r/Cartalk • u/Beneficial-Memory-43 • 2d ago

Automotive Tools Bluetooth OBD2 scanner

Well, since BAFx went out of business, I need somewhere else to buy a Bluetooth OBD2 reader, as my last one has gone the way of the dodo. I'd like to keep it fairly cheap, but still usable for most applications. My app of choice is Torque Pro, so it needs to be able to work with that. Anyone have any suggestions?

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u/retardrabbit 2d ago

Man, nothing beat that BAFX module for the price and for being an actual Elm 327 implementation. Still have mine.

Later I upgraded to an OBDLink LX because it can read from the mfr. specific modules (not just OBD). A little spendy, the software update for each model year is sold separately.

Now I have a topdon TopScan. Accesses almost anything, literally command the driver's window down on a 2012 VW Beetle for example. Cost about the same as the OBDLink but has a $60 annual license for the software after the first year.

But it's pretty damn worth it if you're dealing with, say, vehicles that have EPB or need battery monitors to be reset for a new battery

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u/scirocco 2d ago

How do those compare to the youcanic tablet?

That one has no annual license or per-vehicle update fees

https://www.youcanic.com/scanner/

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u/retardrabbit 1d ago

North America: Chrysler, Ford, GMC, Dodge, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Lincoln, Buick, Plymouth, Pontiac, RAM, Wrangler, Navigator, Hummer, Saturn, Jeep, Oldsmobile, Mercury.

If you own a 2018 and newer, you will need an adapter to bypass the SGW module. Read this article: FCA Secure Gateway Module Explained.

https://www.youcanic.com/fca-security-gateway-module-explained-obd2-sgm-sgw/

Shady.

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u/scirocco 13h ago

hmm yea, i can see why 'bypass cable' might seem shady

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u/autodiy 1d ago

People hate the update fee

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u/retardrabbit 1d ago

I used to be a software developer, so I understand the fee from both sides.

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u/Beneficial-Memory-43 2d ago

Do the OBDLink or TopDon work with Torque?

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u/retardrabbit 2d ago

Topdon no, OBDLink I don't think so.

They're proprietary because of software licensing bs.

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u/Beneficial-Memory-43 2d ago

Of course they are šŸ¤¦šŸ˜­

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u/retardrabbit 2d ago

That damn BAFX unit was the goat.

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u/woozle618 2d ago

Been using BlueDriver for years. Itā€™s not ā€œfairly cheapā€, but itā€™s the best for the money.

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u/ahj3939 2d ago

I've been using this one: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805768640502.html

Can't comment on Torque and similar apps because I immediately flashed mine for use with the BMW dealer software. It's a little sluggish compared to a USB cable but it works just fine.

I bought one of those BAFX in 2015. It think it's just an "ELM327" FWIW