Whether you're a professional auto mechanic or just a car enthusiast, you need to know why your check engine light comes on. This can be done using a smartphone running Android OS and an OBD-II adapter. Most adapters sell for less than 1000 rubles, and once you connect it to the car, you just need a reliable application to collect all the necessary data.
The problem is that there are many free apps for OBD scanning in the Play Store, but only a few that are truly worthwhile. It can also be difficult to find the right adapter for a specific smartphone and car model. Therefore, to help resolve this issue, we will tell you about everything in more detail.
Connecting the OBD-II adapter
OBD-II is a standardized protocol for all cars built since 1996. It is used to transfer information from the car's computer to special code readers and other diagnostic tools. Using the correct adapter, data from the OBD-II port can be transferred to your phone using Bluetooth.
Such adapters can be bought in Russian stores for 1,500 rubles or about $10 on Amazon, or you can use devices like the ELM327 from eBay, which costs only $4. Without having to search for a specific model. Just make sure that the adapter supports Bluetooth and OBD or OBD-II. You can ask the seller this question or look up information on the Internet.
Having purchased an adapter, you need to connect it to the diagnostic port of the car. Finding the right connector can sometimes be difficult. It should be somewhere under the steering wheel on the driver's side, but if you can't find the port, the ODB Port Location service can help you find it.
Modern tendencies
Mobile car diagnostics are extremely convenient. You are not tied to the car. The only limitation is Bluetooth or Wi-F on a portable device and their range. The functionality is almost the same as that of a regular computer. Except that the monitor is smaller and the font is not so distinguishable.
Car diagnostics via phone is a completely logical know-how. Everyone has a phone now. In difficult times, it is easiest to use this device. Modifications don't matter. Whether it’s a smartphone or an iPhone, there’s no difference. Only in options and design.
Synchronizing the adapter with your phone
After you have connected the adapter to the OBD-II port, you need to synchronize it with your smartphone. To do this, open the Bluetooth settings menu on your phone and start searching for devices, then disconnect the adapter from the car for a few seconds. Once you have done this, turn the ignition key.
At this point, OBD-II should appear in the list of nearby Bluetooth devices. On your phone, you need to select it and enter the PIN code, which is usually "0000" or "1234" (if neither of these works, check the included user manual). The device should now be connected to your smartphone.
After synchronization is complete, you need to open the application to collect data. Some programs have a limited time for connection, so it is better to start working immediately after synchronizing and completing the preparatory steps.
Once the synchronization process is completed, you can use the adapter simply by connecting it to your car. Be sure to turn the ignition key, otherwise the application will not be able to obtain the necessary information about the status of the car. Now it's worth considering a couple of good apps that help mechanics quickly diagnose a vehicle.
What do you need
16-pin trapezoidal port OBD-II (OBD-II) computer diagnostic outputs began to be installed on vehicles twenty years ago. Today, either cable, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi are used.
With their help you can solve the following problems:
Every car owner can perform primary electronic diagnostics, since such a procedure does not require special knowledge and skills.
Older machines can only be connected using a personal computer and a special cable.
In addition, there are special scanners with a built-in adapter that support most digital data transmission standards. Such devices are intended for professional diagnostics and are most often used by specialized workshops.
Carista OBD2
Carista OBD2 allows you to check your car for errors, remove them or run tests. Once you connect to the OBD2 port and allow Carista to collect data, it will tell you whether there is any problem with the vehicle or not. If you don't have an adapter, you can enter the data manually. It's worth noting that the developer even has its own OBD2 adapter for $26.
Carista will monitor key vehicle parameters and also report errors in real time. You will also be able to remove any fault and remove the “Check” of the engine.
Compared to other apps, Carista gives you access to advanced diagnostics, such as ABS, airbags, navigation, etc. And you can also set the headlights to automatically turn on when the engine starts, or to have the doors lock themselves when the car starts. starts to move. And this is only a small part of the available functionality.
Available for Android and iPhone.
Sequence of further actions:
- Park the car on the side of the road (engine running).
- Take out the elm327 adapter.
- Insert into the ECU connector of your car (bottom of the control panel, to the right of the steering column). A blinking light on the adapter will indicate that the connection has occurred and data is being read from the controller (ECU).
- When the light stops blinking and lights up steadily (at this point all parameters will be read), set up Bluetooth on your smartphone: - find the already installed diagnostic program in the phone menu, - enter the program menu, - look, read and select the parameters that seem you are currently suspicious.
HobDrive
HobDrive combines an intelligent on-board computer and diagnostic software. The application uses the ELM327 adapter and GPS sensors to obtain the necessary information.
HobDrive includes vehicle sensor readings, engine diagnostics, trip recording, route planning and fuel consumption calculations. The full version of HobDrive has several advantages over the demo version: continuous error tracking, fuel consumption tracking per hour, day or specified period of time.
Available for Android and iPhone.
Error codes and their interpretation
In cases where the scanner does not decipher the received diagnostic codes of various vehicle systems, the missing information can be easily found on the World Wide Web. OBD codes are represented by many primary sources that describe malfunctions in the operation of systems and components of a huge number of cars.
To do this, you should enter data about the digital value of the code, the make of the car, markings and characteristics of the power unit in the search bar. To obtain more accurate data, it is better to use the services of professional websites and visit forums of experienced owners of specific car models.
After connecting the adapter and installing the application on your smartphone, most systems will be controlled automatically by the program. This makes it possible not only to determine fuel consumption, but also to detect vehicle malfunctions at an early stage.
Source
InCarDoc
InCarDoc shows all engine and vehicle parameters in real time: speed, steering angle, temperature, pressure and other sensor indicators.
This application allows you to draw graphs with the received information in real time. If desired, you can delete or save error codes and all associated data. It is possible to send reports by email.
But there are also several problems that users complain about - an unstable connection with cheap adapters and problems with connecting via Bluetooth.
Available for Android and iPhone.
Smartphone tester capabilities
In terms of diagnostics, the functionality of the phone can be limited only by the capabilities of the application, as well as the data transmitted by the car’s diagnostic port.
In most cases, the user will have access to geolocation, and, as a result, all parameters associated with the route. The driver will be able to find out about the distance traveled, fuel consumed, the final cost of the trip and gasoline/diesel consumption.
The driver will also be able to view the readings of the main temperature sensors of the internal combustion engine and gearbox. It’s worth leaving them and monitoring the data received. It is also worth adding battery charge indicators.
Torque Pro
With Torque Pro, you can monitor vehicle activity in real time, get trouble codes, performance data, sensor information and more. The application will work on almost all cars manufactured after 2000.
You can manually add the widgets you need to your dashboard. The application also shows and resets error codes, determines power, temperature, CO2 emissions. All available information can be sent by email for further analysis. There is a Turbo Boost function for vehicles that support MAP and MAF.
Why is it necessary to test a car?
Using diagnostics, all faults in the main components of the car are identified. Testing is necessary so that in the shortest possible time it is possible to determine the specific location of the breakdown in the car. Special programs independently analyze the car, noticing even the most minor breakdowns.
It is necessary to test your personal car at the moment when an error icon appears on the car panel. However, if this icon does not light up, then you can test the machine once a year for preventive purposes. This will prevent possible breakdowns that could lead to serious problems, since testing provides complete information about the control unit and the condition of the parts.
Piston
Piston is a pretty good program with a simple interface that works well and does not require payment for use. You may have to use it in conjunction with another free app called OBD2 Pro Check Engine Car DTC for best results, but more on that later.
Once connected to the adapter, add the metrics you want to monitor by clicking on the sensor icon at the top and checking the box next to each sensor you want to add to your home screen. Battery voltage, coolant temperature, and RPM can be added to easily monitor the vehicle's various systems.
If you just want to know why your check engine light came on, click on the menu icon in the corner, then select "faults" to identify errors stored in the car's computer. This should help in collecting data about each error. You will receive their source codes, however, some of them will not have a description.
For more accurate data, click the three-dot menu button at the top of the screen, and then go to the Setting section. From here, go to the Advanced section and check the box next to the Wait longer for the ECU response option.
One of the downsides of this app is that it can be a little inaccurate when describing certain trouble codes. Therefore, if you are unsure of any readings, we recommend additionally installing the OBD2 Pro Check Engine Car DTC and then looking for the code number in it to find more detailed information. After installing it, all you need to do is select the manufacturer from the top menu and then enter the code.
What are the conditions:
- You need to know the basics of computer diagnostics.
- Have an Elm 327 remote adapter with Bluetooth.
- Enter the Android operating system on your smartphone with any diagnostic program for the car.
That's all. If you have a smartphone and a diagnostic program, no outside help is needed.
You can carry out diagnostics yourself. What does it look like?
Before your trip you should:
- buy and install a diagnostic program on your smartphone, display it in the menu;
- buy Elm 327 adapter.
Then act according to the circumstances. Nothing bad may happen, but insurance has never bothered anyone. Some kind of failure is just hypothetically possible: power has dropped, the engine runs intermittently, the “Cheek Engine” light comes on, and so on. You don't know the reasons. But you already have a very good hint.
DashCommand
DashCommand is free to install, but the demo only lasts 30 minutes before you'll be offered the option to purchase the full version for $10. This program has more reporting metrics and various charts that are not available in Piston. This is why professional mechanics use DashCommand more often.
After launching the application, you will need to agree to the terms of use, and then go through several setup steps to receive more accurate information. Click on the "car" button in the main menu to add car information (year, make, model and engine). Once this step is completed, exit the menu and connect to the adapter by clicking on the connection icon in the middle of the screen. If you are having trouble connecting, unplug the OBD-II adapter for a few seconds and then try again.
Once connected, you can view real-time data in various charts with almost no lag by clicking on the Dashboards button and selecting one of the options below. In other sections you can access several other reports and features, most of which are free during the trial period. Unfortunately, reading engine codes requires purchasing the full version.
Although, some auto mechanics use the free version - it is quite enough for them. However, it is necessary to reset the software evaluation period every 30 minutes. To do this, you need to go to the settings menu and find the “Storage” item in the list. Then go to DashCommand and once inside the folder, click the Clear Data button. To get a full understanding of what the application can do, read the DashCommand user guide.
How to turn a smartphone into an on-board computer using USB
To get a full-fledged bookmaker based on a smartphone, you should download the appropriate software to your Android. For example, one of the following:
You'll have to fork out a little to buy some spare parts:
The adapter is needed to connect to OBD II inside the car. Using the board, it will be possible to reduce the voltage to 3.7 V. And the cable will connect the phone to the adapter. Just be sure to choose a thicker one, since the smartphone will need a lot of power to run the program.
Step-by-step connection instructions:
