OBDeleven Car Diagnostics Review (Updated for NextGen)
NextGen OBDeleven Car Diagnostics Review
Although not specifically Detailing Related, this fantastic review was submitted over on the Audi TT Forums by a long-standing member – SwissJetPilot.
He has kindly given me permission to post it on this blog. The OBDeleven tool is something I have been meaning to look in to for a while and thought it may be helpful to others who may be thinking about buying one for their own car.
if you want to follow this thread on the forums you can view it here
Let’s take a look at his review
If you want to avail of 10% off all plans and credits for OBDEleven , you can use code DRIVEDETAILED at checkout
OBDeleven -Getting Started
When I received mine, I’ll admit I was a bit underwhelmed as there was no paperwork of any kind inside the little box. No warranty card, no instructions, no information at all; nichts, nada, nothing. So where to go and what to do? Fortunately, there’s Google and other Forums, so I’ve managed to find some decent ‘how to’ information which I have included below –
The Android App can be found on GooglePlay or their website –
https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta … .obdeleven
The iOS app can be found on the iTunes store here
https://apps.apple.com/app/id1458334123
There’s also an OBDeleven Forum if you want to search for other users or other vehicles –
http://forum.obdeleven.com
OBDeleven Device Compatibility
At the moment, the OBDeleven device App is available to all Android, iOS and Huawei users.
Because the OBDeleven is a cloud-based software system you have to be online in order for it to work and you will have to log in to your account in order to use the device to scan your vehicle. Without WiFi or internet access, the device will not work. If you’re in an area where internet access is questionable or slow, connectivity issues may not be the fault of the device.
Running OBDeleven on A Device
At the time of this writing, I uploaded and ran the OBDeleven App on an Asus ME173X tablet running Android 4.2.2. There were no issues with the performance of the App or paring to the dongle. Connecting via iPhone hotspot worked fine.
Asus Android Tablet was connected to the internet via iPhone hotspot
OBDeleven-Obtaining the App and Creating an Account
You can download the OBDeleven App from Google Play,iTunes Store or the OBDeleven website. Once you have it running on your device, the first step is to create an account and confirm it from an automated reply email.
Sign up first. Confirm your account in your email. Reply to the email by clicking on the provided link to which you will see a new window pop up with “Successfully verified your email!” Then sign in and get started.
OBDeleven Basic vs. OBDeleven Pro Features
Initially, you will only see the standard App features once you have the App running. However, if you bought the Pro version you’ll need to activate this on your log-in account. Go to the menu bars icon in the top left corner of the App. Click on your profile image and you’ll see the option for PRO listed. Enter and submit your code and it will automatically upgrade to OBDeleven Pro. You’ll then see the word “Pro” on your profile picture.
For more information about the differences between OBDeleven Basic vs Pro, check out this video from Deutsche Auto Parts
After you enter and register the code, the word “PRO” will appear on your image (outlined in red)
OBDeleven – Connecting to your Car
The purple OBD port is located underneath the steering wheel near the rear-most edge of the lower dash panel, close to the side kick panel above the footrest. Switch on the car ignition (no need to start the engine) and plug in the OBDeleven dongle. You should see a red light glowing inside the dongle.
One interesting feature that took me by surprise; when you disconnect the dongle and shut down the program, it will sound an alarm to alert you that the dongle is still in the vehicle. This is a pretty handy feature because once plugged in, the dongle stays on and if you leave it plugged into the OBD port it will eventually drain your battery. There are other OBD dongle devices which have built-in on/off switches, but the OBDeleven does not have this feature.
- OBD dongle plugged into the OBD Port
- OBD dongles with On/Off switches so you can leave them connected
At some point, the device may require a password. It will only accept numbers and it needs at least six, so use something simple that you can remember (e.g. 123456). Later, you can turn off the requirement for a password in the settings.
Next step is to pair the dongle with your device. This isn’t essential but it makes the connection much faster each time you use OBDeleven. Search for Bluetooth devices in your settings app and if requested, pair using Bluetooth code 1234.
Running OBDeleven – How to
Once the App is paired and connected you may be presented with a request for the VIN. This is not required and can be skipped. The screen will display a menu list on the left and a “Connect” prompt on the right. Tap “Connect” and wait.
From this screen you can view details of your car, view and clear fault codes and if the engine is running view live data. Like the VCDS, it will interrogate and display only those addresses and codes that are available for year and make. Interestingly enough, the graphics are not vehicle specific; while you can select the TT model for the menu display on the right, the list of addresses uses generic graphics, so you won’t see the Mk2 instruments, climate control module, etc.
- Starting screen
- Control Units (VCDS Addresses)
- Gauges
- Gauges Fuel Level
OBDeleven Apps
Under the Apps menu, you will find Adjustments, Retrofits and Workshop. The Apps are model specific, so not every vehicle, year or model will have the same apps. For example, my 2007 Roadster only has seven Apps, no Retrofits and one Workshop (oil service reset). Each one costs 10-credits to implement and you have to pay for it every time you use it.
For vehicles like the Golf or Seat Leon, I’ve seen Apps that cost as much as 100-credits (100-credits = ÂŁ12.49) such as mirror link in motion, video in motion, etc. So be aware that there are additional costs.
Basically they’re a one-touch method for changing a function rather than going into the long coding and making the change manually. For more information on the apps, check out this YouTube video from Deutsche Auto Parts (USA) –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cib87CiM7FI
- Only seven apps for my 2007 Roadster
OBDeleven Price Point
When comparing the VCDS to the OBDeleven, price is often the biggest factor. The least expensive VCDS Hex V2 cable which will support 3-vehicles is currently going for about $199 (USD) while the OBDeleven Basic is going for $47 (USD). The Pro license is an additional $29 (USD). Since the OBDeleven has a credit system to use various functions, this can drive up the total operating cost over time.
OBDeleven Credit System
Unlike the VCDS which only has the initial purchase price, the OBDeleven has a credit system to use some of the features (e.g. oil service reset costs 10-credits). To add more credits to your account you can buy them directly online. You can also get free credits by watching an advertisement and it also adds one free credit per day just for opening the App. See post below for details on how to add credits.
- Options for adding credits can be found under the User’s Profile
OBDeleven Convenience
In terms of size, the OBDeleven is small enough to toss in your glove box so you always have it handy. The VCDS Hex V2 cable on the other hand, is too large for the glove box, so I store mine in it’s case, in the trunk or under the seat.
The OBDeleven needs a compatible device and the App to run, but does have to have internet or WiFi access. The VCDS requires a laptop to run their proprietary software on a Windows platform and updates are free of charge.
One nice feature I do like with the OBDeleven is the ability to play around with the App offline without the dongle plugged into the vehicle. This is something the VCDS PC software can’t do. So sitting at your desk, you can still browse through the features in the App (obviously you can’t scan or see real time data) but at least you can get a feel for how it works without having to be connected to the vehicle. Any data collected during a live scan will be stored and displayed off line.
With an Android based replacement head unit (e.g. Kenwood, Xtron, etc.) it should be possible to upload the OBDeleven App directly into the head unit and view live data.
- Engine information offline
- Engine coding offline
OBDeleven Technical Support
The OBDeleven came with no instructions and even the App has no guide or tutorial for how to set it up or operate it. To be fair, they do include a link to their website on the back of the box in very tiny print. It turns out there are actually two sources for information; OBDeleven and the software partner Voltas IT.
OBDeleven Website FAQ – https://obdeleven.com/en/faqs
Voltas IT support FAQ – https://voltas-it.helpshift.com/a/obdeleven/?p=android
Like most people who have purchased one of these devices, I ended up searching Google or YouTube to figure out how it works. On the other hand, Ross-Tech’s VCDS website has a ton of information, including a user manual, dozens of YouTube instruction videos, a well used and supported Forum and the ability to track down fault codes and get information on what it means and the most likely causes and solutions. Not to mention they reply to emails.
- Follow this link to their website and FAQ
OBDeleven Data Transfer
Another feature is the ability to send emails about your scans and fault codes. This can be done by clicking on the little envelope icon on the top right of the screen. This will pop up an option window for which ever email system you have on your Android. In my case I had Gmail and Yahoo. When I tapped on the Yahoo icon, it opened my email account and had created an email with the data posted into the body of the text. I had to fill in the To: address but it automatically posted my sending address into the cc/bcc.
This feature is controlled in the ‘Options’ under ‘Data Sharing’ where you can insert the email address you want to use for data sharing. Now the fact that it’s called ‘Data Sharing’ makes me wonder, who else is getting this information?
OBDeleven Review Summary
The OBDeleven does have it’s advantages in terms of ease of use, price point and flexibility for those comfortable with smart devices and Apps. And while it can do many of the things a more expensive VCDS can do, there are limits (and additional costs) even with the Pro version. For anyone trying to decide between a VCDS and OBDeleven device, it will depend on what you need to do, what you’re willing to pay and how comfortable you are with the user interface.
While the OBDeleven gives you the convenience of using an compatible device, it’s going to require a WiFi connection in order work. And it uses a credit system for some of the additional features, even with the Pro license. If you’re in the middle of no-where and don’t have access to WiFi and need to sort a fault, this may be an issue.
Although it’s advertised to perform Adaptations, (https://obdeleven.com/en/content/7-app-and-features) the OBDeleven is not capable of resolving all Adaptations and Basic settings. Although these features are easier to do with the Pro version, there are limits. For Roadster owners, the OBDeleven isn’t going to help if you have a soft top failure and want to sort it out yourself.
OBDeleven instructions and technical support is severely lacking. Even my kids inflatable pool came with instructions and in 15-languages. Having to chase down information on the internet to use a product is not exactly what I consider customer-friendly technical support.
OBDeleven Conclusion
If you’re looking for a small OBD Bluetooth scanning device that can display and clear faults, allow code changes and provide some general Adaptations, then this is probably the way to go. But if you need a device that can really do some serious diagnostics, and has excellent tech support, spend the money and go with Ross-Tech VCDS
If you want to avail of 10% off all plans and credits for OBDEleven , you can use code DRIVEDETAILED at checkout
VAG-COM VCDS vs OBDeleven
For anyone new to VCDS or OBDeleven devices, here’s a couple of pretty good videos on the differences between the two systems from Deutsche Auto Parts (USA). One note, the speaker comments that the VCDS cable costs $350 which is misleading. The least expensive version is the VCDSÂź HEX-V2Âź Enthusiast which currently sells for $199 and can be used on 3-vehicles.
Ross-Tech Store –
https://store.ross-tech.com/shop/vchv2_ent/
YouTube –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUvmvN- … e=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg0pQl4EQ7s (starts at timestamp 8:10)
12 thoughts on “OBDeleven Car Diagnostics Review (Updated for NextGen)”
For any of your readers who want some tips on how to take care of their Audi TT (Mk1, Mk2 or Mk3), stop by and visit us at the TT Forum UK. We have visitors from all over Europe, the US, Canada and the occasional Ozzie from down under. Cheers! đ SwissJetPilot – https://www.ttforum.co.uk/forum/
Thanks! Great Job on the Review again
Have you actually gotten OBDeleven running on your Xtrons? I have one in my TTRS and it works perfectly with my phone, but I have had no luck connecting it to the Xtrons.
Hi Steven , I am using the Torque Pro App on my Xtrons. Have not tried the OBDEleven myself yet. Not sure if you are a member on the TT forum already but im sure you will find some help over there. Link to the ODBeleven thread is here https://www.ttforum.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=1926901
Which model Xtrons do you have? Presume its running the latest updates etc?
Den slutar att fungera effter ett Är och leverantören gör inget Ät saken. Det gÄr inte att kommunicera den mot appen. Levverantör sÀger köp en ny. Dem Àr inte villiga att hjÀlpa. DÄlig stil av leverantör.
Kontaktade deras service avdelning men dÄ pÄstÄr dem att dem inte hittar kvitto. DÄ skickade jag en kvitto kopia pÄ köpen och dÄ började dem repitera alla frÄgor igen och utan nÄgot hjÀlp.
canât seems to find any long code for my audi q7. little information on forum. starting to wish i bought vcds.
Hi, I would like to know if the OBDeleven will activate my phone on my car – it says “phone not installed”
Your article âObdeleven Car Diagnostics Review (Updated For Nextgen)â is very helpful for me. After reading your article I got a lot of knowledge from your article. I have some knowledge about mobilemechanicforlv but after reading your article I think; I have to gain more knowledge about this topic. Thanks!