OBD II - Reading & Clearing Codes with iPhone (1996 850R)

NYC-Volvo · Post by **NYC-Volvo** » 08 Nov 2021, 13:56

Can anyone recommend an OBD II app + hardware to read and clear codes on a 1996 850? There's a lot of talk on here about the xiaotec "850 OBD-II" Android app, but I have an iPhone. Any help is appreciated.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 08 Nov 2021, 16:58

If you have a laptop you can run 850 OBD-II in a Android emulator.

Could get a cheap, used Android phone or tablet and use it to run 850 OBD-II.

Post by **abscate** » 08 Nov 2021, 17:18

Get a cheap $25 obd II reader if you just want to clear codes. Adding a phone fir basic functions just makes life complicated.

NYC-Volvo · Post by **NYC-Volvo** » 09 Nov 2021, 16:37

Thank you both for your suggestions. I like the idea of using my PC with an Android emulator. I just wanted to run by you the products I am thinking of using, in case you have knowledge of it working or not working.

I'm looking at BlueStacks as the Android emulator to run on my Windows 10 laptop (which has Bluetooth and Wifi).
I would then buy the xiaotec "850 OBD-II" Android app from the Google Play store and run it though/with BlueStacks.
Now I am trying to figure out what hardware reader to buy.
I see that OBDLink (from scantool.net) has been tested and working by xiaotec, but they have several models ranging in price from $40 to $120 and I don't know which will work (https://www.scantool.net/scan-tools/pc-based/). Then there are products from BAFX OBD and Veepeak OBD that are also "supposed to" work, but again there's a range of models starting from $13. I want to make sure that the product I buy can both read the codes and reset the lights, so it's not about the cheapest price but the most cost-efficient pairing of products that will do the job...
[PC with Bluetooth > BlueStacks emulator > xiaotec app > OBD II hardware]

Any knowledge of products that work together would be quite helpful. Thank you.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 09 Nov 2021, 16:58

NYC-Volvo wrote: 09 Nov 2021, 16:37 I'm looking at BlueStacks as the Android emulator to run on my Windows 10 laptop (which has Bluetooth and Wifi).

I have used NoxPlayer to run 850 OBD-II, Its free.
Your best bet is to stick with one of the tested ELM357 interfaces. There are so many poorly done clones of the Elm327, nobody has or will take the time to sort out all the good ones from the junk. I have a BAFX ... it works with 850 OBD-II.

Post by **esl_97_850_T5** » 15 Dec 2021, 10:14

I've used BAFX, Scantool OBDLink LX, Scantool OBDLink MX+, and others.

Each of those 3 worked. However, the Scantool devices worked better than the BAFX (since my BAFX generated garbage somewhat more often).

I was extremely satisified with both OBDLink LX and OBDLink MX+.

If you'll only use the tool for one (or just a very few cars), and if you'll never have to use the SW-CAN & MS-CAN protocols, then OBDLink LX is sufficient.

But the beauty of the OBDLink MX+ is "Free unlimited OEM-specific data add-ons" -- ie, you can read/clear codes, do some reprogramming, etc for various vendors. It might be the last scan tool you'll need for the remainder of your life (assuming you don't convert to hybrid or electric vehicles).

The best times to buy Scantool devices is when they have sales around the major holidays of: Christmas, July 4th, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving.