bluetooth ELM 327 setup won't connect to ECU: 2000 SR5 4x4

[sjwelna]

Hi guys, first post but long time lurker here. I bought this ELM327:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EQ4KS6W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I can't get it to talk to my ECU. I checked the OBD fuses and they are all good. The unit gets power (lights turn on), and my phone connects to it via bluetooth just fine. When it tries to connect to the ECU it errors out and asks if the ignition is on/etc in Torque (free) AND with TouchScan apps.

It connects just fine to my wife's 2008 Nissan Rogue, so I doubt it is the actual unit itself. Is there something else I'm missing? Do I need to try some of the custom init strings I've seen a few threads of on other forums?

I've logged other cars (DSM's, Subarus) with other OBD type devices and all I want to do is have some extra parameters on my phone or a tablet available.

Am I missing something here? I've even tried forcing the app to use various com protocols individiually, and running it in 'auto' mode to detect which communication protocol, nothing works. Did I get a lemon?

Relevant info:
2000 4Runner SR5

Less relevant info:
62k miles, 265/75-16 BFG TA-KO's, intake silencer delete,

-Steve

 

[RyDog]

I just bought one of these too, haven't got it yet though. I did read on some of the apps that you don't want to have more than one app running on your phone/tablet or it may confuse it. Possibly you only had one running in the Rogue and moving to the 4runner opened the second app?

 

[sjwelna]

When I connected to my wife's Rogue originally I only had TouchScan installed. It wouldn't connect with that app, so I installed Torque and tried that as well, neither would connect to my T4R. I also tried closing all the programs and opening each individually and it still won't connect, including a hard reboot of my phone as well. I have a bluetooth stereo HU in the 4runner that my phone is set to connect to, but I have the settings right in the apps so that it connects to the "OBDII" device and isn't trying to talk to the ECU through my stereo.

I think I'm going to stop by Advance or another car store on my way home from work today and see if their scan tools can connect. If so it might just be a bunk BT OBDII scanner that won't work on the ISO 9141-2 protocol which if I have read correctly is the one for my car. I may try it with some other cars and see if it gives me the same results as well. I just really wanted to use this one in particular because it has an on/off switch so I could just leave it in the car, plus it's smaller so I won't kick it when it's plugged in.

I may just order the BAFX dongle: http://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-Bluetooth-diagnostics-Android/dp/B005NLQAHS and give that a try and return the other one. If it works that's really all I care about. I just want to be able to install a tablet to use for off-road nav and have it run Touchscan or Torque as well so I can monitor sensors and the like while I'm in the woods. :nerd:

-Steve

 

[jgue467]

Using Torque - have you gone under the "Adapter Status Information" section? Check the 'Adapter Error Count' and other settings available there. Try switching the 'Faster Communication' setting to "No". I had to play around with mine just a bit (but can't remember what i did a few years ago now) but it started working after just a couple tries. Luck! :cowboy:

 

[gamefreakgc]

I have the BAFX one, and I'm not worried about it killing the battery or nothing. I had it plugged in for almost a week without running and it was just fine.

If the 4Runner is only a weekend vehicle though, just toss it in your glove box when it's sitting just in case. It's also not that big, I never kick it with my feet or bump it or nothing.

 

[Robb235]

I have the BAFX and keep it plugged in full time. Haven't had any issues, although I use an iPhone not an Android.

 

[Neil_R]

I have the BAFX and keep it plugged in full time. Haven't had any issues, although I use an iPhone not an Android.

I also use the BAFX and it does significantly weaken my battery if I leave it in for a few days. Of course, it's a very cheap Autocraft...

 

[sjwelna]

I went ahead and ordered the BAFX reader off of amazon. If it doesn't work too, then I know its a setup issue in the app. Also I've been running the free version (Torque Lite), so I will download the full app and try that too, a lot of the settings you guys are mentioning I don't think I have access to in the free version. I didn't get a chance to hit the parts store to try their obd2 reader but I'm going to try that tonight to rule out a wiring issue on my truck.

-Steve

 

[Ruiner]

I went ahead and ordered the BAFX reader off of amazon. If it doesn't work too, then I know its a setup issue in the app. Also I've been running the free version (Torque Lite), so I will download the full app and try that too, a lot of the settings you guys are mentioning I don't think I have access to in the free version. I didn't get a chance to hit the parts store to try their obd2 reader but I'm going to try that tonight to rule out a wiring issue on my truck.

-Steve

does your cigarette lighter thing work? It sounds odd but on my TA the cigarette lighter and the power for the obdII plug are on the same fuse.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I went ahead and ordered the BAFX reader off of amazon. If it doesn't work too, then I know its a setup issue in the app. Also I've been running the free version (Torque Lite), so I will download the full app and try that too, a lot of the settings you guys are mentioning I don't think I have access to in the free version. I didn't get a chance to hit the parts store to try their obd2 reader but I'm going to try that tonight to rule out a wiring issue on my truck.

-Steve

I use Torque Light with no issues on mine. Didn't have to mess with settings either.

 

[sjwelna]

I'm thinking it's a flaky obd2 dongle, I came home today after I forgot it plugged in overnight and the on/off button wouldn't work. Amazon is getting this one back, I will go on record NOT recommending the "iSaddle" version of this. My 12v outlets/cigarette lighter all work fine AFAIK. I'll let you know if I have similar issues with the BAFX adapter. I downloaded and paid for torque pro and it still wouldn't connect.

 

[gamefreakgc]

The BAFX product only works with Android devices, if that makes a difference.

 

[Robb235]

The BAFX product only works with Android devices, if that makes a difference.

No it doesn't, it works just fine with my iPhone.

 

[sjwelna]

Got my BAFX dongle today. Plugged it into the car, fired up Torque Pro (paid version) and it works like a charm. Best $23 bucks I've spent so far. Going to see if it will work with the can-bus protocol in my wife's rogue, if it does this thing is a steal!

-Steve