear readings are erratic or incorrect, you may need to adjust the equation or explore different PIDs. Online Honda forums and OBD2 PID databases are valuable resources for finding accurate PIDs for specific Honda models and transmissions.

Important Considerations and Disclaimer:

• Honda Model and Year Specificity: OBD2 PIDs can vary significantly between Honda models and production years. A PID that works for one Honda might not work for another. Thorough research for your specific Honda is crucial.
• Transmission Type: The PID might also depend on whether you have an automatic, CVT, or other type of transmission in your Honda.
• Accuracy: While custom PIDs can provide valuable data, accuracy depends on the correctness of the PID and equation. Always verify the readings against your vehicle’s behavior.
• Testing and Safety: Always test your custom PIDs in a safe environment. Avoid making changes to the Torque app while driving. It’s best to have a passenger assist or pull over safely to make adjustments.
• “Gear 1” in Park/Neutral/Reverse: Like the original article mentioned, many gear PIDs might display “Gear 1” when your Honda is in Park, Neutral, or Reverse. This is normal and doesn’t indicate an issue with the PID itself. The PID is primarily designed to show forward driving gears.

Conclusion: Unlock Honda OBD2 Potential with Custom Gear PIDs

Creating a custom “Honda Obd2 Gear Pid” in the Torque app opens up a new dimension of vehicle monitoring. By understanding OBD2 PIDs and utilizing the Torque app’s customization features, you can gain valuable insights into your Honda’s transmission performance. Remember that research and precise PID configuration are key to success. Explore online resources, Honda forums, and OBD2 communities to find the most accurate gear PIDs for your specific Honda model and enjoy a deeper understanding of your vehicle’s operation.