The elm327 auto scanner is, in fact, a scanning device designed to diagnose the electronic system of a car in order to identify faults. Initially, a controller with the same name was developed. Then, based on it, Canadian specialists invented a scanner with which you can easily test the operation of all parts of the on-board computer. So what car brands is elm327 suitable for? You will find the answer to this question in this article.
The elm327 is connected from both ends, like any other diagnostic module. One end is connected to the connector of the vehicle's electronic control unit. The connector is a 16-pin connector that supports a protocol that is installed on almost all modern car models. 
The other end connects to a personal device, to which all information from the car will be displayed. This connection can be wired, using USB or COM outputs, or remote, via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi channels. Personal media means a personal computer, laptop, tablet and even a smartphone.
Version preferences and advantages of using the elm327 scanner
Currently, device versions 1.5, 1.6 and 2.1 are widely used. However, all subsequent versions turned out to be significantly worse than the basic version 1.5. The point here is that it is the original firmware, the product of many years of work by a team of Canadian professionals.
Our Chinese friends simply leaked it to their fakes. Then their specialists got involved in order to improve the outdated software, but it didn’t work out very well, and with each new version our device loses more and more important skills. Experienced users themselves prefer and advise others to buy a scanner with the old firmware. 
Protocol support and vehicle compatibility
The adapter communicates with the ECU using OBD2 compatible protocols, ensuring the correct connection sequence. In fact, here we are talking about a group of protocols compatible with ISO 15765-4, ISO 14230-4, ISO 9141-2, J1850 PWM. Each of them is supported by ECUs of a number of models from global automakers. You can find a list of cars for which the scanner is suitable on the website of scanner sellers.
According to the ISO protocol, only Android devices can communicate remotely via Bluetooth. It is better to communicate with media on other platforms, including personal computers and laptops, either via USB or Wi-Fi channels to avoid various interferences and process interruptions. 
A modern standard connector with support for the OBD2 protocol is a product of technical evolution. Its “ancestor” was the General Motor ALDL protocol. Following the introduction of US legislation to control environmental pollution, standards for exhaust gas emissions into the atmosphere were developed in 1996. These standards formed the basis of the OBD1 protocol, and then were improved into the OBD2 protocol group of standards.
The rest of the global auto industry followed the United States. Europe switched to this standard in 2001, Japan - 2000, China - 2008. in cars with a gasoline engine and after a year on diesel engines. The Russian automobile industry began supplying its products with this connector since 2010. Cars older than this age use a 14-channel connector, so connecting to them requires additional adapters. They adapt 14, 20 and even 22 pin connectors to the standard.
In fact, OBD2 is a symbiosis of mutually compatible protocols that differ in the speed of information exchange. These include:
- High speed – CAN, SAE, PWM and J1850.
- Low speed
- Other types – EOBD 2, JOBD
The conclusion suggests itself is that before purchasing this or that testing device, you need to check its compatibility with your car’s ECU by checking the compatibility table (freely available on the Web).
To check the compatibility of the elm327 scanner with the ECU of your car, you can use the database created and constantly updated by the developers. In it you need to select from the list of manufacturer, year of manufacture and model of your car. After clicking on the “check” button, a tab for this brand pops up at your service. In the list of cars compatible with it, find the make of your car. It is worth noting that all models released after 2004, without exception, can be connected.
On the Internet you can find a table combined with a scanner, which shows the optimal software for your scanner for each brand of car.
The main functionality of the Elm327 scanner
The functions of any diagnostic tool are determined by the capabilities of the vehicle's ECU. The more functionality it has, the wider its capabilities. Let's consider what problems you can solve with such a smart device. 
- Determining the condition of all structural elements of the car by taking readings from all sensors.
- Analysis of the veracity of data from sensors, by comparison with reference parameters, on this basis, identification of faults.
- View and display saved files on your personal device. The codes are pre-deciphered and reports are generated in the form of a list or graph. Moreover, they are accompanied by explanations and recommendations for elimination.
- In addition to stored errors, the scanner is capable of independently identifying various deviations in the operation of sensors.
Programs for Elm327 scanner
On the Internet you can find and download a large number of devices that our device can operate on. Particularly popular are those that are compatible with smartphones and support wireless communication via WiFi and .
1. The most popular of them is rightfully considered. Two versions have been developed - Lite (free) and Pro (paid). They differ from each other in the number of parameters of the tested elements.
What is he doing TORQUE:
2. Another good program is OBD CAR DOCTOR . Compatible with elm327 and OBD2 connections. Can:
3. OPENDIAG - The program is intended, for the most part, for diagnosing injection models. That is, for Russian cars. Works on Android, fully compatible with the ELM327 auto scanner. The application is free and very convenient for owners of domestic automotive products. 
Analyzing the sales market, automakers, in their desire to satisfy the ever-increasing demand for models with a standard connector, come to the conclusion that it is necessary to standardize their products (it cannot be otherwise - demand creates supply). So, we can safely say that the future lies in a single standard!
I have long been asked to comment on a diagnostic scanner called ELM327. It has become widespread in our country thanks to the “Chinese comrades” who are now producing (cracking) its analogues in their factories (which is said tirelessly). Today we will figure out what it is, why it is needed, how to use it, and, in fact, what benefits it can bring to an ordinary driver, and not to a diagnostician. In general, everything is on the shelves, there will be a video version at the end...
For me personally, the benefits of the Chinese cheap option are undeniable, however, there are several “subtleties” that I will describe later in the article that will help you choose it correctly and not run into a completely “underground product”, so here we go
What it is?
ELM327 – originally this is the name of the original microcontroller. This is a diagnostic scanner that was developed (if my memory serves me right now) in Canada, by one very serious company. It is connected via the OBD2 protocol, through a special universal connector (the same in all modern cars), and can interface with. THE ORIGINAL IS VERY expensive. Prices for various variations start from 4,500 and up to 15,000 rubles (the most expensive one I’ve seen, equipped with a display). However, the Chinese bought this device (to put it roughly), disassembled it, looked at the insides, manufactured almost the same microcontrollers (according to other information, the original manufacturer assembled them in China), and looked at the firmware. And they started churning out (often underground) the cheapest possible devices.
Connections can be:
- Wired, via COM or USB port
- Wireless, either via Bluetooth or WIFI
This doesn't change the essence, it always works the same way. In order to read the information, you need to install special software, either:
- On computer
- TO tablet
- Or phone
Now it doesn't matter at all. I would like to note that professional scanners can have their own display on which information will be displayed.
Why is it needed and what does it give you?
Any diagnostic device is designed to diagnose and read errors from your car. For example, if your CHECK ENGINE light comes on, you plug this device into the connector, connect your smartphone, tablet or computer, read the error and then use the code on the Internet to find out what’s wrong.
By the way, it can also “extinguish” (reset) this “CHECK” on the instrument panel. However, if you do not fix the problem, it will light up again after a certain time.
However, these are professional devices, but we have a “miracle from China” and it can do much more, it reads speed, fuel consumption, acceleration, air consumption, temperature, etc., some functions are really useful, they personally help me a lot (about this a little bit later).
Version 1.5 and 2.1 what is the difference?
Again, ALI has different versions of these ELM327, some run on firmware version 1.5, others on 2.1. But I don’t advise you to take fresh!
What is the critical difference here:
Version 1.5 was completely cloned from the original scanner, that is, the participation of the Chinese here is minimal (they just ripped it off and uploaded it to their device). However, the “IRON” is still Chinese, and the assembly is often in the basement. Therefore, you need to choose the right sellers, as they say, “time-tested.” This firmware version supports a large number of new cars, as well as old ones (which are more than 10 years old). It works relatively smoothly and stably.
Version 2.1 This is a fresh version of the firmware, also embedded in HARDWARE. However, here Chinese programmers had a hand in it, throwing out many functions that, in their opinion, were not needed. From here it doesn’t see a large number of cars (especially those that are more than 10 years old), that is, you can buy such an ELM327, but it simply won’t connect to your ECU and won’t read anything. YES and stability leaves much to be desired. That’s why version 2.1 sells so poorly, in fact, I don’t recommend it to you.
I would like to note that professional scanners update their firmware once a year; entire teams of programmers work on them, adding new models that appear on the markets to the database.
The appearance process is not so fast, even new-looking cars often use old ECUs, and therefore the ELM327 with “ALI” will live for a long time. The main thing is to take version 1.5.
How to use it?
I will consider the most common one, the so-called ELM327 mini, blue, works via Bluetooth. This is what millions of owners around the world have already bought.
It is worth noting that you will have to install special programs on your tablet, and most likely on your phone. So now step by step:
- We choose a program for a smartphone, there are actually hundreds of them on Google Play (personally, I use ANDROID), I think there are also a lot of them on IPHONE. However, the “TORQUE” program has become widespread (it is simple and understandable). There is a free version, the so-called “LITE”, and there is a paid version “PRO” (costs 165 rubles, but many “craftsmen” can find it for free). And in the free version you can reset errors, view various parameters, etc. However, the “PRO” version has a different interface and expanded capabilities for reading temperature (this parameter is very valuable to me). Actually, we install it and then move on to configuration and connection
- We go to the car, connect our ELM327 to the connector, activate Bluetooth on the smartphone, you need to select our device in the settings, enter the password, on many Chinese scanners it is either “0000” or “1234”. The machine at the top will blink in the program; as soon as it stops blinking, the connection is established!
- That's it, continue to enjoy! You can use the built-in functions or add your own, there is a very large list.
- Separately, I would like to note that this program needs to configure special PID sensors; without them, the “program” will not see or display most of the sensors. By default they are installed on cars such as MERCEDES, FORD, GM, OPEL and several more. BUT NOT FOR EVERYTHING! To add them, go to the gear (on the main page, bottom left) - settings - management of additional PIDs - add the desired set.
- However, not all PID kits are free. And for example, for KIA you need to buy it. It is also sold on GOOGLE PLAY
- There is an important function for many people to read errors and reset them. You will understand which way to look and what to do (the code will give you this information).
As you can see, there is nothing complicated, but I personally use this scanner for one more purpose.
My practice
Personally, I think that all owners with automatic transmission should have such a device. Why? YES because you can simply read temperature readings from both the engine and automatic transmission. As you know, he kills her, and it doesn’t matter. There should be no overheating! The temperature should be between 90 - 100 degrees Celsius. If it is higher, then the automatic transmission wears out much faster. And you need to do something.
Overheating can be caused by old oil clogged with the radiator on the outside, you need to wash it at the car wash, inside - again, there may be deposits from wear of the oil, under heavy loads, abruptly “fry from a standstill” and keep the pace for half an hour, simply pull some trailer, or the standard radiator is simply missing.
In general, if information on overheating has been received, you already have ideas about what to think about! And this little device will help you with this.
The main difference is the number of supported protocols. Scanner with version 1.5 list of supported protocols is several times larger compared to the latest scanner version 2.1. Visually, the adapters are no different from each other. The scanner version can only be determined programmatically. Information about the scanner version is displayed in almost all mobile diagnostic applications via the ELM 327 scanner.
Autocom and Delphi activator for versions 2014.3 and 2015.1.
List of protocols supported by the ELM327 v1.5 scanner:
- SAE J1850 PWM (41.6Kbaud).
- SAE J1850 VPW (10.4Kbaud).
- ISO9141-2 (5 baud init,10.4Kbaud).
- ISO14230-4 KWP (5 baud init,10.4 Kbaud).
- ISO14230-4 KWP (fast init,10.4 Kbaud).
- ISO15765-4 CAN (11bit ID,500 Kbaud).
- ISO15765-4 CAN (29bit ID,500 Kbaud).
- ISO15765-4 CAN (11bit ID,250 Kbaud).
- ISO15765-4 CAN (29bit ID,250 Kbaud).
- A.SAE J1939 CAN (29bit ID,250*Kbaud).
- B.USER1 CAN (11*bit ID,125*Kbaud).
- C.USER2 CAN (11*bit ID,50*kbaud).
And here is the list of protocols that the ELM327 v2.1 scanner supports:
- ISO9141-2;
- ISO14230-2 (KWP2000);
- SAE J1850 VPW;
- SAE J1850 PWM;
- ISO 15765-4 CAN.
Undoubtedly the list is smaller. So what should you choose, v2.1 or v1.5? To select a scanner, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
1. Decide which program you will work with. View the list of protocols that are supported by the program you have chosen and compare.
2. ELM327 v2.1 only work with cars that have a CAN bus. There is a very low probability that the ELM327 v2.1 scanner will work with cars that have K-Line.
3. The ELM327 v1.5 scanner works both with cars with a K-Line and with cars with a CAN bus.
4. Look at the ECU of your car for the type of protocol communication.
If it is impossible to complete these steps or is costly by certain standards, then it is better to opt for the ELM327 v1.5 scanner. The cost of the ELM327 v1.5 scanner is higher than the cost of the ELM327 v2.1 scanner, but not significantly. The cost of the ELM327 v1.5 scanner is on average 20% higher than the cost of the ELM327 v2.1 scanner.
is a special Bluetooth device that allows you to quickly diagnose a car, identify errors in the ECU (electronic engine control unit), understand their cause and eliminate them, without resorting to the help of qualified specialists (whose services are very expensive).
The elm327 mini car diagnostic scanner appeared on the Russian market relatively recently, but today it is already used by a large number of car enthusiasts, this fact is directly related to the fact that devices such as, for example, the ELM327 BLUETOOTH adapter we are considering have a number of undeniable advantages over a regular visit to a specialist. car diagnostics:
As you already understand, having a car scanner at your disposal is not a waste of money, but a profitable investment that will save a lot of money in the future.
Characteristics and capabilities of the ELM327 auto scanner
In the delivery set you will find the elm327 bluetooth car scanner itself, for diagnosing the car, as well as a special disk with basic software and elm327 instructions. As a rule, no one uses the disk (since it is in English). Everyone immediately goes to the Internet and downloads the most suitable program, we will talk about them below. The principle of operation of the scanner is extremely simple - you connect the adapter to the engine control unit, then find it via bluetooth using any supported device (smartphone, tablet, laptop), open a pre-installed program and all the data is already before your eyes.
Now in more detail about the tasks that this device can help you perform:
- Monitoring the performance of sensors installed on your car;
- Identifying failed sensors and checking the correctness of sensor readings;
- Monitoring and reading error code indicators (explanation of the meaning of each code);
- Possibility of self-resetting errors in real time;
In general, the capabilities of the EML327 Bluetooth auto scanner directly depend on the software that you have installed.
As mentioned above, the design of the auto scanner is quite compact; its main part is occupied by a connector with which it connects to a special diagnostic socket on your engine control unit. The rest of the device is occupied by a bluetooth module and a chip with a data processing chip.
If you don't know where the engine control module diagnostic connector is located, try looking in the following places:
- Under the fuse box cover;
- In the glove compartment (For example, this is a Renault car);
- Under the instrument panel.
Compatibility and principle of operation of the ELM327 Bluetooth auto scanner
The ELM327 autoscanner works by communicating between the adapter and the ECU via a special OBD-II (On Board Diagnostic) protocol. It is necessary to properly connect to the engine control unit.
Be sure to check the compatibility of your car’s ECU with this protocol. This standard has been supported by all American cars since 1996, and by European cars since 2001 for gasoline engines, and since 2004 for diesel engines. To use a car scanner on a domestic car, check the model of the installed ECU (read about this below).
List of cars compatible with OBD2 protocols
For greater convenience, we have prepared a list of supported cars, protocols and car brands that are absolutely compatible with the OBD2 standard.
ISO 15765-4 protocol
- Opel;
- Ford;
- Jaguar;
- Renault;
- Peugeot;
- Chrysler;
- Porsche;
- Volvo;
- Mazda;
- Mitsubishi.
ISO 14230-4 protocol
- Daewoo;
- Hyundai;
ISO 9141-2 protocol
- Honda;
- Infinity;
- Lexus;
- Nissan;
- Toyota;
- Audi;
- Mercedes;
- Porsche.
J1850 VPW protocol
- Buick;
- Cadillac;
- Chevrolet;
- Chrysler;
- Dodge;
- Isuzu.
J1850 PWM protocol
- Ford;
- Lincoln;
- Mazda.
To ensure proper operation of the auto scanner for diagnostics, you need to have a device with installed and configured software (smartphone, tablet, laptop or even desktop computer). You can use the included software, or find a suitable program on the Internet (if for some reason you are not satisfied with the included software). If elm327 does not connect to the ECU, you need to find out what the reason is - a defective auto scanner, or simple incompatibility.
The ELM327 autoscanner can work not only via bluetooth, but also via wi-fi networks or using a USB cable. The standard size of an auto scanner is approximately 5x3 centimeters, but there are also smaller versions.
Car scanners operating via bluetooth are the most popular, since their design is much more reliable, and working with them is the simplest, most convenient and intuitive. In addition, the ELM327 1.5 series car scanners are suitable for most vehicles. By clicking on the link, you can buy an ELM327 auto scanner from a trusted supplier.
Now on the car scanner market you can find models of the 1.6 and 2.1 series, but you should not buy them, since these devices have a number of limitations, in particular they relate to compatibility with the ECU of many car brands. So be sure to check which series adapter when purchasing. If the auto scanner does not connect to the ECU, be sure to contact technical support and clarify the reason.
Programs for working with the ELM327 auto scanner
You can find a lot of software on the Internet - these are diagnostic programs that will be compatible with the ELM 327 BLURTOOTH 1.5 series auto scanner. There are both free programs and paid diagnostic programs. The most popular at the moment are programs developed for the Android OS, since they can be used via a tablet or smartphone. Such programs for elm327 support the ability to transfer data via Bluetooth.
In general, this kind of software can be installed from the disk that comes with the auto scanner, but you can also find it on Google Play and do not bother connecting your smartphone or tablet to the computer to install these programs. Below you can read about the most popular elm327 programs and how to use these programs.
TORQUE program
This program is the undisputed leader in the software market, there is both a PRO and LITE version (paid and free). So you will be faced with a choice - buy the version with maximum functionality, or use the free version with limited functionality. In the free version you can check the functionality of your car components, as well as reset errors. The difference between the paid and free versions is the number of car parameters displayed (there are many more in the paid version).
What Torque can offer:
- Scanning car engine errors;
- A special panel displaying vehicle parameters in real time;
- Checking the correct operation of the oxygen sensor (lambda probe);
- Detecting and displaying problems in the car detected by sensors;
- Displaying errors with a large set of their parameters;
- Calculation of fuel consumption, cost of travel;
- If you install the Track Recorder plugin, you can record a video of the trip and overlay it with sensor readings on a particular section of the trip to identify errors or problems that may have arisen along the way;
- For programmers who want to somehow modify the program, access to the source code is provided, which will allow you to modify the program to suit your needs.
One of the shortcomings of the program is an incomplete translation into Russian, which is of course a little depressing, but judging by the ratings on Google Play, few people care. Here are video instructions for setting up the program and further working with it:
After watching the video, you will probably fully understand all the nuances regarding working with this program.
Car Doctor OBD program
This program is designed to read current parameters and errors from the vehicle control unit and transfer them to the reader using the OBD2 standard. The program is completely Russified and is suitable for diagnosing cars both domestic and for models produced in other countries of the world. This program is fully compatible with the ELM327 auto scanner.
What the Auto Doctor OBD program can offer:
- Reading error codes and recognizing them;
- Possibility of resetting errors in real time;
- Determination of the current state of the car using sensors (revolutions, load, coolant temperature, fuel system, vehicle speed, average fuel consumption, air pressure, ignition timing, intake air temperature, mass air flow sensor indicators, throttle position, lambda probe indicators, fuel pressure level , and other indicators, depending on the capabilities of your car’s ECU);
- Accurate determination of the VIN number of the car body.
We can say that this application takes a solid second place after the previous one. You can see a lot of positive reviews about it on Google Play.
You can also watch a detailed video with instructions for working with this program:
OpenDiag Mobile program
The program is perfect for owners of fuel-injected cars of the VAZ, GAZ, ZAZ and UAZ families. Simply put, this program is designed exclusively for domestic cars. The program runs on Android and is entirely in Russian. The pairing with the ELM327 auto scanner is excellent, all functions work flawlessly. By the way, the functionality of this program is very extensive, and even somewhat greater than that of its analogues. But, as mentioned earlier, this program is exclusively for domestic car brands.
Here is a list of ECUs with which you can safely use this program:
VAZ family
- BOSH ECU - M5.4 R83 series;
- BOSH ECU - M1.5.4 E2 series;
- BOSH ECU - MP 7.0 E3 series;
- BOSH ECU - MP7.0 E2 series;
- BOSH ECU - M7.9.7 E3/E4 series;
- BOSH ECU - ME series 17.9.7
- BOSH ECU - M7.9.7 E2 series
- ECU January - series 5r83;
- ECU January - Series 5 E2;
- ECU January - 7.2 E2 series;
- Itelma - version VS5.1 E2;
- Itelma - version VS5.1 R83;
- Itelma and Avtel - version M73 E3;
- Itelma - version M74;
- Itelma - version M74K;
- Itelma - version M74CAN;
- Itelma - version M74CAN MAP;
- Itelma - version M75;
GAZ and UAZ family
- Mikas - VS8 E2 series;
- Mikas - Episode 11 E2;
ZAZ family
- Mikas - episode 10.3/11.3
- Mikas - Episode 7.6
Compatibility of programs with reading devices
As a rule, most of the released programs can only support devices on the android OS (android), but some programs can also connect to the iOS OS
Where to buy a high-quality auto scanner ELM327
On the modern market you can find many fakes of the ELM327 BLUETOOTH car scanner. It is very important to choose a proven car scanner model and buy it from an official distributor. To avoid falling for scammers, you can buy a car scanner by following this link. There you can buy a good, licensed car scanner, suitable for all brands of cars, at a competitive price, and not worry about its quality. Car diagnostics and operation will become an interesting and exciting activity for you if you approach them wisely. 
This thing is quite popular, often popularly called a “whistle”. I’ll say right away that this device has nothing to do with professional equipment. Its main function is to read engine control unit errors and subsequently reset them. In short, Check Engine Watch out, we're coming for you!
So, friends, after studying the reviews and ratings of a huge number of sellers on Aliexpress, my choice fell on the OBDGEAR Store. In it, such a scanner was selected, working via Bluetooth. This suggests that it is designed to pair with Android:
As you can see, it has a power on and wake up button. The thing is that if there is no active connection for more than 30 minutes, the device turns off in order to save energy. It's a small thing, but it's cool.
Now the view from below. There is a 16-pin connector for connecting to a vehicle diagnostic connector that supports the OBD II protocol:
So, now we move on to a very important point that will significantly affect the list of supported cars. This ELM 327 scanner has firmware version 1.5. And this is a fundamental point, since there is still a stripped-down version 2.1 on the market.
The essence of the issue is that the Chinese, when they cloned this device from the original, began to cut out some protocols in firmware 2.1. Naturally, this led to the fact that many car brands were no longer supported.
And version 1.5 is complete. As they say, engineers from the Middle Kingdom did not modify it, making the life of car enthusiasts much easier. I was not lazy and found an interesting video on this topic on YouTube. I highly recommend watching:
In general, Wi-Fi connections are the domain of Apple products and you need to understand this. If you have plans to use this device in conjunction with a computer, then you can look for versions with a USB connector. Although, to be honest, I don’t see much point in this, since I repeat, this is unprofessional equipment. But at the same time it saves money well. 😉
Now let's raise the second question that worries everyone: the list of supported cars. Guys, everything is actually very simple here. After all, any adequate seller “chews” this topic in great detail on the store page. For example, here are screenshots of the description of my purchase:
Of course, the translation is clumsy, but in any case it makes it clear that all major American cars from the 1996 model year are supported, as well as European cars from 2004 and Asian cars from 2008.
The FAQ says there is no support for any diesel vehicles at all. Also note that for the scanner to work properly with a smartphone, the Android version must be at least 4.4.
What to do if your car is not on the above lists? Guys, don't reinvent the wheel. Just ask the seller with the help of a translator. If he is adequate and values his reputation, the answer will be the most accurate. After all, in this case there is no point in lying, since the buyer can always open a dispute.
In general, friends, I think that now the question of what ELM327 is and where to see the list of cars that it supports has been completely answered. But if you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments to the article. That's all for now and see you again. And remember that in China everything can be bought from.
