Thread: OBDLink MX -- coming soon to MP3Car.com

Does this unit support two way communication like AE. I am in the process choosing a new scan tool but must have one that can run diagnostics on the engine such as buzzing injectors. So far it appears my only choice is AE.

Originally Posted by PhilG

Does this unit support two way communication like AE. I am in the process choosing a new scan tool but must have one that can run diagnostics on the engine such as buzzing injectors. So far it appears my only choice is AE.

The adapter supports bidirectional communications, but unfortunately software that could take advantage of this functionality doesn't exist yet.

Vitaliy

Originally Posted by Vitaliy

The adapter supports bidirectional communications, but unfortunately software that could take advantage of this functionality doesn't exist yet.

Vitaliy

Is there documentation on how to use this functionality to create your own program?

Originally Posted by chewwtoy

Is there documentation on how to use this functionality to create your own program?

I must admit I am surprised. Not by the question, but by who is making the inquiry.

First of all, "bidirectional" is a misnomer, because any OBD adapter supports two-way communication: sending messages to the vehicle, and receiving them from the vehicle. What is normally understood under this term, is the ability to control vehicle functions (like throttle, fuel injector timings, etc). Factory scan tools accomplish this by sending special messages to the ECU.

Documentation describing how to connect OBDLink to the vehicle is available on its product page. So you just need to send the right messages to control whatever functions you need to control.

OBDLink MX has an important advantage over other adapters, because it allows access to the proprietary GMLAN and Ford MSC networks.

Vitaliy

Originally Posted by Vitaliy

Thank you. You will not be disappointed.

Unfortunately, I am. =(

Just got the adapter today and gave it a try with the Torque app on my Galaxy Tab. It connected and started giving the app ECU data right away. However, after a few car starts suddenly the check engine and traction control disabled lights came on, and the cruise control light started flashing. The latter two indicate those systems (traction control and cruise control) have been disabled. I read the error code with Torque, which came up as U0073 (Control Module Communication Bus "A" Off).

This guy had the same problem and apparently linked it to his GL1 cable being constantly plugged into his OBDII port.

Any idea what's going on here?

Originally Posted by Vitaliy

I must admit I am surprised. Not by the question, but by who is making the inquiry.

First of all, "bidirectional" is a misnomer, because any OBD adapter supports two-way communication: sending messages

So, what are we discussing here? Full duplex ability (concurrent bidirectional communication) or just the fact MX is able to send/receive data on other physical pins?

Originally Posted by FierceElements

Unfortunately, I am. =(

Just got the adapter today and gave it a try with the Torque app on my Galaxy Tab. It connected and started giving the app ECU data right away. However, after a few car starts suddenly the check engine and traction control disabled lights came on, and the cruise control light started flashing. The latter two indicate those systems (traction control and cruise control) have been disabled. I read the error code with Torque, which came up as U0073 (Control Module Communication Bus "A" Off).

This guy had the same problem and apparently linked it to his GL1 cable being constantly plugged into his OBDII port.

Any idea what's going on here?

I wouldn't blame the adapter. Did you try with any other software? I'm pretty sure Torque is the misbehaving part here.

I had similar issues when using Torque. I tried with couple of other mobile and PC software (OBDwiz, OBDAutoDoctor) and didn't have any of the previous issues. Then I switched back to Torque and the issues came back again immediately. Even though Torque is quite popular, the quality of it is inferior.

Vitaliy, I've observed that if I'm connected, and I remove the pc from the powered hub where the bluetooth dongle, the obdlink mx doesn't seem to disconnect. So when I try to connect again, I can't without unplugging the obdlink mx and re-inserting it. Anyone else seeing this?

Originally Posted by icewood

I wouldn't blame the adapter. Did you try with any other software? I'm pretty sure Torque is the misbehaving part here.

I had similar issues when using Torque. I tried with couple of other mobile and PC software (OBDwiz, OBDAutoDoctor) and didn't have any of the previous issues. Then I switched back to Torque and the issues came back again immediately. Even though Torque is quite popular, the quality of it is inferior.

Very good point. Before I blame the $250 adapter, I should consider the $5 software. Maybe DashCommander ($40) would be a better bet.

Unfortunately, I'm trying to get this working on my Galaxy Tab, some I'm stuck with Android apps.

Thanks for the reply.