[HEROTIMOS]

which app do you prefer? why?

also, is there a specific diagnostic code reader needed to use with the app? or, can i just get a generic obd-ii adapter?

 

[MikeBusch2]

I purchased OBD Fusion mainly because of the price ($5 or $10, can't remember) and the fact that it is a universal app. Many competing apps required purchasing separate version for the iPhone and iPad.

Torque is regarded as the best there is in regards to OBD apps.

Any ELM327 compatible reader should work (mine is manufactured by LYL?), but it MUST be wifi to work with the iPhone. iOS doesn't support the required bluetooth protocols for the bluetooth readers

 

[2013 Moab]

I have u-scan software which uses actron hardware. I bought software for all vehicles and all systems for somewhere in the area of $200, But you can buy much cheaper vehicle specific software. It works well and I have a lot of real time telemetry at hand. One thing I don't like is that it sometime can be a little wanky in pairing but never has it not paired, just took a little time.

 

[Godholio]

I'd recommend buying a cheap android tablet and getting Torque for it. The bigger screen is pretty awesome to have. Alternately, a used android phone and just don't activate it.

Apple's refusal to open bluetooth up is really irritating. I'd buy torque for my phone too if they'd do it.

 

[HEROTIMOS]

Thanks everyone for the responses and the heads up on the iOS/Bluetooth issue.

 

[LUV2SKI]

...
Any ELM327 compatible reader should work (mine is manufactured by LYL?), but it MUST be wifi to work with the iPhone. iOS doesn't support the required bluetooth protocols for the bluetooth readers

Kinda true. The real issue is Apple's MFI vendor certification. Bluetooth headset protocols and the music streaming protocols are exempt, but other Bluetooth protocols are not - including the bluetooth protocols used for OBD-II.

There are come BT adapters that have been certified and of course they cost more. Some lock you into their app because no one else will support their hardware or they won't share the interface spec. I tried this one and returned it for that reason because the app was buggy and limited:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DAA5A5M

The one notable exception is the expensive GoPoint BT1/BT1a adaptor which has a very nice iPhone BT app. It's also the only iPhone BT device supported by Dash Command. Other popular iPhone apps like OBD Fusion & EngineLink don't appear to support any BT devices on iOS as of 7/2014

The advantage of using BT on iOS is that your other data driven apps still work on LTE/3G instead of hopelessly trying to use the WiFi. You could for example run apps like Google Maps for turn-by-turn nav, etc.

 

[hapgood]

What's the trick to get the elm327 to clear my codes? I tried it a few time but the codes remained so I disconnected the battery and that cleared them. Does the engine need to be OFF and they key in ACC for it to work? One guy on Youtube did it that way but did not say it needed to be off and another guy did it with his engine running but he did not show the end to see if it worked.

 

[chargermop]

What's the trick to get the elm327 to clear my codes? I tried it a few time but the codes remained so I disconnected the battery and that cleared them. Does the engine need to be OFF and they key in ACC for it to work? One guy on Youtube did it that way but did not say it needed to be off and another guy did it with his engine running but he did not show the end to see if it worked.

Depends on what kind of code you're trying to clear some codes you are able to read but not clear it requires a higher level of access.

 

[PRS]

Depends on what kind of code you're trying to clear some codes you are able to read but not clear it requires a higher level of access.

Most require the engine off but the key on, not ACC.

 

[Deathbox]

Though expensive I recommend Dash Command. I have tried other but the flexibility and diversity of data I can collect has been invaluable. I have used it on 4 different autos and of course my jeep via a kiwi wifi unit. None of my nav/map or gps functions have been impacted due to using wifi instead of Bluetooth. Dash Command also allows the creation of custom dashboards (a lot are posted on their dashxl site so you can download others to use), skid pad, lap timing, dyno and of course tilt/angle gauge that even uses a jeep in the graphic. It takes some time to dial in but in the end I am very happy with it. Looks great on an iPhone or iPad. I mounted an old iPhone on my dash so i can switch to whatever data I want to see at the time. Unfortunately it is presently proving my tuner was a waste of $.

 

[jojocory]

What's the trick to get the elm327 to clear my codes? I tried it a few time but the codes remained so I disconnected the battery and that cleared them. Does the engine need to be OFF and they key in ACC for it to work? One guy on Youtube did it that way but did not say it needed to be off and another guy did it with his engine running but he did not show the end to see if it worked.

When you do clear code, Make sure ignition key is on and engine is off.

 

[jojocory]

which app do you prefer? why?

also, is there a specific diagnostic code reader needed to use with the app? or, can i just get a generic obd-ii adapter?

I prefer Engine Link app, not only it could read and clear trouble code. it does live data and allows you to draw multiple pages of gauge layout including emission test report of the engine.
You can use a generic wifi obd ii adapter. I have a bluetooth low energy adapter LELink in my car.

 

[stevil]

I've only used Dashcommand with my iPhone/iPad and a wifi Odb-II adapter. In addition to the other comment above its also a universal app, and it has a nice inclinometer that uses the phone/pad gyro.


Curious, how did it make your tuner useless? Just proved that it didn't work? Which one?

 

[05redbuggy]

I just purchased an OBD 2 dongle ( 'iKKEGOL Vgate iCar 2 Mini OBD2 OBD II WiFi Car Diagnostic Scan Tool) i have an iphone 5
what app will be best?
I dont understand the wi-fi vs. bluetooth issue. will i have to be in wi-fi range to use these tools together?
please help

 

[05redbuggy]

I just purchased an OBD 2 dongle ( 'iKKEGOL Vgate iCar 2 Mini OBD2 OBD II WiFi Car Diagnostic Scan Tool) i have an iphone 5
what app will be best?
I dont understand the wi-fi vs. bluetooth issue. will i have to be in wi-fi range to use these tools together?
please help

 

[wcjeep]

There are a few vendors with OBD2 plug in that use wifi. These are usually certified for Apple devices. Most/all OBD2 dongles that use Bluetooth work with most newer Android devices. I'm using the $5 Torque app. I bought the upgraded MX OBD dongle. I wanted something more universal to work with multiple vehicles. I also bought an extension for the dongle to make sure I didn't hit it with my shins in my tow rig. The OBD dongles offer different information for different vehicles.


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006NZTZLQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1



Amazon.com: Scan Tool Right Angle OBD II OBD 2 Male to Female Extension Cable 60cm/2': Automotive

 

[plextor]

Another DashCommand fan here. I use it with a GoPoint BT1.

But, yeah, buy a super cheap Android table just for Torque and just leave it in the car.

 

[05redbuggy]

thanks for the info on the OBD2 gear

Might as well admit I was only interested in the issue after getting a P2096 engine fault code.
I would really benefit from any knowledge you folks have on narrowing the cause down. I hate to just start changing O2 sensors (shotgun approach)

 

[baseballfanz]

I just purchased an OBD 2 dongle ( 'iKKEGOL Vgate iCar 2 Mini OBD2 OBD II WiFi Car Diagnostic Scan Tool) i have an iphone 5
what app will be best?
I dont understand the wi-fi vs. bluetooth issue. will i have to be in wi-fi range to use these tools together?
please help

No you don't need to be in wifi range. It's basically using wifi frequency between your dongle and phone.

 

[tomme12]

What else can this bluetooth adapter read? Im interested in EVIC items that I cant see because I did not get the Connectivity Group. Seems like a great alternative. TPMS, Oil indicator, engine temp, oil pressure, etc.