What is a scanner ELM327 and how to use it

What is the ELM327

Designation ELM327 is well known to many motorists. This scanner or an adapter that connects to the onboard computer of the machine via OBD-II connector. A useful device is used for fault diagnosis, the read performance and zeroing error ECU (electronic control unit).

The scanner gets its name from the microcontroller, which is a kind of link between the diagnostic bus and the car computer or smartphone. This chip developed by the Canadian company fell into the hands of the Chinese electronics manufacturers, who did not miss a chance to copy it.

What makes ELM327 Scanner

ELM327 functionality is quite extensive. But depends largely on the support of certain features specific version of the adapter, the computer of the machine itself, as well as the software that is used for diagnosis.

In addition to reading, decoding and clearing of diagnostic error codes, the scanner is able to display real-time engine speed and the speed of the car, the temperature of liquid flowing fuel consumption and air, throttle position, fuel pressure, and more.

In some cars using ELM327 adapter, you can unlock and reset the automatic locking locks and folding mirrors, responsive gas pedal, the data dashboard.

How to choose the ELM327

Because of the many different quality clones there is a risk of running into a device with reduced functionality that will not work properly or does not start at all. When you purchase you need to consider three important points.

1. type of connection

There are several versions with different interfaces ELM327 connection. The most common are adapters with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and USB. They differ not only connectivity, but also compatibility with smartphones and computers. The rest of the functions are identical.

• Bluetooth - the cheapest scanners, which work only with the Android-smartphone.
• Wi-Fi - the more expensive versions that are compatible both with smartphones on Android and iOS, as well as with computers.
• USB - slightly cheaper scanners with Wi-Fi. It works only with computers, but are distinguished by reliability of communication.

2. firmware version

The adapter is continuously updated. On the original ELM327 current version has 2.2. Chinese clones are sold with firmware 1.5 and 2.1. Ironically, a more recent version of the worse.

Caught the Chinese chip was with firmware version 1.5. All clones with the firmware are available for the original ELM327. Later, there were copies of the scanner 2.1. The latter is only a modified firmware 1.5, and not for the better - to reduce the cost of production of the Chinese removed many communication protocols. In addition, there are the usual adapters with version 1.5, which are sold under the guise of 2.1.

In fact now selling three options ELM327 clones:

• ELM327 1.5 - the old, but the original firmware;
• ELM327 2.1 - stripped down the original firmware in the guise of a new;
• ELM327 2.1 - the original firmware in the guise of a new, but no change.

It is obvious that it is necessary to buy an adapter with original firmware version 1.5. For example, here is one of the proven sellers, who can buy an inexpensive Bluetooth-version ELM327.

3. Type of diagnostic connector of car

In some machinesEspecially before 2000, and domestic, has a diagnostic connector pads other standards. Connect the scanner directly to them will not work. In such cases, use a special adapter on the one hand they have a compatible connector for a specific model of car, and on the other - the standard OBD-II.

Proprietary pads may have a different shape and number of contacts. Therefore, before purchasing a scanner specify which standard connector used on your car, and acquiring the appropriate adapter, if necessary.

How to check the scanner ELM327

After buying ELM327 adapter, make sure it is really version 1.5. at order with AliExpress check if it is installed in it chip PIC18F25K80 and emphasize that the scanner will be diagnosed with special software, and open a dispute in the event of problems.

1. Visual inspection

Visually define quality adapter is not so simple. Opaque or dark plastic case makes it impossible to check the components. Their small size and difficult to read the marking further complicates the matter.

If you carefully open the case, you can look at ELM327 board. Carefully inspect all the details and look for a processor with PIC18F25K80 code. For firmware 1.5 is needed just such a chip, so its presence is a certain guarantee of quality.

2. Application tester

YouTube-channel Eugene Barsuk

A special application is testing compatibility with the protocols of the diagnostic bus and shows the real version of the scanner. To check, do the following.

1. ELM327 insert the adapter into the diagnostic connector and the car switch on the ignition.
2. Open the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi settings on your phone and pair with the adapter (password: 0000 or 1234).
3. Set to test the app and click "Connect."
4. Wait for the scan and check the results.
5. Successful work with most brands of cars is guaranteed, if the adapter supports all revisions up to and including 1.4 or 1.4b.

How to connect to the car

The exact procedure for setting usually described in the instructions.

Step 1. Installation for diagnostic applications

To connect to the computer machine uses a variety of programs. There are both free and paid versions for Android, iOS and Windows. Included with the scanner by the right software is often already comes included. Install it, or one of the popular applications.

OpenDiag (Windows) →

Step 2. Connecting ELM327

YouTube-channel "Double test drive"

Connector for ELM327 adapter in cars is different. Usually somewhere near the wheel or in the glove compartment, but some older models may be under the hood. Ask how your machine, and then connect the scanner.

Step 3. pairing devices

YouTube-channel "Double test drive"

Next, turn on the ignition and set the scanner Connect your smartphone or laptop. If the AC adapter has a start button, and do not forget to click it.

Activate the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi in the gadget settings and wait, when they are found near the device. Select ELM327 adapter: it is usually called OBDII. Connect to it. To pair using the code 0000 or 1234.

Step 4. application Configuration

YouTube-channel "Double test drive"

Run the installed application for diagnostics. As a rule, the adapter type is determined automatically. If it does not, open the Settings app, select the type of connection (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or USB), and select an available scanner from the list.

How to use the scanner ELM327

If done correctly, after setting screen displays information about the car, and the sensors and indicators earn. Depending on the application, you may need to create a profile of the car. To do this, select your model from the list and enter the specifications.

YouTube-channel "Double test drive"

Now you can view the performance of the engine and the various systems, read ECU fault and carry out a reset. For each function in the application have the appropriate button. For example, in the most popular utility Torque is the "dashboard", "Reading Error", "Charts" and others.