Elm327 obd2 Bluetooth sensor recommendation request

[Toyarzee]

Hopefully this is an appropriate subsection... I bought an elm327 that other members have recommended in some other threads. However, I can't leave this one plugged in to use with torque or Harry's lap timer for longer than 5 to 10 minutes before I lose communication and the whole dash shuts down. I throw a cel, U0155, every time without fail and the car goes into limp mode and won't drive.

Since there seems to be quite the variety of Bluetooth obd2 sensors out there, and some have issues with some and not others, I'm hoping someone can point me in the direction of an obd2 Bluetooth module that doesn't instantly fail. I understand this may be a somewhat common issue and is easily fixed on the fly, but my car going into limp mode in the middle of a hot lap on race track is no bueno.

Edit: extra note, using with android, not ios

Many thanks,

Mike

[P3tras]

I am using this one, did not encounter any problems (with android). It just often does not connect to ECU the first time (have to restart torque app). But I think it is related with software, not BT adapter


However, this unit is quite big. If you have big legs, it might slightly get in a way when heel and toeing. There is low profile version of same ELM327 adapter, but I have not tested it.

[Toyarzee]

I see the ratings and reviews on amazon are more positive for the unit you're using, though I can't find the low profile version yet. I was getting frustrated with the process since mine never connected first or second, sometimes even third try. And even after you get a successful connection, it doesn't hold it for long before I get "conditionally unavailable" warnings. And this is all after turning Bluetooth from the stereo head unit off so it didn't steal the connection with the phone first. This is making me miss running a full standalone with its own software for data logging and checking codes...

[P3tras]

Mine has never lost connection after it successfully connected. I have android head-unit, thus there are no other BT devices that may interfere (although there shouldn't be interference as each device has unique ID)

[jvincent]

If you want a reliable connection, get the obdlink LX model.

It's a little more expensive, but mine works all the time and it automatically powers off.

http://www.obdlink.com/lxbt/

[Nickosport]

I have the same ELM OBDII BT adapter as you do and I haven't had any issues. I'm not using Harry's, just torque. I am using an Android tablet as well. Maybe its a software issue?

My OBD II adapter would do funny things if I speed up the resolution in torque. Is the refresh rate adjustable in Harry's? Maybe turn down the refresh rate a little bit and see if it makes a difference.

[Toyarzee]

Originally Posted by Nickosport

I have the same ELM OBDII BT adapter as you do and I haven't had any issues. I'm not using Harry's, just torque. I am using an Android tablet as well. Maybe its a software issue?

My OBD II adapter would do funny things if I speed up the resolution in torque. Is the refresh rate adjustable in Harry's? Maybe turn down the refresh rate a little bit and see if it makes a difference.

Mine tanks on either app just the same with or without software adjustments. Running 5.1.1 on a Note5 with paid legit apps ($30 for Harry's, and 5 for torque pro). I even threw a cel without being connected to phone if left idling for a few mins with obd tool plugged in.

[Toyarzee]

Originally Posted by jvincent

If you want a reliable connection, get the obdlink LX model.

It's a little more expensive, but mine works all the time and it automatically powers off.

http://www.obdlink.com/lxbt/

Very interesting, may give this one a try. Thanks a lot!

[steve99]

Originally Posted by Toyarzee

Hopefully this is an appropriate subsection... I bought an elm327 that other members have recommended in some other threads. However, I can't leave this one plugged in to use with torque or Harry's lap timer for longer than 5 to 10 minutes before I lose communication and the whole dash shuts down. I throw a cel, U0155, every time without fail and the car goes into limp mode and won't drive.

Since there seems to be quite the variety of Bluetooth obd2 sensors out there, and some have issues with some and not others, I'm hoping someone can point me in the direction of an obd2 Bluetooth module that doesn't instantly fail. I understand this may be a somewhat common issue and is easily fixed on the fly, but my car going into limp mode in the middle of a hot lap on race track is no bueno.

Edit: extra note, using with android, not ios

Many thanks,

Mike

That sounds like the connection to the obd socket is intermittent. You often get code U0155 Can Buss errors if obd devices plugged/unplugged while engine running

some brz/86 have suspect obd sockets. They can cause intermittent connections to obd devices. Especially those with thin pins like elm327's

Try

1. a short obd extension cable

or

2. Bend the pins on your elm327 inwards slightly, both rows. use something like a full size SD memory card or similar. you only need to bend them inwards very slightly maybe 1mm (don't know what that is in inches) alternatively measurements 1 bee's d1ck, 2 gnats pubes or a fly $hit