Are you struggling to find a reliable OBDII scan tool that works seamlessly with your Android device, especially for older vehicles? Many affordable OBDII dongles on the market often fall short, particularly when it comes to compatibility with certain car models. If you own a classic Ford, like a 1999 or earlier model, you might have discovered this frustration firsthand. But don’t worry, there’s a solution specifically designed to address this issue: the BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool for Android Devices.
For those who’ve wasted money on cheaper OBDII scanners that are essentially useless, the BAFX Products scan tool emerges as a dependable alternative. As someone who regularly works on vehicles, especially older Ford trucks like my 1997 and 1999 F350 7.3s, I can vouch for the effectiveness of this tool. Unlike the paperweight-grade dongles I’ve encountered, the BAFX scanner connects reliably and provides accurate diagnostic information.
It’s important to note that even if your older Ford, like my 1997 F350, carries a label suggesting it’s not fully OBDII compliant, it might still feature an OBDII Data Link Connector (DLC). In my F350, the DLC is conveniently located to the left of the passenger seat. While these older systems might not be fully OBDII compliant in every aspect, they often support a significant number of OBDII functionalities. This is where the BAFX tool shines, bridging the gap and allowing you to access valuable diagnostic data from these vehicles.
Crucial Warning Before You Begin: Before diving into diagnostics, heed this warning: Never initiate FORscan while driving or with the engine running. During its initialization process, FORscan can unexpectedly shut down your engine. Always ensure your vehicle is stationary and the engine is off (or in KOEO mode as we’ll discuss) before starting the FORscan application.
Now, let’s walk through the steps to get you started with the BAFX Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool and FORscan on your Android device.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the BAFX OBDII Scan Tool with FORscan:
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Connect the BAFX Dongle: Locate the OBDII DLC in your vehicle and firmly insert the BAFX dongle. This port is typically found under the dashboard on the driver’s side, but as mentioned earlier, it might be in slightly different locations in older models.
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Ignition ON, Engine OFF (KOEO): Turn your vehicle’s ignition to the “ON” position. This powers up the vehicle’s electrical systems without starting the engine. This is known as Key On, Engine Off (KOEO) mode. Once you do this, a red light on the BAFX dongle should illuminate. If it doesn’t, check your vehicle’s fuse box. In my 1997 F350, the relevant fuse is F17, located in the fuse panel under the steering wheel, right at the top. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the fuse box location and diagram specific to your model.
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Launch FORscan on Your Android Device: Open the FORscan app on your Android tablet or smartphone. As the app starts, you should see the lights on the BAFX dongle begin to flash, indicating data communication. If the lights don’t flash, you may need to manually enable Bluetooth on your Android device and pair it with the BAFX scan tool. Navigate to your Android device’s settings, find the Bluetooth menu, and search for available devices. Select the BAFX tool to establish a Bluetooth connection.
Once connected, your Android screen within the FORscan app should start displaying vehicle identification information and begin the setup process. If you encounter a screen that seems like a demo or simulation, you’re likely in demo mode within the FORscan app. To switch to real-time data, go to the app’s “Settings” and disable “Demo Mode.”
Important Note: At this stage, FORscan is communicating with the BAFX dongle and your vehicle’s PCM (Powertrain Control Module), which is essentially your truck’s computer. Since we are in KOEO mode, we can access static data that doesn’t require the engine to be running.
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Accessing Data Tables: In the FORscan app, select “Table.” This will take you to the data display screen. At the top of your Android screen, you’ll notice a few icons:
- Black Arrow: Initially, this arrow indicates that you are not currently recording any data. When you start recording, this arrow will transform into a black square.
- Gear Icon: Selecting the gear icon will open the PID (Parameter ID) selection menu, where you can choose which data parameters you want to monitor. Initially, no PIDs will be selected.
- “D” Icon: This icon allows you to toggle between “Demo” and “Real” data modes. An “X” in the center of the “D” signifies that you are in “Real data mode.”
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Selecting PIDs: Tap the Gear (*) icon to access the PID selection screen. You might encounter a pop-up box at this point, prompting you to choose between “PCM” and “OBDII.” Always select “PCM” for accessing your vehicle’s specific data parameters.
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Adding PIDs for Monitoring: Select the “+” icon. This will present you with an extensive list of all available PCM PIDs that you can monitor.
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Choose Your Data Parameters: Scroll through the list of PIDs and select the ones you want to observe by tapping the small box to the left of each PID description. A checkmark will appear in the box when a PID is selected. If you need a more detailed explanation of a specific PID, tap the arrow to the right of its description.
Navigating PID Selection: If you delve into the detailed PID description and then want to return to the PID selection screen, you might encounter an error message: “You must complete the operation.” To resolve this, simply tap the “Return Arrow” on your Android device. This “Return Arrow” trick works whenever you encounter this message within the FORscan app.
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Returning to PID List: After reviewing PID details (if needed), hit the “Return Arrow” on your Android device again. This will take you back to the screen displaying the PIDs you’ve selected.
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Back to Data Table View: Hit the “Return Arrow” once more to go back to the “Table” view. At this point, you will see the PIDs you’ve chosen listed on the screen, but no data values will be displayed yet.
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Start Data Recording: Finally, select the black arrow icon. It will change to a black square, indicating that FORscan is now actively recording data from your vehicle based on the PIDs you’ve selected. The data values for your chosen PIDs should now populate the table in real-time.
Moving to Dynamic Data (KOER): To monitor dynamic data that requires the engine to be running (Key On, Engine Running – KOER mode), first ensure you have selected the PIDs you want to observe while in KOEO mode. Then, start your vehicle’s engine. FORscan will automatically transition to displaying dynamic, real-time data as your engine runs.
Final Thoughts:
I hope this detailed guide helps you get started with the BAFX Products Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool and FORscan for diagnosing your vehicle. While some of these instructions are based on notes and observations and might have minor inaccuracies, the general process should be accurate. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. If I don’t know the answer immediately, I’ll do my best to find it for you.
In my experience, I’ve also used other OBDII apps like Torque and Car Gauge. While those have their merits, I’m finding myself leaning towards FORscan, particularly with the reliable connection offered by the BAFX scan tool on older Ford vehicles. Interestingly, Torque, for reasons I haven’t yet determined, wouldn’t connect to my 1997 F350 7.3L at all. This further highlights the BAFX tool’s superior compatibility in certain scenarios, making it a valuable addition to any DIY mechanic’s or car enthusiast’s toolkit, especially if you work with older Ford models.
