- Best ELM327 interface for 2023 [Detailed review]
- What functions can the ELM327 interface offer?
- What protocols are supported by the ELM327 interface?
- ELM327 apps and software
- What are the best ELM327 apps?
- For iOS devices
- For Android devices
- How about ELM327 software for PC?
- For Windows devices
- 3 main types of ELM327 adapters
- Best ELM327 adapters reviews
- ELM327 WiFi adapters
- vgate iCar2 ELM327 WiFi adapter
- Pros
- Обзор адаптера ELM327 WiFi OBD2 – особенности подключения и настройки автосканера
- 1. Возможности ELM 327 Wi-Fi
- 2. Версии и клоны ELM327
Best ELM327 interface for 2023 [Detailed review]
The ELM327 interface is an adapter you use to connect your phone or laptop to your car so that you can diagnose problems in your car’s on-board diagnostics system or OBDII. With its latest improvements, the ELM327 adapter makes life easier for car owners and car professionals worldwide.
To start with, its accuracy is higher than any other diagnostic interfaces. Other simpler devices only diagnose limited problems such as resetting your oil interval.
However, ELM327 provides a universal diagnosis for all OBDII systems. Hence, it doesn’t matter which manufacturer your car belongs to – with this adapter, you can keep up with various kinds of protocols.
What functions can the ELM327 interface offer?
As mentioned above, the ELM327 interface connects your device to your car, i.e. it lets you communicate with your car’s OBDII system. Like all other interfaces, it enables you to read and clear trouble codes so that you can turn off your check engine light.
- Engine’s RPM
- Coolant temperature
- Airflow
- Air temperature
- Fuel status
- Long & short term fuel trim
- Fuel pressure
What protocols are supported by the ELM327 interface?
First of all, let’s quickly review OBDII protocols. OBDII systems have many different protocols. It depends on the model of your car, i.e. whether it supports a generic protocol or a manufacturer specific one. Consequently, your vehicle may have either a type A or type B protocol.
You can tell which one you have based on how it looks. They both have sixteen ‘teeth.’ However, type A ports have two rows with 8 ‘teeth’ each and a ‘tongue’ in the middle while type B ports have the ‘tongue’ divided into two parts.
These are the five most common OBDII protocols:
The ELM327 adapter supports all of these protocols. If you didn’t find your car’s protocol among the top five, don’t worry. You can find the complete list of protocols it supports here.
ELM327 apps and software
What are the best ELM327 apps?
To use the adapter, you have to download either an app or software. If you are using your phone to connect to the device, there are many options for you in both iOS and Android apps.
For iOS devices
Car Scanner ELM OBD2
While it works for most branded adapters, this app is designed explicitly for ELM327 adapters. The Car Scanner app is an excellent choice for iOS users because it offers a range of unique features.
It has detailed descriptions under each trouble code in its built-in library. Hence, it’s easy to use and understand.
Not only that, it has many connector profiles, which means it will give you special features for cars such as Toyotas, GM, Opel, Nissan, Hyundai, Chevrolet, etc. Not only does it allow you to turn off your check engine light, but it also tells you when your car is ready for emission tests.
Moreover, you can get extend your PIDs and view information previously hidden by your manufacturer. You can also view your car’s sensor data in real time.
OBD Auto Doctor
The OBD Auto Doctor is great for reading trouble codes. It will report back any issues immediately and let you reset the Check Engine light. It has over 18000 trouble codes in its built-in database. You see all the information you need to be displayed in graphs in real-time.
You can use the app for many things, including pulling up your car’s VIN, monitoring fuel consumption, and viewing your emissions testing statues.
Also, the app lets you view the information in both English and Metric units, so you don’t have to worry about converting one from the other.
Additionally, you can even use the app to send reports via email. Click on the share option to send your diagnostic issues directly to your mechanic.
The app supports all OBDII as well as EOBD vehicles.
DashCommand is very popular and for a good reason. You have a multitude of features at your fingertips. The app will not only read and clear your codes, but it will also keep track of your engine performance, fuel economy, and transmission, among other things.
It has a wide range of gauges that display real-time, easy to interpret data. You have gauges to check your engine speed, acceleration, fuel economy, coolant temperature, fuel pressure, air/fuel ratio, torque, and so on.
The best part is that you can customize your display to your preference. Hence, if you need to keep track of your fuel economy, you can keep that widget on your home page for easy access and viewing.
For Android devices
ScanMaster
With its advanced diagnostic software, you can turn your smartphone or tablet into an OBDII interface anytime and anywhere. Unlike others of its kind, the app offers a sophisticated Lite version. All essential diagnostic functions are available to you, finding and reporting the problem in record time.
The Pro version has additional features such as a more extensive library of trouble codes and more number of parameters. If you choose the Pro version, the app has an In-App billing function for your convenience.
You can keep records of your car’s data within the app. The ‘Pause’ and ‘Record’ function lets you save the data you want, and all you need to do is scroll and zoom. Moreover, the app is available for use in English and German.
Check and clear your fault codes and relevant freeze frame data with the inCarDoc app. This app is the prime choice for your ELM327 adapter. You can use other OBDII adapters, but for maximum functionality of the app, ELM327 is the best choice.
You can record and share your real-time data with the built-in logbook. The app offers various parameters, including car speed, engine RPM, fuel pressure, oxygen sensors, and coolant temperature. Also, the parameters are displayed in graphs and charts, so they’re easy to interpret.
Furthermore, the app has a trip computer that monitors your car’s fuel consumption so you can keep track of your fuel economy. The app also has extra features including a built-in GPS parameter and a console mode for professional repair services.
Torque Lite
The great thing about the Torque Lite is that it’s so user-friendly. The app offers all essential functions, including reading and clearing codes. Check your engine performance, GPS speed, RPM, transmissions, etc.
Moreover, the app lets you export all your files onto Google Earth to map your data. You can log your data and upload it on different web servers. This allows you to share it directly to any mechanic or car dealership you’re looking to for help.
You can even personalize your dashboard with the theme and widgets. Hence, keep the sensors and gauges you need where you can see and easily access them.
However, for a broader diagnostic range, try out the Torque Pro as it has additional features such as horsepower and Turbo Boost gauge support.
How about ELM327 software for PC?
Alternatively, if you’re using a laptop, you need to download ELM327 software. You can quickly get free software for both Windows and Mac PCs.
For Windows devices
FORscan
FORscan is a Windows software specific to Fords, Mazdas, Lincolns, and Mercuries. The app supports the manufacturer’s particular protocols for all these cars. It has a broader range of trouble codes and can detect even the smallest of blips that other OBDII diagnostic tools aren’t able to do.
You can use the software on all your Windows 2000/XP/Vista devices. The software is also compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1., and 10. Moreover, it doesn’t matter what kind of connection you need as it supports all USB, Wifi, Bluetooth, and COM adapters.
The app’s primary functions are to run diagnostic tests, read sensor data, and run service repairs. It can display trouble codes and PIDs that are typically hidden in OBDII scan tools.
However, you need to be sure the ELM327 you have isn’t a clone because FORscan only supports the original ELM327 chip.
EngineCheck
This is a secure software for all home and workshop users. You can test it out for a one-month free trial. The developer’s website offers details, FAQs, and video demonstrations on how to download and use the software. You can even contact them for additional support.
The software lets you see live engine data. It is up to you whether you want the data displayed in a meter or graphical form. The software can also save this data into a diagnostic report in different file formats, including CSV and jpeg.
Moreover, you can record and playback real-time sensor data. The software is compatible with all Windows XP, 2000, and Vista. You can use the software for all European petrol and diesel cars manufactured after 2001 and 2004 respectively.
Goserial is an ideal OBD2 software for Mac users. It has high-performance functions that let you diagnose car problems in no time. The software supports Mac OS 10.4 and above. You can use any iOS supported port to use the software.
You can use the open software on multiple connections at the same time. The software lets you convert and share large files. You’ll be able to send files via text or email using your laptop’s function keys.
For additional software and app suggestions, visit this website. It lists out many more great options for all iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and Mac users.
3 main types of ELM327 adapters
This includes: WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB adapters. They all have their pros and cons.
Best ELM327 adapters reviews
If you look online, you’ll find many different choices for ELM327 scanners. It’s tough deciding which one’s the best for you out of all the options out there.
Hence, here are our picks for the best ELM327 adapters.
ELM327 WiFi adapters
vgate iCar2 ELM327 WiFi adapter
It has a long list of parameters fuel consumption, fuel trim, mass air flow, barometric pressure, air intake, throttle position, and so on.
Why buy this ELM327 interface?
The vgate iCar2 diagnoses and erases your car troubles. It has a long list of parameters fuel consumption, fuel trim, mass air flow, barometric pressure, air intake, throttle position, and so on.
However, the best part about the vgate iCar2 is its Auto sleep function. Hence, you don’t have to worry about plugging and unplugging it. Just connect it once, and it will turn on and off by itself. Also, it won’t drain your car battery and save you lots of precious time.
It supports all US, European, and Asian OBD2 vehicles, including light trucks.
Compatible apps: vgate’s Accurate for iOS app, Torque Lite for Android.
Pros
Обзор адаптера ELM327 WiFi OBD2 – особенности подключения и настройки автосканера
Обзоры 9 комментариев 06 февраля 2019 Просмотров: 76210 Рейтинг:
ELM327 WiFi — это универсальный сканер-адаптер для автомобиля, который синхронизируется с электроникой машины по WiFi. С его помощью можно выявить ошибки в электронных компонентах машины в течение 10 секунд. В данной статье рассмотрим возможности адаптера, расскажем как правильно настроить и подключить WiFi сканер к Android и iOS гаджетам, а так же к компьютеру.
1. Возможности ELM 327 Wi-Fi
- Чтение ошибок DTC памяти и представление их в понятном для пользователя виде.
- Устройство может погасить лампочку — Check Engine.
- Получение детальной информации об автомобиле в реальном времени.
- Просмотр данных о нагрузке на двигатель и о состоянии топливной системы.
- Информирование пользователя о расходе бензина, охлаждающей жидкости.
- Представление достоверных сведений о положении дроссельной заслонки, температуре всасываемого воздуха и давлении воздуха.
2. Версии и клоны ELM327
Устройство представляет из себя PIC-контроллер, который снабжен специальной прошивкой, разработанной компанией ElmElectronics. Прошивка и формирует стоимость прибора.
Сканер подключается к автомобилю с поддержкой OBD-II. Есть несколько версии устройства: 1.4, 1.4a, 1.5, 2.1.
Китайские умельцы научились подделывать прошивку, или считывать ее с оригинального контроллера. Получаемые в результате таких манипуляций контроллеры называют клонами. Прошивка на клонах зачастую работает некорректно, поэтому лучше приобретать оригинальный продукт.
Чтобы не стать жертвой мошенников, производящих контроллеры плохого качества стоит обращаться только на сайты крупных компаний, где будут указаны данные организации. Лучше отдавать предпочтение тем магазинам, которые предоставляют гарантию на устройство. Например, Scan Tool Pro.
В данном материале мы не будем описывать весь функционал, характеристики ELM327 адаптера и его совместимость, читайте всю необходимую информацию на станицах нашего сайта.