What to Do if ELM 327 Bluetooth Pairing Fails
2016-04-26 16:25:00
If your ELM327 Bluetooth scanning device fails to pair with your smartphone, there are a number of potential causes. The first step you
should take is to try alternate pairing codes. After that, you can try to pair the scanner with a different device. Some faulty cloned ELM327
microcontrollers have trouble connecting to certain devices, and you may find that your scanner pairs just fine with a laptop while it refuses
to connect to your phone.
Another thing that can cause a failed pairing is the length of time that the scanner remains discoverable. Most ELM327 Bluetooth scanners
become discoverable as soon as you plug them in, but they stop being discoverable after a specific amount of time. If you make sure
to perform the pairing operation within one minute of plugging the scan tool into the OBD-II jack, there shouldn’t be an issue.
If your scan tool still won’t pair, then you probably have a faulty unit. This is the primary reason that it’s a good idea to stay away from
cheap, cloned scanners and to buy your scanner from a retailer that will stand behind defective products.
ELM327 Bluetooth Alternatives
The main alternatives to ELM327 Bluetooth scanners are devices that use Wi-Fi and USB connections. Wi-Fi ELM327 scanners are
typically more expensive than devices that use Bluetooth, but they can be used with Apple products. Most USB ELM327 scanners aren’t
designed for use with Apple products, but there are some Apple-authorized options that can be used with the dock connector.
