Hardware

V015 Bluetooth OBD-II adapter

The adapter that talks to DriveDecode.

Coming soon — listings go live on eBay and Amazon first

What it reads, and what it does not

The V015 reads engine and emissions systems — the powertrain and emissions codes required by the OBD-II standard on every 1996-and-newer US vehicle. It does not read ABS, airbag (SRS), TPMS or transmission-specific manufacturer codes. Those need make-specific decoding that generic OBD-II hardware cannot do.

This is the honest limit of every generic OBD-II adapter, not a shortcoming of this one. We would rather say it here than have you find out in the driveway.

Specifications

ConnectionBluetooth Low Energy 4.0
ProtocolsISO 9141-2, ISO 14230-4 (KWP2000), ISO 15765-4 (CAN), SAE J1850 PWM, SAE J1850 VPW
Vehicle coverage1996 and newer US-market cars and light trucks
PortStandard 16-pin SAE J1962 (OBD-II)
PowerDrawn from the OBD-II port, 12V
Works withDriveDecode on iOS 14+, Android 8+, macOS 11+

In the box

  • V015 Bluetooth OBD-II adapter
  • DriveDecode activation code (good for 2 devices)
  • Quick start card

Getting started

  1. Install DriveDecode on your phone.
  2. Plug the V015 into the OBD-II port, usually under the dash on the driver's side.
  3. Turn the ignition to on. The engine does not need to be running.
  4. Enter the activation code from the card in the box.
  5. Pair with the adapter and scan.

Will it work on my car?

If your car was sold new in the United States in 1996 or later, it has an OBD-II port and the V015 will talk to it. That covers gasoline cars and light trucks, plus US diesels from 2008 on. Heavy trucks using J1939, motorcycles, and pre-1996 vehicles are outside the standard and are not supported.

Not sure where the port is? It is a 16-pin trapezoid within about 18 inches of the steering wheel — under the dash, above the pedals, or behind a small panel near the fuse box.