OBD2 Reader

About: This section covers how to use the OBDII Web Reader above. You'll need either a bluetooth ELM327 OBDII device or a USB ELM327 OBDII device to connect to your laptop and you'll need the Chrome web browser due to its built-in capability to connect to a bluetooth or serial device. This tool is geared toward the more advanced users who want to monitor custom PIDs from their laptop, or send custom PIDs to their car's computer.

Connecting:

• Adapter: This connects to the OBDII port potentially under your dash. (note: some bluetooth adapters may not work properly)
• Chrome browser: Chrome needs to be used due to its ability to connect to a serial interface that other browsers do not have.
• Connect buttons: Click either "connect" button at the top right of this screen and select the adapter from the menu that appears.
• Delay: Keep in mind there is a tiny delay from the connection over bluetooth, and also a delay due to the quality of the adapter used.

OBDII web display:

• Live Gauges: These gauges display the live data of your engine as it is received from the OBDII port.
• O2 sensor voltage: This allows you to monitor the voltages of your O2 sensor to ensure correct operation. (note: currently narrowband O2 sensors only, wideband addition coming soon)
• Custom Sensor Widget: Select the sensor from the dropdown, then select how you want to display the width, then click "add widget".
• Monitor custom PID: Under "Custom Sensor Widget", click "Define Custom PID" and a new menu appears. 1) Type a name. 2) Type the PID. 3) Bytes 1 or 2 is the position of the data returned by the car's computer. 4) Offset allows you to adjust (+ or -) the visibility of the data on the graph. 5) Units (kph/mph/volts/etc). This will show as text beside the graph that is created. 6) Gauge max is the max value received in this PID data stream. 7) Save PID button will save the PID to the list of sensors so you can select and view your custom PID alongside the generic PIDs.
• Diagnostic Trouble Codes: Click "Read DTCs" for current trouble codes (aka check engine lights), or click "Read Historic DTCs" to read pending trouble codes that have not yet created a check engine light. "Clear DTCs" will clear your trouble codes from your car's computer.
• Raw Command Console: This is probably the most exciting feature, if you know custom CAN PIDs for your car you can test exporting them to your vehicle. (WARNING: 1) Use caution when doing this as entering incorrect PIDs into your car may cause your car to react in an unexpected manner. 2) Do not enter custom PIDs while the car is in motion.