Gap tool

[Porker]

Just thought I’d ask the question here. I’ve gotten a couple of prices for the Gap iid tool, I would prefer to purchase local (Aus) to support our local businesses but it’s hard to justify the extra cost. Is there any advantage (ie possible support that I may need )in paying the extra and buying local?
Thanks Paul.

[John_D4]

Just thought I’d ask the question here. I’ve gotten a couple of prices for the Gap iid tool, I would prefer to purchase local (Aus) to support our local businesses but it’s hard to justify the extra cost. Is there any advantage (ie possible support that I may need )in paying the extra and buying local?
Thanks Paul.

IMHO apart from supporting local business, there’s really no other benefits. I’d imagine that if you have any technical questions that the local agents would refer you to the GAP email or website. They are a fairly troubled free item. Mine always connects 1st go. I bought a 30cm extension lead from eBay and I leave it connected permanently. GAP are fairly responsive to emails and respond in a reasonable timeframe

[p38arover]

I bought a 30cm extension lead from eBay and I leave it connected permanently.

GAP say to not leave it connected permanently.

[BradC]

GAP say to not leave it connected permanently.

Hypothetically if someone were to use the dashboard interface to a permanently connected Gap tool and forget to switch off live data monitoring before they exit the vehicle, it may prevent the vehicle going to sleep and flatten the battery in short order. Similarly, if one were to use the Bluetooth connection and forget to disconnect, and your phone happens to stay in range of the vehicle (say perhaps the car is parked outside your bedroom window and the phone sits on your night stand) it may also prevent the vehicle going to sleep and flatten the battery.

They're the only 2 reasons I might have found not to leave it connected permanently.

Mine stays plugged in full time also.

[DiscoDB]

Two more potential downsides to leaving permanently connected - one is significantly shortening the life of the unit (if the electronics have not be designed to be left permanently powered on), and the second is if not bound to the phone you leave the tool (and hence car) able to be connected to by anyone. GAP also warn against connecting to the tool prior to turning the ignition on.

The warnings are a bit cryptic, but they do also point out that failure to follow could damage the tool or vehicle.

I have other OBD devices which are designed to be left permanently connected as they power down when the engine is turned off, and they have to be paired to be connected.

[John_D4]

GAP say to not leave it connected permanently.

Agreed, but I’ve done this for a few years now. I just make sure that I disconnect from the tool before I turn off the car. I’ve had no issues with flattening the car battery or electronics issues

[greg-g]

Just a question.
I assume the iid tool is powered by pin 16 (12v always on) in the OBD2 connector.
How hard would it be to splice a small relay into the extension cable, so it was only powered when the ignition is on.
The iid could then be connected to a small, supported device to make a permeant display.
I’m considering getting one as my vehicle is now supported.

[loanrangie]

Just a question.
I assume the iid tool is powered by pin 16 (12v always on) in the OBD2 connector.
How hard would it be to splice a small relay into the extension cable, so it was only powered when the ignition is on.
The iid could then be connected to a small, supported device to make a permeant display.
I’m considering getting one as my vehicle is now supported.

Or just get a switched OBD cable or modify one to add a remote switch.

[DiscoDB]

Or just get a switched OBD cable

Definitely the way to go. You will want an extension cable with a low profile right angle head anyway (so you don’t hit the adapter), so just get one with an on/off switch.

Cheap investment to protect an expensive tool.