For car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, understanding what’s happening under the hood is becoming increasingly important. The ELM327 OBD2 scanner emerges as an accessible tool, promising to bridge the gap between complex automotive diagnostics and user-friendly technology. This review delves into the capabilities of the ELM327 scanner, particularly when paired with software like TouchScan, to assess its effectiveness for diagnosing and monitoring your vehicle’s health.
Initial experiences with ELM327 scanners often involve the software provided on the accompanying CD. In many cases, this includes ScanTool.net for Windows v1.13. While functional, this software offers a rather basic introduction to OBD2 scanning. Its capabilities are primarily limited to reading and clearing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), turning off the check engine light, and displaying fundamental sensor data. The interface, as seen below, is straightforward but lacks the depth and features desired for comprehensive diagnostics.
Exploring beyond the basic software opens up a wider range of possibilities. TouchScan, developed by ScanTool.net LLC, presents itself as a more advanced and user-friendly option. Offering a fully functional 14-day demo, TouchScan allows users to thoroughly evaluate its features before committing to a purchase. Unlike the rudimentary ScanTool.net, TouchScan boasts a comprehensive suite of functions. It not only retrieves and clears diagnostic codes but also provides real-time sensor data, freeze frame information, and detailed vehicle specifications. Furthermore, its customizable dashboard mode allows users to monitor specific parameters, and the standout feature – the ability to record and playback test drives – offers a significant advantage for in-depth analysis.
Setting up TouchScan with the ELM327 scanner is designed for ease of use. The AutoDetect feature simplifies the connection process by automatically scanning COM ports to locate the scanner. It then cycles through various baud rates and protocols to establish communication, displaying the connection parameters once successful. In a typical scenario, the scanner might be found on a COM port (like COM5), connecting at a high baud rate (e.g., 115200) using a relevant protocol such as ISO 15765-4 CAN (11 bit), which is commonly used in many modern vehicles. Upon successful AutoDetect, clicking “Connect” in TouchScan should illuminate the Interface and ECU indicators in green, signaling a stable connection and readiness for diagnostics.
Once connected, the customizable dashboard in TouchScan provides a dynamic view of your vehicle’s real-time data. Users can configure gauges to display various parameters, such as engine speed, coolant temperature, and throttle position, allowing for live monitoring of engine performance. This real-time feedback is invaluable for understanding how different systems are operating while the vehicle is running.
The flexibility of TouchScan’s dashboard is a key advantage. Users can personalize the display to focus on the data points most relevant to their diagnostic needs, creating multiple configurations for different scenarios or vehicles.
To test the diagnostic capabilities of the ELM327 and TouchScan setup, simulating a common engine problem is a practical approach. Disconnecting the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, a critical component for engine management, will typically trigger fault codes and illuminate the check engine light. In this test scenario, unplugging the MAF sensor resulted in engine stalling and subsequent illumination of the check engine light, along with traction control (TRAC) and vehicle stability control (VSC) lights, indicating stored trouble codes in the Engine Control Unit (ECU).
Upon reconnecting the MAF sensor and running a diagnostic scan with TouchScan, the software effectively identified and displayed the stored trouble codes. In this instance, codes P0102 (Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input) and P0113 (Intake Air Temperature Circuit High Input) were accurately retrieved, pinpointing the issue related to the disconnected MAF sensor.
Further analysis using TouchScan’s Freeze Frame Data feature provides a snapshot of the vehicle’s parameters at the precise moment a trouble code is recorded. This data is invaluable for understanding the conditions under which a fault occurred. The freeze frame data in this test case showed that the engine was relatively cold (118°F) and the code was logged immediately after starting the engine (0 seconds run time), offering crucial context for diagnosing the issue.
After diagnosing the simulated issue, TouchScan’s ability to clear trouble codes was tested. Using the “Clear Trouble Codes” function effectively turned off the check engine and associated warning lights, demonstrating the software’s capability to reset the ECU after repairs are made.
Beyond basic diagnostics, the recording function in TouchScan stands out as a particularly useful feature. Initiating a recording before a test drive allows for comprehensive data logging of various engine parameters throughout the drive cycle. This recorded data can then be played back within TouchScan, offering a detailed, real-time analysis of vehicle performance under different driving conditions.
Analyzing a recorded test drive provides insights similar to reviewing an aircraft’s black box. Users can step through the recorded data, observe gauge readings, and examine sensor values as if the vehicle were still in motion. This playback capability is incredibly beneficial for diagnosing intermittent issues or analyzing vehicle behavior under specific conditions, all from the convenience of reviewing the data on a computer.
TouchScan also offers various information screens that provide additional details about the vehicle and the OBD2 system, enhancing the overall diagnostic experience.
A practical tip for users of TouchScan and similar OBD2 software is to properly disconnect from the scanner within the software interface before closing the program. Using the “Disconnect” option in the setup menu ensures that the COM port is released, preventing connection issues during subsequent uses. Forgetting this step can lead to errors indicating that the COM port is already in use.
In conclusion, the ELM327 OBD2 scanner, especially when coupled with software like TouchScan, presents a compelling and cost-effective solution for vehicle diagnostics. TouchScan’s comprehensive features, including real-time data monitoring, trouble code management, and the valuable recording function, significantly enhance the capabilities of the ELM327 scanner beyond basic code reading. With the full version of TouchScan available for a reasonable price, this combination offers significant value for anyone looking to delve into DIY car diagnostics and troubleshooting engine problems. For an investment of around $40 for the scanner and software, it’s a worthwhile tool for informed vehicle maintenance and understanding your car’s inner workings.
