OBD Scanner

[Runaround]

I’m looking for an OBD scanner that will work with an iPhone and use something comparable to Alpha OBD. I like what I read about the Aloha program and everything it does but I don’t want to have to buy an android device.
I wouldn’t even mind using a non Bluetooth tingle.
I’m looking for something around $150 that is bidirectional.
I would like to monitor my particulate levels in my exhaust and force regens if needed.

 

[HuskerRam]

You're not likely going to find anything with the same level of functionality as AlphaOBD, but you can do some of the same updates using OBDLink MX and the JScan app on iPhones.

OBDLink MX+

The OBDLink® MX+ is the top-of-the-line OBD II scan tool to use with forscan and comes with bluetooth. Get one here today and gain access to your vehicle!

www.obdlink.com

I use this and the default app it comes with to monitor the DPF and EGTs. There is an option in JScan to force regens, but I've never had to use it.

 

[Runaround]

You're not likely going to find anything with the same level of functionality as AlphaOBD, but you can do some of the same updates using OBDLink MX and the JScan app on iPhones.

OBDLink MX+

The OBDLink® MX+ is the top-of-the-line OBD II scan tool to use with forscan and comes with bluetooth. Get one here today and gain access to your vehicle!

www.obdlink.com

I use this and the default app it comes with to monitor the DPF and EGTs. There is an option in JScan to force regens, but I've never had to use it.

Thanks. I had a MX+ but couldn’t find a way to be able to do regens and I never thought about looking at EGT’s.
I swapped the MX+ for the Kingbolen Elite but I can’t even get it to clear trouble codes like the MX+ nor make it work any modules on my truck and can’t get anybody from the company to get back with me about these issues and the phone number must be to a foreign country because it’s not a standard looking phone number.

 

[Rlaf75]

Thanks. I had a MX+ but couldn’t find a way to be able to do regens and I never thought about looking at EGT’s.
I swapped the MX+ for the Kingbolen Elite but I can’t even get it to clear trouble codes like the MX+ nor make it work any modules on my truck and can’t get anybody from the company to get back with me about these issues and the phone number must be to a foreign country because it’s not a standard looking phone number.

You might have to jump up to an actual scan tool to do what youre looking to achieve

 

[Runaround]

I wouldn’t really mind jumping up, but I wouldn’t want to jump up much more in price if possible.
I just don’t know what to buy.

 

[MrBonez]

You're not going to find anything very cheap because it's testing/diagnostic equipment.
Finding a decent one will run you about 200 or more with ease these days.

The Innova scanner I got a few years ago (Fleabay deal) was about 200 and it was used, next to highest model available at the time and it works fine for what I need it to do.

When you start getting into one with more advanced functions and compatability, all that ain't free and they aren't throwing those functions in for free to be nice.

 

[TradesmanGuy]

FWIW, I bought this Topdon AL500B -->


It is a diagnostic only tool and will reset error codes, and has a battery tester that I have yet to try out. Will not reprogram settings. Overall for around $65 (via Walmart), I'm happy with it. Since I don't own a cell phone it was link via cable for me.

TOPDON AL500B Battery Tester 2 in 1 Car Diagnostic Code Reader, OBD2 Scanner, 12V Battery Tests, 12V/24V Cranking & Charging TestsFull OBDII Diagnosis, - Walmart.com

Buy TOPDON AL500B Battery Tester 2 in 1 Car Diagnostic Code Reader, OBD2 Scanner, 12V Battery Tests, 12V/24V Cranking & Charging TestsFull OBDII Diagnosis, at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

 

[06 Dodge]

I wouldn’t really mind jumping up, but I wouldn’t want to jump up much more in price if possible.
I just don’t know what to buy.

Just get a cheap Android tablet with Bluetooth on Amazon, they work with Alfa-Obd, you will also need a Security By pass cable if you don't already have one, the one from Kaodtech is best: https://www.kaodtech.com/product-page/security-module-bypass

 

[Runaround]

If I bought an android phone or tablet would I also have to get some sort of service for it to download the app?

 

[jws123]

If I bought an android phone or tablet would I also have to get some sort of service for it to download the app?

you can just use wifi and download the app however for the price of all that bs you can get a decent scantool for $250-300. Sometimes being cheap costs more money time and bs your better off just getting a scan tool and getting it over with.

This is just one example there are TONS out there just look around on amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/TOPDON-Bidirectional-ArtiDiag900-Lite-Automotive/dp/B0C33Y285Y/ref=sr_1_7?crid=2T4X7GHXZ8ZZ1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.33ld2ElUlZmTgJAPagWb6i6fSXWJnaFaltwCfua4jXFEarS8Wcr2oOLTj7ZTQ123OIaZu00KOKjq4CCt7ADKXIx8ckrSB_NzE7R6NwVDINWDIjtMdYZGrRvLwgKw2fH-gVOKlSJjG3vU0hDbW_rm1lxQYsRkDUW-hAF23iyixwcUIPw71RYZI1TF-EqjiBPKEOSGburL4Fd-GWLAIjPmkgDHjc3lsaTkFXYadyBww458qZ0zsHyjfiZIwcu3FD3gDTpGEtYUBDJ0_iQ02rJ4_PharwU30vQFoVajLKn8tLo._LUqVu9nWCysb0-JZNBrC53OkPQakXWSzvqL57DIGWU&dib_tag=se&keywords=bidirectional%2Bscan%2Btool&qid=1770514984&sprefix=bidirec%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-7&th=1

 

[Hagar1]

Stay away from Ancel, their customer support is very close to non-existent!

 

[One Mile Up]

If I bought an android phone or tablet would I also have to get some sort of service for it to download the app?

This is prolly your cheapest route -- IMO.

I did the same thing -- I'm all Apple (yes, I bought into the ecosystem YEARS ago! )...

SO, I ended up just getting a good deal on a:
- Chromebook tablet and use it along with the...
- OBDLink MX+
- Alpha OBD app (from the Google Play store)

To answer your question -- NO, you just need WiFi (or use your iPhone's hot-spot ).

I have been using this combo flawlessly with my 2017 RAM 2500 6.4l HEMI for years now. Works like a charm!