How to turn your smartphone into a car diagnostic tester

In modern cars, an electronic control unit is responsible for controlling all components and assemblies. It reads information from various car sensors and analyzes the current state of the car. But all these processes take place in the background, without driver participation. However, he can also access a lot of information about his car if he uses a smartphone with a special application.

What is needed for diagnosis

Car diagnostics have long ceased to be the prerogative of official dealers or manufacturers. Today, more car services and ordinary drivers have access to the main “brain” of the car - the electronic control unit.

Especially for diagnostics, there is a connector in the car interior to which you can connect professional equipment that allows you to analyze the condition of components and assemblies. It can be found under the driver or passenger seat. Sometimes it is located in the area of ​​the fuse group under the steering wheel or near the steering column.

However, the world does not stand still, and now you can do almost all the same actions without special equipment, having only a phone and an adapter on hand. It is the last component that you will need to purchase in store or order online.

Most often, the adapter works via a Bluetooth connection. It is worth carefully inspecting the diagnostic port before purchasing an adapter. It can be of three types: OBD, OBD-II or iOBD. Based on this, you need to select the appropriate adapter. Most often in stores you can find it under the name “OBD adapter”.

You also need to carefully study the reviews of other drivers regarding each adapter model. There are many products on the market that can drain your car battery when the engine is off.

Sequence of further actions:

1. Park the car on the side of the road (engine running).
2. Take out the elm327 adapter.
3. Insert into the ECU connector of your car (bottom of the control panel, to the right of the steering column). A blinking light on the adapter will indicate that the connection has occurred and data is being read from the controller (ECU).
4. When the light stops blinking and lights up steadily (at this point all parameters will be read), set up Bluetooth on your smartphone: - find the already installed diagnostic program in the phone menu, - enter the program menu, - look, read and select the parameters that seem you are currently suspicious.

Best Diagnostic Apps

In this article, we will consider only those applications that work reliably on devices with Android OS. Another note: not all applications can work with different adapter models. This must be taken into account when choosing an adapter or when downloading a program to a smartphone.

List of the most popular applications for car diagnostics:

1. Dash. The application is distributed free of charge. It is compatible with a large number of adapters. Allows you to analyze data in real time. The program shows a lot of temperature data that is not available from the dashboard. In Dash you can see the battery charge. The application remembers the location of the car in the parking lot and can tell the driver where it is. The system also works well in conjunction with the navigation system. It tracks the distance, calculates the path and the amount of fuel burned. Among other things, Dash can calculate the cost of a trip.
2. Automatic. One of the most famous and popular applications for car diagnostics in the West. Unlike Dash, it has its own adapter, which allows the program to receive maximum information from the bowels of the car. However, Automatic prefers to process the received data independently and does not provide the driver with a working picture in real time. The application independently monitors many of the car’s indicators. If the driver begins to perform any incomprehensible actions, the program lets you know about this with a loud sound signal. The biggest disadvantage of this program is its cost. It only comes with a $99 fee along with the adapter.
3. Torque. One of the most powerful and advanced car diagnostic apps you can find. Unlike the first two programs, Torque can display a huge number of indicators and car parameters. For example, the status of the fuel-efficiency adjustment sensor. The application can be downloaded for free or you can purchase the “Pro” version for $4.95. In the “Pro” version, the driver will receive maximum information about the operation of the car, which, perhaps, can only be seen on professional diagnostic equipment in a good service station. However, in the opinion of many users, the regular version of Torque is sufficient for self-diagnosis of the car.

Having selected the desired application and purchased an adapter, you can go directly to diagnosing your car.

Software selection

Currently, the most popular program is Torque for Android application. It allows you to quickly troubleshoot current problems. With Torque, you can predict force majeure and learn how to deal with it in the garage, without moving.

Main features:

1. Reading and displaying sensor readings online on the smartphone display: - speed, - crankshaft revolutions, - oil pressure, - coolant temperature, air temperature, - brake system.
2. Reading and erasing ECU errors.
3. Identification of the controller of this vehicle, as well as additional parameter data.
4. Saving dynamic data about all routes, the ability to dearchive and analyze them.
5. Visual options for familiarizing yourself with information: - digital report, - graphs, - dials.
6. Choosing a method of signaling a critical situation (sound, light).

There are plenty of functions in the Torque program. In addition, they can be constantly updated and added via the Internet in your smartphone.

What's so great about a smartphone with Torque? Comfort and omnipotence - this is what you feel for the first time when you contact a previously unknown technology.

How to do self-diagnosis

When you have all the devices in your hands and the application is also installed on your phone, you can proceed to test runs. The step-by-step algorithm for the first diagnosis is as follows:

1. Connect the OBD adapter to the vehicle's diagnostic port.
2. Connect the Bluetooth adapter to your smartphone.
3. Start the car.
4. Take it for a test drive.

As a result, you will have data on the duration of the journey, fuel consumption, cost of the trip, as well as performance indicators of the sensors of the internal components of the car.

We connect the adapter and synchronize with the phone

You can connect a digital device to the diagnostic connector using special adapters using a wire, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. For older cars, finding the necessary adapter is quite difficult. For example, a car that is 20 years old will require a special cable that supports the K-line.

The right adapter makes it possible to transfer data from OBD-II to a smartphone using Bluetooth. When purchasing it, it is important to make sure that the specific adapter supports this function.

The wireless version of the device is used for more modern cars.
Such scanners are activated via wireless technology. There is no need to change operating system settings or configure computer ports. For new cars, an excellent option would be the ELM 327 wireless adapter. After connecting the adapter to the port, which is most often located under the steering wheel, you should synchronize it with your smartphone.

To do this you need to do the following:

• open the Bluetooth settings menu on your smartphone and start searching for devices;
• disconnect the adapter for a few seconds;
• turn the ignition key;
• Once it appears in the list of nearby OBD-II devices, enter its PIN code on the phone.

After completing these procedures, it is recommended to open the data collection application. It is better to do this immediately after synchronization is completed. When using the adapter, you need to turn the ignition key. Only in this case can you obtain information about the condition of the machine.

Smartphone tester capabilities

In terms of diagnostics, the functionality of the phone can be limited only by the capabilities of the application, as well as the data transmitted by the car’s diagnostic port.

In most cases, the user will have access to geolocation, and, as a result, all parameters associated with the route. The driver will be able to find out about the distance traveled, fuel consumed, the final cost of the trip and gasoline/diesel consumption.

The driver will also be able to view the readings of the main temperature sensors of the internal combustion engine and gearbox. It’s worth leaving them and monitoring the data received. It is also worth adding battery charge indicators.

Software

1. DashCommand Application for diagnostics on iPhone. Professional program. For an ordinary driver, it is of interest in the sense of studying the dynamics of his car (engine, gearbox) on the route. Sensor readings are recorded at every moment. All parameters are read via Obd2. Automatic reset of controller errors.
2. EOBD Facile Option is similar, but with fewer capabilities. In any case, the main things (speed, revolutions, coolant temperature, brakes, etc.) can be viewed and partially adjusted. This diagnostic application for iPhone is not expensive and generally meets average needs.
3. Android Unparalleled application. Used on both computers and phones. The potential is huge. Android OS provides the right to interact with all diagnostic programs existing in the world online.

How to connect to Android from a tablet or laptop

The connection diagram is standard: computer – adapter – car ECU.

The peculiarity of a wired (not remote) connection via USB is that the Elm327 adapter, in addition to the obd connector for the ECU, must also have a usb connector for connecting to a laptop or tablet.

In addition to the adapter, you also need:

• Android OS on computer,
• diagnostic applications for Android,
• installation drivers.

For full access to the Android OS, you need to buy or download Root rights on the Internet.

What cars can be diagnosed?

Almost all new cars that have a diagnostic port allow you to obtain data about the operation of the internal components of the car. But vehicles that were produced before the early 90s are unlikely to be diagnosed.

The range of analyzed data may depend on the type of OBD connector. In some cases, the information received may not be entirely correct. For example, if the car’s ECU was changed or “flashed,” as well as when the engine was replaced.

• Author: Elena
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Modern tendencies

Mobile car diagnostics are extremely convenient. You are not tied to the car. The only limitation is Bluetooth or Wi-F on a portable device and their range. The functionality is almost the same as that of a regular computer. Except that the monitor is smaller and the font is not so distinguishable.

Car diagnostics via phone is a completely logical know-how. Everyone has a phone now. In difficult times, it is easiest to use this device. Modifications don't matter. Whether it’s a smartphone or an iPhone, there’s no difference. Only in options and design.

What will you get from it?

Most vehicles since the early 1980s have on-board computers that are equipped with an on-board diagnostic (OBD) connector. Since 1996, new additional connectors with the modern OBD-II connection standard began to appear in many cars, which became compatible with any personal computer. It is worth noting that in those days, little serious could be done (done) with the data from the control unit of a car or engine, especially with the help of those ordinary PCs. In order to analyze data from electronic car systems at that time, it was necessary to have expensive professional equipment. But to our happiness, today we all live in the future in relation to the past (that) time.

Thanks to the same data that is constantly generated by the computer of a modern car, you can track anything using installed special applications on your smartphone. These programs will help make you drive better and even save you money.

Here is an example of some data that can be obtained on a smartphone:

Tracking driving performance to save fuel: Many of us (you) brake too hard, or accelerate too quickly, or often drive at high engine speeds while driving. This manner of driving the car increases fuel consumption. Smartphone programs such as Dash and Automatic can help and tell you what you need to change in your driving style to achieve significant fuel savings in the future. Also, these applications will help you (drivers) calculate your fuel costs when traveling a certain set distance.

They will also help you find out where your car is parked: -Programs such as “Dash” and “Automatic” designed for smartphones or tablets will help you find out where you parked your car (if you suddenly forgot). In integration with Google maps, you can not only find out where your car is, but even clarify and then find a shortcut to the car. At first glance, this possibility of the program will seem absurd. But don’t rush to think so, according to statistics, 30% of motorists, when visiting large shopping centers, as a rule, simply forget about where they parked their car. These are the statistics, friends.

Find out the reason for the appearance of the “Check” engine icon (symbol): -The appearance of the “Check” engine symbol on the instrument panel can be associated with a hundred different reasons. Despite the fact that most serious car breakdowns that cause a “Check” engine to appear require qualified assistance from an auto mechanic, with the help of a smartphone and a special program you can easily reset. By connecting in this way to the OBD connector of the car’s computer, you can find out for yourself what went wrong and what led to the appearance of the “engine error” icon, and then you can do everything necessary to clear this error.

Here are a few specific steps that you need to take in order to diagnose your car yourself and find out all the information about it that is hidden from your eyes and stored on your computer.

HobDrive

HobDrive combines an intelligent on-board computer and diagnostic software. The application uses the ELM327 adapter and GPS sensors to obtain the necessary information.

HobDrive includes vehicle sensor readings, engine diagnostics, trip recording, route planning and fuel consumption calculations. The full version of HobDrive has several advantages over the demo version: continuous error tracking, fuel consumption tracking per hour, day or specified period of time.

Available for Android and iPhone.

Which phone is suitable for testing a car?

You can use any model to diagnose a car using a phone program. The main condition is the presence of a wireless connection system (Bluetooth) and open access to geolocation so that applications can track the route of movement. This is necessary so that the driver has the opportunity to view the data he is interested in, for example:

• the cost of travel;
• how much fuel was consumed;
• engine speed;
• temperature and more.

Car diagnostic programs on your phone are a car service in your pocket.
With their help, you can assess the condition of the main components of the car and identify breakdowns. To be able to diagnose, you need to buy an adapter. Cost – up to 3000 rubles. Do you perform diagnostics using your phone? What program do you use? Write in the comments. Save the article to bookmarks and share it on social networks.

The best programs for car diagnostics in video.

Why is it necessary to test a car?

Using diagnostics, all faults in the main components of the car are identified. Testing is necessary so that in the shortest possible time it is possible to determine the specific location of the breakdown in the car. Special programs independently analyze the car, noticing even the most minor breakdowns.

It is necessary to test your personal car at the moment when an error icon appears on the car panel. However, if this icon does not light up, then you can test the machine once a year for preventive purposes. This will prevent possible breakdowns that could lead to serious problems, since testing provides complete information about the control unit and the condition of the parts.

Recommended Software

The best program for devices that run on Android OS is Torque. Even the free version, despite its limited capabilities, makes it possible to perform basic diagnostic measures - get fault codes, decipher them, save or print reports, and much more.

A more advanced, but paid program, “Torque Pro” is a multifunctional on-board computer that displays up-to-date information about the status of systems and sensors in real time and has a very clear, friendly user interface.

How to connect to a car's on-board computer from a smartphone

It is advisable to connect a car BC to a smartphone with the engine running. You need to install the program on your smartphone, insert the adapter into the service connector, and start the car. Then you need to turn on Bluetooth and search for devices. The adapter may have a name with the abbreviation scan, obd, elm or another. You need to connect to it. If a pairing code is required, it is usually 1111 or 1234, unless otherwise stated in the instructions for the adapter or its description on the website.

Once the connection is established, you need to run the diagnostic program. You may need to select the Bluetooth device to pair with.