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I want to connect a obd2 bluetooth device. Do i have to buy an android?

Recently bought an DTC reader to be able to record tech data from my car. (elm327 obd2)

Simple to connect to my wife´s samsung and my laptop.

But what is the problem with my Iphone? it just doesn´t find the bluetooth device?

Seems like a very rudimentary demand on a modern mobile...


What am i doing wrong?

iPhone 4, iOS 5.1

Posted on Apr 24, 2012 1:21 PM

Reply
62 replies

Feb 3, 2017 11:47 PM in response to MrUrban

I wanted to reply, as I'm sure anyone with a passion for their car and their iPhone. Ok..I don't day trade, do my banking or even Tweet or use Facebook - sue me. ..and I know the net, not new to any of this.. I just don't engage it..and that's what people think of about iPhone owners now.. -I just have grown up with the Mac platform and love the iPhone.. - Usually it Apple that's all over stuff.. How could Apple miss the "Dongle!" - Oh I've already started looking for that copyright--the "iDongle" ...hmm, the iDong! Call me Apple.. -enough of that.. this technology is taking this a long time to get either worked out or to the market.. and car companies not wanting to cooperate.. throw in the "ELM" that only works with Android..and highlight the problem with an exlemation point by saying * solved..but an Android.. as if. The answer is give it time.. They'll do it thru an either seen second party like Quicklink..or hopefully they'll get together and get out of the proprietary.. And that seems where the breakdown happens.. For IPhones I got connected on my 2015 FR-S and that model could not be read by this secondary "proprietary" software for iPhone.. The phone never connected to Dash Command when I selected it thru Quicklink. SO..some will work with iPhone and android- about $100.. they do connect to iPhone thru thr OBD port - I think they use a wifi..on some.. however, the one I had briefly, it was working with Quicklink using Bluetooth.. BUT, a lot of vehicles have not become involved or may not want their info out ..or it's the type of code that can make car-hypochondriacs.. idk why Apple isn't on this - maybe because Steve Jobs died.. God rest his soul..

Apr 25, 2012 1:57 PM in response to KiltedTim

I'm so sorry if I don't make myself clear.

Those two apps that I mention before works using OBDII protocol with does not mean they can connect with ELM327 Bluetooth Device via iPad or iPhone.

Anyway, you already gave up, and I'm not begging for this thing.

If someone else have some thoughts about it, I'll be pleasent to hear, thanks a lot!

/Adriano

Apr 25, 2012 2:19 PM in response to Adriano from São Paulo

Adriano, you need to tell us specifically what apps you are trying to use. You also need to state exactly what happens when you try to use these apps with your device, assuming you've confirmed with the developers of the apps that they do indeed support the ELM327. Without that information, it is difficult if not impossible for anyone to offer any advice.


Regards.

Apr 25, 2012 3:36 PM in response to Adriano from São Paulo

Well, I can't find Protocol Log Works in the US App store, but I do see DashCommand.


According to the text in the app store, it requires a compatible 3rd party hardware interface which must be purchased separately. Nowhere in the text does it imply that you can connect via bluetooth. It DOES mention ELM compatible WiFi. Sounds like you just plain can't do that via bluetooth.

Apr 25, 2012 4:50 PM in response to KiltedTim

Varjak, good evening!


Dear friend, let me try to untangle this whole issue.

The ELM327 is a Bluetooth OBD-II Wireless Transceiver Dongle that you can plug into your car's OBD2 Port to read information from car's computer, engine and other stuff from vehicle.

There is a lot of applications compatible with this device, for Windows, for Android, and some of then for IOS as well.

The first thing you have to do is pair your "bluetooth receiver" (iPhone, iPad, Android Tablet or Phone, Laptop or any other bluetooth computer) to ELM327, then after pairring you will be able to get information from your car do the application.

The fact is neather iPhone nor iPad is able to pair with the ELM327 Bluetooth device.

When you go to, for example, in the iPhone settings, Bluetooth and search for the new bluetooth devices, the ELM327 is not identified at all, and it is not possible to pair. If I take the same steps with my Galaxy 5 Android 2.2 Phone, it imediately recognize the ELM327 device, pair with it, and I'm able collect data from the vehicle using any application compatible with OBD-II protocol.

On Board Diagnostics-OBD-II Protocol is used by most brands of car developers.

The amount of diagnostic information available via OBD has varied widely since the introduction in the early 1980s of on-board vehicle computers, which made OBD possible.


More information about this protocol you can see at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On-board_diagnostics


More information about ELM327 Bluetooth device can be found at: http://www.amazon.com/Soliport-Bluetooth-OBDII-Diagnostic-Scanner/dp/B004KL0I9I/ ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_0_2


I hope made myself and other users question clear at this time.

Probably at the end of this, we will find that iPhone, iPad and other IOS devices are not compatible with ELM327 Bluetooth device; and my question will remain open, Why this is happen just with IOS?


Thank you so much for your help.

/Adriano

Apr 26, 2012 6:42 AM in response to Adriano from São Paulo

The ELM327 is a Bluetooth OBD-II Wireless Transceiver Dongle that you can plug into your car's OBD2 Port to read information from car's computer, engine and other stuff from vehicle.


Yes, I know what it is.


There is a lot of applications compatible with this device, for Windows, for Android, and some of then for IOS as well.


Then list the applications for iOS that specifically say that they support that device and that you're trying to us. We cannot help you if you do not provide this information and I don't understand why you keep ignoring that very specific question that you've been asked several times now.

Apr 26, 2012 9:20 AM in response to varjak paw

Dear all,


Mr. Urban, Mr. Varjak Paw, Mr. KiltedTim good morning!


Gentlemen, excuse me, but the answer is much simpler than you want to make it appear: iPhone, iPad and most of Apple Bluetooth features are limited for some reazons that I don't agree, but it is what is it. I found my answer in another way, but I found!


Answering Mr. Varjak and Mr. KiltedTim, there is no app that support this device, because of lack Apple's Bluetooth technologie, there is no way to develop something witch will not work, don't you agree?


What I can't agree and understand, is why some "passive" bluetooth technologie can be blocked!


End of question, and from my point of view this case is closed. There is no discussion capable to solve this "problem".


Thanks a lot for you time and kindness.


/Adriano

Apr 26, 2012 9:40 AM in response to Adriano from São Paulo

there is no app that support this device, because of lack Apple's Bluetooth technologie,


Then apparently you misspoke when you said:


"There is a lot of applications compatible with this device, for Windows, for Android, and some of then for IOS as well."


Perhaps this was due to an insufficient command of English.


Anyway, I also consider this issue closed and will spend no further time at least your part of the question.

Apr 26, 2012 10:52 AM in response to MrUrban

Dear Mr Urban!


Answering your question: "HT3647 I want to connect a obd2 bluetooth device. Do i have to buy an android?" My answer for you is: YES!


I have ODB Bluetooth Device (ELM327) and it works so fine with my Android device (Samsung Galaxy 5), I'm using Android Torque app to manage information and it is awsome! There are two version of this app, Torque free which have a lot of resources, like configurable gauges and so on... and Torque Full a payed version with some more resources.


Thank you and have a nice evening!

/Adriano

I want to connect a obd2 bluetooth device. Do i have to buy an android?

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