If you’re in the market for a Really Good Car Scanner, and have been wading through countless options, let me share my experience. Like many car enthusiasts, I’ve tried several OBD2 readers over the years. My previous Veepeak scanner was decent, but I recently upgraded based on a recommendation from @EV- Technician. Now, I’m using the OBDLink CX Bimmercode Bluetooth 5.1 BLE OBD2 Adapter along with the Car Scanner ELM OBD2 Pro App, and the combination is fantastic.
You can find the OBDLink CX adapter on Amazon.com. The Car Scanner ELM OBD2 Pro App is also essential – trust me, the Pro version is worth the investment.
Car Scanner ELM OBD2 – The best car OBD2 diagnostic solution for iOS and Android in your pocket!
Setting up this really good car scanner is straightforward. The OBD2 port is typically located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. For left-hand drive vehicles, it’s usually far left, and for right-hand drive vehicles, it’s behind the inside fuse panel cover on the far right. The OBDLink CX adapter plugs right in – it’s designed to fit only one way, so it’s hard to go wrong. Pairing it with your phone via Bluetooth is simple, just follow the instructions provided with the adapter and the app. Once connected and with your car turned on, open the Car Scanner app, and you’ll see a user-friendly icon menu. Initial setup is guided by the app.
For most users, the key functions of this really good car scanner are incredibly useful. The diagnostic trouble code reader is invaluable for ensuring your vehicle is running smoothly and identifying any potential issues early. The dashboard feature is also a standout, offering customizable screens displaying a wealth of real-time performance information data (PID). While there is a bit of a learning curve to fully understand all the displayed data, with a little time, you’ll gain valuable insights into your car’s performance and health. The Car Scanner app website provides helpful information, and online communities like this forum thread offer further guidance:
https://www.kiaevforums.com/threads/call-for-data-car-scanner-users-please-report-in.7773/?post_id=101347#post-101347
I personally only plug in my adapter when I want to take readings, usually about once a month. However, many users leave theirs plugged in continuously. If you want to see more about how to use this adapter and app, there are numerous helpful DIY videos on YouTube, including excellent ones from @evodessey specifically for the EV6.
Hopefully, this firsthand experience helps you find a really good car scanner that meets your needs!
