1. Introduction
The Vgate iCar Pro ELM327 is a high-quality automotive scanning tool designed to provide comprehensive diagnostic information for your vehicle. It supports various communication methods including Bluetooth 3.0, Bluetooth 4.0, and Wi-Fi, making it compatible with both Android and iOS devices. This manual will guide you through the setup, operation, and features of your iCar Pro device.
Figure 1: Vgate iCar Pro ELM327 OBD2 Scanner
2. Safety Warnings
WARNING: Please strictly follow the instructions, safety tips and use the product with caution.
- Always ensure your vehicle is parked safely with the engine off before connecting or disconnecting the device, unless instructed otherwise for specific diagnostic procedures.
- Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the iCar Pro device. This may void the warranty and cause damage.
- Keep the device away from water, extreme temperatures, and direct sunlight.
- Ensure your hands are clean and dry when handling the device.
3. Package Contents
The Vgate iCar Pro package typically includes the following items:
- 1 x Vgate iCar Pro OBDII Scanner
- 1 x User Manual
Figure 2: Vgate iCar Pro and User Manual
4. Setup
4.1. App Download and Initial Connection
Follow these steps to set up your Vgate iCar Pro:
- Download the App: Download a compatible OBD2 diagnostic application such as 'Auto Doctor' from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Store (for Android). Other compatible apps include Torque Lite, BimmerCode, FORScan Lite, JScan, Carista, OBDFusion, and RealDash.
- Start Vehicle Engine: Start your car's engine.
- Plug in iCar Pro: Locate your vehicle's OBDII interface (usually under the dashboard) and plug in the iCar Pro device.
- Connect via App: Open the downloaded diagnostic app on your smartphone or tablet. Within the app, find and connect to the iCar Pro's Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
- Refresh and Connect: Refresh the app to establish a successful connection.
Figure 3: Easy-to-use connection steps
Video 1: Vgate iCar Pro Unboxing and Setup Overview
4.2. Connection Methods
The Vgate iCar Pro offers different connection types:
- BT3.0: For Android devices.
- BT4.0: For Android and iOS devices.
- WIFI: For Android and iOS devices.
Important Tip for iOS BT4.0 Users:
If you are using an iOS phone with the iCar Pro Bluetooth 4.0 version, please only open your phone's Bluetooth. Do NOT attempt to pair it directly from your phone's Bluetooth settings. Instead, open the diagnostic APP, find the device within the APP, and connect to its Bluetooth from there.
Figure 4: Connection methods for Vgate iCar Pro
4.3. Vehicle Compatibility
The Vgate iCar Pro is suitable for almost all 12V vehicles that support the OBD2 protocol, manufactured from 1996 onwards.
- Supported Vehicles: 12V Gasoline Vehicles, 12V Small Diesel Vehicles Below 6.5T.
- NOT Supported: 24V Heavy duty diesel cars.
General compatibility by region and year:
- American Cars: 1996-Now
- European Cars: 2001-Now
- Japan/Korea Cars: 2002-Now
- Russia: 2012-Now
Figure 5: Vehicle compatibility details
5. Operating Instructions
5.1. Key Features
The Vgate iCar Pro ELM327 offers a wide range of diagnostic capabilities:
- Read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), both generic and manufacturer-specific, and display their meaning (over 3000 generic code definitions in the database).
- Clear trouble codes and turn off the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), also known as the "Check Engine" light.
- Monitor Engine RPM.
- View Calculated Load Value.
- Check Coolant Temperature.
- Determine Fuel System Status.
- Read Vehicle Speed.
- Monitor Short Term Fuel Trim and Long Term Fuel Trim.
- Measure Intake Manifold Pressure.
- Track Timing Advance.
- Read Intake Air Temperature.
- Monitor Air Flow Rate.
- Determine Absolute Throttle Position.
- Read Oxygen sensor voltages and associated short term fuel trims.
- Check Fuel Pressure.
- Access various other vehicle information and data streams.
Figure 6: Overview of Vgate iCar Pro diagnostic features
5.2. Automatic Wake-up and Sleep
The iCar Pro is designed for convenience with automatic power management:
- When the car is ignited, the iCar Pro will automatically start.
- Approximately 30 minutes after the car stalls (engine off), the iCar Pro will automatically enter sleep mode to conserve power.
Note: This automatic wake-up and sleep function is not supported for electric vehicles.
Figure 7: Automatic wake-up and sleep functionality
5.3. Supported OBD-II Protocols
The Vgate iCar Pro OBD II adapter supports all standard OBD-II protocols:
- SAE J1850 PWM (41.6 Kbaud)
- SAE J1850 VPW (10.4 Kbaud)
- ISO9141-2 (5 baud init, 10.4 Kbaud)
- ISO14230-4 KWP (5 baud init, 10.4 Kbaud)
- ISO14230-4 KWP (fast init, 10.4 Kbaud)
- ISO15765-4 CAN (11bit ID, 500 Kbaud)
- ISO15765-4 CAN (29bit ID, 500 Kbaud)
- ISO15765-4 CAN (11bit ID, 250 Kbaud)
- ISO15765-4 CAN (29bit ID, 250 Kbaud)
- SAE J1939 CAN (29bit ID, 250 * Kbaud)
- USER1 CAN (11 * bit ID, 125 * Kbaud)
- USER2 CAN (11 * bit ID, 50 * Kbaud)
- * Default Settings (User Adjustable)
Figure 8: Supported OBD-II protocols and CE certification
5.4. Supported Software/Applications
The iCar Pro is compatible with a variety of third-party diagnostic applications available on app stores. Some popular examples include:
- Auto Doctor
- Torque Lite / Torque Pro
- BimmerCode
- FORScan Lite
- JScan
- Carista
- OBDFusion
- RealDash
Figure 9: Examples of compatible diagnostic software interfaces
Figure 10: Torque app interface example
Figure 11: BimmerCode app interface example
Figure 12: FORScan Lite app interface example
Figure 13: OBDFusion app interface example
5.5. Vgate iCar Pro Comparison
Figure 14: Comparison of Vgate iCar Pro versions (WIFI, BT4.0, BT3.0)
6. Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Vgate iCar Pro elm 327 BT3.0/BT4.0/WIFI |
| Model Name | Vgate iCar Pro |
| Brand Name | Vgate |
| Communication Interface | OBD-II, Bluetooth, Wifi |
| Hardware Version | V2.3 |
| Software Version | Latest Version (V2.3) |
| Software Update | Yes |
| Supported Systems | Android/IOS |
| Connection Method | BT3.0/BT4.0/WIFI |
| Supply Voltage | 11.5V-15V |
| Supply Current | <200Ma |
| Standby Current | <30Ma |
| Operating Temperature | -40 ℃ - 85 ℃ |
| Operating Humidity | 5% - 95% RH Non-Dewfall |
| Item Weight | 0.06kg |
| Material | Plastic |
| Certification | RoHS, FCC, CE |
| Origin | Mainland China |
7. Troubleshooting
- Connection Issues (iOS BT4.0): If you are unable to connect your iOS device via Bluetooth 4.0, ensure you are connecting through the diagnostic application itself, not directly from your phone's Bluetooth settings. Only enable Bluetooth on your phone, then open the app to find and connect to the iCar Pro.
- Device Not Powering On: Ensure the iCar Pro is securely plugged into the vehicle's OBDII port and the vehicle's ignition is on (or engine running).
- App Not Detecting Device: Verify that the correct connection method (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) is selected in your app and that your phone's respective wireless feature is enabled. Try restarting the app and your phone.
- Firmware Update: If you received a V2.2 firmware version, contact Vgate support to upgrade to V2.3 for enhanced features and vehicle compatibility.
8. User Tips
Based on user feedback, the Vgate iCar Pro is generally well-received for its functionality and ease of use. No specific user tips or common issues were highlighted in the provided reviews, indicating a straightforward user experience.
9. Warranty and Support
The Vgate iCar Pro comes with a Two Years Warranty. For any inquiries or support, Vgate aims to provide timely replies to all messages within 24 hours.
For more detailed information, please refer to the official user manual PDF: Vgate iCar Pro User Manual (PDF)
Figure 15: Warranty and Service details
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No specific FAQ content was provided. For common questions, please refer to the troubleshooting section or the comprehensive PDF user manual.