It’s always a moment of dread for any car owner: the engine warning light illuminates. Shortly after installing a new Parrot Asteroid Smart system, my own car decided to throw up this unwelcome signal. Knowing my car intimately, I could sense nothing drastically wrong in its performance. However, the thought of a hefty dealer diagnostic fee, often around $75 just to identify the problem, pushed me towards a more economical solution: investing in an OBD II scanner.
For those unfamiliar, an OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics II) scanner is a device that plugs into the OBD II port found in virtually every car manufactured post-1996. This port allows access to your car’s computer, providing error codes and a wealth of data about your vehicle’s health. Traditionally, these were standalone devices, but technology has advanced, offering Bluetooth-enabled scanners that connect wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet. This modern approach seemed like a perfect blend of convenience and tech.
Among the numerous Bluetooth OBD2 scanners available, the $24 BAFX OBD2 scanner caught my eye. Compact in size – about two-thirds the size of a deck of cards – and compatible with laptops and Android devices, it boasted impressive Amazon reviews, holding a 4.6/5 rating from over 700 reviews, with a significant 77% being 5-star ratings. This strong user feedback made it a compelling option in its category.
To utilize the BAFX scanner, you need a compatible app. Torque is a popular choice, offering both a free “Lite” version and a more feature-rich $5 “Pro” version. Opting to start with the free version, I installed it on my tablet and followed the straightforward instructions provided with the BAFX adapter. The connection process was seamless and worked perfectly on the first attempt.
While the initial app interface appears somewhat basic, its functionality is robust. Torque Lite allows for extensive customization, enabling users to select and display a wide array of real-time data through graphs and readouts. From fuel economy (though annoyingly in Imperial gallons for US users) and coolant temperature to performance metrics like acceleration times (utilizing your device’s accelerometers), the app provides a comprehensive overview of your vehicle’s operating parameters.
When it comes to error codes, the Torque app delivers the essential information: the code number and a brief description of the issue. For deeper understanding, you can then easily search online using Google or automotive forums to assess the severity and potential solutions. In my case, the code was “P1518,” specific to an SVT Focus, indicating an issue with the IMRC (Intake Manifold Runner Control). Consulting SVT-specific online communities, a common DIY fix emerged. Following their advice, I used car ramps to access under the car, wiggled the relevant cable, gently tapped the actuator box, and then used the Torque app to clear the error code. To my relief, the engine light disappeared!
Now, uncertainty lingered. Was the issue truly resolved, or was the intake manifold simply stuck in a position that masked the problem? The car seemed to run perfectly fine. I decided to monitor for the light’s return, and if it stayed off, consider the issue resolved for the time being, perhaps mentioning it during the next scheduled service.
Exploring the upgraded Torque Pro app revealed a more refined and visually appealing interface with expanded features. The $5 upgrade is a minor expense, but for users primarily needing a scanner for occasional diagnostics, the free Torque Lite version likely provides sufficient functionality.
It would be a great feature to integrate OBD2 scanner apps directly into in-car systems like the Parrot Asteroid, streamlining the diagnostic process even further.
The Verdict: BAFX OBD2 Scanner – A Smart Investment
The BAFX OBD2 scanner proves to be an excellent tool. It performs as advertised, offers potential cost savings by avoiding dealer diagnostic fees, and is complemented by a user-friendly app. For a mere $24, the ability to diagnose engine lights not only on my own car but also for friends makes the BAFX OBD2 scanner a highly valuable and economical addition to any car owner’s toolkit. And while helping friends, perhaps a small “diagnostic fee” of $50 wouldn’t be unreasonable!
