AlfaOBD question

[Curt2016Ram]

So I see the OBD reader of choice is the OBDLink MX+. Shouldn't any bluetooth dongle work? Harbor Freight has one for half the price of the OBDLink. All the dongle does is send codes and whatnot to the actual AlfaOBD app right?

 

[Ken226]

So I see the OBD reader of choice is the OBDLink MX+. Shouldn't any bluetooth dongle work? Harbor Freight has one for half the price of the OBDLink. All the dongle does is send codes and whatnot to the actual AlfaOBD app right?

I believe that for the dual direction data transfer, AlfaOBD needs a ELM327 compliant device. The OBDLink is preferred because it meets all of the specs and it is high enough quality that the data transfer rate doesn't suffer the timeout issues that cheaper devices can have.

OBDLink MX+ is a known quantity. Cheaper device may work, or may have trouble. The money savings of a cheaper device is the benefit you get from taking on increased risk.

I've been using the same OBDLink MX+ since 2019, and it still works perfectly. Most of us are just, kinda wimps and don't wanna risk bricking the PCM.

 

[faceplant68]

I'm using a VEEPEAK reader with AlfaOBD on a 2010 and can seem to reach most modules, except for the ABS module, which is the one I actually want to get to. I see you have a 2013, but wondering if you know if the MX+ should allow me to connect to teh ABS module on a 2010?
Thanks.

 

[Ken226]

I'm using a VEEPEAK reader with AlfaOBD on a 2010 and can seem to reach most modules, except for the ABS module, which is the one I actually want to get to. I see you have a 2013, but wondering if you know if the MX+ should allow me to connect to teh ABS module on a 2010?
Thanks.

I can connect to the ABS module and activate all of the functions and tests, like brake bleeding, module initialization, etc, on my 2013.


I have no way to test what it would do with a 2010. Maybe someone with a 2009-2012 can chime in.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Be careful on the ELM327 being the deciding factor. Even the $10 ones are ELM327 (or compatible). The big one in addition the ELM327 is the adapter needs to be bidirectional and able to access the correct comms buss protocol..

 

[metalchewy]

Be careful on the ELM327 being the deciding factor. Even the $10 ones are ELM327 (or compatible). The big one in addition the ELM327 is the adapter needs to be bidirectional and able to access the correct comms buss protocol..

AlfaOBD

The website states the known devices that work and warn about the cheap ELM327 ones.