Connecting your iPhone to your car’s onboard diagnostics system (OBD-II) opens up a world of information and control. With the right OBD2 app, you can monitor performance, diagnose issues, and even customize certain vehicle settings. Car Scanner ELM OBD2 is a popular choice, offering a comprehensive suite of features for iPhone users. This review will explore its capabilities and help you determine if it’s the right OBD2 app for your needs.
Unleash the Power of Your Car’s Data with Car Scanner ELM OBD2
Car Scanner ELM OBD2 transforms your iPhone into a powerful diagnostic tool, leveraging the data from your car’s ECU. This app boasts an impressive range of functionalities, from creating custom dashboards with real-time gauges to reading and resetting fault codes.
Customizable Dashboards and In-Depth Diagnostics
One of Car Scanner’s standout features is its customizable dashboard. Tailor your view to display the gauges and charts most important to you, allowing you to monitor everything from engine RPM and coolant temperature to fuel consumption and battery voltage. The app also allows access to extended PIDs (Parameter IDs), unlocking hidden data not typically displayed by the car manufacturer.
Beyond monitoring, Car Scanner ELM OBD2 acts as a comprehensive diagnostic scanner. It reads and resets DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) fault codes, providing descriptions from a vast database to help you understand the issue. Accessing freeze-frame data, capturing the sensor state when a DTC is saved, allows for more in-depth analysis.
Emission Readiness, Performance Testing, and More
Car Scanner helps ensure your vehicle is prepared for emissions tests by checking readiness status. View all sensor readings on a single screen for a comprehensive overview of your car’s health. The app also provides accurate acceleration measurements (0-60, 0-100, etc.), turning your iPhone into a performance testing device. Fuel consumption statistics are also tracked, helping you monitor and improve fuel efficiency.
Advanced Features for Specific Vehicle Makes
Car Scanner ELM OBD2 includes specialized connection profiles enhancing functionality for various car manufacturers, including Toyota, Mitsubishi, GM, Opel, Vauxhall, Chevrolet, Nissan, Infiniti, Renault, Dacia, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat, and BMW. For VAG group vehicles (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat) built on MQB and PQ26 platforms, the app even unlocks encoding functionalities, allowing you to adjust hidden car parameters. A heads-up display (HUD) mode projects data onto your windshield for easy viewing while driving.
Choosing the Right OBD2 Adapter
This app requires a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 4.0 (Bluetooth LE) compatible OBD2 ELM327 adapter. Recommended brands include Kiwi 3, Viecar, V-Gate, Carista, LELink, and Veepeak. Avoid cheap generic ELM327 adapters, especially those marked as v2.1, as they often have connectivity issues and can negatively impact vehicle performance.
Unlock the Full Potential of Car Scanner ELM OBD2
Car Scanner ELM OBD2 offers a wide range of features for free, but unlocking the full functionality requires a one-time purchase or a subscription. While the free version provides a taste of its capabilities, the paid version truly unlocks the app’s potential.
