[Tony M]

How many have tried the plug-in diagnostic 'dongles' such as the ELM327?
What success rate have you had?

I'm thinking of getting one myself but unsure which of the various offerings is the best.
There is some info on the net but it seems quite dated and there is now more than one type of ELM327 around and there also seems to be different manufacturers offering 'LM327's'. I guess some are cheap 'knock-offs'.
My main requirements are:
Windows/Android compatibility - WiFi or Blue Tooth.
Monitoring of the various drive train sensors and recording of the data for monitoring purposes.
Possibility to read and reset engine diagnostic codes.

I did contact one supplier and they came back with aR3,000 model - somewhat steep for personal use.
A follow up request asking for details of a cheaper model has remained unanswered.

Many thanks for anyone who can offer any advice.

[Greg_SA]

I use a cheap ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 tool with my android phone. Works perfect. Bought off Gumtree for under R200.

[Tony M]

Thanks Greg!
Was it one of the 'blue jobs' and does it 'power down' on it's own or has to be removed when not in use? (trying to get an idea of the model number as there are a few).
Cheers

[DandB]

Hi,

I have two. A cheap ($5) version and a Vgate that cost a lot more.
The problem that I have is software to run on my Windows Tablet - I had to run a virtual Android machine on my Win10 tablet to get it all to work.
The software from Torque Pro is good for Android.

The Vgate can be left plugged in 24/7.

Cheers

D

[Tony M]

Thanks DandB,

I'm looking at this one: http://www.diagnostictools.co.za/index. ... duct_id=54
Yes, it's more expensive than the cheaper ones but can apparently be left plugged in and hopefully will offer more functionality.
I'll mainly be using my Tab A or possibly laptop if necessary.
Ultimately it's an investment like the Pajero itself and hopefully cut my maintenance costs (another story ...).

Cheers

[EddievonB]

Good morning
I am using a elm327 with a android radio / gps system with Torque Pro. Works fine. I do however find using it on the cell phone gives quicker updates.

[Tony M]

Hi Eddie,

Thanks for the 'heads-up'.

Could you let me know which model ELM 327 you have please?
Apparently some models work, some don't and some work but don't provide all the diagnostics readings, only 'standard' ones (like RPM, Water/fuel temperatures etc)

Many thanks!

[kermit]

BAFX is the best one out there that I have found. It is available on Amazon for around $23US.

[Tony M]

Thanks Kermit,

Looked it up on Amazon but they don't ship to SA (according to Amazon)