When you connect to your OBDLink® adapter for the first time, a dialog appears asking if you want to edit the settings for your vehicle. Follow the steps in this article to get the most precise fuel economy, power, and torque estimates possible. 

Note: We recently updated the OBDLink app and made improvements to its features and how it looks. The icons on the app's home screen now have a yellow accent instead of blue (iOS) and green (Android) accents. This revised article matches the updated app’s screens and features. Download the latest version of the OBDLink app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) to take advantage of the updated app's features and performance. 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS


Connect your adapter

Before you begin, be sure to:

  • Start your vehicle and connect your phone/tablet to your OBDLink adapter.
  • Make sure your phone/tablet is not streaming to any other Bluetooth/BLE devices.
  1. Confirm that your phone/tablet is Connected to the OBDLink adapter.
    iOSAndroid
    iOS home screen with the Connected notice highlighted.Android home screen with the Connected notice highlighted.

  2. When you connect your vehicle to your OBDLink adapter for the first time, a dialog appears asking if you want to edit the settings for your vehicle. Tap Edit Settings in the message box to open the Vehicle Editor.
    iOS screen showing New Vehicle dialog. The Edit Settings button is highlighted.Android screen showing New Vehicle dialog. The Edit Settings button is highlighted. 

    If this is not the first time you connected to your OBDLink adapter, navigate to Settings > Vehicle Editor.
    iOS Settings menu, with the Vehicle Editor option highlighted. Android Settings menu, with the Vehicle Editor option highlighted.

  3. The OBDLink app automatically attempts to read your vehicle’s VIN and pre-populate your vehicle’s information on screen. Confirm the values in the VEHICLE BUILD section for model year, manufacturer, model, etc.
    You can add an optional vehicle name (highlighted) in the Name field or leave it blank.

    Note: In some cases, the app may not be able to read or decode the VIN. In this situation, you can manually specify the VEHICLE BUILD fields (year, make, model, and option) by tapping Select and choosing from the drop-down list. If your vehicle details are not available in the drop-down list, tap My vehicle option is not listed and enter text in the field. All 4 fields must contain text or you may not be able to download OEM Enhanced Add-Ons.

    iOS screen showing the Vehicle Editor options. The customized vehicle name is highlighted.Android screen showing the Vehicle Editor options. The customized vehicle name is highlighted. 
    Note: If your vehicle is OBD-II compliant, it is supported by the OBDLink app. If the make or model is not listed, type your vehicle information in the 4 VEHICLE BUILD fields. The OBDLink app will display the correct PIDs for your vehicle.

Fuel economy

You can fine-tune settings in the Vehicle Editor to improve the accuracy of fuel economy calculations.

For example, if your vehicle uses E85 fuel (sometimes called flex fuel), tap the FUEL TYPE setting to select E85. 

Check your vehicle user’s manual for the exact engine size, then tap the ENGINE SIZE setting to enter an accurate value, such as 3.0.

iOS screen showing the Vehicle Editor menu. The Fuel Type and Engine Size options are highlighted.Android screen showing the Vehicle Editor menu. The Fuel Type and Engine Size options are highlighted. 


The OBDLink app uses the PIDs supported by your vehicle to automatically select the most accurate FUEL CALCULATION METHOD. 

iOS screen showing Vehicle Editor options. The Fuel Calculation Method field is highlighted.Android screen showing Vehicle Editor options. The Fuel Calculation Method field is highlighted.


Each fuel calculation method uses certain vehicle values during the calculation. You can fine-tune the values to improve the calculation accuracy. 

  • Mass air flow rate

  • Select one of the following Fuel Type options: Gasoline/petrol, E85, E100, or diesel

  • Intake manifold absolute pressure

  • Select one of the following Fuel Type options: Gasoline/petrol, E85, E100, or diesel

  • Enter an Engine Size value: Refer to your owner's manual for this information.

  • Volumetric Efficiency (VE): Tap the information icon (i) to the right of this field to learn about typical values for VE for different engine types. A number at the low end of this range is typically used for calculations. It may be possible to find additional information for your vehicle online.

  • Direct Fuel Rate

  • No Vehicle Editor settings are used.


Power and torque calculations

The power and torque calculations use the fuel economy settings (FUEL TYPE and ENGINE SIZE) described above, and also the BRAKE SPECIFIC FUEL CONSUMPTION setting. The default settings will work for most situations and vehicles.

Tap the information icon (i) found to the right of many of the vehicle settings to learn about standard ranges for different engine types. A number in the middle of the range is typically used for calculations. It may be possible to find additional information about your vehicle online.

iOS screen showing Vehicle Editor options. The Brake Specific Fuel Consumption field is highlighted.Android screen showing Vehicle Editor options. The Brake Specific Fuel Consumption field is highlighted.


Next steps

  • The OBDLink app displays several dashboards and diagnostic parameters by default, including engine RPM and speed. Learn how to edit the dashboards and add new gauges by following the steps in the Add and Edit Dashboard Gauges article.

Learn more


Need more help?

OBDLink Support Forum 

Submit a Support Ticket 


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