OBD diagnostic tool for 03 NB

[The Green Goblin]

Hey guys,

recently had a check engine light come on, wondering what people are using as an OBD plug in diagnostic tool to figure out error codes/issues? I was looking at this item > https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ScanTool-427201-OBDLink-LX-Bluetooth-Professional-OBD-II-Scan-Tool-for-Android-/112541957853.

Any proven suggestions, info or links would be helpful.

Jas.

[manga_blue]

I just use the cheap ELM327 V1.5 ones. Both the bluetooth version to an android phone running Torque(Lite) and the USB cabled version to a PC running EasyOBDII work fine. I haven't used them on a Mazda but they've been fine on several Subarus, Mercedes and Fords.

Here's an example of what I mean. Haven't researched this seller or anything like that ...
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/OBDII-OBD2-ELM327-WiFi-Car-Diagnostic-Scanner-Code-Reader-Tool-for-iOS-Android/123803109562?hash=item1cd33d88ba:g:ny0AAOSwW95dBMQM

On our Subaru I just use my GPS android phone and bluetooth OBD fulltime instead of the usual instrument panel to get better gauges and a reliable speedo.

[The Green Goblin]

I just use the cheap ELM327 V1.5 ones. Both the bluetooth version to an android phone running Torque(Lite) and the USB cabled version to a PC running EasyOBDII work fine. I haven't used them on a Mazda but they've been fine on several Subarus, Mercedes and Fords.

Here's an example of what I mean. Haven't researched this seller or anything like that ...
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/OBDII-OBD2-ELM327-WiFi-Car-Diagnostic-Scanner-Code-Reader-Tool-for-iOS-Android/123803109562?hash=item1cd33d88ba:g:ny0AAOSwW95dBMQM

On our Subaru I just use my GPS android phone and bluetooth OBD fulltime instead of the usual instrument panel to get better gauges and a reliable speedo.

Sweet, thanks man.

Just to get this straight I assume 'torque' is the android app youve downloaded to receive info from the unit? does it give you a precise explination or just the error code?

[manga_blue]

The app I'm using is Torque Lite (OBD & Car), free from the android Play Store. In terms of live data it converts data from all sensors under the OBDII standard into gauges. e.g. this is my current android phone dashboard setup

Screenshot_20201102-184158.png

For fault codes it shows logged, pending and historic faults with the ability to clear them. Any fault codes are listed with standard OBD descriptor text. Usually it pays to google each fault code against the car make and model to get specific knowledge on the problem.

ELM327 is very basic but it's also very cheap. Works well on japanese cars, not so good on euro cars because they often deviate far from OBD standards (live data for euro cars is good but fault codes are often proprietary and inaccessible).

I have really struggled to make and hold the bluetooth connection to iPhones. I've done it but it's shite.

[The Green Goblin]

awesome, thanks so much for the info.

Found this review on the said unit - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YveV3hP58ws&t=947s,this guy talks alot but overall reckons it isn't up to par VS the OBD Link MX.

Review on the LX unit - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umo49O4wLAc, seems like its got some good features and is steady as far as connectivity goes.

These were found on quick entry BTW, im sure others reading this can find better more detailed reviews.

[The Green Goblin]

Further more:


OBDLink LX can be used as a diagnostic scan tool, trip computer, logger, and real-time performance monitor. This pocket-size adapter won't obstruct driver legroom and features unparalleled performance, intelligent sleep mode, hacker-proof security, exceptional third party app support, free lifetime firmware and software updates, and a modest price tag.
Includes Exclusive Android App and PC Diagnostics Software

OBDLink LX includes the free OBDLink Android app, which works exclusively with OBDLink products. The OBDLink app is packed with outstanding features that make it easy to access, graph, log and export real-time engine data. You can also clear the 'Check Engine Light,' read all diagnostic trouble codes and research them online, check emissions test readiness, and calculate instantaneous and average MPG. Want more gauges? Create a custom live dashboard directly on your Android phone or tablet! OBDLink LX also includes the free OBDwiz diagnostics software for Windows PCs, laptops, and netbooks. ELM327 compatibility allows LX to work with dozens of popular third-party OBD apps and software (including Torque and DashCommand).

[KevGoat]

I've been using the green OBDLink LX for years, as well as their app, and have been very happy with both. I use it in the SE and in my old Holden Rodeo and it has worked faultless in both cars on my Android phone. I had an issue initially with it not automatically going to sleep when the ignition was switched off, but that was fixed in a firmware update.

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