Bluetooth OBD2 code reader review.

[Drunk32]

I know this isn’t really a question but I wanted to post this here too. I am not sure how the site indexes its search’s but encase it only pulls from this area of the forum I wanted to make sure people can find it.

I wanted to post a review and create a place for people to talk about any other Bluetooth scanners they might have or have used.
The one I bought is the “BAFX Products (TM) – ELM 327 Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool”
Here is a link to it on amazon where I bought it.

I really love this scanner! But to get a little more info I am going to break this down in to two parts. The scanner it’s self and then the software I use.
First the scanner.
It works really well with a wide range of products. I can sadly only talk about using it with Windows 7 and with the Android Operating System. Now when you but the scanner it will come with software that you can install on your computer. I used this on my laptop. Most laptops will need a Bluetooth dongle to be able to use it so keep that in mind, but you can get those pretty cheap on Amazon.
When it comes to the Scanner with Android Operating System it’s amazing. I have used the Scanner with 3 different phones all running different operating systems. ( Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean and cyanogenmod 10) all connected really quick and I never had a problem at all with them losing connection even when I was moving about the car.
Now to the Software side of things.
I am really just going to talk about the phone software that I use. I know that they make a lot of stuff for the Iphone but I have not had a chance to use any of it.
I use a app called “Torque Pro(OBD 2 & Car) they do have a free version that is actually pretty good. But I do recommend getting the pro one. Its only $4.95 which offers you a ton of information of your car. Doing it this way is still was cheaper than buy a normal scanner.
The software not only can pull your standard codes but it also pulls make specific codes. It will also link the code to a Google search of your code if you want to look it up. Not only does it pull codes but it also will provide a ton of live data.
It will show you everything from your coolant temp to your fuel to air ratio.
It really is a great app and its really helpful to someone who doesn’t want to spend a whole lot of money one something you won’t use a lot.
All and all I only ended up spending $28.94 on both the App and the scanner. which is a lot cheaper than buying a real scanner that can do the same.

If you have any questions about Bluetooth scanners I would be more than happy to help you out!
Thanks for reading!

Topic

[Charles]

Which “Real Time” sensors/parameters are monitored?

[John B Kobberstad]

Does it have bi directional control? Can it be used to bleed ABS brake systems? Can it activate and test fuel injectors, A/C compressor clutch, fuel pump, etc?

[Drunk32]

Ok Let me be a little more clear. This scanner is better or as good as your 50 to 100 buck range scanner.
From what it sounds like John is talking about is a real nice one.
Its no match for your big deal snap on ones.
But let me also say that in theory this scanner could do all that stuff it just depends on the software that you were using. So Yes it could do all of those things but the software I use does not support that.
When it comes to the live data stuff it will do fuel trim oxygen sensor readings, coolant temp, rpm’s( This is cool for me because my car does not have a tac) how much air it pulls in horse power MPG all sorts of stuff. Since posting this I was thinking about doing a video showing all this stuff it can really do.
This review isn’t really recommended for the pro’s just more for people who do a lot of DIY work.
But this has given me an idea.
I wonder if you could get a hold of the software that say snap on uses or another big time company. Because the really big deal scanners are really just tablets. So in theory it wouldn’t be hard to just install the snap on software on a tablet or a phone and get the same result.
I think I’m going to have to look in to this.

[college man]

For the money it seems like your able to read alot.
to be able to read live data is very useful.How about
freeze frame data? post a video of the scanner in action.
do it from hook up to reading data. 🙂

[Author]

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