Many drivers are looking for ways to improve their car’s fuel efficiency and performance. Devices like Eco OBD2 promise to deliver just that, plugging directly into your car’s OBD2 port and supposedly optimizing engine control unit (ECU) settings. If you’ve installed an Eco OBD2 device and noticed a blinking light, you might be wondering if this is normal and if the device is actually working.
One user experienced this exact issue with their 2012 Dodge Ram 4.7L V8, asking, “When I hooked up the ecoobd2 to my truck it blinks all the time, is it supposed to blink?” The short answer from a seasoned mechanic is quite revealing, and it might not be what you hoped to hear.
According to expert mechanic Steve W., “That is all it does is blink a light, remove it and put a tag on it reminding you not to use it.” This blunt response immediately raises red flags about the true functionality of these devices. Steve W. further advises watching videos that delve deeper into why Eco OBD2 and similar gadgets are essentially scams. He provides links to YouTube videos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgXwfBTKLGU, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axow7KnBtaM, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytwlDVaFbec) which likely demonstrate the lack of real technology inside and expose their deceptive marketing tactics.
The blinking light on an Eco OBD2 device appears to be nothing more than a gimmick, designed to give users a false sense of activity and effectiveness. These devices generally lack the sophisticated programming and genuine connection to your car’s ECU required to actually alter engine performance or fuel consumption in any meaningful way. Instead of delivering promised improvements, they often just drain power and offer no tangible benefits.
If your Eco OBD2 device is flashing constantly, it’s highly advisable to heed the mechanic’s advice: remove it from your vehicle. Focus on proven methods for improving fuel efficiency and maintaining your car’s performance, such as regular maintenance, proper tire inflation, and mindful driving habits, rather than relying on questionable plug-in devices that are more likely to blink lights than deliver real results.