For enthusiasts using the mini ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 V1.5 adapter, a common concern is battery drain. These handy devices, while excellent for diagnostics and performance monitoring with apps like Turbo3’s, often draw power even when your vehicle is off, potentially leading to a dead battery over time. The good news is, modifying your mini ELM327 for switched 12V power is a straightforward process. This ensures the adapter only operates when your car is running or in ACC mode, eliminating unwanted battery drain.
Here’s a simple guide to modify your mini ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 V1.5 adapter for switched power in about 15 minutes.
-
Accessing the Internals: Begin by removing the label on your mini ELM327 adapter to reveal the four screws underneath. Unscrew these to open the casing.
-
Disconnecting the Connector: Carefully separate the two halves of the adapter casing. You’ll see a white connector plugged into the PC board. Gently unplug this connector.
-
OBDII Connector Removal: With the connector unplugged, you can now lift the OBDII connector assembly completely out of the adapter’s shell. This gives you easy access to the wiring.
-
Wire Relocation for Switched Power: Locate pin 16 and pin 8 on the OBDII connector. Pin 16 is typically the wire providing constant 12V power, while pin 8 is designated for switched ACC 12V power. Carefully move the wire currently in pin 16 to pin 8. On many adapters, pin 16 is on the top left, and pin 8 is on the bottom left, making this a simple move.
-
Reassembly: Place the OBDII connector back into the shell and re-plug the white connector onto the PC board. Carefully reassemble the two halves of the casing, ensuring you don’t bend any internal components, especially the LEDs. Secure the casing with the four screws. You can choose to reapply the label or leave it off.
Your mini ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 V1.5 adapter is now modified to draw power only when your vehicle is on or in accessory mode. This simple modification effectively prevents battery drain while retaining all the functionalities of your adapter with your preferred OBD2 apps. Enjoy a safer and more reliable experience with your modified mini ELM327!
