Bluetooth OBD II scanner on ELM 327 version 1.5 - universal for foreign and domestic cars

At the end of the 20th century, most car engines were already controlled using an electronic unit. The engine operation process began to be controlled by the ECU. There are much fewer mechanical parts, and the engines themselves have become more reliable and unpretentious. The control unit fully sees the entire operation of the internal combustion engine and monitors it; the slightest error in operation or failure of one of the sensors will be noted in the ECU error log.

To read these errors, a special diagnostic connector was installed. It is to this connector that the scanner is connected and the engine error log is viewed. In this article we will talk about the diagnostic connector of the Lada Priora and scanners that are suitable for reading engine errors.

Priora connector

The main diagnostic connectors are OBD connectors. On earlier VAZ models, such as 2110, the OBD-1 connector was used. Currently, the most popular connector, which is used in all modern Lada models - OBD-2, has also been abandoned.

This diagnostic block in the Priora is located behind the glove box compartment; the scanner is connected to it.

Diagnostics

Priora diagnostics can be carried out at any service station. This allows you to identify problems with the engine, namely the culprit of the problem. It will help save money, time and effort to find the cause yourself or at random.

Such engine scanning at a service station is carried out with an expensive and advanced scanner, which is quite expensive. Checking the Priora ECU for errors in a specialized service will cost from 1000 rubles and more.

Diagnostics with ELM-327 scanner

Thanks to Chinese engineers, car diagnostics have become much easier and cheaper. Not long ago, a universal internal combustion engine scanner appeared on Chinese websites, which is suitable for almost all cars with OBD-2 connectors.

The ELM 327 scanner on the AliExpress website costs from 5 to 10 dollars, depending on the version.

This gadget is divided into two types and you should pay special attention to this when purchasing. ELM 327 works with our domestic cars only on version 1.5. Therefore, you need to purchase an ELM-327 v1.5 scanner. If you purchase version 2.1, then work with domestic cars is not guaranteed.

It should also be noted that this scanner only works in conjunction with a smartphone. If you have an Android smartphone, then you just need to buy a scanner with Bluetooth only.

If your smartphone is based on iOS, then you need to purchase a scanner with a Wi-Fi module, since Apple smartphones do not allow connecting third-party devices via Bluetooth.

Diagnostic application

There are several really useful applications that can be used to perform high-quality car diagnostics.

OpenDiag Mobile

It is the main and most useful application for diagnosing domestic cars. This application is designed specifically for Russian-made cars.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros:

• Decoding of all errors and a detailed description of the malfunction;
• Online engine monitoring;
• View misfires;
• Recording LOGs;
• Forced activation of fans and much more;

Minuses:

• Absence in the AppStore, that is, it is not suitable for iOS;
• Some ECUs are chargeable;

Car scanner ELM OBD2

Although this application was not tailored for domestic cars, it works very well with them. It is an alternative to open diagnostic for iOS.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros:

• Free application;
• A large number of different functions;
• Online engine monitoring;

Minuses:

An example of diagnostics using the ELM327 scanner

• Below is an example of diagnosing a car with a scanner from AliExpress on version 1.5 using an Android phone and the OpenDiag application on a Lada Priora.
• All manipulations with scanning the ECU must be carried out with the engine running or with the ignition on.

1. We connect the scanner to the OBD-2 connector and wait until the indicators blink.

Next, go to Settings/Bluetooth on your phone. There we find OBD II and pair it with it. When pairing, the device will ask for a password code - 1234 , this code is the same for all scanners.

The next step is to go to the OpenDiag application. Click on the menu button, select the connection type and check the Bluetooth ELM box.

Next, click on the button in the upper right corner and select our device, in this case OBD II. After this the connection will occur.

The connection process is complete, then you can speed up the application itself and familiarize yourself with its functions.

Video diagnostics with ELM scanner

We hope our article was useful to you.

Connection

Connection to the ELM327 adapter, as we said earlier, is performed exclusively via the Bluetooth protocol. Therefore, you should enable the use of the appropriate protocol on your portable device. Synchronization between the adapter and smartphone/tablet occurs automatically.

If you encounter a problem: Where can I download the program for the ELM 327 adapter for Android? Then we will help you solve this problem.

On our website you can find information about which ELM327 program for Android you need to download, and in the near future our website will have its own section where you can download programs for the ELM 327 adapter absolutely free of charge without registration.

So, if you have at your disposal a tablet PC or smartphone based on the Android operating system, then to fully diagnose your car using the ELM 327 diagnostic adapter you should use only a few programs.

Scanner ELM327 for VAZ-2107i. Review

For owners of AvtoVAZ fuel-injected cars, there is often a need for diagnostics - all of a sudden, the “Check engine” lamp may come on or problems with the engine may appear.

It will be very expensive to go to the service center for the slightest reason, so it is more advisable to purchase a simple Chinese car scanner for self-diagnosis.

For myself, after reading reviews on Aliexpress, I chose the USB version of the ELM327 adapter version 1.5 with the FTDI FT232RL chip.

• Declared technical characteristics:
• Designed for almost all passenger cars from 1996 to the present: Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Citroen, Daewoo, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Renault, Saab, Ssang Yong, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo, and other brands after modification.
• Supports the following OBDII protocols: ISO15765-4 (CAN)
• ISO14230-4 (KWP2000)
• ISO9141-2
• J1850 VPW
• J1850 PWM Outgoing protocol: RS232
• Baud rate: 9600; 38400
• Operating voltage: 12V
• Built-in protection against overload and voltage surges.

Rated current: 45 mA
Dimensions 2.5*8.8*4.6 cm
The kit includes the adapter itself and a disk with drivers and programs.

The data on the sticker coincides with the declared characteristics, everything is assembled very high quality, does not creak, the plastic is hard, the cable is soft, about 1 m long.

When connected to the laptop, the drivers were downloaded automatically from the Internet, so the disk was not needed. From the Internet we download and install any free diagnostic program, for example, OpenDiagFree 1.4, released specifically for VAZ cars.

We connect the adapter to the diagnostic connector - in the "classic" it is located under the glove compartment, and the cord to the laptop - the LED lights up.

Don't forget to turn on the ignition on the car so that power is supplied to the ECU controller.

Open the program and see a window with a choice of adapter type.

Select “ELM327 Adapter” and click “OK”. The main window of the program opens. Check the box “Define additional equipment” and click the “Define equipment” tab.

The initial reading of data from the ECU will start, the LEDs on the adapter will begin to wink, which means the connection has been configured.

As we can see, after scanning the configuration, the program identified the car brand Lada 1.6 liter, 8-valve; engine control unit January 7.2 EURO2 from AVTEL, its serial number and firmware version. No additional equipment was found, and the VAZ-2107 does not have it as such.

Now let’s follow the arrow “Go to unit diagnostics”. The main working window will appear with parameters and graphs displayed in real time.

Except for a couple of readings, everything is zero, since the engine is still turned off.

In the lower left corner we see the engine temperature reading 88 °C - not yet cooled down. Now let’s go to the “Errors” tab, there we see only one: “Error 1602 - loss of onboard voltage in the controller.” Usually appears when removing the terminals from the battery with the ignition on.

Click on “Reset errors” and start the engine - the program will begin to give readings of the sensors.

Idle speed is 800-860, “floating” a little. Let's increase the speed by pressing the accelerator pedal.

As we can see, the readings change, the graph curves are displayed. You can also go through other tabs.

No more errors appeared, the scanner works perfectly.

I ordered it here.

How to order.

UPD. Sometimes the scanner cannot connect to the ECU port, the immobilizer or alarm may be triggered, try turning the ignition and alarm on and off, and repeat the connection.

UPD2. Review of the Bluetooth version of the ELM327 adapter.

Subscribe to the blog! Good luck on the roads!

Reading and resetting the ECM

The main purpose of the ELM327 VAZ program is to read ECM errors (DTC). The version current at the time of writing this review works with Bosch 1.5.4, JAN 7.2 and JAN 5 blocks. In principle, it can be tested with other block models, but the accuracy of the results obtained is not guaranteed.

In addition to reading ECM errors, the application also allows you to reset them. This is done literally in one “tap”. ELM327 VAZ does not store a history of reset errors.

What is the ELM327 scanner and how to use it

The designation ELM327 is well known to many car owners. This is a scanner or adapter that connects to the car’s on-board computer via the OBD-II connector. A useful device is used to diagnose faults, read performance indicators and reset ECU (electronic control unit) errors.

Scanner ELM327 / aliexpress.com

The scanner got its name from the microcontroller, which is a kind of connecting link between the car’s diagnostic bus and a computer or smartphone. This chip, developed by a Canadian company, fell into the hands of Chinese electronics manufacturers, who jumped at the chance to copy it.

What does the ELM327 scanner do?

The functionality of the ELM327 is quite extensive. But it largely depends on the support of certain capabilities by the specific version of the adapter, the ECU of the machine itself, as well as the software that is used for diagnostics.

In addition to reading, decoding and clearing diagnostic error codes, the scanner can display in real time engine speed and vehicle speed, the temperature of all fluids, current fuel and air consumption, throttle position, pressure in the fuel system and much more.

In some cars, using the ELM327 adapter, you can unlock and reconfigure automatic locking and folding of mirrors, gas pedal responsiveness, and dashboard data.

How to choose ELM327

Due to the many clones of different quality, there is a risk of running into a device with reduced functionality that will not work correctly or will not start at all. There are three important things to consider when purchasing.

Connection type

There are several versions of ELM327 with different connection interfaces. The most common are adapters with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and USB. They differ not only in connectivity, but also in compatibility with smartphones and computers. Otherwise the functions are identical.

• Bluetooth are the cheapest scanners that work only with Android smartphones.
• Wi-Fi - more expensive versions, compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers.
• USB is slightly cheaper than Wi-Fi scanners. They work only with computers, but they are distinguished by reliable communication.

Firmware version

The adapter software is constantly updated. On the original ELM327, the current version is already 2.2. Chinese clones are sold with firmware 1.5 and 2.1. Oddly enough, the newer version is worse.

The chip that came to the Chinese had firmware version 1.5. All clones with this firmware have the original ELM327 software. Later, copies of scanners version 2.1 appeared. The latter is just a modified firmware 1.5, and not for the better - to reduce the cost of production, the Chinese have removed many communication protocols. In addition, there are regular adapters with version 1.5, which are sold under the guise of 2.1.

In fact, three variants of ELM327 clones are currently available for sale:

• ELM327 1.5 - old but original firmware;
• ELM327 2.1 - stripped-down original firmware disguised as newer one;
• ELM327 2.1 - original firmware disguised as new, but without changes.

Obviously, it is worth buying an adapter with the original firmware version 1.5. For example, here is one of the trusted sellers from whom you can buy an inexpensive Bluetooth version of the ELM327.

Car diagnostic connector type

For some cars, especially before 2000 and domestic ones, the diagnostic connector has connectors of other standards. It is not possible to connect a scanner directly to them. For such cases, special adapters are used: on one side they have a compatible connector for a specific car model, and on the other, a standard OBD-II.

On the left is the adapter VAG 2×2 - OBD-II (Volkswagen, Audi until 1997), on the right - GM12 - OBD-II (Daewoo, VAZ) / aliexpress.com

Proprietary pads can have different shapes and number of contacts. Therefore, before purchasing a scanner, check which connector standard is used on your car, and, if necessary, purchase the appropriate adapter.

How to check the ELM327 scanner

After purchasing the ELM327 adapter, check that it is indeed version 1.5. When ordering from AliExpress, check whether the PIC18F25K80 chip is installed in it and emphasize that you will diagnose the scanner using special software and open a dispute in case of problems.

Visual inspection

Visually identifying a quality adapter is not so easy. The opaque or dark plastic housing makes it impossible to inspect the components. Their miniature size and hard-to-read markings further complicate matters.

PIC18F25K80 chip on the scanner board / aliexpress.com

If you carefully open the case, you can look at the ELM327 boards. Carefully inspect all the parts and look for the processor code PIC18F25K80. Firmware 1.5 requires just such a chip, so its presence will be a certain guarantee of quality.

Application tester

YouTube channel Eugene Barsuk

A special application tests compatibility with diagnostic bus protocols and shows the real version of the scanner. To check, do the following.

1. Insert the ELM327 adapter into the car's diagnostic connector and turn on the ignition.
2. Open the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi settings on your smartphone and pair with the adapter (password: 0000 or 1234).
3. Install the verification application and click the “Connection” button.
4. Wait for the scan to finish and check the results.
5. Successful work with most car brands is guaranteed if the adapter supports all revisions up to 1.4 or 1.4b inclusive.

How to connect to a car

The exact setup procedure is usually described in the instructions.

Step 1: Install the diagnostic application

Various programs are used to connect to the machine's ECU. There are both free and paid versions for Android, iOS and Windows. The necessary software is often already included with the scanner itself. Install it or one of the popular applications.

Car scanner ELM327 for car diagnostics: description, functions, programs

A car scanner is a device designed to diagnose various electronic systems in a car. With the advent of car scanners, car diagnostics have become a fairly quick and simple process. Modern car scanners based on the ELM327 controller are very compact, easy to use and provide fairly accurate results.

Using the ELM327 auto scanner, you can identify and eliminate some engine problems at an early stage, which will subsequently prevent serious breakdowns and significantly save the family budget.

It is also worth noting that, unlike classical diagnostics, the ELM327 auto scanner can be used by people who do not have professional knowledge in this field. Due to its ease of use, you can find thousands of positive reviews about this device on the Internet.

Description and main characteristics of the ELM327 auto scanner

A car scanner based on the ELM327 controller is a device that is a diagnostic adapter designed to read information from a car’s electronic control unit and eliminate minor problems in its “brains”.

The ELM327 autoscanner, in particular, can help in solving the following problems:

• Reading the values ​​of engine sensors and other electronic systems of the car;
• Identification of faulty sensors and diagnostics of devices for their correct operation;
• Reading and viewing fault codes;
• Resetting errors in the computer memory (turning off the CHEK ENGINE light).

We will tell you more about the capabilities of the auto scanner below in the review of diagnostic programs.

The ELM327 auto scanner is inserted into a special diagnostic connector, which is most often hidden under the fuse box cover, in the dashboard, or under the driver’s instrument panel. The diagnostic adapter communicates with the car’s computer using the OBD-II (On Board Diagnostic) protocol, but on the Internet it can most often be found under the name OBD2.

The OBD-II standard is supported by almost all American cars manufactured since 1996, and European cars since 2001 (diesel cars since 2004). But sometimes it happens that the auto scanner does not work on cars produced before 2003 - this is due to the fact that not all automakers immediately began to implement this standard.

In order to work with the ELM327 auto scanner you will need a reader with diagnostic software installed. Such a device can be a smartphone or tablet PC running Android, a laptop, or a desktop computer. The software is usually included with the auto scanner.

Depending on the type of execution, connection of the ELM327 autoscanner with a reading device is possible through:

1. Bluetooth;
2. Wi-Fi;
3. USB cable.

Diagnostic example

Below is a diagnostic method using the ELM-327 device version 1.5 on a Lada Kalina car, through the OpenDiag program on the Android operating system.

Diagnostics must be carried out with the engine or ignition on.

We install the scanner into the diagnostic connector and wait for the lamps on the scanner to start blinking.

On your smartphone, go to settings in the Bluetooth section. In the available devices we find our scanner under the name OBD-II, connect to it. The device will ask for a password, enter the password – 1234 .

After pairing with the scanner, open the OpenDiag program and click on the menu button, there we select the required connection type, in our case it is Bluetooth.

Click on the icon in the upper corner and select scanner from the list of devices.

The connection process is completed, the application itself will automatically detect the model and version of the ECU and display errors that are stored in the block.

Car scanner ELM327 - description, instructions and reviews

pages:

1. ➡️ How the ELM327 diagnostic scanner works
2. ➡️ Scanner characteristics
3. ➡️ Review of scanner models based on ELM 327
4. ➡️ Features and functions of the ELM 327 scanner
5. ➡️ Instructions based on the example of Scan Tool Pro Bluetooth
6. ➡️ Car list and compatibility
7. ➡️ Reviews, summing up, what to buy

ELM327 Bluetooth (Wi-Fi or USB) car scanner is a device designed for scanning and diagnosing vehicle parameters , detecting faults, reading and correcting problems in the computer and engine. The device operates via a smartphone or PC. Also, such scanners monitor the condition of sensors, engine and other components interacting with the on-board computer or control unit (ECU) of the car.

Self-diagnosis has become a trend in recent years. ELM327 Bluetooth scanners for car diagnostics gained popularity in 2015-2018.

The main reason for the demand for Bluetooth adapters for car diagnostics in Russian is the cost savings on car maintenance, since such a service at a service station costs from 500 rubles to 8,000 rubles, depending on the malfunction, so the device pays for itself in 3-4 visits to a car service center.

This article provides an overview of the ELM327 Bluetooth car scanner - prices, models, manufacturers, reviews, as well as characteristics, photos and videos, describes the principle of operation of the gadget, and provides detailed instructions.

Attention:

All reviews are real, you can read them yourself on the site. Comments are also presented at the end of the article and on the official website.

About the elm327 scanner “SCAN TOOL PRO” on the DRIVE2 auto portal:

Device and diagnostics using a wireless Bluetooth auto scanner

Before you buy an ELM327 Bluetooth adapter, let’s get acquainted with the technical side of the issue and consider everything in order. What are ELM327 auto scanners? In fact, this is the name of the microcircuit. The controller was developed by the Canadian company ELMEelectronics. The internal architecture of the chip reads and converts protocol data from cars of any brand into a code that is decrypted by the program.

To read information, you need to receive it and then convert it; this is exactly why you need an OBD II controller - a “bridge” between the on-board computer/ECU of the car and the adapter ver. 1.5 ELMЗ27.

Types of ELM327 auto scanners and which one is better to buy

Before you buy an ELM327 Bluetooth, you need to know in advance its firmware number, protocol, and also what you plan to use to scan the car. If you have a smartphone on Android or iOS, then you can purchase a wireless option: the elm327 bluetooth or Wi-Fi auto scanner. If you don’t have a smartphone, it’s safer to use a USB device via a computer.

The table shows a list of modifications of diagnostic wireless adapters for cars, as well as a version with a wire. It’s not difficult to navigate the OBD II ELM 327 adapter models; the names speak for themselves.

No. Models of the diagnostic auto scanner ELM327 Functions of the diagnostic auto scanner ELM327 Bluetooth Data transfer List of cars By protocol Scanner firmware

It is important to know:

Firmware version 2.1 is a modification of the microcircuit version 1.5, but it was not made by the developer, so for error-free compatibility, it is recommended to buy a scanner version 1.5.

Autodiagnostics and review of modern Scan Tool Pro scanners in Russian

In the Russian market of equipment for car diagnostics, elm327 Bluetooth scanners have become very popular: Scan Tool Pro, Smart Scan Tool, Roadgid S6 Pro, Vgate.

The models are translated into Russian, as is the software for them. The diagnostic scanner is based on the ELM-327 chip, and the data is transmitted via the OBD2 protocol.

Models are sold with Bluetooth or Wi-fi support.

Before you buy a scanner for car diagnostics, Scan Tool Pro, read a detailed review of the device on our portal, or follow the link to the official website to order and check compatibility.