iPhone and obd2
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 2
From: Bozeman MT
I'm using OBDLink MX WiFi.
The app is well written though there are clearly issues with either IOS or WiFi or the app - or all three. I really don't care were the problem is I just wish the thing worked better. On my iPhone 6+ the connection only works when I a) reset the dongle and b) completely close the app - with this approach it will connect 99% of the time.
Great graphic capabilities, easy to add PIDs, clears all codes, logging. I've used on 6.0L and 6.4L not on 6.7L, the motor has to be running for it to connect. So it really can't help in a Crank No Start situation.
It works great as long as I follow my reset procedure.
The app is well written though there are clearly issues with either IOS or WiFi or the app - or all three. I really don't care were the problem is I just wish the thing worked better. On my iPhone 6+ the connection only works when I a) reset the dongle and b) completely close the app - with this approach it will connect 99% of the time.
Great graphic capabilities, easy to add PIDs, clears all codes, logging. I've used on 6.0L and 6.4L not on 6.7L, the motor has to be running for it to connect. So it really can't help in a Crank No Start situation.
It works great as long as I follow my reset procedure.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
I don't think you can beat ForScan for the iPhone. It is Ford specific and comprehensive. OBDLink is OK, but ForScan is much better and free.
One of the problems with the iPhone is you cannot use a Bluetooth scanner, Apple is very protective of the Bluetooth interface. Most of the cheap WiFi scanners have trouble staying connected. I have 3 cheap ones, none will stay connected for more than a few minutes or half an hour. The Scantool OBDLink MX WiFi is more money. There are many complaints on their user forum about not staying connected, they claim it is a problem with only a small percentage. I bought one from Amazon, it would not stay connected. So I talked directly to Scantool and they said if I buy one from them, I am welcome to return as many as it takes to get one that works. I did, and the first one works fine. From that I recommend buying it from Scantool, be prepared to send it back for replacement if it disconnects.
The Scantool is quite a bit better than the cheap ELF clones. Much faster, reads all the ports not just the engine port. Goes to sleep so you can leave it plugged in without battery drain.
One of the problems with the iPhone is you cannot use a Bluetooth scanner, Apple is very protective of the Bluetooth interface. Most of the cheap WiFi scanners have trouble staying connected. I have 3 cheap ones, none will stay connected for more than a few minutes or half an hour. The Scantool OBDLink MX WiFi is more money. There are many complaints on their user forum about not staying connected, they claim it is a problem with only a small percentage. I bought one from Amazon, it would not stay connected. So I talked directly to Scantool and they said if I buy one from them, I am welcome to return as many as it takes to get one that works. I did, and the first one works fine. From that I recommend buying it from Scantool, be prepared to send it back for replacement if it disconnects.
The Scantool is quite a bit better than the cheap ELF clones. Much faster, reads all the ports not just the engine port. Goes to sleep so you can leave it plugged in without battery drain.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Washington State
I use DashCmd that I downloaded for my iPhone and I have the program also on my IPad Tablet. I bought a OBD adapter that is wifi compatible. Works great, thankful that I haven't had to use it to read or reset codes.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 9,762
Likes: 115
Forscan for iOS and Android is not free. Forscan for the PC is free. IIRC, there is a free "lite" app that I think is just for Android.
On Edit: Lite is the paid version on Android and iOS. Android has a free demo version...
www.forscan.org for more information.
On Edit: Lite is the paid version on Android and iOS. Android has a free demo version...
www.forscan.org for more information.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 96
Likes: 3
From: Alabama
I have the BlueDriver, OBDII bluetooth adapter and the app for my Iphone, works very well. Detects more PIDs than I care about, can display in text graph or analog gauge modes. I keep an old iPhone in the truck set to display some egr/egt in guage mode, and monitor regen status in text mode. Can store and send logs.
Also reads and resets all codes, including TPMS, ABS, and transmission codes. Easily moved for use on other vehicles.
not saying this is the best, but at the time it was the only bluetooth scan tool I could find that worked with Apple iOS devices, and I've been very happy with the results.
Also reads and resets all codes, including TPMS, ABS, and transmission codes. Easily moved for use on other vehicles.
not saying this is the best, but at the time it was the only bluetooth scan tool I could find that worked with Apple iOS devices, and I've been very happy with the results.
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