Car scanner ELM327: reviews, technical specifications, instructions and features. Car scanner ELM327: reviews, technical specifications, instructions and features Elm327 which to choose 2.1 or 1.5

The elm327 auto scanner is, in fact, a scanning device designed to diagnose the electronic system of a car in order to identify faults. Initially, a controller with the same name was developed. Then, based on it, Canadian specialists invented a scanner with which you can easily test the operation of all parts of the on-board computer. So what car brands is elm327 suitable for? You will find the answer to this question in this article.

The elm327 is connected from both ends, like any other diagnostic module. One end is connected to the connector of the vehicle's electronic control unit. The connector is a 16-pin connector that supports a protocol that is installed on almost all modern car models.

The other end connects to a personal device, to which all information from the car will be displayed. This connection can be wired, using USB or COM outputs, or remote, via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi channels. Personal media means a personal computer, laptop, tablet and even a smartphone.

Version preferences and advantages of using the elm327 scanner

Currently, device versions 1.5, 1.6 and 2.1 are widely used. However, all subsequent versions turned out to be significantly worse than the basic version 1.5. The point here is that it is the original firmware, the product of many years of work by a team of Canadian professionals.

Our Chinese friends simply leaked it to their fakes. Then their specialists got involved in order to improve the outdated software, but it didn’t work out very well, and with each new version our device loses more and more important skills. Experienced users themselves prefer and advise others to buy a scanner with the old firmware.

Protocol support and vehicle compatibility

The adapter communicates with the ECU using OBD2 compatible protocols, ensuring the correct connection sequence. In fact, here we are talking about a group of protocols compatible with ISO 15765-4, ISO 14230-4, ISO 9141-2, J1850 PWM. Each of them is supported by ECUs of a number of models from global automakers. You can find a list of cars for which the scanner is suitable on the website of scanner sellers.

According to the ISO protocol, only Android devices can communicate remotely via Bluetooth. It is better to communicate with media on other platforms, including personal computers and laptops, either via USB or Wi-Fi channels to avoid various interferences and process interruptions.

A modern standard connector with support for the OBD2 protocol is a product of technical evolution. Its “ancestor” was the General Motor ALDL protocol. Following the introduction of US legislation to control environmental pollution, standards for exhaust gas emissions into the atmosphere were developed in 1996. These standards formed the basis of the OBD1 protocol, and then were improved into the OBD2 protocol group of standards.

The rest of the global auto industry followed the United States. Europe switched to this standard in 2001, Japan - 2000, China - 2008. in cars with a gasoline engine and after a year on diesel engines. The Russian automobile industry began supplying its products with this connector since 2010. Cars older than this age use a 14-channel connector, so connecting to them requires additional adapters. They adapt 14, 20 and even 22 pin connectors to the standard.

In fact, OBD2 is a symbiosis of mutually compatible protocols that differ in the speed of information exchange. These include:

• High speed – CAN, SAE, PWM and J1850.
• Low speed
• Other types – EOBD 2, JOBD

The conclusion suggests itself is that before purchasing this or that testing device, you need to check its compatibility with your car’s ECU by checking the compatibility table (freely available on the Web).

To check the compatibility of the elm327 scanner with the ECU of your car, you can use the database created and constantly updated by the developers. In it you need to select from the list of manufacturer, year of manufacture and model of your car. After clicking on the “check” button, a tab for this brand pops up at your service. In the list of cars compatible with it, find the make of your car. It is worth noting that all models released after 2004, without exception, can be connected.

On the Internet you can find a table combined with a scanner, which shows the optimal software for your scanner for each brand of car.

The main functionality of the Elm327 scanner

The functions of any diagnostic tool are determined by the capabilities of the vehicle's ECU. The more functionality it has, the wider its capabilities. Let's consider what problems you can solve with such a smart device.

1. Determining the condition of all structural elements of the car by taking readings from all sensors.
2. Analysis of the veracity of data from sensors, by comparison with reference parameters, on this basis, identification of faults.
3. View and display saved files on your personal device. The codes are pre-deciphered and reports are generated in the form of a list or graph. Moreover, they are accompanied by explanations and recommendations for elimination.
4. In addition to stored errors, the scanner is capable of independently identifying various deviations in the operation of sensors.

Programs for Elm327 scanner

On the Internet you can find and download a large number of devices that our device can operate on. Particularly popular are those that are compatible with smartphones and support wireless communication via WiFi and .

1. The most popular of them is rightfully considered. Two versions have been developed - Lite (free) and Pro (paid). They differ from each other in the number of parameters of the tested elements.

What is he doing TORQUE:

2. Another good program is OBD CAR DOCTOR . Compatible with elm327 and OBD2 connections. Can:

3. OPENDIAG - The program is intended, for the most part, for diagnosing injection models. That is, for Russian cars. Works on Android, fully compatible with the ELM327 auto scanner. The application is free and very convenient for owners of domestic automotive products.

Analyzing the sales market, automakers, in their desire to satisfy the ever-increasing demand for models with a standard connector, come to the conclusion that it is necessary to standardize their products (it cannot be otherwise - demand creates supply). So, we can safely say that the future lies in a single standard!

The main difference is the number of supported protocols. Scanner with version 1.5 list of supported protocols is several times larger compared to the latest scanner version 2.1. Visually, the adapters are no different from each other. The scanner version can only be determined programmatically. Information about the scanner version is displayed in almost all mobile diagnostic applications via the ELM 327 scanner.

Autocom and Delphi activator for versions 2014.3 and 2015.1.

List of protocols supported by the ELM327 v1.5 scanner:

• SAE J1850 PWM (41.6Kbaud).
• SAE J1850 VPW (10.4Kbaud).
• ISO9141-2 (5 baud init,10.4Kbaud).
• ISO14230-4 KWP (5 baud init,10.4 Kbaud).
• ISO14230-4 KWP (fast init,10.4 Kbaud).
• ISO15765-4 CAN (11bit ID,500 Kbaud).
• ISO15765-4 CAN (29bit ID,500 Kbaud).
• ISO15765-4 CAN (11bit ID,250 Kbaud).
• ISO15765-4 CAN (29bit ID,250 Kbaud).
• A.SAE J1939 CAN (29bit ID,250*Kbaud).
• B.USER1 CAN (11*bit ID,125*Kbaud).
• C.USER2 CAN (11*bit ID,50*kbaud).

And here is the list of protocols that the ELM327 v2.1 scanner supports:

• ISO9141-2;
• ISO14230-2 (KWP2000);
• SAE J1850 VPW;
• SAE J1850 PWM;
• ISO 15765-4 CAN.

Undoubtedly the list is smaller. So what should you choose, v2.1 or v1.5? To select a scanner, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Decide which program you will work with. View the list of protocols that are supported by the program you have chosen and compare.

2. ELM327 v2.1 only work with cars that have a CAN bus. There is a very low probability that the ELM327 v2.1 scanner will work with cars that have K-Line.

3. The ELM327 v1.5 scanner works both with cars with a K-Line and with cars with a CAN bus.

4. Look at the ECU of your car for the type of protocol communication.

If it is impossible to complete these steps or is costly by certain standards, then it is better to opt for the ELM327 v1.5 scanner. The cost of the ELM327 v1.5 scanner is higher than the cost of the ELM327 v2.1 scanner, but not significantly. The cost of the ELM327 v1.5 scanner is on average 20% higher than the cost of the ELM327 v2.1 scanner.

This thing is quite popular, often popularly called a “whistle”. I’ll say right away that this device has nothing to do with professional equipment. Its main function is to read engine control unit errors and subsequently reset them. In short, Check Engine Watch out, we're coming for you!

So, friends, after studying the reviews and ratings of a huge number of sellers on Aliexpress, my choice fell on the OBDGEAR Store. In it, such a scanner was selected, working via Bluetooth. This suggests that it is designed to pair with Android:

As you can see, it has a power on and wake up button. The thing is that if there is no active connection for more than 30 minutes, the device turns off in order to save energy. It's a small thing, but it's cool.

Now the view from below. There is a 16-pin connector for connecting to a vehicle diagnostic connector that supports the OBD II protocol:

So, now we move on to a very important point that will significantly affect the list of supported cars. This ELM 327 scanner has firmware version 1.5. And this is a fundamental point, since there is still a stripped-down version 2.1 on the market.

The essence of the issue is that the Chinese, when they cloned this device from the original, began to cut out some protocols in firmware 2.1. Naturally, this led to the fact that many car brands were no longer supported.

And version 1.5 is complete. As they say, engineers from the Middle Kingdom did not modify it, making the life of car enthusiasts much easier. I was not lazy and found an interesting video on this topic on YouTube. I highly recommend watching:

In general, Wi-Fi connections are the domain of Apple products and you need to understand this. If you have plans to use this device in conjunction with a computer, then you can look for versions with a USB connector. Although, to be honest, I don’t see much point in this, since I repeat, this is unprofessional equipment. But at the same time it saves money well. 😉

Now let's raise the second question that worries everyone: the list of supported cars. Guys, everything is actually very simple here. After all, any adequate seller “chews” this topic in great detail on the store page. For example, here are screenshots of the description of my purchase:

Of course, the translation is clumsy, but in any case, it makes it clear that all major American cars from the 1996 model year are supported, as well as European cars from 2004 and Asian cars from 2008.

The FAQ says there is no support for any diesel vehicles at all. Also note that for the scanner to work properly with a smartphone, the Android version must be at least 4.4.

What to do if your car is not on the above lists? Guys, don't reinvent the wheel. Just ask the seller with the help of a translator. If he is adequate and values ​​his reputation, the answer will be the most accurate. After all, in this case there is no point in lying, since the buyer can always open a dispute.

In general, friends, I think that now the question of what ELM327 is and where to see the list of cars that it supports has been completely answered. But if you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments to the article. That's all for now and see you again. And remember that in China everything can be bought from.

The ELM327 USB v1.5 adapter is a car scanner for diagnosing cars using a computer. The scanner supports all known protocols of the ODB2 family, which means compatibility with the vast majority of cars. Communication with a PC is supported using a wired USB interface; for ELM 327 v1.5 USB, simply insert it into the OBD-II diagnostic socket of your car and connect the cable to your computer or laptop and install the Elm327 driver. In addition, the ability to use free PC programs is a huge advantage.

OBD-2 diagnostic adapters manufactured on the basis of the latest version 1.5 ELM327 microcontroller have proven themselves to be excellent due to their quality and reliability. Programs for working with the ELM327 USB adapter have great functionality, capabilities, modern appearance and multilingual support, among them there are programs that even have many dealer functions! Among all OBDII car scanners, ELM327 USB is without a doubt the fastest in terms of establishing a connection with the control unit (ECU, ECU) of the car. Where other scanners may fail, USB will do its job perfectly. Now all the capabilities of this convenient device are available to you: you just need to buy an ELM327 USB adapter! Save time and money on trips to the service center, with the help of Elm 327 you can find out for yourself what exactly is wrong.

Elm327 USB adapter features:

• Reading and decoding fault codes
• Removing errors from the memory of the vehicle control unit (ECU) in order to extinguish the Check Engine lamp
• Reading engine operating parameters in real time

Through special free Elm327 USB programs in Russian, you can control such engine operating parameters as:

• Engine speed
• Current/maximum engine power per trip, kW or l/s
• Torque
• On-board voltage
• Coolant temperature
• Intake manifold pressure
• Mass Air Flow(MAF)
• Vehicle speed
• Calculation of acceleration time 0-100 km/h
• Calculation of braking time 110-0 km/h
• Oxygen/fuel ratio
• Ambient temperature
• CO2 emissions
• Remaining fuel
• Fuel trim
• Instant fuel consumption
• Short term fuel consumption
• Long term fuel consumption
• Absolute air pressure
• Intake air temperature
• Ignition timing
• Mass air flow
• Throttle position
• Lambda probe parameter values
• Fuel rail pressure
• and other parameters supported by the vehicle ECU

Supported OBD-II v1.5 protocols

• SAE J1850 PWM
• SAE J1850 VPW
• ISO 9141-2
• ISO 14230 KWP2000
• ISO 15765 CAN

Characteristics of the elm327 USB adapter:

• Size: 8.8 * 4.6 * 2.5 cm (will “stick out” from the diagnostic block by 6 cm)
• Weight: 130 gr.
• USB cable length: 176 cm
• Current consumption: 45 mA
• Compatibility: Windows XP/7/10
• Chipset: PIC25K80+Prolific

The ELM327 USB car diagnostic adapter operates using OBD-II protocols with:

• gasoline vehicles manufactured for the American market since 1996,
• petrol vehicles manufactured for the European market from 2001 onwards,
• diesel cars starting from 2004 production.

Only here:

• Guarantee 5 years. Branded warranty card with every order
• Each adapter is sold in beautiful branded packaging . You don’t need to come up with anything special with packaging to give our Elm327 USB scanner as a gift.

Usually, in order to find out and diagnose your car for errors, you need to go to a service center and pay a lot of money, but this device will save you from constant visits to the service center and periodic waste of money. Of course, such a device will no longer surprise anyone, but this does not prevent it from being useful.

The scanner can be installed in almost all cars that have an OBDII connector, you can see a small list of supported cars, but that list doesn’t even include half of the supported cars. It is generally accepted that this scanner will work in any car with OBDII. There are an unmeasured number of versions of this scanner, there are 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, and even 2.1, there are not many differences, one of the most important differences is the design. We have version 1.5, it looks exactly the same as 2.1, and I only found out about the real version using the program.

The equipment is quite modest: a disk with software for Windows and, in fact, an ELM327 scanner. The appearance also doesn’t stand out, it looks like all other scanners for this amount. It is very good that it has rather modest dimensions (48x30x25mm), since most other scanners may not even fit in the connector, the lid will not close and the scanner will simply stick out, unprotected, under the dashboard. It is installed here:


And it looks like this (my photos, processed by Photoshop):

Additional photos

Now let's move on to the most important thing - how does it all work while driving?
As I wrote above, the scanner data update is quite fast, the speed shows with a small error, but tolerable. Based on instantaneous consumption, you can adjust the pressure on the gas pedal (the lower the instantaneous consumption, the lower the average consumption), thereby saving gasoline. The consumption itself seems to show the truth, but for more accurate data you need to travel a greater distance (at least 500 kilometers). The temperature is correct, ±2 degrees. Some photos:




I also did the video. But since it’s very difficult to film one place while moving, the videos will be jerky...

In general, quite a useful thing. Sometimes it’s just interesting to look at some indicators, or, for example, calculate the approximate consumption and money spent on a trip. I repeat once again, I chose the main sensors for myself, but you can choose completely different ones (at the top I gave a list of available ones). That's why I think the device is useful. Thanks everyone for reading.

The product is provided free of charge.