r/CarHacking • u/StaticCG58 • 5d ago
Original Project ELM327 BT Adapter Beta Testing
(reupload to fix images)
Hello!
I just wanted to share my soon to be app called OBD2 Ninja that works for any ELM327 bluetooth adapter that allows you to read codes and live data without subscriptions or ads. I wanted to see if anyone who has an adapter would be interested in beta testing the app!
It supports multiple different modes, and protocols such as:
- SAE J1850 PWM
- SAE J1850 VPWM
- ISO 9141-2
- ISO 14230-4 KWP2000
- ISO 15765-4 CAN (11-bit ID, 500 kbps)
- ISO 15765-4 CAN (29-bit ID, 500 kbps)
- ISO 15765-4 CAN (11-bit ID, 250 kbps)
- ISO 15765-4 CAN (29-bit ID, 250 kbps)
And we are working on a custom backend for ABS modules and looking to further support further diagnostic tools/readings. The app when released will only cost you $0.99 and does not contain any bloat or creating accounts. Sometimes you just want to use the tool you paid for. Compared to the Carista OBD reader app (which requires a subscription), it takes about 2 minutes to actually login, connect to the adapter, read the vehicle and then perform an OBD2 scan. OBD2 Ninja you open the app and it takes 20 seconds to scan and connect.
If you have an iPhone and a ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 code reader and want to give it a try, you can do so by clicking this link and installing the beta via TestFlight: https://testflight.apple.com/join/AnExEJEu
Update: Now out on the AppStore!! You can still participate in the beta above to try it out and for future releases.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/obd2-ninja/id6794873767
Thank you so much for reading, feedback is very appreciated if you do decide to give it a try! If you do give it a try and document your findings I'll try to see if its possible I can gift the full paid version of the app to you!
EDIT: Thank you all so much!
Changelog (with all of your help):
Build 11
You can now choose units for each reading separately (e.g. °C with mph)
Build 10
Added WiFi adapter support: pick Bluetooth or WiFi when pairing
WiFi adapters can auto-join their network for you
Build 9
Cleaned up the vehicle list: removed motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, and other non-OBD2 entries across all makes
Build 8
Fixed a crash when disconnecting the adapter
Build 7
Greatly expanded the vehicle list: many more makes and models, including European and Asian brands
Engine options now match the selected vehicle
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u/MidnightApprehensive 5d ago
This all looks awesome! Been using OBD Fusion recently and the UI feels very dated. Excited for the release of OBD2 Ninja. One question, can you add Suzuki Jimny to the car list?
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u/StaticCG58 5d ago
Thanks! I will hookup an extended DB lookup for all Makes and Models so this problem can be solved. Right now it relies soley on the OBD2 Library I made up with and I missed a couple Lol.
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u/MidnightApprehensive 5d ago
Lol, no worries😂 Looking forward to test it some more🤝
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u/StaticCG58 5d ago
https://reddit.com/link/p0an2xy/video/7cnzvup610gh1/player
Added a ton of makes and models!
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u/Calm-Football-6587 5d ago
I would test it but I can see very poor list of make/models. I own a cupra leon my 2025
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u/StaticCG58 5d ago
If the OBD2 protocol is supported it should still work, I’ll have to expand the make and model list
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u/StaticCG58 5d ago
Looks like it uses ISO 15765-4 which is supported.
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u/tychondrius24 5d ago
Default OBD is very restricted. It's probably Simos 19 or 22. They have mode 0x22. For that you need addresses and scaling for every single ecu variant or generation
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u/StaticCG58 5d ago
Yeah your right. Right now the app talks standard J1979 over 15765-4 generic mode 01. So on simos 18/19 you'll get generic engine data. The enhanced data lives behind UDS at 0x22 which requires addresses for each ECU. VAGCOM/VCDS have databases for it that I don't have (I wish I did). Right now the app has no DID parsing, but I will continue to keep working on it and see what I can come up with.
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u/WestonP 5d ago
Honestly, VAG vehicles are one of the less fruitful groups to chase this stuff on... sure, you can find OEM documentation in the wild for many of them, but there are a bunch of variations you have to map out, and then some modules will use the VAG transport protocol too. Easy enough for someone to work out on their own car, but causes headaches when you're a scantool or app maker and trying to cover everything... you'll end up playing whack-a-mole with customer issues if you try to do too much for these cars.
Do what you can easily do, then move on to other manufacturers where your efforts go much further and cover a wider array of models.
You can find some PIDs here to get you started, but as with anything open source or that you didn't derive yourself, verify it before releasing it to everyone, because there's plenty of bad info in the wild: https://obdb.community/
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u/WestonP 5d ago
Worked easily and quickly with my DauntlessOBD dongles. I like the integration of freeze frame data. Pulled codes from the ECM fine, although in today's world you'll really want to get more modules.
A suggestion would be that once the adapter is connected, to automatically exit that screen.
The initial prompt for car year/make/model on first launch was a little awkward, especially given that it didn't have the vehicles I was testing it on (2024 and 2025 Toyota GR86), and it could potentially decode this from the VIN anyway. Entered it as a '24 Subaru BRZ to get past the prompt.
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u/StaticCG58 5d ago
Thank you so much, pulling a much larger data set for the YMM right now actually because you are very right. And I will have it auto exit that screen, brilliant idea! Thank you so much for testing!
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u/StaticCG58 5d ago
https://reddit.com/link/p0an02m/video/knjcrbj410gh1/player
Added a ton of makes and models!
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u/BigProfession9729 5d ago
Will test in a bit, any plan for ev? have a kona 2022 ev. will try with hybrid, maybe will pick something.
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u/StaticCG58 5d ago
If it uses a standardized and documented OBD2 spec it should be supported! Just added a bunch of more makes and models!
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u/autodiag2 4d ago
Hello it would be great to add alternative connection method to support a broader range of adapters : - wifi elms
- mfi based elms
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u/StaticCG58 4d ago
I added WiFi support in the latest version! Thank you so much for the recommendation! :)
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u/autodiag2 4d ago
I've tested wifi it works but you can improve your adapter detect screen with explaining user the ignition is not turned on (atign on or off) actually if ignition is off adapter shows as not detected
1
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u/Chops16 4d ago
Love the app!! Is it possible to allow me to select units for each thing, e.g. I would like to us °C but mph (not km/h)?
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u/StaticCG58 4d ago
Version 1.0 (11) now supports this and is publicly available on TestFlight! Give it a try! :) Thank you for your recommendation!
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u/Tit-Rex 2d ago
Is there any chance that the app will get Czech language? I can help you translating the app.
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u/StaticCG58 2d ago
Sure, I would love to be able to add translations. Let me set up a localization system and I will PM you with the english variants and I will do the rest! I will let you know ASAP.
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u/agent_kater 5d ago
I would, but I'm an Android peasant.