FAQS

Our scan tools and software work with 1996 and newer cars and light trucks made in the United States and Canada. If your vehicle is made outside the United States, check to make sure it is OBD-II compliant before purchasing.

The National OBD Clearinghouse has compiled an extensive database of OBD-II connector locations. The OBD port is usually located under the dash on the driver side.

On our sister website, we have a series of articles that describes OBD-II.

• What is OBD-II

Please view the article here.

No, but there are other companies that make scan tools for OBD-I. Our scan tools and software work with 1996 and newer cars and light trucks made in the United States and Canada. If your vehicle is made outside the United States, check to make sure it is OBD-II compliant before purchasing.

Our scan tools and software work with 1996 and newer cars and light trucks made in the United States and Canada. If your vehicle is made outside the United States, check to make sure it is OBD-II compliant before purchasing.

OBDLink offers faster data throughput giving you detailed graphs and logs, overvoltage protection, BatterySaverтм sleep mode, and strong Bluetooth encryption. Cheap Chinese “clones” use a version on the ELM327 chip, offering minimal security, no sleep mode, and slow data rates.

An engine control unit (ECU), also commonly called an engine control module (ECM), is a type of electronic control unit that controls a series of actuators on an internal combustion engine to ensure optimal engine performance. It does this by reading values from a multitude of sensors within the engine bay, interpreting the data using multidimensional performance maps (called lookup tables), and adjusting the engine actuators accordingly. Before ECUs, air-fuel mixture, ignition timing, and idle speed were mechanically set and dynamically controlled by mechanical and pneumatic means.

Source: Wikipedia

The most common reasons:

• Blown fuse. If you plug the device into the OBD port and no LEDs turn on, check your fuses. The OBD Port often shares a fuse with the cigarette/auxiliary outlet(s).
• If the software finds the scan tool and can connect, but fails to connect to the ECU, it is likely that the vehicle is not OBD-II compliant. Please refer to the “Is my vehicle OBD-II compliant” section.
• Corroded pins. On older vehicles, or in climates where metal is quick to oxidize, corrosion on the OBD pins can be an issue. The solution is to plug and unplug the device from the DLC a couple dozen times.
• If you are sure the vehicle is compliant, the scan tool is getting power, and you are unable to connect, please post on our Community Forum and a member of our Technical Team will help you.

No

No

This depends. If your motorhome uses a 12V system and is OBD-II compliant, then yes; however, many motorhomes use 24V systems. Plugging the OBDLink into 24V systems can cause damage to the device.

Yes, they work on vehicles sold in Japan 2003 and newer that are OBD-II complaint.

Being that Hybrid and Electric vehicles are low or zero emission vehicles, our scan tools may not work. Check your vehicle manual, research online, or consult with your dealership.

Yes, all OBD-II compliant vehicles are supported, regardless of fuel type.

Yes, you can use it on an unlimited number of vehicles. Be sure to check that they are OBD-II compliant.

Using a smartphone or tablet while driving is dangerous and not recommended. The OBDLink app offers logging capabilities and will save driving data.

Data can be downloaded as a CSV file and viewed with Excel or any CSV-compatible program. It can be emailed and/or uploaded to Dropbox.

No

No

You can clear ABS and SRS codes with the ScanXL software AND one of the Enhanced add-on’s. Currently only for GM, Ford, and Mazda vehicles.

No

No

No. OBDLink comes with BatterySaver™ technology, meaning it automatically goes to sleep when not in use, saving you the trouble of dealing with a dead car battery.

No, using OBDLink is protected by the Magnuson-Moss act.

Yes, certain vehicles with the obdCANeX Lite app only.

No

Yes, certain vehicles with the obdCANeX Lite app only.

OBDLink Android app requires Android 2.2 and newer. Android tablets require 2.3.3 and newer. Windows smart phones and tablets require Windows Phone 8 and newer. OBDLink iOS app for iOS smart phones and tablets requires iOS 7 and newer.

OBDwiz, TouchScan, and ScanMaster are compatible with Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. ScanXL software and add-ons and DashCommand are compatible with Windows NT 4.0, 2000, XP, Vista, and Windows 7.

OBDLink is compatible with WIndows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 , and Windows 10.

OBDLink hardware is compatible with Mac and Linux operating systems. However, we do not currenly have plans to make Mac or Linux software.

The free OBDwiz diagnostics software is provided via a download link, so you will need Internet access to download the file. Alternatively, you can download the EXE file and transfer onto an external USB or flash drive. The file size is 10.5 MB. Then you can install the software on whichever PC you choose.

All other 3rd party software is provided via a link in an email after purchase and payment confirmation, usually within 24 hours, except weekends and holidays, so the same procedure as above will be required.

Yes, OBDwiz can be installed on up to three PCs per license.

Surface Pro versions are compatible. OBDwiz is also compatible with Surface Pro.

Yes

No, OBDLink MX Bluetooth and OBDLink LX BLuetooth are only compatible with Android and Windows devices. OBDLink MX Wi-Fi is compatible with iOS devices.

Yes, OBDLink MX Wi-Fi is compatible. OBDLink MX Bluetooth and LX Bluetooth are NOT compatible.

OBDLink MX Bluetooth, LX Bluetooth, and MX Wi-Fi are compatible with Blackberry version 10.2.1 and higher. However, the OBDLink app and OBDwiz software do not support Blackberry. The Torque app supports Blackberry v10.2.1+, and Torque is compatible with OBDLink adapters.

OBDLink app for Android can be downloaded from the Google Play store. OBDLink app for iOS can be downloaded from iTunes.

No, there are no hidden fees or subscriptions. Once you purchase an adapter, the OBDLink app and OBDwiz software are free for use.

Yes, lifetime firmware and OBDLink app updates are included with your purchase.

Updating firmware can be done through the OBDLink app or via USB or Bluetooth on Windows.

Open OBDwiz, go to the "About" tab in the "Setup" screen and click on "Updates."

No, with the exception of the provided Android work-around to use MX Wi-Fi and the Internet simultaneously.

The OBDlink SX is Firmware upgradable, has an extended command set, and BatterySaver Technology.

Both adapters provide access to standard OBD-II vehicle data. The MX Bluetooth can also access GM SW-CAN & Ford MS-CAN networks.

OBDLink MX and LX use a class 1 Bluetooth module with range up to 80m line of sight.

• Receive Sensitivity: -83 dBm
• Typical Power Output: 0 to +12 dBm
• 802.11b/g device
• (Awaiting Range Test)

Yes, OBDLink MX Bluetooth and LX Bluetooth require actual physical access to the button on the front of the adapter. Without physical access, establishing a connection with MX Bluetooth or LX Bluetooth is not possible. Each MX Wi-Fi adapter uses wireless encryption by default, and each Wi-Fi unit uses a unique, randomized Wi-Fi key that must be entered before access is allowed.

A shipping calculator is provided at checkout. We offer USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL shipping options.

OBDLink orders placed before 2 pm MST will be processed and shipped within 1-3 business days, unless next day falls on a holiday or weekend or otherwise noted. Shipping usually takes between 5-7 business days within the U.S., unless express shipping options are chosen at checkout.

Yes, a full list of shipping locations is available at checkout.

Yes, please view our list of resellers.

Yes. We offer a Community Forum where you can search for answers to your question, or post a new question. The forum is monitored by our engineer support team.

If you are not completely satisfied, we offer a 90-day money-back guarantee on all our scan tools, no questions asked. View our return policy or submit a ticket for an RMA.

Yes, we offer an industry-best 3-year manufacturer warranty on all OBDLink products.

Sometimes. Please contact us to inquire further.

Send us your contact information and brief company details.

If you are getting the following error: “the .exe program to install the drivers is not a valid Win32 application”, or you are unable to install the drives for a different reason, please try running the .exe from the link below.

• Download Drivers

There are several scenarios that can cause this issue. The most common one is that the USB drivers are not properly installed.

1. Try installing the drivers from the provided link. Download Drivers
2. If this does not resolve the issue, try a different USB port on your computer.
3. Still not resolved? Search our forums or start a new thread. Include scan tool and vehicle information, as well a description of the error that you are receiving.

1. Download the files for your device from our website.
2. Unzip the files.
3. Launch the StnUpdater program and select the correct COM Port for your device.
4. Click the “Upload Firmware” button

1. Launch OBDwiz
2. Select the "Setup" category
3. Select the “About” tab
4. Click the “Updates” Button

Follow the steps below to log “raw” data in OBDwiz.

1. Launch OBDwiz
2. Select the “Diagnostics” category
3. Select the “Raw Data” tab
4. Verify that there is a green check mark next to the “Always Collect” data button
5. Select the “Setup” category and then the “Connection” tab
6. Configure settings and connect
7. Go back to the “Raw Data” tab to view the raw data in real time

Please email sales@scantool.net. Include your purchasing information.

Check the fuses for your aux ports/cigarette outlets. If the fuses are good, please post on our Community Forum.

By default, OBDLink is configured to turn off automatically, after 2 hours of inactivity. In this Sleep mode, the ‘Power’ LED flashes briefly, once every 3 seconds.

OBDLink MX and LX Bluetooth

• Power –
  • Solid – Ready
  • 1 second blink – Booting
  • Brief blink, once every 3 seconds – Sleep mode
• OBD – Blinks for any OBD communcation
• Host – Blinks for any host communication
• Bluetooth –
  • Solid - Connection is active
  • Blinking - Waiting for connection
  • Fast blinking - Waiting for pairing

OBDLink MX Wi-Fi

• Power –
  • Solid – Ready
  • 1 second blink – Booting
  • Brief blink, once every 3 seconds – Sleep mode
• OBD – Blinks for any OBD communcation
• Host – Blinks for any host communication
• Wi-Fi – see Understanding the Wi-Fi LED documentation

OBDLink SX - 1.x (Grey Enclosure)

• Blue – USB drivers are installed properly.
• Blinking Blue – Comunicating with host device.
• Off – The device is unplugged or the USB drivers are not installed properly.

OBDLink SX - 2.x (Red Enclosure)

• Green – Connected to host.
• Yellow – USB drivers are installed properly.
• Red – USB drivers are NOT installed properly.
• Off – The device is unplugged.

ElmScan5 Compact

• Red – Powered through the vehicle or host device.

OBDLink S

• Green – Powered from the vehicle and connected to host (ex: PC).
• Amber – Powered from the vehicle and host detected, but not connected to host.
• Red – Powered from the vehicle, but the host is not detected.
• Off – Not getting power from the vehicle; unplugged.
• OBD Tx, Rx
  • Indicates OBD activity.
• PC Tx, Rx
  • Indicates PC activity.

Unfortunately, OBD-II is not an open standard - the documents describing it are copyrighted. You have to buy it from the appropriate organizations (Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) or International Organization for Standartization (ISO)), or, check your local public library. They may have the standard in the "references" section.

Those are different standards created by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to provide guidelines for implementing the system of On Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) in modern vehicles. They describe everything, from the location of the diagnostic connector, to the enchanced diagnostic modes. International Organization for Standartization (ISO) developed the ISO 9141/14230 standard, which is the European equivalent of J1850.

You will need Allegro graphics and GUI library. Also you will need the following, depending on the target platform:

MS DOS: DJGPP compiler and DzComm serial library.

MS Windows: MINGW32 compiler.