PDA

View Full Version : ODB-II to iPhone interface



packmule1911
01-16-2015, 11:57 AM
Hello Folks.

What do people use to connect their ODB-II port to an iPhone to run code scanning apps? I found some apps, and some expensive wi-fi and bluetooth dongles, but wanted to get some feedback here. I would prefer to use an inexpensive cable.

prerunner1982
01-16-2015, 12:02 PM
Mudderoy runs an OBDII dongle he got off ebay or amazon and the torque app.
There is a thread around here, will find it for ya.


EDIT: here ya go. http://www.xjtalk.com/showthread.php?t=11044&highlight=OBDII+bluetooth


Here is one that appears to be similar to the one Tony (Mudderoy) uses, for $10.75.
Amazon.com: Vgate Bluetooth Scan Tool OBD2 OBDII Scanner for TORQUE APP ANDROID: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AgFyg-awL.@@AMEPARAM@@51AgFyg-awL

packmule1911
01-16-2015, 12:11 PM
Thanks!

I figure it would good to have when I am shopping for my teenager's first car, as well as for me fixing mine.

NW99XJ
01-16-2015, 12:16 PM
These bluetooth OBDII dongles are available on Ebay for less than $10
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTAwWDUwMA==/z/QFEAAOxygLxSZMub/$(KGrHqF,!n0FJLrZGF(TBSZMubI(V!~~60_12.JPG

And i think the App to run with this is free. (or maybe they have a free option - as this one is $4.95)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque&hl=en

I have only heard of these working on Android devices, so i cant speak on the apple/IOS side of things....
But what I CAN tell you is that you can get a super cheap android tablet for less than $40, (http://www.lightinthebox.com/a13-7-inch-android-4-1-touch-screen-tablet-wifi-1-2ghz-3d-ram-512mb-rom-4g-blue_p854216.html?currency=USD&litb_from=paid_adwords_shopping&gclid=CJeF26KPmcMCFRUcaQod8joAIA)
http://litbimg2.rightinthebox.com/images/384x384/201311/mltsqn1384136486118.jpg
....and with another $10 investment, have a dedicated real time OBDII display for the vehicle.

abebehrmann
01-16-2015, 12:54 PM
Whoa, thanks for sharing about the Android Tablet NW99XJ. Now I can keep my iPhone and still be able to utilize the plethora of Android only apps out there.

Packmule1911- I use the wifi version of the ELM327 with my iPhone and use the OBD Fusion app. I think the app costs $4.99. I normally wouldn't pay for an app but I sprung for it after trying out a few free ones and not being able to get them to do what I wanted them to do. Only annoying part is if you leave the ELM327 plugged into your OBDII port, your phone will automatically connect to it and you won't be able to use your phone's data.

Amazon.com: Elm327 WIFI Wirless OBD2 PC Car Diagnostic Reader Scanner Scan Tool with Wireless for IPhone: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41xCWalxfLL.@@AMEPARAM@@41xCWalxfLL

Apparently it gets terrible reviews but mine works just fine.

slvmart
01-17-2015, 03:05 AM
Also use the Elm Dongle. But with Torque on Android. Works very well.

TroopThrowback
01-17-2015, 11:58 AM
I'm such a moron. Smartphone app for obd display. How did it never occur to me that this was possible. Help me out of this cave please!


Keep the Faith!
Throwbacks MC
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=159697770713381

downsy
01-19-2015, 02:19 PM
Keep in mind if you want to use it with an iDevice I think it has to be apple certified bluetooth to work. IIRC>

abebehrmann
01-19-2015, 02:23 PM
Keep in mind if you want to use it with an iDevice I think it has to be apple certified bluetooth to work. IIRC>


Yeah, when I was buying one a little over a year ago the only iPhone compatible ones were wifi instead of Bluetooth. Not sure if they have come out with Apple Bluetooth ones yet or not.

packmule1911
01-27-2015, 09:51 PM
The ELM327 wi-fi unit arrived today. It came bundled with DashCommand, and it works pretty well. I was blessed with a heat soak event to capture codes from, and the system grabbed them just fine on my iPhone 4S.

packmule1911
01-28-2015, 04:02 PM
Wanted to add that if you buy one of these ELM327 wi-fi units off of eBay, it may very well come from another country and had a mini-CD in the package. The mini-CD has pirated software on it. I spoke to the author of DashCommand and THEIR software is on Google Play or iTunes. I went ahead and bought the real deal software.

It works well. I don't know what half of the data actually means, but it's fun anyway, and cheap fun too.

XJ Wheeler
01-28-2015, 05:10 PM
Wanted to add that if you buy one of these ELM327 wi-fi units off of eBay, it may very well come from another country and had a mini-CD in the package. The mini-CD has pirated software on it. I spoke to the author of DashCommand and THEIR software is on Google Play or iTunes. I went ahead and bought the real deal software.

It works well. I don't know what half of the data actually means, but it's fun anyway, and cheap fun too.

Back when i was researching this i remember reading that those pirated cd's often have viruses on them so not best to use them anyway.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.