Vgate iCar Pro ELM327 OBD2 Scanner User Manual

1. Introduction

The Vgate iCar Pro ELM327 OBD2 Scanner is a high-quality automotive scanning tool designed to diagnose vehicle issues by connecting to your car's On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) port. It supports various communication interfaces including Bluetooth 3.0, Bluetooth 4.0, and Wi-Fi, making it compatible with Android and iOS devices. This device allows you to read and clear diagnostic trouble codes, monitor real-time engine data, and access various vehicle parameters.

2. Important Safety Warnings

• Do NOT connect the Internet when using the device.
• When using an iOS phone with iCar Pro Bluetooth 4.0, only open the phone's Bluetooth. Do not attempt to connect directly from the phone's Bluetooth settings. Instead, open the diagnostic application and connect to the device within the app.
• The automatic wake-up and sleep function is not supported for electric vehicles.

3. Package Contents

Ensure all items are present in the package:

• 1 x Vgate iCar Pro OBDII Unit
• 1 x User Manual

For a visual guide on unboxing, please refer to the video below:

4. Specifications

5. Vehicle & Protocol Compatibility

5.1 Vehicle Compatibility

The Vgate iCar Pro is suitable for almost all 12V vehicles that support the OBD2 protocol, manufactured from 1996 onwards. This includes 12V gasoline vehicles and 12V small diesel vehicles below 8.5T.

Vehicles NOT Supported: 24V Heavy duty diesel cars.

5.2 Supported 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)

5.3 Recommended Applications

The Vgate iCar Pro is compatible with most OBD-II diagnostic software available in app stores. Popular compatible applications include:

• Torque Lite / Torque Pro
• BimmerCode
• FORScan Lite
• OBDFusion
• JScan
• OBD Auto Doctor
• Carista
• RealDash

6. Setup Instructions

Follow these steps to set up your Vgate iCar Pro:

1. Download the App: Download a compatible OBD-II diagnostic application (e.g., 'Auto Doctor') from your device's App Store (iOS) or Google Store (Android).
2. Connect to Vehicle: Start your car engine. Locate your vehicle's OBD-II interface (usually under the dashboard near the steering wheel) and plug in the iCar Pro device.
3. Connect via App: Open the downloaded diagnostic app. For Bluetooth models, ensure your phone's Bluetooth is on, then connect to the iCar Pro's Bluetooth within the app. For Wi-Fi models, connect to the iCar Pro's Wi-Fi network from your device's Wi-Fi settings, then open the app.
4. Refresh and Connect: Within the app, refresh the connection or initiate a scan to successfully connect to your vehicle's ECU.

7. Operation

7.1 Diagnostic Functions

Once connected, the Vgate iCar Pro allows you to perform various diagnostic tasks through your chosen application:

• Read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), including generic and manufacturer-specific codes (over 3000 definitions).
• Clear trouble codes and turn off the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), also known as the "Check Engine" light.
• Monitor real-time engine data and various vehicle parameters.

7.2 Monitored Parameters

The device can display a wide range of parameters, depending on your vehicle and the diagnostic app:

• Engine RPM
• Calculated Load Value
• Coolant Temperature
• Fuel System Status
• Vehicle Speed
• Short Term Fuel Trim
• Long Term Fuel Trim
• Intake Manifold Pressure
• Timing Advance
• Intake Air Temperature
• Air Flow Rate
• Absolute Throttle Position
• Oxygen sensor voltages/associated short term fuel trims
• Fuel Pressure

7.3 Automatic Wake-up and Sleep

The iCar Pro features an automatic wake-up and sleep function to conserve power:

• When the car is ignited, the iCar Pro will automatically start.
• Approximately 30 minutes after the car stalls, the iCar Pro will automatically enter sleep mode.

Note: This automatic function is not supported for electric vehicles.

8. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Vgate iCar Pro, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Keep the device clean and free from dust and debris. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning.
• Avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or high humidity.
• Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the device, as this will void the warranty and could cause damage.
• Store the device in a safe place when not in use to prevent physical damage.

9. Troubleshooting

9.1 Common Issues and Solutions

• Device not connecting to app (iOS Bluetooth 4.0): Ensure you are connecting through the diagnostic app itself, not directly from your iPhone's Bluetooth settings. Your phone's Bluetooth should be enabled, but the connection is established within the app.
• No data displayed in app:
  • Verify the iCar Pro is securely plugged into the OBD-II port.
  • Ensure your car engine is running.
  • Check that the correct connection type (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi) is selected in the app.
  • Try refreshing the connection within the app.
  • Confirm your vehicle is OBD-II compliant (most 1996 and newer vehicles).
• Automatic start/sleep not working: This feature is not supported for electric vehicles. For other vehicles, ensure the device is properly installed and the car's ignition cycle is complete.
• App issues: If you experience problems with a specific app, try using a different compatible OBD-II app to determine if the issue is with the app or the iCar Pro device.

10. User Tips

Here are some helpful tips from other users:

• For comprehensive fault detection and real-time data monitoring, many users recommend the TorquePro application.
• The device has been successfully used to scan airbag systems and check Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) on various car models.
• Some users have found success using the device with motorcycle diagnostic software like GuzziDiag for specific motorcycle brands (e.g., Moto Guzzi Bellagio 2007).
• The 'Car Scanner OBD-II' app is confirmed to work well with the iCar Pro on iPhones.
• The device is compatible with modern vehicles, including models like the Toyota Avalon 2022.
• Always ensure the diagnostic app you intend to use is compatible with the Vgate iCar Pro for the best experience.

11. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Vgate documentation. A comprehensive user manual in PDF format is available for download, which may contain additional information regarding specific features and advanced troubleshooting.

You can find the user manual (PDF) at the following link: Vgate iCar Pro User Manual (PDF)

For further assistance, please contact Vgate customer support or visit their official website.