OBD2 Apps and Bluetooth Scanners for Apple

[joseywales]

Anybody have personal experience with OBD2 transmitters and apps that work well with iPad or iPhone? I have a 5c and a 2nd gen iPad running 7.1.1(I think?). I'm not a monstrously tech savvy guy, so something fairly basic that will read codes, and monster things like trans temp, fuel consumption etc.

I've seen the "Blue Driver" app and transmitter, and it looks great, but I wonder if for the $100 I shouldn't just buy an Ultragauge or Scangauge?

Thanks for your input!

 

[SmoothLC]

I purchased the OBDLink MX WiFi and have it paired with an iPhone 5s. Works great and can be used in other vehicles.

 

[dogdaysindurham]

+1 for OBDLink. I have their bluetooth dongle for my Android phone and couldn't be happier.

What app are you all using for Apple stuff? I'm using Torque which might only be for Android? Just curious is all.

http://www.scantool.net/scan-tools/smart-phone/

 

[Toyo72]

I use Dash Command for iOS

 

[Slickspawn]

The MX wifi had terrible reviews on Amazon.

For over 100, I'm going to try to find a cheaper alternative.

 

[GregLCA]

I use Dash Command for iOS

X2 for Dash Command.


I have direct personal experience with the following 2 WiFi OBD adapters:

PLX Wifi - Broke after about 1 year. Never worked correctly with an OBD Y-splitter that I needed to use for both datalogging AND the ValentineOne SAVVY accessory. (Both need real-time access to the OBD port). PLX was pretty expensive too ($100), but the quality just wasn't there....check out my review on Amazon.com as well as many other dissatisfied users.

Innovate Motorsports WiFi - MUCH BETTER!!! Always links properly to the iPhone WiFI and was 100% compatible with the OBD Y-splitter too!! Even more money than the PLX unfortunately (~$125 IIRC) but I'm happy to have a reliable connection now. I wrote a review on this one at Amazon.com as well if you're interested in more details / comparisons.


Realtime datalogging is somewhat lame, because the OBD protocol is so slow.... when you start trying to monitor several things at once, the update frequency gets pretty slow (>1 second intervals). This is just a limitation of the OBD itself... so no matter who's adapter you buy the results will be the same. Being able to read "Check Engine" codes and clear them is really nice... I've used that several times.


-G

 

[SmoothLC]

I use the free OBDLink - haven't had a need for a paid app yet. If so, I'll try Dash Command.

FYI - Saw the reviews on Amazon. 8 of the 13 rate the WiFi adapter 1 star.

Compared to the reviews of the manufacturer's other products, they rate very high and have over 100 reviews. So this may be a "sample size" problem.

 

[Spook50]

I use one with the Torque app for my Android. Works awesome. And way the hell less costly than a dedicated OBDII scanner. What's cool is any gauges tied into the OBDII system on the vehicle can be displayed via the app if there isn't a dedicated gauge in the dash. It'll even show you the raw data coming from the sensors.

 

[Dragos80]

As far as I now Apple still does not allow the use of bluetooth devices with their apps. You need a WiFi adapter to work with your OBD-2 port and your iPhone.

 

[EJ Lewis]

+3 DashCommand

with VGATE WIFI OBD Adapter

free to view Timing, Fuel Trims, Coolant temp, Engine Load(%), MAP, Lambda, AFR,O2 Sensor, Intake temp, Ambient Temp, Catalyst temp, MAF, and Fuel Pressure etc