If you work on cars regularly, you've probably thought of getting an obd2 code reader at some point. But they tend to be expensive, so hey why not using your phone for that?
The idea is alluring-you simply download the app to your phone, attach the tool, and you have your own portable, diagnostic tool.
The complication comes in when you realize each of these apps have a different set of capabilities, information, and price range.
We've already written about the best obd2 apps on the market, but today we'll focus on iPhone specific ones.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
TOP PICK!  |
1. BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool
|
VIEW ON AMAZON |
BUDGET PICK! |
2. OBD Auto Doctor
|
VIEW ON APPLE STORE |
 |
3. EOBD Facile
|
VIEW ON APPLE STORE |
 |
4. Engine Link
|
VIEW ON APPLE STORE |
 |
5. OBD Fusion
|
VIEW ON APPLE STORE |
Our Ios obd2 Apps Recommendations
1. BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool
The BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool is one of the OBD2 apps that’s compatible with Iphone systems and allows the user to scan their vehicle for defaults.
It’s meant to replace traditional handheld OBD2 readers that mechanics use and allow for fast and accurate diagnostic material that will allow for easy repairs.
These apps work with a sensor system that’s sold separately, and each has their own set-up for use.
We give the BlueDriver Bluetooth app a solid 5 star rating for many reasons, the least of which is the affordable sensor price and the fact that the app is free to download and use.
Comparable apps are the Carista OBD, Torque Pro, HobDrive OBD2 and Dash.
image credit : www.bluedriver.com
- Known Problems
- Is There an Additional Cost
- Pros/cons overview
The app allows you to connect to the BlueDriver sensor, and scans, reads and clears error codes from your engine to include systems such as Airbag, Transmission and ABS codes.
It stores the readings into a Reports database, which also lists over four million potential fixes for any problem that it might find.
You can enjoy real-time access to your engine data, engine parameter readings and freeze-frame capture the information.
As a bonus, you can easily email or print this information. Live data may vanish if you don’t share the info-doing this downloads a copy of your reports into the system.
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2. OBD Auto Doctor
image credit : itunes
The OBD Auto Doctor is an app that can work on any vehicle from 1996 to present. It requires the use of any of the following adapters, sold separately:
- Known Problems
- Is There an Additional Cost
- Pros/cons overview
This OBD2 sensor has several nice features, to include the ability to tell you if your car is ready for emissions testing.
It has on-board diagnostic monitors for advanced diagnostics, monitors your fuel consumption while you drive, allows you to view real-time diagnostics to help pinpoint abnormalities, read explanations of diagnostic trouble codes, freeze frame or clear the codes.
The app can help you diagnose multiple units such as the engine and transmission, so it’s great if you want to view how each component of your car is working individually.
The app comes programmed with over 18,000 trouble codes to help diagnose your vehicle.
The reports are easy to read, available in numerical or graphs, imperial or metric units, and can be sent to any email.
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3. EOBD Facile
Image Credit : iTunes
The EOBD Facile is an OBD2 reader with a slightly more limited scope, but offers a lot of information for the cars that it covers.
If you tend to only own or work on the listed makes, this one is worth a look.. It requires and ELM27 Wifi interface or a Klavkarr scanner in order to operate.
- Known Problems
- Is There an Additional Cost
It has a database of 11,000 code definitions, and allows the user to see engine and gearbox defect codes.
It can also clear your check engine light and display real-time function of vehicle sensors such as speed, engine RPM, engine temperature,spark timing, engine airflow and torque.
The App can diagnose and display specific manufacture codes for the following makes: Renault, Peugeot, Citroen, Opel, Audi, Ford, Volkswagen, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, BMW and Skoda.
These readings can be downloaded into a report or recorded on your phone to watch at a later date through the PC/Mac software EOBD-Facile.
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4. Engine Link
Image credit: www.outdoor-apps.com
Engine Link is a popular app, and for good reason. It allows you to do a number of different tasks, and has some helpful customization options. It requires the use of one of the following adaptors:
- Known Problems
- Is There an Additional Cost
- Pros/cons overview
This is the only Iphone app that allows a custom PID. The app is capable of doing an emissions test, conduct real-time reports on your running engine, display car sensor data, clear OBD fault codes and is fully customizable to show only the data you want to see.
The app allows you to graph your data for easy to read reports. It’s capable of recording engine speed, coolant load, fuel levels, and transmission temperatures.
The MPG widget tool can plot your fuel efficiency, and it comes pre-loaded with GM and Ford libraries for manufacture codes, plus a PID and Prius PID libraries.
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5. OBD Fusion
Image credit : obdsoftware.net
Of all the OBD readers, this one may have the most ‘extra’ uses and readings. It requires the use of one of the following adaptors:
There are so many readings available on this app, it’s difficult to list. In addition to the standard code readings, it does contain some enhanced codes for GM and Ford.
It also allows users to access fuel economy, performance on just a ¼ mile of travel from 0-60 MPH, multiple trip meters, engine horsepower and torque, air-to-fuel ratios, battery voltage, oxygen sensor, real-time mapping and whether your car is ready to pass emissions.
- Known Problems
- Is There an Additional Cost
- Pros/cons overview
The reports are easy to read, loadable into CSV files for email, and customizable for displaying exactly what you’d like to know.
You can also download and email the entire diagnostic report. The data can be formatted to imperial or metric units and six different languages.
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FINAL VERDICT
While there’s no doubt that any of these apps would come in handy if you’re a fan of working on your own car, either as a mechanic or enjoy being able to diagnose your car issues, the Bluedriver OBD2 emerges as the clear winner of the list.
It does have a specific adapter that needs to be purchased, but it offers the most data available between all the apps, while avoiding a monthly or yearly licensing fee for its continued use.
Updates are free to anyone who has already downloaded the app.
Plus, it’s one price for all of the convenience features such as the ability to download reports, emailing capabilities and other diagnostic storage options.
If you’re in the market for an app that will make your mechanic duties easier, it’s a simple to use tool that provides everything you’ll need without the requirements for updating or additional purchases.