OBD2 Scan tool - Recommendation?

[dixoncj]

Considering a bluetooth module that I can use with my iphone. Anyone have any suggs for this or a more standard one? The port is under the steering column in my 03 EVC so it'd need to be fairly low profile.

[jjvincent]

I suggest moving the OBD2 port if you are going to run that unit all of the time. I have already seen one port get broke because it's almost impossible to not hit it with your leg.

[d-9]

These ones are pretty slimline, I've used one with android in my car and they dont take up much space:

https://www.amazon.com/iSaddle-Bluetooth-CAN-BUS-D...rds=elm237

Worth checking compatibility with both your eurovan and your phone thou, dont think the early eurovans were odb2.

[dixoncj]

[jjvincent]

Just remember to do your research on those bluetooth OBD2 things. Many are fake and end up not working as well as you think they should. A friend of mine bought one and it wouldn't work on his Golf. I tried it on my EV and Jetta and it didn't work at all. Yet it worked on my Fiat and my neighbors Surburban. I know he found out it was fake because he took it apart and found some site that showed the differences. So it was $10 down the drain and a week of frustration.

[d-9]

[dixoncj]

[jjvincent]

All cars sold in the US from 1996 are OBD2 compatible. It's required by law. One of the main reasons why many European cars were last sold here in 1995 was because they were going to have to be OBD2 compatible and the manufacturer did not want to go through with that. Pretty much why many cars were stopped being sold here in 1994 because passenger side airbags were required.

The thing is, there are some different standards for OBD2 protocol and some of the bluetooth readers do not support them all, thus the reason why the cheap ones can become a problem for some cars.

[Abscate]

Happy with my AUTEL 800 series. Its paid for itself charging old ladies $25 per scan, the $50 to clear codes I put in.

I charge double if your name rhymes with 'kills' and you live in CT
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[d-9]

[jjvincent]

My guess is whatever VW was sold here in the US that was sold in Europe, got OBD2 first. Then it just trickled down afterwards.

[d-9]

[Double0_Van]

Has anyone used OBDeleven, as an alternative to VAG-Com ?
Saw a link to it yesterday from a VW tech, hadn't heard of it before.
https://deutscheautoparts.com/vw-audi-scan-tool-obdeleven.html

[Abscate]

Is OBD Eleven someone who didn't have Roman Numerals in school or is it a real thing?
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[Double0_Van]

[Zeddy]

May wish to consider a ScanGuage II

http://www.scangauge.com/products/scangaugeii

As well as OBD II codes, can use it also as to run as extra useful gauges when running car down the road, notably engine temperature, and transmission temperature.

For the transmission temperature you just need to type in a code once only to add it into the device for Eurovan, then can use it forever thereafter without having to re-enter programming code.

[markcm2]

I may have missed it in a previous post but...

Be aware that in my experience iOS must use a WiFi version of the OBD2 dongle because Apple doesn't allow access to the bluetooth stack; unless you are jailbroke in which there is an app from cydia which will enable the use ob BT OBD2.

Android works with both BT and WiFi.

I have bought a few BT and WiFi adapters from amazon for about $15 or less and used Prime so if there were any quality issues I'd have an easy return although all 3 units I've purchased work great.

Another suggestion, you might want to look for a unit with power standby, the ones I got were active at all times due to the OBD port always being energized. I haven't had any power draw issues but I'd feel better if the dongle would sense the vehicle is off and go into standby.

I use Dash Command for my iOS devices and Torque on my Android; both are great app's although I prefer Torque. These are amazing app's, granted VAGCOM can do a few things these cant and I wouldn't go without VAGCOM but when it comes to basic troubleshooting I've found these low cost adapters are easier to use than VACCOM. For example, diagnosing a bad MAF, datalogging a few pulls... very easy. Setting up virtual gauge panels, not even possible in VAGCOM.

[mkscott2]

Is anyone successfully using the Torque app to monitor their transmission temp in real-time? Or are we better off sticking with the more costly Scanguage? Just trying to consider all of my options here.

[eurovank]

I pulled the main OBDII port inside, and plugged a Y-splitter to it - https://www.amazon.com/Docooler-16Pin-Splitter-Extension-Female/dp/B000TMCX72

One end of the Y splitter I placed back where the original spot was for my scan gauge, the other end I left inside and connected a bluetooth module for use with TorquePro on Android.

[mkscott2]

eurovank- cool idea! Does that mean that you are able to pit the Scanguage against the TorquePro? Are you able to pull transmission temp on the TorquePro app?