In 2015, car owners were increasingly seeking ways to understand their vehicle’s health and performance beyond the dashboard lights. The rise of OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) apps for smartphones offered a powerful solution, putting diagnostic capabilities right in the palm of your hand. Among the contenders for the best OBD2 app on iOS in 2015, Car Scanner ELM OBD2 stood out with its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface.
Car Scanner transformed your iPhone or iPad into a sophisticated vehicle diagnostics tool, trip computer, and performance monitor. By connecting via a compatible OBD2 Bluetooth or Wi-Fi adapter to your car’s ECU (Engine Control Unit), Car Scanner unlocked a wealth of real-time data and diagnostic information. This eliminated the mystery behind car troubles and empowered users with knowledge previously only accessible to mechanics.
One of the key strengths of Car Scanner was its customizable dashboard. Users could personalize their display with gauges and charts showing the exact parameters they were interested in, from engine temperature to speed. This level of personalization made monitoring specific aspects of your car’s performance incredibly convenient.
Beyond the standard OBD2 data, Car Scanner excelled at accessing extended PIDs (Parameter IDs). These manufacturer-specific codes revealed hidden data, providing a deeper understanding of your car’s operation than generic OBD2 apps. This feature was particularly valuable for enthusiasts and those wanting to optimize their vehicle’s performance.
For diagnostics, Car Scanner functioned effectively as a scantool. It could read and reset DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes), helping users identify the source of problems indicated by the check engine light. The app included an extensive database of DTC descriptions, offering clear explanations of fault codes, which was invaluable for both DIY mechanics and those wanting to communicate effectively with repair shops.
Car Scanner didn’t stop at just current fault codes. It also provided access to freeze frames, capturing sensor data at the moment a DTC was recorded. This snapshot of sensor values around the time of a fault could offer crucial clues for diagnosing intermittent issues. Furthermore, the inclusion of Mode 06 functionality allowed users to view ECU self-monitoring test results. This advanced feature provided insights into internal system checks, aiding in preventative maintenance and potentially lowering long-term repair costs.
For those concerned about emissions, Car Scanner offered a readiness test feature. This checked if your car had completed the necessary OBD2 system tests for emissions compliance, a helpful tool before vehicle inspections. The app also provided a comprehensive sensor overview, displaying all available sensor readings on a single screen for easy monitoring of your car’s vital signs.
Compatibility was a broad advantage of Car Scanner. It supported any vehicle adhering to the OBD2 standard, which included most cars manufactured after 2000 and even some from 1996 onwards. To further enhance compatibility and unlock specific features, Car Scanner included dedicated connection profiles for various manufacturers like Toyota, Mitsubishi, GM, Nissan, BMW, and many more. These profiles optimized the app’s performance and access to manufacturer-specific data.
The innovative HUD (Heads-Up Display) mode in Car Scanner was another notable feature in 2015. Projecting essential driving data onto the windshield made for safer and more focused driving, allowing drivers to monitor key parameters without taking their eyes off the road. Performance enthusiasts appreciated the accurate acceleration measurement tools, allowing for precise 0-60 mph, 0-100 km/h, and other performance tests. Additionally, Car Scanner doubled as a trip computer, providing fuel consumption statistics and other trip-related data, useful for both tracking fuel efficiency and business mileage.
For owners of VAG group vehicles (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat) built on MQB and PQ26 platforms, Car Scanner offered even more advanced capabilities. Encoding functions allowed users to adjust hidden vehicle parameters, opening up customization options beyond standard OBD2 functionality.
In 2015, Car Scanner distinguished itself by offering an extensive set of features for free compared to other apps in the App Store. While a one-time purchase or subscription unlocked the full potential of the app, the free version provided substantial value and functionality.
To utilize Car Scanner, a compatible OBD2 adapter was necessary. The app supported both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 (Bluetooth LE) adapters based on the ELM327 chip. While recommending brands like Kiwi 3, Viecar, V-Gate, Carista, LELink, and Veepeak for their reliability, Car Scanner acknowledged the use of cheaper Chinese ELM327 adapters, specifically advising users to avoid v2.1 versions due to potential bugs. It’s important to note that the capabilities of Car Scanner depended on the sensors and data exposed by your vehicle’s ECU. The app could only display information that the car’s computer made available.
While Car Scanner ELM OBD2 provided a powerful tool for vehicle diagnostics and monitoring in 2015, users were cautioned about “bad” or unreliable adapters, particularly cheap Chinese clones. These could cause connection issues, unstable engine operation, data lag, and potentially inaccurate readings. Therefore, using genuine ELM327 adapters or recommended brands was crucial for optimal and safe operation.
Car Scanner ELM OBD2 for iOS, even in 2015, offered a compelling package of features, making it a strong contender for the best OBD2 app for iOS users wanting to delve deeper into their car’s performance and health.
