Hi... I want to learn how to use these code readers because of starting issues I've posted about in another thread. But to date, I have no knowledge of ever having used them.

A friend of mine has offered to plug his ELM327 Bluetooth module into my 2012 GS 6MT that he then connects to his Android phone running the Torque app.

Having never done this before, is there any risk to anything in the car by plugging this OBDII device into the connector on my steering column just to give me a demo of what such a system can do??? I'd like to learn but I certainly don't want to do any harm, like blow some fuses or short anything out?? I know these OBDII ports have been around since 1996 but I'm only learning about this now. Slow learner...

Thoughts??? And does anyone know of a good app for the iPhone (what I have) that would be a good app to connect to such a WiFi or Bluetooth device to see codes and maybe other info too??? And is WiFi or Bluetooth better?? Or just personal choice??

thanks. bob

 

I don't think there's any risk in using such a device (although I believe it prevents OnStar from running full diagnostics). I'm currently running a Dashtronix RadarProjector and I had a GoPoint BT1A installed as well. These are both connected to the OBD-II port in my '13 base.

As far as the iPhone goes, look into Palmer Performance's DashCommand. It's a really neat piece of software that can do all sorts of cool things.

The GoPoint device is the only Bluetooth OBD-II connector that will work with iOS. As such, it uses some sort of proprietary technology, and doesn't support many of the advanced GM PID's, which means you can't monitor oil temp, pressure, etc. through Dashcommand. I returned my BT1A because of this, and I plan on getting either a PLX Kiwi2 or an OBDLink WiFi. The OBDLink is the fastest device on the market for this application, but the Kiwi offers the ability to tie into auxiliary sensors in the future (which would be great if you plan on adding wideband, boost, or other sensors as you modify your vehicle).

Palmer Performance has a list of supported OBD-II interfaces listed somewhere on their site.

I'll probably post on here whenever I pick up the new device. I'm also getting a 2014 Pioneer navigation unit with AppMode, which supports DashCommand natively. This means I'll have access to all the additional gauges I want right on the navigation system (a la Nissan GTR).

Not a representative/affiliate of any of these companies.

 

When you say "installed" and "connected" above, do you mean connected to your OBDII port all the time??? And if installed all the time, is that what you mean would interfere with the OnStar diagnostics??? My goal would be to plug in to the OBDII port only when I am encountering whatever issue causes my 12 GS 6MT to occasionally not start. I might want to "play" with it a little bit as well just to learn but my goal would not be to have this diagnostic hooked up all the time.

And I looked at the app you suggested from Palmer Performance, the DashCommand. What device might you recommend I might buy. I see you mentioned the GoPoint device. And you suggested that might be the only Bluetooth that would work with iOS??? Yes??? And WiFi devices that might work??

Again, I'm starting from scratch so lots to learn.

thanks... bob...

 

Essentially, the on star system will not run a full diagnostic check while any device is connected to the obd port.

You can have the tool plugged in as much or as little as possible. It's plug and play, so you can use it to read codes, clear MIL's, or as an auxiliary gauge display.

I'd look into a PLX kiwi2. It's a wifi based device for iOS (I think it works with PC/Mac too).

 

What iPhone app do you like best?

 

No worries plugging into your car.....

I have one of those cheap $15 ELM327 units. It works with my 08 Dodge Ram. Used it with that free OBD Car Doctor app to clear the codes on my neighbors 2000 Camry. It seems unable to connect to my girlfriends 02 Mustang. I had to borrow a friends MacTools scan tool to read and clear her light. I havent tested in the C6

Speaking of Palmer Performance, check out their Dash Logic controller for the C6. It can show a lot of info directly on the HUD or the DIC, no smartphone needed. Also, their OBDLink MX module seems to read the newer protocols. Might be a better option for code reading on the C6 and other newer cars with the CAN bus. I see they are giving the Android version of Dash Command for free with it right now.

 

It is very common the cheap ELM hardware will struggle to connect on GM and Ford J1850 protocols. Often, just an exchange of the hardware with the same one will solve that issue. The other day, we ordered 5 from the same place, 4 worked on GM, 1 did not, just luck of the draw. Your C6 is on CAN, not J1850, so I bet it works on the C6.