Obd2 phone scanners

[DallasTahoe]

Has anyone tried out any of the obd2 scanning devices that hook up to iPhone or android phones? They seem to be pretty inexpensive, and I'm sure they're not super accurate or maybe don't have all the features a professional scanner would but for the novice they could work pretty well I guess? Im looking for feedback and hopefully brands and models from those who actually have one, not from guys who heard from their cousins uncle who's stepbrother used to know a guy who heard from his sister that they work really good [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]


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[drakon543]

I haven't used one or even heard of anything specific about them but i am interested in this topic. Being that it goes through an application on your phone im assuming accuracy and features would go with how much you spent on the app. If we find out they are half decent ill probably get the wireless link.

 

[chevync]

I have one, I really like it, saves a trip to AutoZone or the garage when the light comes on. I use the software Torque Pro, I think it was 5.00. I'll have to get the name brand of the plug tomorrow when I go out in the morning.

 

[Sdog4127]

I have a an OBD Link wireless connector I purchased from scantool.net. It is for IOS devices only and creates a WiFi signal to connect to your IOS or PC. The software app is free. The adapter was around $75. This has been s great tool for the price. Using just the app on my iPhone it works great to pull and clear codes. It also had s pretty large selection of pids to monitor, although you cannot access any MFG specific stuff without buying the advanced software for a PC (advanced GM software for PC was about $100 I think).
But the smartphone app does most of what any weekend mechanic needs, and is quick. It also has customizable dashboards you can make with gauges to monitor all SAE pids. I use this the most while driving to monitor o2 sensors, fuel trims, fuel economy, timing, etc. for less than 100$ this is an outstanding tool.
They make a Bluetooth adapter for abdroid, but iOS you have to buy the WiFi adapter. I do have some trouble connecting to it at times because my iPhone is constantly trying to connect to other wifi signals, but once connected I have used it to monitor pids for several hours on s road trip.

Here are some screenshots of my unit.

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[DallasTahoe]

I have one, I really like it, saves a trip to AutoZone or the garage when the light comes on. I use the software Torque Pro, I think it was 5.00. I'll have to get the name brand of the plug tomorrow when I go out in the morning.

Yes please do, I saw one on Amazon for like $20 and I just wanted some input, if it works like you guys say then I'll be getting one very soon! Does it let you see misfire data?

 

[DallasTahoe]

I have a an OBD Link wireless connector I purchased from scantool.net. It is for IOS devices only and creates a WiFi signal to connect to your IOS or PC. The software app is free. The adapter was around $75. This has been s great tool for the price. Using just the app on my iPhone it works great to pull and clear codes. It also had s pretty large selection of pids to monitor, although you cannot access any MFG specific stuff without buying the advanced software for a PC (advanced GM software for PC was about $100 I think).
But the smartphone app does most of what any weekend mechanic needs, and is quick. It also has customizable dashboards you can make with gauges to monitor all SAE pids. I use this the most while driving to monitor o2 sensors, fuel trims, fuel economy, timing, etc. for less than 100$ this is an outstanding tool.
They make a Bluetooth adapter for abdroid, but iOS you have to buy the WiFi adapter. I do have some trouble connecting to it at times because my iPhone is constantly trying to connect to other wifi signals, but once connected I have used it to monitor pids for several hours on s road trip.

Here are some screenshots of my unit.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Wow I like that, looks pretty good as far as everything you can see through the app, and that fact that you can link with a computer too is pretty awesome! Can you see things like misfire data?

 

[Sdog4127]

Wow I like that, looks pretty good as far as everything you can see through the app, and that fact that you can link with a computer too is pretty awesome! Can you see things like misfire data?

I cannot access misfire data on the mobile platform. I believe you can with the PC software version. I purchased the enhanced GM data package for my laptop, ($100) but honestly I haven't had to use it yet. The mobile app has been sufficient for the few codes I have diagnosed for myself and family so far. The PIDs available on the app are quite a few actually and the refresh rate is extremely fast! If you watch O2 data on an analog gauge setup(like in my screenshots) the needles on the gauges move so fast it is hard to look at. So I trust the data and believe it has a very respectable refresh rate. You can also graph any PIDs you want with the mobile app as well. Great for diagnosing fuel/drivability problems.
I have played with the PC version not hooked to a car and it does look to be pretty decent (for the price). I did not find where I could actuate bidirectional controls, but it is supposed to be able to support most or all GM onboard modules and most GM specific PIDs up to 2011 and more limited with the newer stuff.

Bottom line, for about $75 this unit is worth every penny. I paid about $300 total buying the iOS wifi adapter, upgraded PC license, and enhanced GM software package for the PC version. But I honestly haven't gotten any payback with the PC version yet. But you can use a laptop or iPad or iPhone with the wifi adapter so it is pretty universal without having the need to buy the upgraded stuff unless you want.
Like I said before, they have an android adapter too, that one works Bluetooth, and I assume you could hook that one to a tablet or PC too, but don't know. I happen to be an apple guy.

As far as I know, it is not compatible with smartphones, but a good quality (cheap) PC scan tool is Auto Engeniuty. The software for PC is free but you pay to license the USB to OBD connector. It is about $700 from my memory and that price includes The big three domestic access. You have misfire counters as well as all bidirectional controls with this system. It is slow to load, but powerful for the price if you need a good "cheap" scan tool.

Hope that's not too much info!!
Interested to hear what other people are using for smartphones and what they are capable of. The OBD link unit I have is super convenient, just be careful, it's easy to forget to unplug it and leave it in the car, because it has s good 30 ft range and it's easy to forget you have it plugged into the car!

Best of luck!
Shawn

 

[kronus]

I have one, I really like it, saves a trip to AutoZone or the garage when the light comes on. I use the software Torque Pro, I think it was 5.00. I'll have to get the name brand of the plug tomorrow when I go out in the morning.

I use the same software with an eBay Bluetooth adapter. I've used it on my Kia, Ranger, and Talon, and it syncs up just fine. You have to understand the limitations of the device, but it'll tell you everything one of the scanners from autozone would. It's nice to be above to view codes on the fly, as well. Actually, a lot of my friends will have me hook it up just to check their codes when the CEL comes on.

There's no comparison between it and my dedicated tuning and logging software for my Talon, but it is handy, and for under $30 for the adapter and software, it's hard to beat the convenience.

 

[xanatost]

I been useing DashCommander for my android phone. Been useing it for over 3 years and works great. I have a pionner head unit that I can sync with my phone and I can display it on the radio. It connects with Bluetooth and the adapter was 10 bucks and the software was another 10. Reads codes and displayes Gage's in real time too.

 

[dcr749]

I use torque pro. I can't remember exactly how much it was but I'm pretty sure less than 5 bucks. I have a Bluetooth dongle in every car now. Several different brands. I just look on amazon when I want one and get one that has decent reviews. I've always payed less than 20 bucks and never had a complaint.

As far as misfire info, if it gives you a code it will typically tell you what cylinder is having an issue.. depending on the car type.

Under the live data, it shows you the info of every gauge, and pretty much every sensor depending on the car. I can usually see voltage, o2 sensor info, cooling temp, fuel pressure, oil temp and Trans temp in some cars. And you can set up the dash board with whatever gauges you want.

It will also give you 1/4 mile times, 0-60, top speed, GPS, mapping, mpgs... pretty much anything. It doesn't work switches or power stuff off and on like a dealers scan tool would, but it gives you tons more info than autozone can. Also comes in handy when you're working on something. You can have the phone or tablet under the hood with you so you can watch your gauges.

And now you can pay an extra buck or two for the widgets and have them up on the screen without even opening the app.

I love it.. no way you're going to get better for 25 bucks or less.