IIDTool - Leave connected?

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Originally Posted by DiscoDB

If you do leave connected, make sure you disconnect from the phone Bluetooth when not using as the power drain is high when connected.

Also consider locking to your device, an open Bluetooth OBD2 device can be a security issue if left connected to the port as it can be connected to by anyone from outside your car. Not an issue in remote areas, but could be in major city centres. The Gap tool is very powerful - unlike other devices which can only read information.

I have another OBD adaptor (OBDLink Mx+) which I do often leave connected but it is paired securely to only a few devices, only has read access, and goes into full sleep mode when the engine is off. Unlike the Gap tool it is designed to be left connected.

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OBDLink MX+ currently $149.95 at Amazon AU - other price I saw was +$100

OBDLink LX is also a potentially lower cost alternative for live instrument read outs. Meant to have all the same features as the MX+, but without the proprietary Ford and GM support. Also designed to be left connected.

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Originally Posted by DiscoDB

OBDLink LX is also a potentially lower cost alternative for live instrument read outs. Meant to have all the same features as the MX+, but without the proprietary Ford and GM support. Also designed to be left connected.

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Will the MX and LX read with as much detail and clear fault codes equally as well as the IID? They won’t allow 3rd party patches and tunes to be uploaded I assume?

Just buy a switched extension cable, sorted.

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Originally Posted by PerthDisco

Will the MX and LX read with as much detail and clear fault codes equally as well as the IID? They won’t allow 3rd party patches and tunes to be uploaded I assume?

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For fault code reading, diagnostics, and programming you definitely need the IID tool. If you only buy one diagnostic tool then this is the one to get.

The OBDLink adapters are for monitoring instruments and are better suited to being left connected permanently if you set up a dashboard on your iOS or Android device.

The IID tool is too expensive to risk leaving it permanently connected in my mind.

And for a simple and cheap instrument set up, can always start with a basic ELM327 adapter and use with TorquePro but this only works on Android.

When you set up an adapter, also get a low profile OBD extension cable. I run a cable up behind the access panel beneath the dash and it sticks out just under the steering column. Makes it easy to connect an adapter and prevents it from being damaged.

Good points DiscoDB, I already have a basic ELM327 adapter and use with TorquePro which costs very little. I guess to just monitor temps etc it would be more than adequate, bit like a scanguage. Could just use the IID Tool for issues, the only question now is that if I use it to raise the suspension say in rough gravel road conditions where I would usually travel about 70Km, give or take, does the IID need to remain connected??

thanks for you comments

regards

Geoff

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Originally Posted by OldGuy

... the only question now is that if I use it to raise the suspension say in rough gravel road conditions where I would usually travel about 70Km, give or take, does the IID need to remain connected??

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No, you can disconnect once raised. Reconnect it later to return suspension to normal height.

For a device which has a warning saying not to leave plugged in for long periods, it certainly has plenty of nice features which tempt you to use it for long periods.

I also love the warning in the live values section which says the driver should not observe a live value while driving. I choose to interpret that warning differently.

And for anyone that uses iOS devices, OBD Fusion is the paid version of the OBDLink app and should work with an ELM327 compatible Wi-Fi adapter.