850 OBD-II

Rating: 4.5	Downloads: 1,000+
Category: Auto & Vehicles	Offer by: xiaotec

The 850 OBD-II app is a mobile tool designed to connect to a vehicle’s OBD-II port and read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor data, and other valuable information. It allows users to monitor engine performance, troubleshoot potential issues, and perform basic scans without needing specialized hardware beyond their smartphone. This app targets car enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and everyday drivers looking to gain basic insights into their vehicle’s health, especially models manufactured after the early 1990s.

Its key value lies in providing accessible, often real-time data directly to your phone, turning a smartphone into a basic diagnostic tool. The 850 OBD-II app empowers users to proactively identify problems or simply keep track of their car’s vital signs, which can be useful before a scheduled service or if an unusual symptom occurs, potentially saving trips to the workshop for minor checks.

App Features

• Live Data Stream: This feature displays real-time values from your car’s sensors, such as engine RPM, speed, coolant temperature, and fuel trim. It benefits users by allowing them to monitor performance under various driving conditions, like checking how the engine behaves after an acceleration burst or during a warm-up. You can pinpoint anomalies, such as a suddenly rising temperature, right when it happens, using selective emphasis for key readings.
• DTC Code Reading & Clearing: This essential function scans the car’s computer memory for stored trouble codes and allows the user to clear them. It provides the specific codes and often includes brief descriptions of common P, B, C, or U code categories. This significantly improves usability by quickly diagnosing engine misfires, transmission errors, or stored fuel system issues, and the ability to clear codes is invaluable for monitoring repairs or reset engine readiness lights after modifications.
• OBD-II PIDs (Parameter IDs) Selection: Users can choose from a wide range of data parameters defined by the EOBD/SAE standard to customize the data they view. This solves the problem of information overload, allowing mechanics or tinkerers to focus on relevant metrics like intake air pressure, throttle position, or short-term fuel adjustment, enhancing the experience by tailoring the interface to specific diagnostic needs.
• Scan Tool Simulates OBD-II Port: This unique feature enables communication with the vehicle using the standard OBD-II protocol, typically KWP2000, allowing control functions beyond just reading codes. It is valuable when needing to perform basic actions like entering programming mode for mileage reset or activating/deactivating secondary air injection systems (though this depends on vehicle support), offering flexibility not found in basic OBD-II readers.
• User Notes & Reminders Function: This lets users store notes alongside specific DTCs or data readings, creating a log of their diagnostic activities. For different users—casual drivers jotting down observations, serious mechanics compiling evidence—it provides context, ensuring details aren’t forgotten and compatibility is managed by noting which readings correspond to which car in their possession.
• Background Data Logging (Limited): For advanced users, the 850 OBD-II app optionally records sensor data over time while in the background, though specifics depend on the phone and car model. This supports detailed analysis by capturing data from drives, revealing issues only apparent under load, like a code intermittent during hard acceleration, using terms like ELM327 for the communication standard.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Comprehensive Free Tier with Basic Features
• Wide Compatibility with OBD-II Ports
• Real-Time Live Data Monitoring
• Extensive PID (Parameter ID) Selection

Cons:

• Limited Advanced Control Functions
• Background Operation Constraints Vary by Device
• Potential Complexity for Absolute Beginners
• Physical OBD-II Cable and Bluetooth Dongle Required

Similar Apps

App Name	Highlights
Car Scanner Pro	This app offers detailed live data streams, a user-friendly interface, and access to manufacturer-specific codes (if available). Known for its thorough documentation of DTCs and customizable dashboard views.
OBD Fusion	Designed for simplicity and offers guided diagnostics. Includes real-time graphing and a library of common fault codes. Ideal for quick checks and beginners.
Autel Scanner Suite (via compatible dongle)	Offers professional-grade features like bi-directional controls and advanced actuator testing, targeting more serious DIYers and technicians. Includes support for CAN-bus networks common in modern cars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly can the 850 OBD-II app diagnose?

A: The 850 OBD-II app primarily reads and clears standard OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) trouble codes (DTCs), monitors real-time sensor data (like speed, temperature, RPM), and allows viewing of Parameter IDs (PIDs). This covers basic engine and transmission issues. However, its capabilities depend heavily on the user’s phone model and the specific make/model year of the vehicle being diagnosed.

Q: Is there a cost associated with using the 850 OBD-II app?

A: Typically, the 850 OBD-II app offers a fully functional free version, though it may have some limitations or missing data points (PIDs). Premium or Pro versions are often available for purchase, unlocking advanced features like expanded PID lists, manufacturer-specific codes, or enhanced data logging capabilities. Always check the specific app listing.

Q: How do I connect my phone to the car with the 850 OBD-II app?

A: The app itself doesn’t directly connect to the OBD-II port. You will need the included OBD-II Bluetooth adapter (dongle) plugged into the OBD-II port under the dashboard. The app communicates wirelessly via Bluetooth with this adapter to retrieve the car’s data and codes.

Q: Does the 850 OBD-II app work on older cars?

A: Yes, the 850 OBD-II app can work on cars manufactured from roughly the early 1990s onwards, when the standardized OBD-II system was implemented in the US. For cars built before this, OBD-I systems exist (though less common and less standardized), and the app may not provide useful information. Always ensure your car has an OBD-II port for reliable results.

Q: How accurate is diagnostic information provided by 850 OBD-II?

A: As a user interface, the app accurately displays the data received from the vehicle’s ECU (Engine Control Unit) via the adapter. However, interpreting the codes and data requires user knowledge, as some codes may relate to multiple potential issues, and raw data needs context. The 850 OBD-II provides the information, but professional interpretation may still be needed, especially for complex problems. It’s a powerful tool, not a replacement for expert diagnosis.

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