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Elm327 connection with Scantool - How to connect with Bluetooth

wojak510 8553 14
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  • #1 16714450
    wojak510
    Level 10  
    Hello, I have a problem, namely, I do not know if Scantool 1.13 can connect via Bluetooth ELM 327 at all? Is it only through such an interface that has a cable? My interface is definitely functional because I can easily connect to it by phone with the car but this application has few functions and I want to run a program that has no such restrictions. Or maybe someone will recommend another free program? Is there a special procedure to connect to BT with this program? Trying to run the program writes Reset the interface and you can wait indefinitely.
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  • #2 16714455
    bubu1769
    Level 43  
    All you have to do is pair the interface with your computer and then select the correct port in scantool, it has two com ports detected but it works only under one. Just take into account that on cheap elem327 interfaces the refresh rate is very poor.
  • #3 16714723
    wojak510
    Level 10  
    Thank you for your response . Unfortunately I could not connect to the scantool. Elm327 was paired, I set the task manager ports to COM 1 / COM2, speed to 38600 and later to 9600 and nothing. Is it possible that my elm just won't work with this program? Or is the program itself damaged? Although I tried from different sources.
  • #4 16714741
    bubu1769
    Level 43  
    And in scantool what is your chosen port?
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  • #5 16715070
    tzok
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
    This program is a terrible linden, it's a shame to waste time on it.
  • #6 16715113
    kkknc
    Level 43  
    Especially since he is 10 years old. If not more. Choose what is dedicated to your car.
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  • #7 16716454
    wojak510
    Level 10  
    We have various cars at home so I don't want to buy a program just for my car and a program like scantool is enough for me, I only need the basic engine parameters. Unless someone can recommend a program that would work with elm327 and be free?
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  • #8 16716513
    kkknc
    Level 43  
    Leave this face to phone. That was his destiny.
    First you write that your program has poor functions (you don't know which one) and then that scantool doesn't work. There are also very few functions there. And I remind you that you wrote about the basics. And how do you know that you have enough if you haven't even started it? You didn't suggest using this product's ads?
    As I can remember, I have never been able to launch this program.
    And the pairing procedure is a little different in each computer. It depends on the operating system and sometimes the overlay given by the manufacturer. Some programs connect themselves and some must be rigidly connected before starting the program. And you write nothing about it.
  • #9 16716632
    wojak510
    Level 10  
    On the phone I can only read the error codes and I cannot enter the parameters, and I want to see the voltages on probes and LTFT / STFT. I set the ports alternately from 1 to 4, speeds to 9600 and 38600, the same in diagnostic programs and cannot be connected. I do not understand that some do not connect and some do not. For me, ELM has been paired and connected. The system on the laptop is W10. What else can you do about it? I also tried other diagnostic programs that are supposed to work with this elm but the same.
  • #10 16716671
    tzok
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
    Torque on Android is 100x better than ScanTool, but in generic EOBD do not count on many parameters ... unless you have a car from the USA with OBD-2 system. If you insist on ScanTool, take version 1.21, there you do not have to combine with changing the port number, it can be COM-30. The port speed setting in the port properties in the device manager has no effect. ELM-327 uses a speed of 38400bps.
  • #11 16716681
    gimak
    Level 41  
    wojak510 wrote:
    The system on the laptop is W10

    And this is probably the reason. I suspect this system is too high for this program, or the proper drivers are not available. I also have programs that I don't care about under W8.
  • #12 16716723
    kkknc
    Level 43  
    Do not count on any universal program under ELM to see the exact voltage on the probes. And a lot depends on the car. Either at all or peak instantaneous value. Which won't make you any diagnosis.
  • #13 16717758
    wojak510
    Level 10  
    Thanks for the answers, according to my conclusions, ELM327 is to blame in another car, he doesn't even want to connect to the phone and an elm clone detected message pops up, though not always. I have a second elm interface only that you can connect to it only via Wifi, it is efficiently connected to all cars via smartphones and tablets (programs: CarScanner, Torqe). And I have a question, can this interface be run on a PC with scantool programs? How to create a COM port?
  • #14 16717784
    kkknc
    Level 43  
    Greedy. Unless you write something yourself.
  • #15 16719557
    Killlu
    Level 24  
    tzok wrote:
    This program is a terrible linden, it's a shame to waste time on it.


    Like everyone else. They only allow for engine diagnostics and this is incomplete, you can dream about AIRBAG or ABS. I was also tired with this scantool and I didn't tire anything. The author did not get the plate for this ELM327? There are programs such as PCMSCAN and ScanMaster on it - quite pleasant.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around the challenges of connecting the Scantool software version 1.13 with a Bluetooth ELM327 interface. The user reports difficulties in establishing a connection despite successful pairing with their computer. Various responses suggest checking the correct COM port settings and baud rates, with recommendations to use version 1.21 of Scantool for better compatibility. Users express frustration with the limited functionality of Scantool and suggest alternative applications like Torque and CarScanner, which are more effective for reading engine parameters. The conversation also touches on the limitations of ELM327 interfaces, particularly clones, and the need for proper drivers on Windows 10. The user considers using a Wi-Fi ELM interface but seeks guidance on creating a COM port for PC use with Scantool.
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FAQ

TL;DR: For ELM327 + ScanTool, use 38400 bps and pick the single working COM port; “Torque on Android is 100x better.” [Elektroda, tzok, post #16716671]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps you connect ELM327 adapters to PCs or phones and pick working software for basic OBD data.

Quick Facts

Can ScanTool 1.13 connect to an ELM327 over Bluetooth on Windows?

Yes, if you first pair the adapter in Windows and select the correct COM port in ScanTool. Only one of the two exposed COM ports typically works. However, users reported ScanTool is dated and not worth the effort compared to modern apps. [Elektroda, bubu1769, post #16714455]

How do I pair a Bluetooth ELM327 and pick the right COM port?

  1. Pair the ELM327 in Windows Bluetooth settings and note the created COM ports.
  2. Open ScanTool and choose the working COM from its port list.
  3. If two ports appear, test each; only one will communicate correctly. “It has two COM ports detected but it works only under one.” [Elektroda, bubu1769, post #16714455]

What baud rate should I set for ELM327 with ScanTool?

Use 38400 bps. Changing the baud rate in Device Manager does not affect ELM327 communication. ScanTool v1.21 can also talk on higher COM numbers (e.g., COM30), avoiding manual renumbering. “ELM-327 uses a speed of 38400bps.” [Elektroda, tzok, post #16716671]

Why won’t ScanTool connect on Windows 10?

An old ScanTool build may be incompatible with Windows 10 or lack proper drivers. Users noted newer Windows versions can block legacy diagnostic apps from accessing the adapter, even when pairing succeeds. Try updated software or a different OS. [Elektroda, gimak, post #16716681]

Which ScanTool version should I try first?

Try ScanTool 1.21. It removes the need to force low COM numbers and can use higher ones like COM30. Keep the adapter at its native 38400 bps and select the discovered working COM in-app. [Elektroda, tzok, post #16716671]

Is Torque for Android better than ScanTool on PC for basics?

Yes. Users report Torque is far more capable for generic OBD data. “Torque on Android is 100x better than ScanTool.” If you only need engine PIDs and codes, Torque or CarScanner on a phone often connects faster and logs more cleanly. [Elektroda, tzok, post #16716671]

What can I read with a generic ELM327—will it cover ABS or airbag?

Expect engine-only diagnostics with generic ELM apps. Features like ABS or airbag are typically not available. One user noted these tools allow engine diagnostics only and that coverage is incomplete. Use brand-dedicated software for extended modules. [Elektroda, Killlu, post #16719557]

Why does my cheap ELM327 connect to a phone but fail on PC?

Low-quality clones can show “ELM clone detected,” fail to pair stably, or refuse to connect in some cars. Phones may connect over Wi‑Fi while the same hardware’s Bluetooth path remains unreliable. Swap adapters or use Wi‑Fi with known-good apps. [Elektroda, wojak510, post #16717758]

Can I view O2 sensor voltage and LTFT/STFT with universal ELM apps?

Do not count on exact voltages or complete fuel trim data with universal software. Coverage varies by vehicle, and some apps show only peak or partial values, limiting diagnosis. “Do not count on any universal program under ELM to see the exact voltage.” [Elektroda, kkknc, post #16716723]

How can I use a Wi‑Fi ELM327 with PC programs that expect a COM port?

ScanTool expects a serial COM device. A Wi‑Fi ELM327 provides TCP/IP, not a serial port. Without extra virtual COM software or custom coding, you can’t attach it directly like Bluetooth/USB. One reply bluntly noted you’d need to write something yourself. [Elektroda, kkknc, post #16717784]

What should I do when ScanTool shows multiple COM ports for my adapter?

Pick the single working COM. Bluetooth stacks often create two ports (inbound/outbound), but only one carries ELM data. Test each within ScanTool until connection succeeds, then save that port for future sessions. [Elektroda, bubu1769, post #16714455]

Is ScanTool still worth using today?

It’s considered outdated. Users in 2017 already called it ~10 years old and suggested choosing software dedicated to your car brand or modern cross-platform apps instead. Expect limited functions versus newer tools. [Elektroda, kkknc, post #16715113]

Which alternative PC programs were suggested for ELM327?

PCMSCAN and ScanMaster were named as more usable PC options. A user reported wasting time with ScanTool and preferred these programs for general engine diagnostics. Evaluate features against your vehicle’s needs. [Elektroda, Killlu, post #16719557]

Why is my data refresh so slow with a Bluetooth ELM327?

Cheap ELM327 adapters often refresh slowly. Bluetooth pairing may succeed, yet PID updates lag, making live data less useful. Upgrading the adapter or switching to a reliable app can improve responsiveness. [Elektroda, bubu1769, post #16714455]
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