ELM327 Bluetooth devices provide an easy way to scan a vehicle's Onboard Diagnostics II (OBD-II) system for codes. They can also read PIDs and assist in diagnostics. These devices provide an inexpensive way for DIYers and seasoned technicians to tackle computer diagnostics. However, there are a few ELM327 Bluetooth-related issues you should be aware of before purchasing one.
How to Setup a Budget OBDII ELM 327 Bluetooth Interface
The most common problem with ELM327 Bluetooth devices is that some cheap scanners contain unauthorized ELM327 microcontroller clones. These cloned chips often exhibit strange behavior, but even legitimate hardware will not work with certain devices. If you want to use an iOS device as a scanning tool, it is especially important to pay attention to these problems.
Scan tools that contain an ELM327 microcontroller and a Bluetooth chip can be paired with a variety of devices, but there are some important limitations. The primary devices that you can use an ELM327 Bluetooth scan tool with are:
The most convenient way to take advantage of ELM327 Bluetooth connectivity is to pair a scanner with a phone, but not all phones work well with the technology. The main exceptions are Apple iOS products such as the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
