Any OBD-II app that works yet?

benk016

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The OBDII port on all modern cars is the port used to access the car’s CPU. All data is pushed out of that port on how the car is behaving. It’s usually used for dealers to run diagnostics or update things with the car but fancy programmers have figured out a way to create a Bluetooth enabled dongle that fits in that slot under the dash and pipe the raw data to an app on your phone or tablet. Depending on how far they can reverse engineer the codes, the more information they can get from the car itself. In some cases, you can even gain access codes to make small changes to the car. For instance on my VW, I was able to change how my car responds when I unlock it, or map the all windows down function to holding down the unlock on my key fob. Most of the time tough, people use it for real time data logs on how the car is performing
If ford sticks to anything like they have been doing for several years, you can edit all kinds of stuff about the vehicle. When I get a different car, the first thing I do is connect to it and disable the Horn honk if you leave the car with it running, make the tap of the turn signal to do 5 blinks instead of 3. I've turned up the temp on my heated steering wheel, added extra features in the radio.

I've actually updated the firmware on a module on my vehicle with it instead of taking it to a dealer.

Hoping that the Mach-E will be similar. It may just take a while to figure out which values are for what function though.

There's always the chance that this completely new platform will be completely different programming wise too though.
Sponsored

 

RonTCat

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The law in the United States is written to mandate OBDII for emissions compliance only.

Tesla argued they have no emissions, therefore there is no regulatory authority to compel them to install OBDII ports and presumably got the exemption.

The Model 3 does not have OBDII in North America, I'm not sure about elsewhere. I presume Model Y does not either.

Model 3 has a proprietary diagnostics port, and some folks have figured out you can splice in an OBDII port by adding a T-jumper to the wire harness in the back of the center console down near where a middle rear seat occupants' foot would be (I believe that's where).
Yep, not sure BEVs are required to have an OBDII system.

For ICE, its:
(2.1.1) The connector shall be located in the driver’s side foot-well region of the vehicle interior in the area bound by the driver’s side of the vehicle and the driver's side edge of the center console (or the vehicle centerline if the vehicle does not have a center console) and at a location no higher than the bottom of the steering wheel when in the lowest adjustable position. The connector may not be located on or in the center console (i.e., neither on the horizontal faces near the floor-mounted gear selector, parking brake lever, or cup-holders nor on the vertical faces near the car stereo, climate system, or navigation system controls). The location of the connector shall be capable of being easily identified by a “crouched” technician entering the vehicle from the driver’s side.(2.2)(2.1.2) If the connector is covered, the cover must be removable by hand without the use of any tools and be labeled to aid technicians in identifying the location of the connector. Access to the diagnostic connector may not require opening or the removal of any storage accessory (e.g., ashtray, coinbox, etc.). The label shall be submitted to the Executive Officer for review and approval, at or before the time the manufacturer submits its certification application. The Executive Officer shall approve the label upon determining that it clearly identifies that the connector is located behind the cover and is consistent with language and/or symbols commonly used in the automotive industry.
 

SteveJo

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So after reading the preceding, here's what we "know" so far:

1. OBD ports may be useful to some owners.
2. BEV's may not be mandated to have one.
3. The MME may or may not have one.
4. A jury-rigged solution has been employed for Tesla's.

:D
 

generaltso

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So after reading the preceding, here's what we "know" so far:

1. OBD ports may be useful to some owners.
2. BEV's may not be mandated to have one.
3. The MME may or may not have one.
4. A jury-rigged solution has been employed for Tesla's.

:D
Number 3 is not correct. The MME has one.
 


generaltso

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What is incorrect about 'may or may not?' You say it does. You may or may not be correct. Your basis would be appreciated.
I guess the "may" part is correct and the "may not" part is incorrect? I looked for it when checking out the MMEs on the roadshow tour and found it right where it was supposed to be.
 

mburtsvt

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Which kind of brings up the question - why? I know it might be a government mandate requirement, but if all up dates are done over air and data can be downloaded at the dealer wirelessly, what now is the reason for an OBDII.
 

generaltso

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Which kind of brings up the question - why? I know it might be a government mandate requirement, but if all up dates are done over air and data can be downloaded at the dealer wirelessly, what now is the reason for an OBDII.
Mostly for dealer use I would think. I'm sure there are a lot of diagnostics that aren't available through the touch screen.
 

SnBGC

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Which kind of brings up the question - why? I know it might be a government mandate requirement, but if all up dates are done over air and data can be downloaded at the dealer wirelessly, what now is the reason for an OBDII.
Not all updates are done over the air.

A common use for the OBDII port is to connect to the onboard modules for diagnostic purposes and read PID data. Can also run self check and test commands from that interface.
The ODBII port is under the dash near left knee on LHD models.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Any OBD-II app that works yet? 1611780966986
 

SnBGC

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Mostly for dealer use I would think. I'm sure there are a lot of diagnostics that aren't available through the touch screen.
Yep. 12 pages of PinPoints test just for the climate control system alone.....
:)
 

GoGoGadgetMachE

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