OBDLink MX+ Functionality Without SGW Bypass & Volumetric Efficiency/Brake Specific Fuel Consumption

[mopac001]

I have recently purchased an OBDLink MX+ for use with my 2018 Silverado which threw a CEL. It gave me a good excuse since I knew it would get me the Silverado's code AND could be useful with my 2021 JLU Sahara. (3.6L engine) if I wanted to use JScan. (Will probably go with a Tazer JL Mini but this gave me a cheaper alternative in the short term.)

I suspected the OBDLink MX+ and the OBDLink iOS app alone wouldn't be capable of clearing codes on the JL given the SGW. But I figured I could at least read. The MX+ did correctly identify the JL and its engine. I also was prompted to select "Get Enhanced OEM Add-Ons" which I did. I didn't have a CEL or MIL on JL for it to report on but it did report a stored U0184-00 (Lost Communication With Radio). (This one made total sense as twice in the two years since I bought it new I've had to pull the fuse for the radio because the radio (8.4 UConnect) failed to shutoff after parking, exiting and locking the vehicle. (A solution I found here in the forums.)

When I went to use the Dashboards function of the OBDLink iOS app the only gauge that reported anything was the battery voltage. I sent a note to OBDLink technical support asking if a SGW Bypass would address this issue and if in place allow their app to reset codes as well. They responded that they haven't heard of people having much luck with that. They also couldn't suggest an appropriate value in their app for the 3.6L's Volumetric Efficiency (suggests somewhere between 65% and 85%) or Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (suggests somewhere between 0.40 and 0.50 for naturally aspirated engine).

Has anyone used the OBDLink iOS app with just the MX+ reader and been able to use gauges? Has anyone added just a base ZAutomotive or ECRI SGW bypass and been able to use gauges and reset codes with the OBDLink iOS app? Does anyone know the correct values for the 3.6L's volumetric efficiency and brake specific fuel consumption?

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[mopac001]

OBDLink got back to me so posting here in the event someone in the future comes across this thread with the same questions.

Although I will be getting a Tazer Mini so will eventually be able to clear CEL & MILs, the OBDLink app can be used as just a reader in the meantime if that's all you've got.

The key is selecting the correct network when you connect to the MX+ from the OBDLink app. OBDLink support told me that unlike some more recent programs like JScan, the OBDLink app only connects to one network at a time.

In order to use the OBDLink dashboard you have to connect to "Generic OBD2" network. (Which means to do a full scan with the OBDLink app you need to connect to Generic OBD2 then run a scan. Disconnect and reconnect to Network B and run a second scan.)

Even after choosing Generic OBD2 network, one of the default OBDLink app dashboard guages - MAF - will not be functional. Apparently there is no MAF sensor in the 3.6L engine. It computes MAF based on a MAP sensor and a few other variables. (Please correct me if I'm wrong there.) So to get the MAF gauge you need to hold on the gauge with your finger until the edit display screen comes up. Then select "Display Configuration"

Then select the PID (which is already "Mass air flow rate")

It will have "SAE PIDs" selected but instead select "Calculated PIDs"

And finally "Mass air flow rate"

It appears these gauge settings apply to any vehicle you use with the OBDLink app - so keep that in mind if you move the MX+ to a different vehicle. Only the settings that are on the vehicle editor screen are unique to a given vehicle you use the app with.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

@mopac001

From someone that is very pro the Tazer JL..... I can tell you the wise/experienced guy will run with / use both a Tazer JL and JSCAN. You might just want to get a JSCAN license now.

OBDLink MX+ is a terrific BT scan tool to use with the JL/JT. Be sure to keep it's firmware current.
For firmware updates:
https://www.scantool.net/downloads/updates/obdlink_mxp/

Buy a $44+- ECRI security gateway bypass module to use with the OBDLink MX+.
https://ecri.app/products/ecri-secu...OgRhPDv9fRE2FfWLyBfbmjcqYb0uIWDikTq11iP0NLJZY

 

[mopac001]

@mopac001

From someone that is very pro the Tazer JL..... I can tell you the wise/experienced guy will run with / use both a Tazer JL and JSCAN. You might just want to get a JSCAN license now.

OBDLink MX+ is a terrific BT scan tool to use with the JL/JT. Be sure to keep it's firmware current.
For firmware updates:
https://www.scantool.net/downloads/updates/obdlink_mxp/

Buy a $44+- ECRI security gateway bypass module to use with the OBDLink MX+.
https://ecri.app/products/ecri-secu...OgRhPDv9fRE2FfWLyBfbmjcqYb0uIWDikTq11iP0NLJZY

Thanks! I've already subscribed to a forum thread where it looks like you normally post anytime there is a firmware update for the MX+. And for the record, anytime I'm searching the forum for some solution, I'm generally on the lookout for threads where you've posted advice.

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