Before you scan
You need a small plug first. Here is which one.
An OBD2 adapter is a small Bluetooth plug that goes into a socket under your steering wheel. It lets your phone read what the car's computer already knows: fault codes, sensor readings and the reason behind a warning light.
A good one costs about 15 to 35 EUR, takes a minute to install and stays in the car.
Where the port is
Look under the dashboard on the driver's side, above the pedals and below the steering wheel. Every petrol car sold in the EU since 2001 (diesel since 2004) and every US car since 1996 has one.
It is sometimes hidden behind a small cover or a flap near the fuse box or the bonnet release. A phone torch helps.
iPhone or Android?
- iPhone: buy an adapter marked Bluetooth 4.0, BLE or Bluetooth Low Energy. Older Bluetooth Classic adapters do not connect to iPhones.
- Android: both types work, Bluetooth Classic and BLE. Every adapter recommended below works on both platforms.
You do not need an expensive one. These three are tested with Skanyx; the middle one is the best value for most people.
What happens next
- Plug the adapter into the socket. It only fits one way.
- Turn the ignition on. The engine can stay off.
- Open Skanyx and turn on Bluetooth.
- Tap Connect. The app finds the adapter and runs your first scan.
Get the app while the adapter ships
Free to download. Set up your car now and you are ready the day the plug arrives.
Already have an adapter? Check whether it works with Skanyx