1. TECHNICS - VW - ODB2 ELM327 Bluetooth Adapter
Modern Volkswagen (VW) cars have a ODB2 on-board diagnostic connector.
You can attach a cheap ELM327 ODB2 Bluetooth Adapter to this connector and use an free Android App to read and even clear your cars diagnostic error messages.
On my 2017 VW TIGUAN Mark 2 , the ODB2 connector is located on the drivers side beneath the dashboard.
Just plug in the ODB2 ELM327 Bluetooth adapter.
2. TECHNICS - VW - ODB2 Android App
I can recommend the Car Scanner ELM OBD2 App for use on your Android or iPhone smartphone. Please support the author by bying the Pro version, it’s only a small fee (3.90 €).
Activate Bluetooth on your phone and open the app.
The first time you’ll have to choose a connection profile matching your cars brand, model, year and engine.
Select the Connection tab.
Select the Bluetooth option.
Then click the Choose connection profile button.
Select your car brand.
Select the correct profile. Check your car documents to get the correct engine type.
Confirm your choice.
After installing the ODB2 ELM327 Bluetooth adapter, turn on your car ignition and click the Connect button.
The connection will be established.
Then select the Diagnostic trouble codes tab.
If needed, select additional modules to be checked.
Then click the Read button.
The car error codes will be displayed. You can click on the message to search the internet for explanations.
You can even clear them if you want, one at a time or all together by pressing the Clear button.
Be aware that clearing error messages is not the right way to troubleshoot your car.
Take your time to explore the app. It has a lot more to offer.
In a next post, we’ll explain how to replace a faulty Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) differential pressure sensor on a 2017 VW Tiguan Mark 2.
