For Chrysler owners looking to delve into DIY car diagnostics, selecting the right OBD2 scanner is crucial. The OBDLink MX+ is a popular choice, but its price tag can be daunting. The OBDLink EX, marketed for Ford vehicles, presents a more budget-friendly alternative. This article explores whether the cabled OBDLink EX, when paired with software like AlfaOBD, can offer functionally equivalent capabilities to the Bluetooth-enabled MX+ for Chrysler vehicles, specifically addressing the needs of Chrysler “Chrysler Obd2” system access.
Initially, the compatibility of the OBDLink EX with Chrysler vehicles might seem unclear. Promotions often highlight its Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, and Mercury focus. However, resources like the AlfaOBD website suggest that both the EX and MX+ are recommended for Chrysler vehicles due to their support for the MS-CAN interfaces commonly used in these cars. The expectation is that the EX, used with Android scanning apps such as AlfaOBD or the OBDLink app, should provide robust support for Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid diagnostics.
Practical considerations also come into play. The OBD connector location in vehicles like the Pacifica can make using a cabled adapter like the EX somewhat inconvenient. The adapter’s protrusion might pose a risk of damage when entering or exiting the vehicle. The compact MX+ design naturally mitigates this issue.
Despite these concerns, the OBDLink EX can be a viable option, especially for budget-conscious users. One user’s experience highlights this point: after finding a discount, the EX was purchased and tested. While the initial setup with OBDWiz on a Windows PC required manual driver installation and some troubleshooting, the EX ultimately functioned. However, the OBDLink Android app initially failed to recognize the EX cable, leading to a support request.
The journey wasn’t entirely smooth. The OBDLink Android app compatibility issue with the latest EX cable revision 2.2 required attention from OBDLink support. Fortunately, their responsive support team addressed the problem swiftly. An update to the OBDLink app resolved the incompatibility, confirming that the OBDLink EX cable does indeed work with Android phones for Chrysler “chrysler obd2” diagnostics. While AlfaOBD testing remained pending due to vehicle repairs, the successful use with the OBDLink app indicated a positive outcome.
In conclusion, while the OBDLink MX+ offers a more seamless, Bluetooth-enabled experience and a lower profile connection, the OBDLink EX, especially at a discounted price, presents a functional and cost-effective alternative for Chrysler “chrysler obd2” system diagnostics. With software like AlfaOBD and the OBDLink app, and a bit of initial setup patience, the EX proves to be a capable tool for Chrysler vehicle owners willing to use a cabled connection. The user experience demonstrates that despite initial bumps, the OBDLink EX can successfully interface with Chrysler vehicles, providing valuable diagnostic capabilities.
