OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter

[Pointer7]

Hi All,

I've read that you can connect an OBD2 Bluetooth adapter and download an app on your phone to get all kinds of info while you drive.

What kind of things can you do with them and what apps/adapters are best?

Thanks! (I have an S60 by the way!)

[Zebster]

Originally Posted by Pointer7

Hi All,

I've read that you can connect an OBD2 Bluetooth adapter and download an app on your phone to get all kinds of info while you drive.

What kind of things can you do with them and what apps/adapters are best?

Thanks! (I have an S60 by the way!)

I use the popular ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 adaptor... in fact I keep one in each of our cars, just in case a problem arises in a journey and we need to assess the seriousness. I bought these ones from here and they work fine on my Volvo - https://www.gearbest.com/car-gadgets...ml?wid=1433363

I use a couple of free apps on my Android phone and tablet downloaded from Google play, the 'Torque' app and the 'Car Scanner' app. The former is very easy to use for basic OBD2 code reading and deletion, while the latter also allows for comprehensive logging of sensor data including - when properly configured - DPF sensor data (including both soot and ash figures) plus the sump oil level sensor figure in mm.

[Boatie]

Originally Posted by Zebster

I use the popular ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 adaptor... in fact I keep one in each of our cars, just in case a problem arises in a journey and we need to assess the seriousness. I bought these ones from here and they work fine on my Volvo - https://www.gearbest.com/car-gadgets...ml?wid=1433363

I use a couple of free apps on my Android phone and tablet downloaded from Google play, the 'Torque' app and the 'Car Scanner' app. The former is very easy to use for basic OBD2 code reading and deletion, while the latter also allows for comprehensive logging of sensor data including - when properly configured - DPF sensor data (including both soot and ash figures)
plus the sump oil level sensor figure in mm.

Zebster,
You mentioned this in another topic and I'm keen to follow the same route. However, I have 2 questions that I hope you can help with. 1) Can the Bluetooth code reader be left plugged in all the time? 2) you say that DPF sensor data can be logged "when properly configured" . What does this mean and how is it done.? A brìef steer would be much appreciated.

Boatie

2017 MY V90 D4

[Zebster]

Originally Posted by Boatie

Zebster,
You mentioned this in another topic and I'm keen to follow the same route. However, I have 2 questions that I hope you can help with. 1) Can the Bluetooth code reader be left plugged in all the time? 2) you say that DPF sensor data can be logged "when properly configured" . What does this mean and how is it done.? A brìef steer would be much appreciated.

Boatie

2017 MY V90 D4

1) No. When I've forgetfully left mine plugged in and then started the engine I've occasionally got a whole load of dash alarms come on and the speedo not working, so it obviously can affect the car Comms systems (on my Toyota it brings up the ABS warning light whenever it's plugged in), no permanent harm though and it's normally fine to leave it plugged in. Additionally the car diagnostics port remains permanently live, so leaving an adaptor plugged in would slowly drain the battery.

2) The 'Car Scanner' app has the option to set a 'connection profile', where an applicable Volvo profile was recently made available for the VEA engine. Without this certain VEA engine sensors were not accessible, although the 5-cylinder models worked fine. More info here... https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showt...=290526&page=2

I'm not sure about your model though, especially if it's an SPA?

[Boatie]

Originally Posted by Zebster

1) No. When I've forgetfully left mine plugged in and then started the engine I've occasionally got a whole load of dash alarms come on and the speedo not working, so it obviously can affect the car Comms systems (on my Toyota it brings up the ABS warning light whenever it's plugged in), no permanent harm though and it's normally fine to leave it plugged in. Additionally the car diagnostics port remains permanently live, so leaving an adaptor plugged in would slowly drain the battery.

2) The 'Car Scanner' app has the option to set a 'connection profile', where an applicable Volvo profile was recently made available for the VEA engine. Without this certain VEA engine sensors were not accessible, although the 5-cylinder models worked fine. More info here... https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showt...=290526&page=2

I'm not sure about your model though, especially if it's and SPA?

Thanks very much for the information. Yes, my car is SPA and the engine the a VEA 181.

[Pointer7]

Thanks for the info info Zebster, I'm glad Boatie asked about leaving it plugged in as I probably would have! Think I'll be buying an adapter

[ianrmz250]

My Elm 327 has been plugged in for over a year without and problems.

[M4ss4]

I use an elm327 too. Normally transfer mine between cars always nice to know your boost pressure