Elm 327 bluetooth works. Autoscanner ELM327: reviews, specifications, instructions and features. Where to buy and what is the price

ELM327 Bluetooth (Wi-Fi or USB) auto scanner Is a device designed for scanning and diagnosing car parameters, detecting a malfunction, reading and correcting problems with a computer, engine. The device works via a smartphone or PC. Also, such scanners monitor the status of sensors, engine and other units interacting with the on-board computer or control unit (ECU) of the car.

Self-diagnosis has become a trend in recent years. Its popularity ELM327 Bluetooth scanners received for car diagnostics in 2015-2018. The main reason for the demand for adapters for diagnosing cars in Russian is saving the cost of maintaining the car, since such a service at a service station costs from 500 rubles to 8000 rubles, depending on the malfunction, so the device pays for itself in 3-4 visits to the car service.

This article provides an overview of the ELM327 Bluetooth autoscanner - prices, models, manufacturers, reviews, as well as characteristics, photos and videos, describes how the gadget works, and gives detailed instructions.

Device and diagnostics using a wireless Bluetooth autoscanner

Before you buy an ELM327 Bluetooth adapter, let's get acquainted with the technical side of the issue, consider everything in order. What are ELM327 auto scanners? This is actually the name of the microcircuit. The controller was developed by the Canadian company ELMElectronics. The internal architecture of the chip reads and converts data using the protocol of any car brand into a code that is decrypted by the program.
To read the information, you need to get it, and then convert it, just for this you need an OBD II controller - a "bridge" between the on-board computer / car ECU and adapter ver. 1.5 ELMЗ27.

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

Before you buy ELM327 Bluetooth, you need to know in advance its firmware number, protocol, as well as through what you plan to scan the car. If you have a smartphone on Android or iOS, then you can purchase a wireless option: the elm327 bluetooth autoscanner or Wi-Fi. If you don't have a smartphone, it's safer to work USB device through a computer.

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

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, therefore, for compatibility, work without errors it is recommended to buy the scanner version 1.5.

Autodiagnostics and review of modern scanners Scan Tool Pro in Russian

On russian market elm327 Bluetooth autoscanners have gained great popularity: Scan Tool Pro, Smart Scan Tool, Roadgid S6 Pro, Vgate . The models are translated into Russian, as well as the software for them. The diagnostic scanner was based on the ELM-327 microcircuit, and the data is transmitted via the OBD2 protocol. Models are sold with Bluetooth or Wi-fi support.

Before you buy Scan Tool Pro Car Diagnostic Scanner, please read detailed review devices on our portal, or follow the link to the official website to order and check compatibility.

ELM 327 OBD 2 Scan Tool Pro features and diagnostic instructions

ELM327 functionality and a list of checked parameters:

1. Resetting on-board computer errors such as Check Engine.
2. Reading trouble codes from sensors in the engine, other components, electronics;
3. Deciphering indicators, errors, displaying them on the receiver device (phone, PC);
4. Output of data and errors on the state of the car in real time:

Scan Tool Pro manual and program descriptions (Torque, Auto Doctor, OpenDiag)

The procedure for performing diagnostics via ELM327 version 1.5:

1. First, find the OBD 2 16 pin connector on your car (under the dashboard at the steering wheel);
2. Turn on the ignition at the car, then connect the gadget, wait until the connection is made, the green signal will light up;

Advice:

Before buying a scanner, check the connector that is standard with 16 outputs. In the event that you have a different connection, then buy an adapter, as in the photo (from 22 pin to 16 pin). These adapters are sold in the official online store link , also ask the operators for accessories.

1. Now we proceed based on the model of your adapter:

3.1 If you bought a scanner with Bluetooth, then turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone, check the nearest devices. A device named "Scan Tool Pro" or "OBD2 ELM327" will appear in the list. Choose a scanner from the list and connect, it takes 10-30 seconds.

3.2 If you have selected and bought a scanner with Wi-Fi, then turn on Wi-Fi on your smartphone, search for nearby networks, a scanner with the name “Scan Tool Pro” or Smart Scan Tool will appear in the list. Such an adapter works on the principle of a Wi-Fi router, so choose this network and connect.

3.3 Besides wireless models, you can buy ELM327 scanners wired. The scanner is connected via uSB wirethat comes with the kit. The wired gadget works only through the PC on which the application is installed. A disk with drivers in Russian is also supplied with an autoscanner.

1. The next step is to launch the application and recognize the vehicle's ECU and sensors. When diagnostics are performed via a smartphone (iOS, Android or Windows), you will need to download a special application on Google play or Apple Store, namely Torque, Auto Doctor OBDII or Mobile OpenDiag. Applications are provided free of charge, in Russian. For PC use Auto Doctor OBD. Examples of applications in Russian are given below.

Torque application and types of programs in Russian

For a list of programs, as well as a description, read the detailed review article about Scan Tool Pro. Before buying an auto scanner with Bluetooth or other modifications, download the application and make sure that it works on your smartphone without errors.

Mobile OpenDiag application and parameter list in Russian

1. Interface software (Torque, Auto Doctor OBDII or OpenDiag) simple and straightforward, translated into Russian. After starting the program, in case correct connection scanner to the OBD connector, the application will notify you when it is ready to start work.
2. Further actions depend on installed application, since their functionality and interface are different.

• Scan for errors, fix them.
• Look at the current technical condition of the car by reading the autoscanner data from the sensors.
• Supports the work and monitoring of indicators in real time.
• Tracking the state of the working units of the car, sensors: temperature, voltage, speed, etc.
• The device is equipped with the function of saving and printing reports.

List of supported cars and checking the autoscanner for compatibility

Adapter ELM 327 OBD 2 Bluetоth Russian version - supports all cars with OBD controller. The data transmission architecture is built according to the OBDII protocol; it has been used since 1996 in the European automobile industry, and in Russia since 2001. Incompatibility is possible only with connectors, as mentioned earlier, but in this case, adapters are used.

List of supported ECUs (not complete):

• BOSCH M 1.5.4 R83
• BOSCH M 1.5.4 E2
• BOSCH MP 7.0 E3
• BOSCH MP 7.0 E2
• BOSCH M 7.9.7 E3 / E4
• BOSCH M 7.9.7 E2
• BOSCH ME 17.9.7
• January R83
• January E2
• January 7.2 E2
• Itelma VS 5.1 E2
• Itelma VS 5.1 R83
• Itelma / Avtel M73 E3
• Itelma M 74
• Itelma M 74 K (Classic)
• Itelma M 74 CAN
• Itelma M 74 CAN MAP
• Itelma M 75

GAZ / UAZ:

• Mikas VS 8 E2
• Mikas 11 E2

• Mikas 10.3 / 11.3
• Mikas 7.6

The list of brands supported by the universal autoscanner for diagnosis: Mazda, Toyota, Lincoln, Ford, Lexus, Honda, BMW, Mercedes, Chrysler, Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet, Renault, Lada, VAZ, Kia, Hyundai, Deawoo, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Audi, Peugeot, Chevrolet, Opel, Mazda, Volvo, Nissan (also Pathfinder 2000), BMW. An expanded list is presented below or follow the link to the official website to order and check compatibility.

I have been asked for a long time now on a diagnostic scanner called ELM327. It has become widespread in our country thanks to the "Chinese comrades" who are now producing (horseradish) its counterparts in their factories (which they say tirelessly). Today we will figure out what it is, why it is needed, how to use it, and, actually, what benefit it can bring to an ordinary driver, and not a diagnostician. In general, everything is on the shelves, there will be a video version at the end ...

For me personally, the benefits of the Chinese cheap version are undeniable, however, there are several "subtleties" that I will describe later in the article that will help you choose it correctly and not run into a completely "underground product", well let's go

What it is?

ELM327 - originally this is the name of the original microcontroller. This is a diagnostic scanner that was developed (if my memory serves me right now) in Canada, by one very serious company. It is connected via the OBD2 protocol, through a special universal connector (the same in all modern cars), it can interface with. ORIGINAL is VERY expensive. Prices for various variations start from 4,500 and up to 15,000 rubles (the most expensive one I've seen equipped with a display). However, the Chinese bought this device (to put it bluntly) disassembled it, looked at the insides, made almost the same microcontrollers (according to other information, the original manufacturer assembled them in China), considered the firmware. And they began to churn out (often clandestinely), the most cheap devices.

Connections can be:

• Wired, via COM or USB port
• Wireless, either via Bluetooth or WIFI

This does not change the essence, it always works the same way. In order for you to read the information, you need to install special software, either:

• On computer
• ON tablet
• Or phone

Now it doesn't matter at all. I would like to note that professional scanners can have their own display, which will display information.

Why do you need it and what does it give you?

Any diagnostic tool is geared towards diagnosing and reading errors from your car. For example, if your CHECK ENGINE lights up, you connect this device to the connector, connect a smartphone, tablet or computer, read the error and then use the code on the Internet to find what is out of order.

By the way, he can also "extinguish" (reset) this "CHECK" on the dashboard. However, if you do not fix the problem, it will light up again after a certain time.

However, these are professional devices, but we have a "miracle from China" and it can do much more, reads speed, fuel consumption, acceleration, air temperature consumption, etc., some functions are really useful, they help me a lot (about this a little bit later).

Version 1.5 and 2.1 what's the difference?

Again, "ALI" has different versions such ELM327, some work on firmware version 1.5, others on 2.1. But to take fresh - I do not advise you!

What is the critical difference here:

Version 1.5 was completely cloned from the original scanner, that is, the participation of the Chinese is minimal here (they just ripped it off and poured it into your device). However, "IRON" is still Chinese, and the assembly is often basement. Therefore, you need to choose the right sellers, as they say "time-tested". This firmware version supports a large number of new cars, as well as old ones (over 10 years old). It works relatively reliably and stably.

Version 2.1 this is a fresh version of the firmware, embedded in the "IRON" too. However, here Chinese programmers had a hand in it, they threw out many functions that, in their opinion, are not needed. From here he does not see a large number of cars (especially those that are more than 10 years old), that is, you can buy such an ELM327, but it simply will not connect to your ECU and will not read anything. YES and stability is poor. That is why version 2.1 is selling so poorly, in fact, I do not recommend it to you.

I would like to note that professional scanners update the firmware once a year, whole teams of programmers are working on them, adding new models that appear on the markets to the database.

The process of appearance is not so fast, even new-looking cars often use old ECUs, and therefore ELM327 with "ALI" will live for a long time. The main thing is to take version 1.5.

How to use it?

I will consider the most common, the so-called ELM327 mini, blue, works via Bluetooth. It was bought by millions of owners around the world.

It is worth noting that you will have to put on your tablet, and most likely on your phone, special programs... So now step by step:

• We choose a program for a smartphone, there are actually hundreds of them on Google Play (I personally use ANDROID), I think there are also a lot of them on IPHONE. However, the TORQUE program has become widespread (it is simple and straightforward). There is a free version, the so-called "LITE", and there is a paid "PRO" (the cost is 165 rubles, but many "craftsmen" can find it for free). And in free version you will be able to reset errors, view various parameters, etc. However, the "PRO" version has a different interface and extended capabilities for reading the temperature (this parameter is very valuable to me). Actually, we put it on and then move on to setting up and connecting

• We go to the car, connect our ELM327 to the connector, activate Bluetooth on the smartphone, select our device in the settings, enter the password, on many Chinese scanners it is either "0000" or "1234". The program will blink the machine from above, as soon as it stops blinking, then the connection is established!

• Everything, continue to enjoy! You can use the built-in functions, or add your own, there is a very large list.
• Separately, I would like to note that this program needs to configure special PID sensors, without them the "program" will not see and display most of the sensors. By default, it is sewn on such cars as MERCEDES, FORD, GM, OPEL and a few more. BUT NOT ALL! To add them, go to - gear (on home page, bottom left) - setting - managing additional PIDs - adding the required set.

• However, not all PID kits are free. And for example, you need to buy it for KIA. It is also sold on GOOGLE PLAY

• There is an important function for many to read errors and reset them. You will understand which way to look and what to do (the code will give you this information).

As you can see, nothing complicated, but personally I use this scanner for one more purpose.

My practice

Personally, I believe that all owners with automatic transmissions should have such a device. Why? YES, because you can simply read the temperature readings, both from the engine and from the automatic transmission. As you know, it kills her, and it doesn't matter. Overheating should not be! The temperature should be between 90 - 100 degrees Celsius. If you have it higher, then the wear of the automatic transmission goes many times faster. And you need to do something.

Overheating can be caused by old oil clogged with a radiator from the outside, you need to rinse it at the sink, inside - again, there can be deposits from wear and tear of oil, from heavy loads, sharply "fry from a place" and keep the pace for half an hour trailer, or there is simply not enough regular radiator.

In general, if information on overheating is received, there are already thoughts where to think! And such a small device will help you with this.

Now we are watching a small video version.

TOTAL

What's the bottom line? Is Chinese ELM useful for about $ 5 ( average price) or is it trite money down the drain? In general, I think - USEFUL, 300 rubles is not such a lot of money, but the information and opportunities that it gives - REALLY COST much more (remember the automatic transmission). After all, just throwing off an error and reading its code, at the official service station it costs several times more, and even from “unofficials” you will pay from 500 rubles, per session.

Of course there are problems - not all of them work fine, the quality can be lame (sometimes wild underground China), you can run into version 2.1 ! Therefore, you need to take from normal sellers, with proven reviews and reputation, let it cost him a little more.

That's all! Read my AUTOBLOG, subscribe to updates.

If you do not diagnose the car in a timely manner, you can overlook breakdowns that can lead to extremely expensive repairs. To prevent this from happening, car owners try to periodically visit service centres... However, diagnostic services at the service station hit the wallet hard; not every person can afford such a pleasure.

Modern technologies do not stand still, and today you can find compact OBD2 Bluetooth adapters on sale. Products of this type are distinguished by their affordable cost, ease of installation and use. In this case, the device can be connected to any smartphone or tablet. Thanks to a small adapter costing no more than 1.5 thousand rubles, you can significantly save on expensive and not always high-quality services. Let's consider the main indicators of the device and methods of its adjustment in more detail.

Bluetooth adapters OBD2 ELM327

This device is a universal device, with the help of which any car owner will be able to independently make preliminary diagnostics of car systems and take timely measures to repair it.

Outwardly, the autoscanner resembles a small box slightly larger than a box of matches. It is installed in a standard connector located under the dashboard next to the steering wheel, and does not interfere in any way in the process of controlling the vehicle.

Of course, there are other models of similar devices on the market, but the most best reviews for Bluetooth OBD2 adapter ELM327. Therefore, it is worth considering in more detail the features of this particular model.

If it speaks of the legality of using such a device, then it can be safely used. However, this gadget only allows you to receive data about the condition of the car; it will not work to use them as evidence of the health or malfunction of the car.

What readings the device takes

With the wireless adapter you can:

• read standard diagnostic error codes and receive information about them with similar explanations;
• reset errors (for example, extinguish a light bulb reminding you to check the engine);
• display indicators on the smartphone screen various sensors in real time;
• get basic data about the used PBX.

What are the advantages of OBD2 Bluetooth adapter ELM327

The device has the following advantages:

• fast and easy connection that even a child can handle;
• support for any device or gadget (you can use a phone, tablet or laptop);
• support of the Russian language;
• high build quality (users note that the device case is made of durable material, the contacts do not come off in off-road driving conditions);
• long warranty period (1 year).

In addition, in case of incompatibility wireless adapter with a smartphone or the car itself, it can be returned to the manufacturer without any problems.

Disadvantages of the device

Users have not noted any disadvantages of the device. However, due to the great popularity of Bluetooth OBD2 adapters, they began to be counterfeited. Of course, fake products will not work as expected. In this case, the performance of the devices can be very different from the truth.

Therefore, it is worth buying auto scanners only from trusted sellers, and even better - contact the official distributors. Not worth saving.

In addition, some users do not always connect the device correctly. In this case, the device will not produce the necessary parameters and errors at all. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look at how to connect the OBD2 ELM327 Bluetooth adapter. If you follow the instructions carefully, a compact scanner will be a real salvation.

We connect an autoscanner on Android

To configure the device yourself, you must first download a small free program Torque. She is in open access Google market, so there will be no problems installing the utility.

After that it is necessary:

• Connect the OBD2 Bluetooth adapter to the corresponding socket in the car.
• Start the automatic telephone exchange engine and wait until the indicator light on the autoscanner comes on.
• Go to settings wireless networks smartphone.
• Activate Bluetooth and enable search for available devices.
• Choose from the proposed list Bluetooth adapter OBD2.
• Enter the security code, if required (usually dialing 1234 is enough).
• Start Torque.
• Go to the smartphone settings again and select the adapter.
• Go to "Connection type" and select Bluetooth by activating the auto scanner.
• Go to the Torque menu.
• Click on "Adapter Status" and wait for the connection between the device and the smartphone.
• Go to the main menu of the utility and select the "Current information" section.

Done! Now you can get real-time data on the condition of the car. At the same time, the user can choose which charts he wants to constantly see, and which he absolutely does not need. You can activate or deactivate various screens that show fuel consumption and other parameters in real time.

Connect to Windows

To pair your device with this system, you need to do the following:

• Connect OBD2 Mini Bluetooth adapter to onboard system vehicle and turn the ignition key.
• Turn on the computer and go to the "Control Panel", where you will need to select the "Bluetooth Devices" item.
• Add new devices, after which the screen should display a list of all available connections.
• Select an autoscanner.
• Enter the security code.
• Wait for the pairing of the device and the PC system.
• Install any diagnostic software on your computer. Today there are a lot of them, so finding them on the Internet will not be difficult.
• Run the utility on a laptop. In this case, it is most convenient not to specify the connection ports manually, but to select auto mode connection settings. The program will have to independently find the adapter and pair it.
• Close all setup windows after confirming them.
• Click "Connect".
• Done!

If an antivirus is installed on your computer, it can block suspicious programs. In this case, you should choose any other diagnostic utility or add the already installed software to the firewall exceptions. However, this usually does not happen.

Is it possible to connect the adapter via USB cable

In order to do this, you will need to download a small program Baidu Root and install it on.To do this, it is recommended to also install additional smartphone drivers. They can be found on the manufacturer's website. They are usually named D2XXSample.

After that, all that remains is to download the Torque diagnostic program. Next, you need to activate access to the devices connected via the wire and start enjoying all the benefits of the ELM327.

However, this method is considered the most unreliable, since very often the drivers are installed incorrectly. This leads to the fact that the auto scanner is not recognized by the system. It is much easier to use a wireless connection type. In this case stable work adapter guaranteed.

In addition, the USB cable keeps popping out of the socket, which can also hinder the operation of the device. And the extra wire in the car will be very annoying.

Finally

An auto scanner is an indispensable thing for every car owner. However, buying cheap fakes is not recommended. In this case, the device can show that all systems of the machine are working properly, while irreparable changes will occur in the most global nodes of the automatic telephone exchange. Better to overpay and get reliable data in real time.

Diagnostics of vehicle operation is an important process, because it is with its help that you can find out in the operation of which parts of the car there are problems. One of the devices for car diagnostics is an adapter. What are the reasons ELM327 Bluetooth does not connect to the ECU and what to do in such cases? We will discuss this below.

[Hide]

Why does the adapter refuse to connect to the car's ECU?

So why does the ELM327 not see the ECU? What should I do for the device to connect and see the block? Today, many different adapters for vehicle testing can be found on sale. If you buy ELM327 Bluetooth, chances are you are trying to connect low quality devices. Rather, you could have purchased an adapter with outdated version software.

ELM327 Bluetooth devices with outdated firmware use a different bluetooth module, allowing you to interact with two of the available six protocols. Accordingly, it is possible to synchronize the device with a smartphone, but when you try to connect the device to the control unit, it will inform you that.

So, for what reasons the device refuses to connect to the block:

1. The adapter itself is of poor quality. Problems can be both with the firmware of the device, and with its "hardware". If the main microcircuit is inoperative, it will be impossible to diagnose the engine operation, as well as to connect to the ECU.
2. Bad connection cable. The cable may be broken or is inoperable on its own.
3. The device is installed wrong version software, as a result of which synchronization will not work (the author of the video about testing the device is Rus Radarov).

How to solve the problem yourself?

In the event that you are the owner of a device with the correct firmware version 1.5, where all six of the six protocols are present, but the adapter does not connect to the ECU, there is a way out. You can connect to the block using initialization strings, which allow the device to adapt to the commands of the machine motor control unit. In particular, it comes about initialization strings for diagnostic utilities HobDrive and Torque for vehicles that use non-standard connection protocols.

As you know, adapters of this type allow you to connect to the control unit in most foreign-made vehicles manufactured after 1996. So how do you solve the problem on your own?

First you need to correctly connect the adapter:

1. First of all, you need to connect the device to the socket of the vehicle's on-board computer. As a rule, car owners do not have connection problems, but on some car models, you have to additionally use adapters. In most cases, the socket for connection is located under the steering wheel of the car, sometimes it is in the glove box or under it. Also, the connector may be near the cigarette lighter.
2. Next, you need to start the car engine - do not turn on the ignition, but start it. Depending on the car model, the control unit may simply not see the adapter without starting the engine.
3. After that, you need to synchronize the adapter with a mobile gadget on the Android platform, for this use wireless connection Bluetooth. To do this, go to Bluetooth configuration and first enable the function, then search for available items. When the adapter is found, you need to connect to it, a special code is used to connect. It can be 0000, 1111, 1234, or 6789.
4. When the device is successfully connected to the mobile gadget, you need to go to the utility. In the program, you should find the configuration and configure it in accordance with all the necessary parameters, depending on the car. The setup procedure may differ depending on the software, but the principle is the same everywhere. You need to find an adapter that is synchronized with your mobile phone.
5. If you did everything correctly, then the utility should start working. You can read all the necessary information about the operation of equipment, systems and sensors. But if the synchronization failed, then you can try to solve the problem by adding initialization strings. Initialization strings are individual for each individual vehicle model - they are added manually. A list with initialization strings that must be entered when connecting equipment is given below. For the result to be correct, it is necessary to add to memory only those lines that exactly correspond to the vehicle model.

Initialization strings for the gadget Instructions for configuring the diagnostic adapter ELM 327 Wi-Fi with programDashCommand
If you purchased a chip-based diagnostic adapter ELM 327 and you have difficulties with its configuration, then on this page, you will find instructions in Russian for ELM327. On our site there are instructions for elm327 various modifications , )
So, let's get started, if you have eLM327 Bluetooth diagnostic adapter then for it to work with the program you need:
1. Connect the diagnostic adapter ELM 327 Bluetooth to the OBD II diagnostic connector of your car after which you need to turn on the ignition.
2. Then turn on the Bluetooth module on your device (Android smartphone or tablet PC).

3. In the settings of your mobile device You need to go to the Bluetooth wireless networks section and click search for new equipment for pairing. A new device will appear in the search window (as a rule, the identifier is "CHX", "OBDII", "CBT", "Vgate", etc.) After that, you can click on the item to pair with the device (you will need to enter the password from the instructions for the adapter, usually it is 1234,0000,1111,9999,6789 ).

4. After that open the program Torque.

5. Go to the program menu item "settings".

6. Open the section "OBD2 adapter settings / Select bluetooth device»And select your adapter ELM 327 Bluetooth (has identifier "CHX", "OBDII", "CBT", "Vgate", etc.) from the list.


7. After that, click on the icon that says "Adapter Status" and check the connection (green checkmarks should appear next to the first 3 items in the list).
8. You can also select the protocol manually in the item "Vehicle profiles" (located in the same menu as "settings").
9. Then you can start diagnosing your car!