Free OBD2 Data Logger Software: Unleash Your Car's Hidden Data

Want to tap into the wealth of data your car produces?

This introduction will quickly cover the fundamentals of OBD2 data logging, highlighting the top 4 advantages and practical applications. We’ll also guide you on accessing sample OBD2 data (like speed and RPM) from an Audi A4.

Unlike many OBD2 dongles and scanners, the CANedge empowers you to log and analyze your vehicle’s data on your terms – utilizing entirely free software and APIs, including browser-based dashboards.

Explore below to understand why the CANedge stands out as an excellent choice for CAN and OBD2 data logging and telematics applications.

Quick Tip: Start with our 4-minute introductory video above for a visual overview!

Article Contents

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Understanding OBD2 Data Logging and Free Software Solutions

First, let’s revisit the basics of OBD2 systems.

OBD2 provides a standardized set of parameters, known as OBD2 PIDs, that can be recorded and easily interpreted across a wide range of vehicles. This standardization is key to leveraging Free Obd2 Data Logger Software effectively.

Logging OBD2 data is a straightforward process involving three key steps:

OBD2 Logger Configuration: Set up your OBD2 logger with a list of desired OBD2 PIDs to capture.
In-Vehicle Connection: Connect the logger to your vehicle using an OBD2 adapter to initiate data recording.
Data Extraction and Decoding: Retrieve the logged data from the SD card and decode it using free OBD2 data logger software or APIs.

For detailed instructions, consult the FAQ section below or our comprehensive guides:

CLX000 OBD2 Guide | CANedge OBD2 Guide

Top 4 Benefits of Utilizing OBD2 Data Logging with Free Software

OBD2 logging offers a powerful way to gather insightful data from virtually any modern vehicle. Here are the primary advantages:

1. Driver, Vehicle, and Part Optimization

OBD2 data provides valuable insights for enhancing driving habits, fine-tuning vehicle performance, and evaluating prototype automotive parts. By logging parameters like speed, RPM, throttle position, and fuel consumption, you can identify areas for improvement. Free OBD2 data logger software enables you to analyze this data, create performance benchmarks, and track the impact of modifications or driving style changes. OEMs can leverage this data to assess the real-world performance of new components under diverse operating conditions.

2. Diagnostics of Intermittent Issues

Troubleshooting infrequent or sporadic car problems can be challenging. These issues may occur briefly while driving but disappear by the time you reach a repair shop. OBD2 data logging allows you to capture data precisely around the time of an event, providing crucial information for diagnosing the root cause. Using free OBD2 data logger software, you can scrutinize the logged data, identify anomalies in sensor readings, and pinpoint the conditions leading to the problem.

3. Enhanced Car Fleet Management

Implementing OBD2 telematics across a fleet of vehicles offers significant benefits. By wirelessly transmitting OBD2 data via WiFi or cellular networks, fleet managers can gain real-time insights into driver behavior, optimize fuel efficiency, reduce breakdowns through proactive maintenance, ensure regulatory compliance, and improve dispute resolution. Free OBD2 data logger software and cloud platforms can be integrated to provide comprehensive fleet monitoring and reporting, enabling data-driven decisions for cost savings and operational improvements. Predictive maintenance, fueled by OBD2 data analysis, becomes a tangible reality, minimizing downtime and maximizing vehicle lifespan.

4. Data Control and Custom Integration via Open APIs

Choosing an OBD2 WiFi logger that records raw time-series data provides unparalleled control over your vehicle data. This raw data can be accessed via SD card extraction or direct upload to your private server. The availability of open APIs and free OBD2 data logger software facilitates seamless custom integration with existing systems. You can develop bespoke applications, dashboards, and analytics pipelines tailored to your specific needs, ensuring data privacy and maximizing the value derived from your vehicle data.

Which of these benefits aligns best with your OBD2 logging objectives? Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your specific requirements!

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Introducing the CANedge OBD2 Data Logger: Power and Flexibility

The CANedge CAN bus data logger offers optional GPS/IMU, WiFi, and 3G/4G capabilities, making it ideally suited for advanced OBD2 fleet telematics solutions. Its robust feature set and compatibility with free OBD2 data logger software make it a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

PLUG & PLAY: Immediate data logging right out of the box. Standalone operation. Seamlessly connect your vehicles to your server infrastructure.

PRO SPECS: Equipped with extractable 8-32 GB SD card, dual CAN/LIN channels, CAN FD support, zero data loss, 50 µs RTC, error frame capture, and MF4 logging format.

COMPACT: Small footprint at only 8 x 5 x 2 CM. 100G shock resistance. Durable aluminum enclosure. Features 5+ LEDs and configurable 5V power output (CH2).

WIFI/LTE: Effortlessly push data via WiFi or 3G/4G to your server. Enhanced End-to-End security. Supports Over-The-Air (OTA) updates.

GNSS + 3D IMU: Integrated GPS/IMU. Enhanced accuracy via sensor fusion. Captures position, speed, distance, and inertial measurements.

INTEROPERABLE: Utilize free open-source software and APIs (software/APIs). Supports MF4 to ASC/CSV conversion, DBC integration, Python API, and customizable dashboards.

Explore CANedge Features in Detail

OBD2 Data Visualization with Free Dashboards: A Software Example

With the CANedge and free OBD2 data logger software, you can easily create custom browser-based dashboards to visualize your OBD2 data and set up real-time alerts. This capability empowers users to monitor vehicle performance and health intuitively.

For applications requiring location data alongside OBD2 parameters, consider using a CANedge equipped with GNSS/IMU. This combination provides a holistic view of vehicle operation.

Explore our online playground to see live dashboards in action or delve deeper into our introductory resources to learn how to build your own.

Online Playground | Dashboard Introduction

Access the ‘OBD2 Data Pack’ for Hands-On Experience

Ready to work with real-world OBD2 data?

Download our comprehensive ‘data pack’ which includes:

Our OBD2 DBC file for easy decoding
25+ additional car DBCs (reverse-engineered for various models)
100+ MB of raw data collected from 10+ different cars

Download OBD2 Data Pack Now

Practical Use Cases for OBD2 Data Logging

Let’s examine some real-world applications where the CANedge OBD2 data logger and free OBD2 data logger software prove invaluable.

OEM Field Testing of Vehicle Components

Need to log CAN/OBD2 data from vehicles in real-world operating conditions?

For Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), late-stage field testing of prototype components is crucial. This often necessitates collecting OBD2 and CAN data from multiple vehicles over extended periods, such as months. The CANedge1 is ideally suited for this purpose due to its compact size, plug-and-play simplicity, and easy pre-configuration. Data can be periodically collected and analyzed using industry-standard CAN tools or our free asammdf GUI/API (free asammdf GUI/API).

Explore CANedge1 for OEM Testing

Vehicle Telematics and Fleet Management (OBD2 + GNSS/IMU + 3G/4G)

Looking to establish OBD2 telematics for on-road vehicle fleets?

The CANedge3 excels in wirelessly transmitting recorded OBD2 data via 3G/4G networks using your own SIM card. This enables near real-time OBD2 data transfer from vehicles to your cloud server. The OBD2 data can be automatically processed using our open APIs, which include OBD2 DBC decoding support. CANedge3 devices support over-the-air updates for remote management. Furthermore, the integrated GPS/IMU in CANedge3 adds valuable contextual data such as position, speed, trip distance, and acceleration to your telematics data stream.

Discover CANedge3 for Telematics

Case Study: OBD2/CAN Telematics Implementation

Learn how Volkswagen utilized the CANedge2 to log both OBD2 and raw CAN data to an SD card, and to automatically push this data to their self-hosted server for in-depth analysis. Their experience highlights the efficiency and robustness of CANedge solutions combined with free OBD2 data logger software compatibility.

“The CANedge2 allowed us to get up and running incredibly quickly with flexible configuration options, and the level of support was exceptional!”

Read the Volkswagen Case Study | Explore 100+ Case Studies

Accessing OBD2 Data from an Audi A4: Sample Data and Free Software

Below, you can download sample OBD2 data recorded using the CANedge, allowing you to experiment with free OBD2 data logger software and understand the data structure.

We also provide links to download the free open-source OBD2 software needed to decode and visualize the raw OBD2 data.

Raw OBD2 Data | Decoded OBD2 Data (Google Sheets) | Free OBD2 Software

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About OBD2 Data Logging

The OBD2 protocol (SAE J1979) standardizes a range of vehicle data parameters available for logging. However, the specific OBD2 data supported varies across different car models, with older vehicles often supporting fewer parameters.

Here are some common OBD2 parameters frequently available:

Fuel system status
Engine load
Coolant temperature
Fuel trim
Fuel pressure
Intake manifold pressure
Engine RPM
Vehicle speed
Intake air temperature
MAF air flow rate
Throttle position
Air status
Oxygen sensor status
Runtime since engine start
Distance with MIL on
Fuel tank level input
System vapor pressure
Absolute load value
Hybrid battery pack life
Engine oil temperature
Engine fuel rate
Torque
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
Various DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes)

For more detailed information, refer to the OBD2 PID Wiki page or the official SAE J1979 standard.

To convert raw OBD2 data from a CANedge OBD2 data logger into understandable physical values (like km/h, RPM), you need a database of decoding rules and suitable OBD2 software. This is where free OBD2 data logger software becomes essential.

We offer a 100% free OBD2 DBC file (OBD2 DBC file) that includes the majority of standardized Mode 01 (Service 01) OBD2 PID decoding rules, as documented on resources like the OBD2 PID Wiki page.

The OBD2 DBC file utilizes extended multiplexing for efficient OBD2 decoding. For a deeper understanding, see our DBC introduction and OBD2 introduction, which explains how to interpret raw CAN frames containing OBD2 responses.

You can load your raw OBD2 data and the OBD2 DBC file into one of our free software tools (e.g., asammdf or our OBD2 dashboard integrations). This enables you to visualize decoded OBD2 parameters like Speed, Engine Speed, MAF, and Fuel Level.

A key advantage of this approach is the ability to easily modify the OBD2 DBC file to incorporate additional proprietary OBD2 PIDs. You can also combine the OBD2 DBC with proprietary CAN DBC files to facilitate comprehensive CAN and OBD2 car data logging within a single system, all while leveraging free OBD2 data logger software for analysis.

What is UDS (Unified Diagnostic Services)?

The Unified Diagnostic Services protocol (UDS, ISO 14229-1) is another communication protocol used in automotive ECU communication. While OBD2 focuses on on-board diagnostics during vehicle operation, UDS is designed for off-board diagnostics when the vehicle is stationary, typically used with specialized diagnostic tools.

How to Send UDS Requests over ISO-TP (ISO 15765-2)

Requesting OBD2 PIDs is relatively simple, involving single-frame requests and responses. In contrast, UDS requests can be more complex, often requiring multi-frame transport protocol exchanges. For example, using UDS service 0x22 to request data by identifier involves a sequence of frames:

A ‘UDS data logger’ sends a request frame specifying the service ID (SID) and data identifier (DID).
The car ECU responds with a first frame containing SID, DID, total message length, and initial payload.
The UDS logger sends a flow control frame to acknowledge the first frame.
The ECU then transmits consecutive frames with the remaining message payload.

Therefore, logging UDS data requires a UDS tool capable of sending custom CAN frames and flow control frames. Furthermore, the free OBD2 data logger software must be capable of reassembling multi-frame UDS responses to extract and decode the payload effectively.

UDS and Extended OBD2 PIDs for Advanced Car Data Logging

UDS service IDs (SIDs) and data identifiers (DIDs) are sometimes combined into ‘extended OBD2 PIDs,’ such as 0x220101. Utilizing UDS service 0x22 requests allows access to vehicle data beyond standard OBD2 PIDs, potentially including parameters like State of Charge (SoC%) in electric vehicles. The CANedge, when combined with free OBD2 data logger software, can be configured to handle these advanced data logging scenarios.

Using CANedge as a UDS Data Logger

The CANedge can be configured to send UDS requests by transmitting request frames and managing flow control frames within defined timeframes. Log files containing UDS responses can be analyzed using tools like CANalyzer (by converting MF4 data to Vector ASC format) or processed using our free Python CAN bus API. Our GitHub API examples include UDS response data and a UDS DBC file for decoding State of Charge (SoC%) from a Hyundai Kona EV. For more information, see our EV data logger article or contact us.

Is My Car OBD2 Compatible?

Most modern cars and light trucks are OBD2 compliant, particularly in the USA (since 1996) and EU (EOBD since 2003). However, OBD2 data availability varies by vehicle model and year. Older cars may have limited support for real-time parameters. Some manufacturers are also starting to restrict OBD2 data access. While CAN bus is the dominant signal protocol for OBD2, older US cars (pre-2008) and some EU brands might use other protocols.

Verification Tip: Check your OBD2 connector for “metal pins” at positions 6 (CAN High) and 14 (CAN Low), as illustrated in our OBD2 connector diagram (red pins). If unsure, send us a photo for review.

There are five OBD2 signal protocols in total:

ISO 15765 (CAN): Predominant, mandatory in US vehicles since 2008.
SAE J1850 (PWM): Ford standard.
SAE J1850 (VPW): General Motors standard.
ISO 9141-2: Chrysler and some EU/Asian vehicles.
ISO 14230 (KWP2000): Primarily European manufacturers.

CANedge/CLX000 supports CAN-based OBD2. Contact us if you’re unsure about your car’s compatibility.

For a preliminary protocol check, you can use resources like OBD2 compatibility (cars). For a basic overview, refer to our OBD2 introduction.

You can also use an OBD2 logger to check supported Mode 01 OBD2 PIDs by requesting ‘Supported PIDs’ parameters (IDs 00, 20, 40, 60, 80, A0, C0) and analyzing the response data bits (see the Wikipedia OBD2 PID article).

OBD2 vs. J1939 Data Logging for Heavy-Duty Vehicles

OBD2 is primarily used for cars and light trucks. For heavy-duty vehicles like trucks, tractors, and excavators, the J1939 protocol is typically used. J1939 is a standardized protocol for heavy-duty vehicles, enabling data decoding across different brands. Decoding J1939 data requires a J1939 DBC file, and CANedge/CLX000 can also function as J1939 data loggers. Both OBD2 and J1939 data can be effectively analyzed using free OBD2 data logger software and related tools.

CANedge vs. CLX000: Which OBD2 Logger is Right for You?

Both CANedge and CLX000 series data loggers can be used for OBD2 data logging.

For SD card logging, the CANedge series is recommended as the 2nd generation, optimized for logging efficiency. For auto-uploading log files to your server, consider the CANedge2, ideal for OBD2 telematics and OBD2 dashboards.

If real-time OBD2 data streaming via USB to a PC is also needed, the CLX000 series, such as the CL2000, is a better choice.

Can I Stream OBD2 Data in Real-Time?

Yes, the CLX000 series allows real-time streaming of raw CAN and OBD2 data via USB. See our OBD2 streaming introduction for details on using free OBD2 data logger software for live data monitoring.

Raw CAN Data vs. OBD2 Data: What’s the Difference?

When you connect a CAN logger like CANedge or CLX000 to your car’s OBD2 port, it typically starts recording raw CAN bus data by default. This raw CAN data is the underlying communication network within the vehicle.

OEMs use raw CAN data and have DBC files to decode it. For non-OEM users, decoding raw CAN data requires reverse engineering, although some partial databases might be available online from projects like opendbc.

For most users, OBD2 data is more accessible. OBD2 communication is based on CAN bus in almost all modern cars but is “on-request,” unlike broadcasted raw CAN data. Logging OBD2 data involves sending specific CAN frames to request data, and the vehicle responds if the requested OBD2 PID is supported. Free OBD2 data logger software is designed to handle these request-response sequences and decode the data.

Types of OBD2 Devices: Scanners, Dongles, Loggers, and Interfaces

The market offers various OBD2 device types:

OBD2 Scanners: Used by mechanics for diagnostics, reading and clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). Includes OBD2 Bluetooth and WiFi scanners for smartphone connectivity.
OBD2 Dongles: Small, low-cost, consumer-oriented Bluetooth OBD2 readers for real-time vehicle data display via smartphone apps, often using ELM327 microcontrollers.
OBD2 Data Loggers: Standalone devices that record OBD2 time-series data to SD cards for later analysis, like the CANedge1.
OBD2 WiFi/LTE Loggers: OBD2 data loggers with WiFi or 3G/4G for data transfer to servers, enabling OBD2 telematics and OBD2 dashboards, such as CANedge2/CANedge3.
OBD2 Interfaces: CAN interfaces that stream OBD2 data to a PC via USB in real-time, like the CLX000 with USB streaming and free OBD2 data logger software compatibility.

Will the OBD2 Logger Drain My Car Battery?

In most cases, CANedge and CLX000 OBD2 loggers turn on/off with the ignition as the OBD2 port is typically ignition-powered. This minimizes battery drain.

However, in some vehicles, the OBD2 port is directly battery-powered. The logger’s power draw is minimal (

To check, observe the LEDs after turning off your car for 15-20 minutes. If LEDs are off, the logger is off. If it stays on and you anticipate long vehicle shutdown periods, disconnect the logger or configure CANedge to start/stop based on CAN data patterns related to ignition status. Alternatively, use a DB9-DC splitter cable and cigarette lighter adapter for ignition-linked power (see CANedge Docs for details).

Can I Log GPS Data with OBD2 Data?

While some cars have built-in GPS, extracting this data via OBD2 is often impractical. For reliable GPS logging synchronized with OBD2 data, use a CANedge with GNSS/IMU. This records GNSS/IMU data time-synced with CAN/OBD2 data on Channel 1, offering a comprehensive dataset for analysis with free OBD2 data logger software.

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Free OBD2 Data Logger Software: Unleash Your Car’s Hidden Data