For car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics, understanding what’s happening under the hood is crucial. OBD2 Bluetooth scanners have emerged as a popular and affordable tool for accessing your vehicle’s diagnostic information right from your laptop or phone. In this Obd2 Bluetooth Review, we delve into the ELM327 OBD2 Bluetooth adapter and TouchScan software to see if they live up to the hype as a valuable diagnostic solution.
The ELM327 scanner often comes bundled with basic software on a CD. One example is ScanTool.net for Windows v1.13, which, while free and functional, offers a rather rudimentary experience. With it, you can perform essential tasks like scanning and clearing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), turning off the check engine light, and viewing basic sensor data. However, the interface is quite basic and lacks advanced features.
While the included software gets you started, exploring other options quickly reveals the limitations of basic programs. This is where software like TouchScan from ScanTool.net LLC comes into play. TouchScan offers a significant upgrade in functionality and user experience. A fully functional demo version is available for download, allowing for a 14-day trial period to thoroughly evaluate its capabilities.
TouchScan goes beyond basic code reading and clearing. It provides access to a wealth of vehicle data, including a multitude of live sensor readings, real-time statistics, freeze frame data, and comprehensive vehicle information. One of its standout features is a customizable dashboard mode, allowing users to display the gauges and parameters most relevant to their needs. For in-depth diagnostics and performance analysis, the ability to record test drives and play them back in real-time is a game-changer.
Setting up TouchScan with the ELM327 Bluetooth adapter is straightforward. Upon launching the software, the setup screen appears, offering an “AutoDetect” function. Clicking this initiates a scan of all COM ports to locate the scanner. The software then cycles through various baud rates and OBD2 protocols to establish a connection. In this example, the scanner was found on COM5, connecting at 115200 baud using the ISO 15765-4 CAN 11 bit protocol, the communication language used by the vehicle (a RAV4 in this case). Once AutoDetect is complete, clicking “Connect” should turn the interface and ECU indicators green, signifying a successful connection.
With the connection established, the dashboard feature in TouchScan comes alive. Users can instantly monitor real-time engine parameters. Giving the accelerator pedal a push will bring the gauges to life, displaying live data updates, perfect for monitoring engine performance and sensor readings on the fly.
The dashboard’s customizability is a major advantage. Users can tailor the display to show specific gauges and data points they want to monitor, creating personalized layouts for various diagnostic needs.
To test the diagnostic code reading capability, a common scenario was simulated: unplugging the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. Upon starting the engine, the immediate stall and subsequent illumination of the Check Engine Light (CEL), along with the TRAC and VSC lights, indicated stored trouble codes in the ECU.
After reconnecting the MAF sensor, the warning lights remained on, confirming the codes were stored. Switching to the Diagnostics section in TouchScan revealed the stored codes: P0102 (Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input) and P0113 (Intake Air Temperature Circuit High Input).
Further investigation into the Freeze Frame Data provided a snapshot of the vehicle’s condition at the moment the code was triggered. In this case, the data showed a cold engine (118°F) and the code being set immediately after starting the engine (0 seconds). This level of detail is invaluable for diagnosing intermittent issues or understanding the conditions under which a fault occurred.
Clearing the trouble codes using TouchScan was a simple click, and the warning lights promptly extinguished, returning the system to normal.
However, the Record function truly sets TouchScan apart. Initiating a recording before a test drive captures a comprehensive log of vehicle data throughout the drive.
After a test drive, stopping the recording provides a detailed “black box” style log of the vehicle’s behavior. Disconnecting the Bluetooth adapter and reviewing the recorded data within TouchScan allows for in-depth post-drive analysis.
During playback, users can switch between different screens and observe gauge and sensor data changes as if the test drive were happening in real-time. This capability offers a powerful way to diagnose complex issues or analyze vehicle performance under various driving conditions.
Beyond the dashboard, diagnostics, and recording features, TouchScan offers a range of information screens providing access to various vehicle parameters and system data.
A practical tip for TouchScan users: always disconnect within the software before closing the program. Going to Setup and clicking “Disconnect” releases the COM port, preventing connection issues in subsequent sessions.
In conclusion, for an affordable and effective obd2 bluetooth review, the ELM327 OBD2 Bluetooth adapter combined with TouchScan software proves to be a highly recommended setup. While the basic software included with ELM327 offers limited functionality, TouchScan unlocks the full potential of the adapter, providing comprehensive diagnostic capabilities, real-time data monitoring, and advanced features like data recording. For a reasonable price of around $24.95 for the full version of TouchScan, this combination offers significant value for DIY mechanics and car owners looking to take control of their vehicle diagnostics and troubleshooting. If you are seeking an inexpensive yet powerful way to read diagnostic codes and assist in resolving engine problems, this obd2 bluetooth review suggests this setup is well worth the investment.
