For car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, understanding your vehicle’s health is crucial. In 2017, the ability to diagnose car issues and monitor performance in real-time became increasingly accessible thanks to OBD2 apps for smartphones. Among the top contenders for iPhone users was Car Scanner ELM OBD2, an application designed to transform your phone into a powerful vehicle diagnostic tool. This review delves into the features and capabilities that positioned Car Scanner as a leading choice for the best OBD2 app for iPhone in 2017.
Key Features of Car Scanner ELM OBD2
Car Scanner distinguished itself by offering a comprehensive suite of features that catered to both novice and experienced users. Connecting via an affordable OBD2 Bluetooth or Wi-Fi adapter, the app unlocked a wealth of information directly from your car’s engine control unit (ECU).
Customizable Dashboard
One of the standout features of Car Scanner was its highly customizable dashboard. Users weren’t limited to a pre-set display; instead, they could personalize their view with a wide array of gauges and charts. This flexibility meant you could prioritize the data most relevant to you, whether it was engine temperature, speed, RPM, or any other sensor reading.
Access to Extended PIDs
Car manufacturers often keep certain performance parameters hidden from standard OBD2 scanners. Car Scanner broke through this barrier by supporting custom or extended PIDs (Parameter IDs). This advanced capability allowed users to access information not typically available, providing a deeper understanding of their vehicle’s operation.
DTC Fault Code Diagnostics
Dealing with a check engine light can be stressful. Car Scanner simplified this process by functioning as an effective scantool, capable of reading and resetting Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). The app also included an extensive database of DTC descriptions, helping users understand the meaning of error codes and potential issues.
Freeze Frame Data
To further aid in diagnostics, Car Scanner provided access to freeze frame data. This feature captured sensor readings at the moment a DTC was recorded, offering valuable context and clues about the conditions that triggered the fault.
Mode 06 ECU Self-Monitoring
For users keen on proactive car maintenance, Mode 06 support was a significant advantage. This function allowed access to ECU self-monitoring test results, providing insights into potential problems before they escalated. By utilizing Mode 06, users could potentially reduce repair costs and ensure their vehicle’s longevity.
Emission Test Readiness Check
Emissions testing is a recurring necessity for vehicle owners. Car Scanner simplified preparation for these tests with its built-in readiness check. This feature confirmed whether your car’s systems were ready for an emissions inspection, saving you time and potential headaches.
Comprehensive Sensor Monitoring
Car Scanner excelled at providing a holistic view of your vehicle’s sensor data. It allowed users to monitor all available sensors on a single screen, facilitating quick identification of anomalies or out-of-range values.
Broad Vehicle Compatibility
The app was designed to work with any vehicle adhering to the OBD2 standard. While OBD2 compliance is generally standard for vehicles built after 2000, Car Scanner extended compatibility back to 1996 for some models. Users could check carscanner.info for detailed compatibility information.
Enhanced Brand-Specific Profiles
Recognizing that different car brands utilize OBD2 in unique ways, Car Scanner incorporated specific connection profiles for a wide range of manufacturers including Toyota, Mitsubishi, GM, Opel, Vauxhall, Chevrolet, Nissan, Infiniti, Renault, Dacia, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat, and BMW. These profiles unlocked extra features and optimized performance for these brands.
Heads-Up Display (HUD) Mode
For added convenience and safety, Car Scanner included a HUD mode. This feature projected essential data onto the windshield, allowing drivers to monitor vehicle information without taking their eyes off the road.
Accurate Acceleration Measurement
Performance enthusiasts appreciated Car Scanner’s accurate acceleration measurement tool. It could precisely measure 0-60 mph, 0-100 km/h, and other acceleration metrics, allowing users to track their car’s performance.
Trip Computer and Fuel Consumption Statistics
Beyond diagnostics, Car Scanner doubled as a trip computer. It provided fuel consumption statistics, helping drivers monitor and optimize their fuel efficiency.
VAG Group Encoding for MQB/PQ26 Platforms
For owners of Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, and Seat vehicles built on the MQB and PQ26 platforms, Car Scanner offered encoding functions. This advanced feature enabled users to customize hidden vehicle parameters.
Extensive Free Features
In a competitive app market, Car Scanner stood out by offering a wide array of features for free. This generous offering made it an accessible option for users seeking robust OBD2 functionality without immediate payment.
Choosing the Right OBD2 Adapter
To utilize Car Scanner, an OBD2 ELM327 compatible adapter is necessary. This adapter plugs into the car’s diagnostic socket and establishes a connection between the vehicle and the iPhone. Recommended adapter brands included Kiwi 3, Viecar, V-Gate, Carista, LELink, and Veepeak, known for their reliability and compatibility.
Important Note on Adapter Quality
While budget-friendly OBD2 adapters are readily available, Car Scanner developers cautioned against using cheap Chinese clones, particularly those marked as v.2.1. These adapters were known to be buggy and could cause connection issues, unstable engine operation, and data lag. Investing in a genuine ELM327 adapter or a recommended brand was advised for optimal performance and to avoid potential problems.
Conclusion
In 2017, Car Scanner ELM OBD2 emerged as a top-tier OBD2 app for iPhone users. Its extensive feature set, customizable interface, broad vehicle compatibility, and generous free offering positioned it as a leader in the market. Whether for diagnosing check engine lights, monitoring vehicle performance, or simply gaining deeper insights into your car’s operation, Car Scanner provided a powerful and user-friendly solution. For iPhone owners seeking the best OBD2 app in 2017, Car Scanner ELM OBD2 was undoubtedly a strong contender.
