Are you tired of mysterious check engine lights and expensive trips to the mechanic? In today’s automotive world, having the right tools can empower you to understand and address car issues yourself. The ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool has emerged as a popular and affordable option for DIY car diagnostics. But does it live up to the hype? This review dives deep into the ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool and its companion software, TouchScan, to help you decide if it’s the right tool for your needs.
Getting Started with the ELM327 and Software
Setting up the ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 scanner is straightforward. Typically, these scanners come with a mini-CD containing various software options. The included CD with our test ELM327 provided ScanTool.net for Windows v1.13. This software is functional for basic tasks, allowing you to scan and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and view real-time sensor data. While ScanTool.net gets the job done for fundamental checks, its interface and features are quite basic, as seen in the screenshots below.
Exploring beyond the bundled software, TouchScan (ScanTool.net LLC – TouchScan OBD Software – ScanTool.net) caught our attention. This software offers a significant upgrade in functionality and user experience. A fully functional 14-day demo version is available, providing ample time to evaluate its capabilities. TouchScan extends beyond basic code reading and clearing, offering features like comprehensive sensor data display, real-time statistics, freeze frame data analysis, and detailed vehicle information. One of its standout features is a customizable dashboard, allowing you to monitor the parameters most relevant to you. For in-depth diagnostics, the recording and playback feature is invaluable, letting you analyze data from test drives in real-time.
Connecting and Configuring TouchScan
Connecting TouchScan to your ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 adapter is designed for ease of use. The “AutoDetect” function simplifies the initial setup. By clicking AutoDetect, the software automatically scans through COM ports to locate the ELM327 interface. It then cycles through various baud rates and OBD2 protocols to establish a connection. The results are clearly displayed, showing the COM port, baud rate, and protocol identified. In our test with a RAV4, the scanner was found on COM5, connecting at 115200 baud using the ISO 15765-4 CAN 11 bit protocol – the communication language of the vehicle. After AutoDetect completes, clicking “Connect” should turn the Interface and ECU indicators green, confirming a successful connection.
Once connected, the customizable dashboard becomes accessible. This feature allows you to visualize real-time data from your vehicle’s sensors. Simply accelerating the engine will display changes on the gauges, providing immediate feedback on engine performance.
The dashboard’s flexibility extends to its customization. You can configure it to display a wide array of gauges and data points, tailoring it to your specific diagnostic needs.
Diagnosing Trouble Codes with TouchScan
To test the diagnostic capabilities, we simulated a common engine issue by disconnecting the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. Upon starting the engine, it stalled initially but then ran with the check engine light, along with TRAC and VSC lights, illuminated. This indicated that trouble codes had been stored in the Engine Control Unit (ECU).
Using TouchScan’s Diagnostics function, the software quickly identified two trouble codes: P0102 (Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input) and P0113 (Intake Air Temperature Circuit High Input).
Further investigation into the Freeze Frame Data provided a snapshot of the vehicle’s condition at the moment the code was triggered. The data revealed that the engine was relatively cold (118°F) and the code was set almost immediately after starting the engine.
This level of detail is exceptionally useful for diagnosing intermittent issues, as it captures crucial parameters like speed, RPM, and engine temperature at the time of the fault. Clearing the trouble codes with TouchScan was simple, and the warning lights were immediately extinguished, returning the system to normal operation.
Advanced Features: Recording and Playback
The recording function in TouchScan stands out as a particularly powerful feature. Initiating a recording before a test drive captures a comprehensive dataset of vehicle performance parameters.
After completing a drive and stopping the recording, TouchScan allows for detailed playback of the recorded data. This playback simulates a real-time analysis of the drive, enabling you to review sensor data and gauge readings as if you were still driving. This functionality is akin to analyzing an aircraft’s black box, providing invaluable insights into vehicle behavior under various driving conditions.
Switching between different screens during playback allows for a thorough examination of various data points, making it easier to pinpoint anomalies or performance issues.
TouchScan also provides various information screens, offering further details about your vehicle’s systems and sensor readings.
A practical tip for using TouchScan: always disconnect within the software before closing the program. Navigate to “Setup” and select “Disconnect” to properly release the COM port. This prevents connection issues when reconnecting later.
Final Verdict: Is the ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 Scan Tool Worth It?
For those seeking an affordable and effective tool for diagnosing car problems, the ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool, especially when paired with software like TouchScan, is highly recommended. While the basic software included with many ELM327 scanners provides fundamental functionality, TouchScan elevates the diagnostic experience significantly with its advanced features and user-friendly interface. The full version of TouchScan is reasonably priced at $24.95 with lifetime upgrades, making it a worthwhile investment.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to read and clear diagnostic codes, monitor real-time sensor data, and gain deeper insights into your vehicle’s health, the ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool and TouchScan software combination offers exceptional value and capability. For around $40 total (including the scanner and software), this setup provides a comprehensive diagnostic solution that empowers DIYers and car enthusiasts alike.
