OBD2 Connectors for AlphaOBD

[scottmoyer]

I have a couple questions about OBD connectors that work with AlphaOBD. I already have a couple, but they are older devices, so the current list doesn't make mention of them.

I have a bbfly bluetooth Diagnostic interface that has a switch for MS-CAN and HS-CAN. I bought this in 2018 for my F150 and the Forscan app.

I also have a Vgate Scan adaptor. I think I had this one for my Silverado, so it's even older yet.

Lastly, I have an OBDeleven device that works on VWs and Audi. This module is for newer cars and works on my wife's '22 Audi.

Do I need to purchase a new OBD adaptor and the bypass cable, or just the bypass cable? Thanks for any assistance.

 

[BlueHemi1500]

Your truck will require at a minimum a bypass cable. I have one of the approx. $20.00 cables from Amazon and there is another choice that costs a bit more but attaches differently. MY cable you have to practice what I call, "truck yoga," to get plugged in, but it is doable. But it then will disable the factory OBD port that is under the dash, you must use the OBD port on the end of the bypass cable. The other type/brand bypass cable per the other user's posts, state: that it can remain in place all the time aka the OBD port remains fully functional. I do not remember the name/brand of the other cable. The cable, that I have must be removed before taking the truck to the dealer/repair shop to restore the OBD port to its proper functionality.

Your code reader(s) may or may not work. You could get the bypass cable and install, and try them out to see what works. I have AlphOBD software and for the cost of $50.00 it was worth it for me to buy) Note: that the software only works on Android devices (phones/tablets) and there is also a Windows version, it requires a special cable/interface.

For my use, I purchase the OBD Mx+ code reader scanner as it will read all the modules that you will need to modify. In my use, I have been successful in all of my efforts. This can be expensive, I bought my equipment during "Black Friday," sales. so my costs were reduced. I also view these items as tools, and I learned from my grandfather years ago, "By the best tools you can afford vs. cheap/inferior tools.) I have saved the costs for the equipment to make changes and install upgrades myself vs. trips to a dealer to install and program changes. IHMO, I have saved time and money and the equipment/tools have paid for themselves. You will have to make your own choices based on your situation.

One last recommendation is to read all the AlphOBD forum messages and watch numerous YouTube videos to help in making your decisions and making your choices on equipment purchases. The message bases also, are great places to ask your questions to further learn. I have spent hours watching videos and reading darn near all the various message bases on the subject of AlphOBD before buying and programming changes to my truck. Warning: this system, is very powerful and you do have the power to create problems, learn to make backups and verify that you can restore the system from your stored backups before making any changes and make only 1 change at a time.

BlueHemi1500

 

[scottmoyer]

Thanks for the info. I already understand what AlphaOBD can do for me and how I can break things. What I didn't know is if I need to buy a new OBD adaptor, which is what I still don't know. That's why I have multiple already as nobody knew if the other one I had would work, so I ended up buying another. I'm trying to understand if these devices are all the same and the AlphaOBD app or the Forscan app is where all the differences comes from.

 

[BlueHemi1500]

Thanks for the info. I already understand what AlphaOBD can do for me and how I can break things. What I didn't know is if I need to buy a new OBD adaptor, which is what I still don't know. That's why I have multiple already as nobody knew if the other one I had would work, so I ended up buying another. I'm trying to understand if these devices are all the same and the AlphaOBD app or the Forscan app is where all the differences comes from.

An example of an OBD II adaptor is my OBD MX+ this will allow you to use the software of choice to make your changes. So I use a security bypass cable, then I plug my OBD MX+ into the OBD port on the end of the bypass cable. Then turn on the reader and enable Bluetooth on my tablet/phone. Then proceed to load/open AlphaOBD to make my changes.
I bought the OBD MX+ as it was highly rated and other users also had good things to say and the software also recommended the OBD MX+ as well.

I hope this helps to clarify your question(s).

BlueHemi1500

 

[scottmoyer]

Again, thanks for the information on the MX+, but it still doesn't tell me if what I own will work.

Since I'm not getting the answer I need, I guess I'll start by purchasing the security bypass cable and AlphaOBD. I wasn't going to purchase the app until I knew what I needed, but....

 

[kapinallinen2]

Again, thanks for the information on the MX+, but it still doesn't tell me if what I own will work.

Since I'm not getting the answer I need, I guess I'll start by purchasing the security bypass cable and AlphaOBD. I wasn't going to purchase the app until I knew what I needed, but....

No help from here, went straight for the MX+.

 

[Brutal_HO]

Again, thanks for the information on the MX+, but it still doesn't tell me if what I own will work.

Since I'm not getting the answer I need, I guess I'll start by purchasing the security bypass cable and AlphaOBD. I wasn't going to purchase the app until I knew what I needed, but....

You can try AlfaOBD free in read only mode without a bypass cable. You won't really know if you can write values until you try. Those older devices may not even be fully ELM327 compliant.

It doesn't look like the OBDEleven is a generic ELM327/OBDII reader and it only works with their app.

The generic ELM327 readers will work for most things, but not everything, and the older/cheaper ones tend to also be to slow for any data logging or real time displays.

MX+ is kind of old hat these days, considering how pricey it is. The vGate vLinker MC+ is half the cost and works the same. I have both.

 

[HSKR R/T]

Again, thanks for the information on the MX+, but it still doesn't tell me if what I own will work.

Since I'm not getting the answer I need, I guess I'll start by purchasing the security bypass cable and AlphaOBD. I wasn't going to purchase the app until I knew what I needed, but....

My suggestion, buy the bypass cable, since you will need that no matter what you do. Try your current scan tools. If one of them works for you, great, you don't need another. If they don't, then buy one that is known to work.

 

[brental1]

I'm tyring to determine if my truck already has a bypass cable installed. As you can see from the pic, there seems to be some kind of additional cable installed. It has a cable thal looks like coax that goes somewhere in the upper IP. I bought the truck new from a dealer. Does a dealer need to use a bypass cable when they flash something to a vehicle? Is it possibe they did this and just left the bypass cable in my truck? Thanks, Brent

 

[scottmoyer]

Does it go to a GPS tracker? Many dealerships are installing these as an add-on option.

 

[HSKR R/T]

I'm tyring to determine if my truck already has a bypass cable installed. As you can see from the pic, there seems to be some kind of additional cable installed. It has a cable thal looks like coax that goes somewhere in the upper IP. I bought the truck new from a dealer. Does a dealer need to use a bypass cable when they flash something to a vehicle? Is it possibe they did this and just left the bypass cable in my truck? Thanks, Brent

That's probably for a GPS tracker the dealer installed. I'd trace it and remove it

 

[brental1]

Does it go to a GPS tracker? Many dealerships are installing these as an add-on option.

That's exactly what it is. I didn't even know that's a thing.

 

[brental1]

That's probably for a GPS tracker the dealer installed. I'd trace it and remove it

That's exactly what it is. I didn't even know that's a thing.

 

[brental1]

Your truck will require at a minimum a bypass cable. I have one of the approx. $20.00 cables from Amazon and there is another choice that costs a bit more but attaches differently. MY cable you have to practice what I call, "truck yoga," to get plugged in, but it is doable. But it then will disable the factory OBD port that is under the dash, you must use the OBD port on the end of the bypass cable. The other type/brand bypass cable per the other user's posts, state: that it can remain in place all the time aka the OBD port remains fully functional. I do not remember the name/brand of the other cable. The cable, that I have must be removed before taking the truck to the dealer/repair shop to restore the OBD port to its proper functionality.

Your code reader(s) may or may not work. You could get the bypass cable and install, and try them out to see what works. I have AlphOBD software and for the cost of $50.00 it was worth it for me to buy) Note: that the software only works on Android devices (phones/tablets) and there is also a Windows version, it requires a special cable/interface.

For my use, I purchase the OBD Mx+ code reader scanner as it will read all the modules that you will need to modify. In my use, I have been successful in all of my efforts. This can be expensive, I bought my equipment during "Black Friday," sales. so my costs were reduced. I also view these items as tools, and I learned from my grandfather years ago, "By the best tools you can afford vs. cheap/inferior tools.) I have saved the costs for the equipment to make changes and install upgrades myself vs. trips to a dealer to install and program changes. IHMO, I have saved time and money and the equipment/tools have paid for themselves. You will have to make your own choices based on your situation.

One last recommendation is to read all the AlphOBD forum messages and watch numerous YouTube videos to help in making your decisions and making your choices on equipment purchases. The message bases also, are great places to ask your questions to further learn. I have spent hours watching videos and reading darn near all the various message bases on the subject of AlphOBD before buying and programming changes to my truck. Warning: this system, is very powerful and you do have the power to create problems, learn to make backups and verify that you can restore the system from your stored backups before making any changes and make only 1 change at a time.

BlueHemi1500

I have this one, with a cool jumper (I guess for standard or bypassed). The jumper wasn't included--but I can make that fairly easy. I'm not clear on the GR and WT wires. Do they go to CAN-C or CAN-IHS? Thanks, Brent

 

[brental1]

I'm not clear on the GR and WT wires. Do they go to CAN-C or CAN-IHS? Thanks, Brent