How to Install ELM327 Bluetooth OBD Scanner on Windows

This article will guide you how to pair ELM327 Bluetooth scanner on your Windows system. (Instructions for MAC users).

It will then successfully work with any OBD-II software (like award-winning TOAD).

STEP 1: Plug Bluetooth into Car’s OBD Port

It looks like this…

It’s usually found on the driver side dashboard under the steering wheel.

Can’t find it? Locate it here.

 

 

STEP 2: Turn ON Car Ignition

This is one step before engine is powered.

 

 

STEP 3: Add and Pair ELM327 Bluetooth to Windows

Select ELM327 Bluetooth device. It’ll come under different names like: OBDII, VLink, Can OBDII, etc.

NOTE: It can take up to 30 seconds for Bluetooth signal to show.

When you see list of pairing options like this:

(For Windows XP users, your option will be: Use the passkey found in the documentation)

Enter the pairing code:

Pair code: 1234

Troubleshooting Connection Issues:

If OBD software has trouble connecting to your car, then set baud rate of connection to: 9600 or 110. Hopefully the software you’re using has this option inside it’s Settings. For example TOAD software has option to force 9600 bits per second, which instantly fixes random disconnection issues.

If your OBD software doesn’t have option to limit connection speed, then you can also limit it through Windows settings. Here’s how…

1. Go to Device Manager > and expand “Ports (COM & LPT)“.
   

   Windows XP:

   Control Panel » System » “Hardware” tab » Device Manager » Ports (COM & LPT)

   Windows Vista/7/8/10:

   Control Panel » System » Device Manager » Ports (COM & LPT)

2. Right-click on “Standard Serial Bluetooth” (it may be a different name for you) > Properties

3 Go to “Port Settings” tab > Lower “Bits per second” to 110. Click Ok. As seen below. Then attempt to reconnect to your car inside the OBD software.