For car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, understanding your vehicle’s health is crucial. In 2017, having the right tools to access and interpret your car’s data was becoming increasingly important. Enter OBD2 scanner apps, which, when paired with a compatible adapter, transform your iPad into a powerful diagnostic tool. Among the options available, Car Scanner ELM OBD2 stood out as a comprehensive and feature-rich application. Let’s delve into why Car Scanner could be considered a top choice for the best OBD2 scanner app for iPad in 2017, and how it continues to be relevant today.
One of the most compelling aspects of Car Scanner is its ability to provide real-time data about your car’s performance. Imagine being able to customize your own dashboard right on your iPad screen, displaying the gauges and charts that matter most to you. Whether you’re interested in engine temperature, RPM, speed, or fuel consumption, Car Scanner allows you to configure a personalized display to monitor these metrics and more. This level of customization was a significant advantage for users wanting to keep a close eye on their vehicle’s operation.
Beyond the standard OBD2 data, Car Scanner offered the capability to access custom or extended PIDs (Parameter IDs). This feature was particularly appealing to those who wanted to delve deeper into their car’s diagnostics and retrieve information typically hidden by the manufacturer. By accessing these extended PIDs, users could gain insights into specific systems and components, going beyond the basic data provided by standard OBD2 scanners.
Of course, a primary function of any OBD2 scanner app is to read and interpret Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). Car Scanner excelled in this area, functioning much like a dedicated scantool. It not only displayed DTC fault codes but also provided access to a substantial database of DTC code descriptions. This meant that users could quickly understand the meaning of error codes, empowering them to diagnose issues and make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance. Furthermore, the app allowed users to reset DTC fault codes directly from their iPad, offering a convenient way to clear minor errors after addressing the underlying problem.
For more in-depth diagnostics, Car Scanner provided access to freeze frames, which capture sensor data at the moment a DTC is saved. This snapshot of sensor readings could be invaluable in pinpointing the conditions that led to a fault, aiding in more accurate and effective troubleshooting. Additionally, the inclusion of Mode 06 functionality was a significant feature for advanced users. Mode 06 allowed users to retrieve ECU self-monitoring test results, offering insights into the internal diagnostics performed by the car’s computer. This level of detail could be instrumental in proactively identifying potential issues and preventing costly repairs down the line.
Ensuring your car is ready for emissions testing is a common concern for vehicle owners. Car Scanner addressed this by providing a readiness check feature. This function allowed users to verify if their car’s emissions systems had completed the necessary tests and were ready for inspection. This proactive check could save time and prevent unexpected failures during official emissions tests. For a comprehensive overview, Car Scanner also offered a sensor monitoring screen, displaying readings from all available sensors in a single view. This consolidated display simplified the process of checking the overall health of various vehicle systems.
Compatibility is a key consideration when choosing an OBD2 scanner app. Car Scanner was designed to work with any vehicle adhering to the OBD2 standard, which includes most cars manufactured after 2000, and potentially even some models as far back as 1996. The app also incorporated numerous connection profiles, enhancing functionality for specific car brands like Toyota, Mitsubishi, GM, Opel, Vauxhall, Chevrolet, Nissan, Infiniti, Renault, Dacia, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat, and BMW, among others. These profiles often unlocked extra features and more refined data interpretation for these makes.
Practicality and user experience were also clearly considered in Car Scanner’s design. The inclusion of a HUD (Heads-Up Display) mode allowed drivers to project essential data onto their windshield, enhancing safety by keeping their eyes on the road. For performance enthusiasts, the app featured an accurate acceleration measurement tool, capable of recording 0-60 mph, 0-100 km/h, and other acceleration metrics. Beyond diagnostics and performance, Car Scanner could also function as a trip computer, providing fuel consumption statistics and other trip-related data, adding to its versatility.
For owners of VAG group vehicles (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat) built on MQB and PQ26 platforms, Car Scanner offered even more advanced capabilities, including encoding functions. These functions allowed users to adjust hidden parameters of their cars, providing a level of customization typically reserved for professional mechanics or dealerships. Importantly, Car Scanner distinguished itself by offering a wide array of features for free, making it an accessible option for a broad range of users. While a one-time purchase or subscription unlocked all features, the free version provided substantial value, allowing users to explore the app’s core capabilities before committing to a paid upgrade.
To utilize Car Scanner, users needed an OBD2 ELM327 compatible adapter, connecting via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 4.0 (Bluetooth LE). The app recommended reputable adapter brands such as Kiwi 3, Viecar, V-Gate, Carista, LELink, and Veepeak, advising users to be cautious of cheaper Chinese clones, particularly those marked as v.2.1, due to potential bugs and reliability issues. It’s important to note that the functionality of Car Scanner, like any OBD2 scanner, is ultimately limited by the sensors and data provided by the vehicle’s ECU. The app cannot display information that is not available from the car itself.
In conclusion, for iPad users in 2017 seeking a robust and feature-rich OBD2 scanner app, Car Scanner ELM OBD2 presented a compelling option. Its customizable dashboards, extended PID access, comprehensive DTC handling, Mode 06 support, and wide vehicle compatibility, combined with a generous free feature set, positioned it as a leading contender for diagnosing and monitoring vehicle health directly from an iPad. While technology and apps have continued to evolve, Car Scanner’s core strengths in functionality and user-friendliness remain relevant for anyone looking to understand their car better.
