I need to buy an OBD2 scanner and it's my understanding that you can now pull this off with an app, iPhone, and some blue tooth hardware that plugs into the OBD2 port.

I tried to research it but it seems like there is a lot of snake oil on the market. Does anyone here have experience with a tried and true combination of hardware and software?

This would be used on my Honda Civic and I want it to allow me to clear codes and all the normal stuff a real-deal OBD2 scanner would allow me to do. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Do you need one that only reads/clears codes? They can be had for about $15.

Do you need one that can monitor and show trends in data as well? They can be had for $40-50.

The more bells and whistles you want, the higher the price.

For example, if you have a CEL for a catalytic converter, a $15 scanner will show you the code and let you clear it. A $40-50 scanner will show you the data stream for things like the O2 sensors, so you can actually do some diagnostic work to figure out why you have a code.

 

I think I'd like a fair amount of bells and whistles.

 

I think I'd like a fair amount of bells and whistles.

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005NLQAHS

And Torque app

 

Don't plan on pairing any Bluetooth device with Apple. They have a proprietary Bluetooth coding scheme that won't pick up the cheaper scanners. I think the Wifi ones work, but all the ones I've tried with Bluetooth refused to pair with my iPhone. They all paired just fine with my friend's Galaxy S3.

 

+1 on the BAFX bluetooth scanner. I have it and I love it. very simple and cheap

 

I have 2 BAFX, if you are in Boston I would give it away for free

 

I got the ELM 327 OBD-II WiFi unit from Amazon for like 20 bucks, and paired it with the Engine Link app for iPhone. Works great.

app description here

 

Your selling? If so, I live in Mass and interested PM ME!