Modern technologies penetrate deeper and deeper into the most diverse branches of human life. So now it has become possible to diagnose a car in your garage, without even taking it apart. This is available if there is an OBD2 output on the vehicle and a special autoscanner from the ELM series. How to use ELM327 will be discussed in this article.
Diagnostic mechanisms of a car
Auto manufacturers are trying to design their equipment in such a way as to be able to quickly scan for faults and also quickly eliminate them.
For this, the OBD2 diagnostic standard was adopted, obtained as a result of several stages of long development and testing. Its task is to monitor the condition of the engine, individual body parts and the internal control network. Manufacturers can use various protocol implementations to connect the OBD to the car.
The standard also defines the connector through which diagnostic information can be obtained. It is a system type "socket", with 16 contacts. Also, the OBD specification assumes a connector in the immediate vicinity of the steering wheel.
Fault Codes OBD2
An error message from the system consists of one letter and a sequence of 4 digits. Their decoding looks like this:
- letter. Indicates the subsystem of the problem;
- second digit. It mainly contains 0, but it can be 1 or 2. It does not have any special significance, since it is used in compiling the total number to clarify a specific malfunction;
- the third digit indicates the type of breakdown;
- the last two digits are the error code itself.
The letter symbol can take several values, depending on the class of equipment in which the breakdown was found:
- B. Everything related to bodywork. Pillows, central locks, power windows, etc .;
- C. Running gear;
- P. Engine or gearbox;
- U. Internal electronic systems.
The type of breakdown or the third digit can also take several standard values:
- 1 or 2. Fuel system;
- 3. ignition;
- 4. Auxiliary control;
- 5. Single turns;
- 6. Internal electronic circuits;
- 7 or 8. Transmission.
Common OBD2 Error Codes
- P0100 Air flow sensor malfunction.
- P0251 It says that there is a problem in the turbine injection pump.
- P0322 There is no signal from the ignition distributor.
- P0340 Problems with the camshaft sensor.
- P1603 EEPROM error.
- S0276. The valve relay circuit is defective.
- B0835 Ignition circuit 1 is defective.
- P1812 Transmission overheating.
The number of codes is actually very large. Therefore, before using ELM327, it is recommended to search the Internet for a complete list of them. Many of the transcripts may not be translated into Russian. Well, what can you do, the specification is foreign, you have to delve into and master English.
ELM327 Autoscanner Review
Depending on the manufacturer, the device may look like a small box with a male connector. His task is to read data from various engine sensors, electronic systems, error codes and reset them in the computer's memory.
There are several options for working with the ELM327. These are Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and a USB cable.
Device connection
As mentioned earlier, ELM327 is connected to the OBD2 port of the car. Just insert it all the way. Then, depending on the type of communication with the device, various manipulations are performed.
How to use ELM327 with Bluetooth
This is probably the easiest and most convenient way to conduct an independent diagnosis. Next, you need to connect from your phone via Bluetooth with a scanner.
Now comes the turn of choosing software. In fact, there are many products on the Internet that can work with scanners. Consider the most famous and often used before using ELM327 in the field.
Torque
A multifunctional application, in principle, replacing the on-board computer. It gets along well with the Bluetooth connection. It works quickly and does not junk. Two versions are available in Google Play - free Lite and commercial Pro.
The interface is simple but functional. How to use ELM327 with a connected application? Very simple. It is enough to run it, specify several parameters in the profile and select the appropriate icon, depending on the situation.
The program has the following features:
- reading and deleting information about errors from the electronic control unit of the car;
- car diagnostics;
- display of the current state of technology in various graphical ways;
- the ability to create widgets for the smartphone desktop.
This is an incomplete list of features and characteristics of the application, so it is advisable to read the instructions for its use before using ELM327 Bluetooth in Android.
Dashcommand
It has slightly fewer features than the previous product. The application can read data from most devices and components of the car and display it in nice graphics and visualizers. Among them, one can single out the current engine operation, indicators of fuel economy, and route. After the diagnosis, it will also display error codes that will help to orient in the repair. It fits well with many models and variations of the ELM327.
Before using ELM327 with DashCommand, it is worth saying that the application contains paid content. You can download it from the official Google Play store.
OBD "AutoDoc"
A significant difference from previous programs is Russian localization. The application is free, but contains ads.
It can display engine performance in real time, read errors and delete them from the computer. Separately, it is worth highlighting the console mode intended for manual input of ODB2 specification commands.
Also knows how to get GPS system parameters.
Opendiag
The program can read data from sensors of domestic cars. It can be used at various services and service stations. It is able to show the main errors and their codes, current information on the car and dynamic parameters.
Before using the ELM327 scanner with Bluetooth and OpenDiag, the developers recommend that you carefully study the help section of the application, since not all devices can be supported.
ELM327 and Windows
The scanner could not do without adapting the software and for the Windows operating system. Next will be a small list of programs for connecting and diagnosing a car using the Windows line.
Scanmaster
Functional and convenient program for the Windows environment. It can show a lot of different information from sensors and nodes.
The interface is made in the form of various tabs, each with its own functionality. Vehicle information, for example, will show VIN and other numerical data. Here you can also fill out a car profile for yourself, if there are several.
Of greatest interest to the bulk of car owners will be the tab "Live Data Table". It in a convenient tabular form reflects many parameters and characteristics in real time.
There is also another interesting tab - “Live Data Measurements”. Here you can specify something from the parameters of the previous paragraph and monitor their change, for example, when driving by car.
“Error codes” will show fault identifiers and immediately a description. True, only in English.
Scanool
In fact, a reduced version of ScanMaster in functionality and capabilities. But easy and responsive. If the detail of the data does not really matter, then this is the best solution.
PCMScan
More powerful than ScanMaster. In addition to all the functions already listed, other programs can measure the current power and torque of the car in real time.
The program can be connected directly to the monitor in the cabin to see live changes and processes taking place in the car.
It is also possible to use the program as a control interface for chip tuning. Unfortunately, this will require a special module from the manufacturer. Although without all these bells and whistles, the program copes with its task with a bang. Before using ELM327 mini in conjunction with PCMScan, you should carefully study the manual for it.
Other diagnostic applications
There are also programs “sharpened” for a specific brand of car. If there is such an application, then it is better to use it. The program will be able to fully realize the potential of the scanner, in contrast to universal solutions.
For example, for Toyota there is a good product - ELMScan Toyota.
Testing a Testing Instrument
A tautology in the title is not without reason. Due to the huge amount of ELM modifications, many fakes, versions and executions have appeared. To be sure of the correctness of their actions, before using the ELM327 autoscanner, you can find out which version it is.
For this there is an ELM327 Identifier program. It checks for version support, displays the result on the screen. This will help resolve incompatibility issues between some modules and software.
Finally
Before using the ELM327 scanner, it is best to spend a little time and figure out how not to buy a fake or unsupported vehicle diagnostic system. In addition, this is an electronic device that can change some data in the car ECU, so the choice should be taken with a great deal of responsibility.