This article will guide you how to install ELM327 USB cable/scanner on your Windows computer. It will then work with any OBD2 software and your car. (If ELM327 USB isn't setup properly as per instructions below — then OBD software will not even detect the cable — let alone connect to the vehicle.). Windows Drivers for ELM327-USB-FT232RL-V1.4 For ELM327 Scanners with FTDI FT232RL Serial USB Chip: Link 1: For Windows XP/7/8.1/10 (32/64 bit) ELM327-USB-FT232RL-V1.5: ELM327-USB-CP2102-V1.5A: Windows Drivers for ELM327-USB-CP2102-V1.5A For ELM327 Scanners with Silicon Labs CP2102 Serial USB Chip.

ELM327 USB Diagnostics

ELM327 USB Interface

$19.99$24.95

OBD2 Extension Cable

$17.99$19.95

29 Products Found
Drivers

Modified on March 9, 2018 by Nick

The ELM327 USB Adapter can be used to connect your vehicle to your laptop or (maybe a little inconvenient) desktop computer. The adapter is equipped to receive real-time information from your vehicles ECU (Electronic Control Unit or Computer) and display it in a graphical user interface, most likely on your Windows platform.

Please note that if you do not want to use USB cables to connect your vehicle to your laptop you can use an ELM327 Bluetooth device paired with a wireless USB Bluetooth radio adapter to achieve the same effect.

ELM327 USB Cable

The ELM327 USB cable length is 4.5 feet which offers you some wiggle room but will likely not allow you to diagnose a vehicle outside of the car. In order to increase the length of the ELM327 you can use a Male to Female USB Extension Cable which could provide up to an additional 10 feet. Any longer and the USB cable may have trouble passing data through the entire cable and to your computer. Additionally you can use an OBD-II extension cable. Extension cables can be used on both ends, with the USB and OBD-II without problems.

ELM327 USB Software

The USB ELM327 will work with a large number of free and paid software packages for Windows and Mac OSX. Our best recommendation for using the ELM327 is to use it in conjunction with the ScanMaster-ELM demo or Easy OBD-II. The ScanMaster-ELM demo should automatically detect the ELM327 making it the easiest to setup. If you enjoy that software package, you can update to their paid application.

Compatibility

The ELM327 will work with most computers or laptops that have USB ports. Software applications are provided in Windows, Mac OSX and even Linux. Although we have not tested it, you could probably connect the ELM327 to a Hybrid Tablet like the Surface Pro and use it for diagnostics. During the setup if you are using applications other than ScanMaster that do not automatically detect the COM-Port the ELM is connected to, you will likely have to monitor what port it is assigned to and select that port in the software application of your choice.

As far as vehicle compatibility goes, the ELM327 will work with any OBD-II compliant vehicles. This includes 99.9% of the makes and models that have been produced since 1996 as government regulations have made OBD-II compliance mandatory. There are a very few number of vehicles that are an exception to the means. To check if your vehicle is compliant, simply pop the hood and check for a sticker, on that sticker it should say that the vehicle is OBD-II complaint.

For compatibility with Android Smartphone and Tablets, check out the Bluetooth ELM327. For usage with iPhone and iPad you will need a Wi-Fi ELM327.

Purchasing

The ELM327 USB adapter is available in many online marketplaces including eBay, Amazon, NewEgg and Sears. These adapters are sold by small companies and the reliability of these adapters are sometimes hit and miss. Also, many sellers of these items do not include instructions. We would suggest for a trouble free setup and quick installation to buy an adapter directly from our store. Adapters we sell have a long time proven track record of being free from defects and include complete setup instructions.

Drivers Elm-usb Interface Software

Related Products

ELM327 USB Interface

$19.99

OBD2 Extension Cable

$17.99

Comments

68 Months Ago

please how can i get the activation code for my elm327? am useing the free vation but i want to activat it.

Post Comment

Car diagnostic tools from SECONS are professional products with enhanced functions. All software and hardware is designed to meet the latest standards.

Drivers Elm-usb Interfaces

OBDTester software

OBDTester is enhanced generic OBD2 diagnostic solution for Windows, working in connection with ELM-USB OBD-II interface. (read more).

more | screenshots | features

Professional tools

Our professional factory-specific diagnostic tools allow near dealer-level coverage and functions for Ford/Mazda/Jaguar/Lincoln, Fiat/Alfa/Lancia and Hyundai/Kia. (read more)

ELM-USB interface

ELM-USB is OBD-II ELM323/ELM327/ELM-CAN compatible USB interface. It supports all OBD-II protocols (ISO9141, ISO14230-4, ISO15765-4, J1850 VPW and PWM). The OBD-II connector is SAE J1962 compliant and smoothly fits into all vehicles. (read more)

About OBD-II

On Board Diagnostics II (OBD2) is standardized car diagnostic protocol supported by all vehicles made after 1996 (US) or 2001 (EU). It allows you to read engine control unit fault codes, tests status, sensor values, etc. (read more).