How to install FORScanon Macbook Pro for ELM327

I have successfully got FORScan working for the latest mac os version sierra 10.12.1 using a macbook pro 2011

Firstly make sure you have the correct drivers installed for the ELM device. I am using ELM 327 USB v1.5 bought from here:

http://www.cardiagtool.co.uk/elm327-v15-plastic-obdii-eobd-canbus-scanner-without-ft232rl-chip.htmlIt’s $8 around.

I find there are ELS27 FORScan cables also available. Cables come with software:

http://www.cardiagtool.co.uk/esl27-forscan-for-ford-mazda-lincoln-mercury-vehicles.html

It’s $30 around. No need take risk to test software online.

I installed Driver Pack 1 & 2 from here: http://www.totalcardiagnostics.com/support/Knowledgebase/Article/View/19/0/how-to-install-elm327-usbbluetooth-on-mac-and-obd-software

Don’t use the Driver Pack 3 from the link above, instead you can find the drivers for your OS, which are kept up to date here: http://www.prolific.com.tw/US/ShowProduct.aspx?p_id=229&pcid=41

I used PL2303_MacOSX_1.6.1, after installation restart your machine

Follow Alchemyx’s steps but before you do step 4 you have to find out what your mac will name the ELM device:

Open terminal (cmd + space, type ‘terminal’, press enter) > Disconnect ELM from your mac and run:

CODE: SELECT ALL

ls /dev

This shows the current list of devices connected. Connect the ELM to your mac and run again:

CODE: SELECT ALL

ls /dev

Compare the two outputs, you are looking for one similar to tty.usbserial

If you find something other than tty.usbserial then replace tty.usbserial within step 4 of Alchemyx’s post:

CODE: SELECT ALL

ln -s /dev/tty.usbserial ~/.wine/dosdevices/com1
Next do step 5 of Alchemyx’s steps. If your struggling you may need to have a better understanding about wine. ‘.wine’ is a hidden folder. If you google how to show hidden folders on a mac you will be able to access this folder and continue with Alchemyx’s step 5, or you could do it through a bash script.

When you complete Step 5 and you are now showing hidden folders, you should revert your mac to hide the folders again.

At this point if you haven’t already download FORScan from the downloads page and save to downloads. Open terminal and ‘cd’ to the downloads folder. Once you are at the folder level you can run:

CODE: SELECT ALL

wine $FORScanDownload.exe
Change $FORScanDownload.exe to whatever your download name is. Run the installation as normal, no need to change any folder paths.

The penultimate thing is to ‘cd’ to wherever the wine folder of FORScan.exe is and then do:

CODE: SELECT ALL

wine FORScan.exe

You can create a script that will do this for you using Script editor.

Open script editor (cmd + space, type ‘Script Editor’, hit enter):

CODE: SELECT ALL

tell application “Terminal”
do script “cd ~/.wine/drive_c/Program\\ Files/FORSCAN
wine forscan.exe”
end tell

Save as .application to the desktop. Now you can run FORScan like a normal app on your mac.

Ultimately when FORScan is running on your mac go to the settings screen, hit connection tab then configure as per below:

FORScan-mac
Now connect ELM327 usbto your mac and your vehicle and then go to the initial screen and try to connect.

Job done!

 

How to add HS/MS CAN Switch to ELM327 OBD2 scanner

Here’s the instruction on how to add HS/MS CAN Switch to the ELM327 OBD2 scanner.

Why to modify ELM327 OBD2 scanner to add HS/MS CAN Switch?

Most Ford and Mazda models (approximately since 2003-2004, e.g. Ford New Focus 2006 <CAN>, Mazda 5 <CAN>, Mazda 6 <CAN>) are equipped with MS CAN Bus, while MS CAN Bus is not supported by ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2, because MS CAN is a manufacturer-specific solution and located on non-OBD2 pins.

How to add HS/MS CAN Switch to ELM327 scanner?

While ELM327 is a very flexible tool and slight modification allows to implement the MS CAN support. Therefore, let’s come to the process:

1.5V ELM327 Scanner supports HS CAN from the stock, because Ford HS CAN completely matches to the OBD2 standard. It occupies pins 6 and 14. MS CAN bus occupies pins 3 and 11 (illustrated below).

elm327-add-HS-MS-CAN-Switch-1

The simplest way to implement the MS CAN support is to add a switch that will shift between MS/HS CAN. The scheme below explains the modification:

elm327-add-HS-MS-CAN-Switch-2

Roadmap:

1. Purchase a 6 pin mini-switch of ON-ON type (for example, MTS-202-A2) in any shop that sells electronic components, also prepare a wire.

elm327-add-HS-MS-CAN-Switch-3

2. Disassemble ELM327 (carefully remove the label that hides 4 screws, unscrew them).

3. Find a place for mini-switch (most complex part of the whole operation for some devices that are extremely compact).

4. Unsolder wires from pins 6 and 14 of the OBD2 jack and solder them to the 2 middle pins of the mini-switch.

5. Solder 2 new wires from 2 outer mini-switch pins to pins 6 and 14 of the OBD2 jack.

6. Solder 2 other new wires from 2 other outer mini-switch pins to pins 3 and 11 of the OBD2 jack.

7. Check the work (it is very important to do not mix CAN-L and CAN-H wires up) and assembly the ELM327, mark the MS and HS can position on the device box to avoid confusion.

elm327-add-HS-MS-CAN-Switch-4

Now, all complete. Managed to HS/MS CAN Switch to ELM327 OBD2 scanner.

Check ELM327 Products:http://www.uobdii.com/producttags/elm327.html

Rev and DashCommand iOS app, which is better for OBD?Scanner

There are a couple of iOS apps that wirelessly connect to ELM327 OBscan tool through an ad hoc network (WANET). The two most highly rated iOS apps appear to be Rev and Dashcommand. But which is the best to work with these OBD scanners? Let’s explore it.

NOTE:

Torque Pro is an Android based app to work with Bluetooth ELM327 adaptors.

Rev:

Rev is an application for the iPhone and iPod Touch to work with wifi elm327 scanners that monitors, displays, and records real-time vehicle data by communicating directly with your vehicle’s ECU via its OBD-II port.

Rev can monitor and record several vehicle metrics in real-time:

Detect Engine codes

Readiness Monitors

Freeze Frame Data

Vehicle Speed (including 0-60 time)

RPM

Fuel Consumption

Engine Coolant Temperature

Fuel Pressure

Car battery voltage

*Supported metrics are specific to vehicle make and model.

 

What Rev app cannot do:

Do not read VIN

DashCommand:

DashCommand is a touch screen friendly software app for iPhone and iPod touch and is designed to work with wifi OBD2 interfaces.

Detect Engine codes

Readiness Monitors

Freeze Frame data

Vehicle Speed (including 0-60 time)

Display live data (Timing,Coolant temp,MAP,Lambda,AFR,O2 Sensor,Intake temp, Ambient Temp, Catalyst temp, MAF, and Fuel Pressure etc)

RPM

Detect horsepower, torque or acceleration in real time

Monitor and improve your gas mileage

Fuel consumption

Skid pad

Race Track

Inclinometer

 

The Difference between Rev and DashComand based on customer’s feedback:

1) Rev app can read and clear DTCs. But DashCommand with OBD cable can read faults codes but cannot clear them.

2) DashCommand seemed to be a little better with real RPM’s, intake temps, coolant temps, timing, MAF, and MAP

3) DashCommand seems to be working harder to add nice little touches and features to their app. It support frequently update.

4) DashCommand has more live data options than Rev app.

5) Rev is currently priced at $39.99

DashCommand can be free download at uobdii.com.

Free download DashCommand app:

http://down.uobdii.com/elm327-bluetooth-wifi-for-phone-system-software.zip

Following are some WIFI ELM327 OBD2 tool adapter available in uobd2:

WIFI ELM327 Wireless OBD2 Auto Scanner Adapter Scan Tool for iPhone iPad iPod

http://www.uobdii.com/wholesale/wifi-elm327-wireless-obd2-auto-scanner-adapter-scan-tool-for-iphone-ipad-ipod.html

WiFi OBD-II Car Diagnostics Tool for Apple iPad iPhone iPod Touch Support WiFi

http://www.uobdii.com/wholesale/wifi-obd-ii-car-diagnostics-tool-for-apple-ipad-iphone-ipod-touch-2185.html

VGATE WIFI OBD Multiscan ELM327 For Android PC iPhone iPad Software V2.1

http://www.uobdii.com/wholesale/vgate-wifi-obd-multiscan-elm327-for-android-pc-iphone-ipad.html

2014 Newest Vgate iCar 2 Bluetooth Version ELM327 OBD2 Code Reader iCar2 For Android/ PC (Six Color Available)

http://www.uobdii.com/wholesale/vgate-icar-2-bluetooth-version-elm327-obd2-code-reader.html

How to Modify ELM327 to add HS/MS CAN Switch

Notice: My successful diy experience on “Add HS/MS CAN Switch” via ELM327 is only for your reference. I do not confirm all of you can test it successfully.

Most Ford and Mazda models (approximately since 2003-2004) are equipped with MS CAN Bus, while MS CAN Bus is not supported by ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2, because MS CAN is a manufacturer-specific solution and located on non-OBD2 pins.

While ELM327 is a very flexible tool and slight modification allows to implement the MS CAN support. Therefore, let’s come to the process on “How to modify ELM327 in order to add the HS/MS Can switch” below:

1.5V ELM327 Scanner supports HS CAN from the stock, because Ford HS CAN completely matches to the OBD2 standard. It occupies pins 6 and 14. MS CAN bus occupies pins 3 and 11 (illustrated below).

ELM327 1

The simplest way to implement the MS CAN support is to add a switch that will shift between MS/HS CAN. The scheme below explains the modification:

ELM327 2

Roadmap:

1. Purchase a 6 pin mini-switch of ON-ON type (for example, MTS-202-A2) in any shop that sells electronic components, also prepare a wire.

ELM327 3

2. Disassemble ELM327 (carefully remove the label that hides 4 screws, unscrew them).

3. Find a place for mini-switch (most complex part of the whole operation for some devices that are extremely compact).

4. Unsolder wires from pins 6 and 14 of the OBD2 jack and solder them to the 2 middle pins of the mini-switch.

5. Solder 2 new wires from 2 outer mini-switch pins to pins 6 and 14 of the OBD2 jack.

6. Solder 2 other new wires from 2 other outer mini-switch pins to pins 3 and 11 of the OBD2 jack.

7. Check the work (it is very important to do not mix CAN-L and CAN-H wires up) and assembly the ELM327, mark the MS and HS can position on the device box to avoid confusion.

So far, all steps done. Hope it indeed helpful to you.

ELM327 4

How to make ELM327 work with J1850 PWM

I got myself an Elm327 V1.5 but I found that it will not work on J1850 VPW J1850 PWM protocol especial for most Fords. But it did work like a charm on cars.

My idea came from a post in mondeoklubpolska.pl/ forum. Thanks Atom from Poland. I got the post translated into English, then I tried it out on my 2001 MK3 duratec 1.8 and it works like a charm. So I make my new version.

I have to confirm that the method only fits for elm327 V1.5 as mine and I have no responsibility if your elm327 is blow up or broken.

Equipment needs:

Screw driver

Knife

Solder iron with very small bit and solder

Multimeter

About 10 mm of insulated small-gauge wire

Then do as follows:

1) Peel off the cover of the elm327 main unit and remove the four screws by using screw driver, take these out and set the box apart.

2) Check the elm327 inside is like this

elm32714 1

3) You will notice that there is a PCB tack running between T5 and T2 there. Hook up a multimeter to check the continuity between the emitter of T5 and the emitter of T2 (on the side with two legs). If there is continuity, you should use the knife to cut between T2 and T5 as shown in red below.

elm32714 2

4) Check between the emitters of T5 and T2 to make sure there is no continuity any more.

5) Solder a short length of wire between the emitter of T5 and the emitter of T1 or Pin1 of the output connector. Be carful not to apply too much heat to T5 and T1.

elm32714 3

6) Again use the multimeter to test the continuity between T5 and Pin1 output connector. Ensure there is stable continuity.

7) Reassemble the elm327 main unit and try to test on J1850 PWM system.

 

The job is done.

 

Mini Viecar ELM327 scanner on Samsung Phone  

I got a mini Bluetooth elm327 OBD2 adapter for my Toyota Matrix 2005. I figured out that the tip is to get a mini version, in that case you can stock it in without having to loosen the bolts. Many software available for this mini scanner, but I decided to use it with Torque, because the great app is free. I have Torque installed on my Samsung NOTE 2. My mini Viecar adapter can be applied on Android and windows as well. But I prefer to hook it up to work via Bluetooth on my Phone.

I first connected the mini elm327 scan tool into the diagnostic socket, downloaded Torque software on Google Play Center and installed the free software to my phone. Searching Viecar2.0 Bluetooth after open Bluetooth setting. Than enter the pair code 0000.But my Samsung said “Paired but not connected”. I have to refer the user menu and figured out where the problem lies. Then I went into the configuration of Torque as follows: when you first open Torque, press the parameters icon, then press “Settings” and finally select“OBD2 Adapter Settings”, “Choose Bluetooth Type” and “Viecar V2.0”. I activated the “Faster communication” parameter and since then has worked well.

I suppose different elm327 adapters have different pair code. But in order to avoid my mistake, make sure do some basic setting (Choose connection type and Bluetooth connection device etc).

1 2 3
4
I have tried several cars, 2004 Toyota Caldina GT-Four, 2002 Toyota IST(also called 2005 Scion Xa), 2003 Nissan Sunny B15 etc. The Viecar adapter enabled me to get the fault codes from the plug successfully.I have tried both with the ignition on and the engine running. I have also tried disabling the elm327 automotive adjust and with try faster communication. Nice display parameters, cruse control, door remote etc. I gave the OBD2 scanner 5 stars because I feel $10 for the device is great deal. Just think about the price and you wont be disappointed.

ELM327 comparison table

ELM327 code scanner comparison table:

product Name and Item NO PC-Based Iphone iPad iPod Android Bluetooth WIFI Mini
elm-327-aluminum-sc01 ELM327 CANBUS With aluminum shell(Item No. SC01) PC-Based
elm327-vgate-scan-advanced-obd2-scan-sc76 Elm327 vgate(Item No. SC76) Android Symbian
elm327-bluetooth-obd2-scanner-plastic-sc03 ELM327 Bluetooth with Plastic shell(Item No. SC03) PC-based Bluetooth
elm327-scanner-software-usb-plastic-with-ft232rl-chip-sc02 ELM327 Plastic with FT232RL Chip(Item No. SC02) PC-based
wifi-elm327-wireless-obd2-auto-scanner-adapter-scan-sc133 ELM327 WIFI for iPhone iPad iPod (Item No. SC133) iPhone iPad Ipod Bluetooth WIFI
wifiobd-device-SO71 WiFi OBD2 scanner for Apple iPad iPhone iPod Touch(Item No. SO71) iPhone iPad Ipod WIFI
new-mini-elm327-bluetooth-obd2-v15-sc104 MINI ELM327 Bluetooth(Item No. SC104) PC-base Bluetooth Mini
wifi327-wifi-obd2-eobd-scan-tool-sc133-c ELM327 WIFI for Android iPhone/iPad (Item No. SC133-C) iPhone iPad Ipod Android WIFI
elm327-obdii-wifi-diagnostic-wireless-scanner-sc133-b Wifi ELM327 Apple iPhone Touch(Item No.SC133-B) PC-based iPhone iPad Ipod Bluetooth WIFI
2013-new-code-reader-tool-super-mimi-elm327-sc03-b mini ELM327 WiFi with Switch work with iPhone(Item No. SC157 ) iPhone iPad Ipod WIFI Mini
elm327-bluetooth-version-can-bus-eobd-scan-tool-sc03-b ELM327 Bluetooth CAN BUS(Item No. SC03-B) PC-based Bluetooth
elm327-v-1-4-usb-plastic-scanner-new-sc02-b USB ELM327 plastic with FT232RL Chip (Item No. SC02-B) PC-based
super-mini-elm327-bluetooth-new-sc158 Super Mini ELM327 Bluetooth with Power Switch (Item No. SC158) Android Bluetooth Mini
vgate-wifi-obd-multiscan-elm327-sc76-b

VGATE WIFI OBD Multiscan Elm327 for Android PC iPhone iPad

(Item No. SC76-B)

PC-based iPhone iPad Ipod Android Mini
mini-elm327-bluetooth-obd2-sc104-b MINI ELM327 Bluetooth white(Item No. SC104-B) PC-based Bluetooth Mini
new-mini-elm327-bluetooth-obd2-black-sc104-c MINI?ELM327?Bluetooth (black)(Item No. SC104-C) PC-based Bluetooth Mini
mini-elm327-interface-viecar-obd2-bluetooth-scanner-sc264 MINI ELM327 Interface Viecar 2.0 OBD2 Bluetooth for Android and windows (Item No. SC264) PC-based Android Bluetooth Mini
elm327-plastic-obdii-eobd-canbus-scanner-with-2102-chip-sc02-d Elm327 plastic with 2102 chip(Item No. SC02-D) PC-based
wifi-elm327-obd2-car-diagnostic-tool-sc76-d WIFI ELM327 for Android and iOS iPhone/iPad(Item No.SC76-D) PC-based iPhone iPad Ipod Android WIFI Mini
super-mini-elm327-bluetooth-version-sc104-d Super MINI ELM327 Bluetooth Black(Item No.SC104-D) PC-based Bluetooth Mini
mini-elm327-bluetooth-interface-sc104-e Mini ELM327 Bluetooth(Item No.SC104-E) PC-based Android + Symbian Bluetooth Mini
super-mini-elm327-bluetooth-obd2-scanner-sc104-f Super Mini ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 CANBUS scanner(Item No. SC104-F) PC-based Android +Symbian Bluetooth Mini
super-mini-elm327-bluetooth-obd2-white-sc104-g Super MINI ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 White(Item No. SC104-G) PC-based Android Bluetooth Mini

Mini ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner

MINI ELM327 is the newly developed wireless scan tool. Mini Elm327 Bluetooth supports all OBD-II protocols.Read diagnostic trouble codes, both generic and manufacturer-specific, and display their meaning (over 3000 generic code definitions in the database).Clear trouble codes and turn off the MIL (“Check Engine” light)

Mini ELM327

MINI ELM327 Features:

• Works with all OBD-II compliant vehicles
• Wireless (Bluetooth)
• Software included for Palm, PDA
• Software included for Windows PC
• Software included for Windows Smartphone
• Supports ISO 9141, KWP2000
• Supports SAE J1850
• Supports CAN bus

MINI ELM327 Functions:

• Read diagnostic trouble codes, both generic and manufacturer-specific, and display their meaning (over 3000 generic code definitions in the database).
• Clear trouble codes and turn off the MIL (“Check Engine” light)
• Display current sensor data, including:
• Engine RPM
• Calculated Load Value
• Coolant Temperature
• Fuel System Status
• Vehicle Speed
• Short Term Fuel Trim
• Long Term Fuel Trim
• Intake Manifold Pressure
• Timing Advance
• Intake Air Temperature
• Air Flow Rate
• Absolute Throttle Position
• Oxygen sensor voltages/associated short term fuel trims
• Fuel System status
• Fuel Pressure
• Many others…