We have several cars. It makes more sense to keep older vehicles and perform periodic maintenance than buying a new vehicle or, lease them, which results in perpetual payments. Unfortunately my prized 2003 Volvo S80 T6 is quite a problematic specimen. Some time ago I opted to replace the faulty GM transmission. My mechanic was employed to perform, what turned out to be, a demanding undertaking. The design of the drive-train necessitated the removal of the engine in order to remove the old and reinstall the new transmissions. Although successful the engine began a long journey toward insolence. For some reason it began misfiring and continued this aggravating temperament until the cylinders began shutting down when driving, resulting in a colossal loss of power. Following replacement of some critical components I began adjusting driving patterns, until the troubles persisted without cylinder shutdown. Yet the codes and the requirement to clear them persist.
And so, here we are. I overlooked such a simple solution to reducing strain on my personal time for too long, so when I saw this FlyroadUP OBD II scanner I requested it immediately. What does FlyroadUP provide? One OBD II Bluetooth/WiFi scanner...and connection/operation instructions. It's minuscule since it is meant to operate as a wireless device, displaying diagnostic information on a connected mobile device through numerous applications including Mini ODB II (the one I chose). Approximately 3 inches in size it encases the OBD II port on the vehicle and fits in the palm of a hand. Black plastic adorned with yellow trim and some reading content including branding and three LED lights admonishing functionality for Link (green), OBD operation (yellow) and Power (red). On the front are the port connectors for coupling. Not a work of artistic excellence but that's not the intended purpose.
Let's discuss purpose. First you'll need to download a supported app. A comprehensive list is provided on the product page. Once downloaded the scanner is connected to the OBD port and connection should be automatic. This is where I ran into complications. I had to try the Mini OBD II app on three different phones beginning with the oldest since I use secondary mobile phones to preserve my primary phone. The LG G6 is on Android 9, the Samsung Galaxy A03s is on Android 13 and my Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is on Android 15. I connected the scanner to the OBD port but for some reason multiple attempts connecting on the older phones kept failing. I was perplexed and convinced the app supports only Android 15, currently, despite claims of support for 4.3 and newer versions. Connection failure also occurred when attempting manually. The S25 Plus, on the other hand, received signal without complication or delay. ONCE... Then never again. I tried the Car Scanner app on one phone which finally broke this connectivity barrier allowing me to test and confidently advocate that the scanner does function as intended. The scanner supports various apps so if there are connectivity issues, this may be the problem.
The first feature I activated was the code readout which acknowledged the very same codes my mechanic divulged during his evaluation. This confirmed the FlyroadUP scanner functions accurately. The Mini OBD II application is also...non functional. The Car Scanner app is fairly easy to navigate, providing a surfeit of diagnostic and operational data. This includes fault codes as well as real time performance information including fuel burn, RPM and speed reference and much more including reading and clearing your DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes). Vehicle information is also provided so you can confirm exactly which model engine is under the bonnet. The interface could be a little more adaptable, particularly for those with less or no vehicle troubleshooting experience. The display looks intimidating but the app itself is somewhat intuitive, for example identifying the OBD protocol and prompting to switch before continuing. Well done, Car Scanner. Take note, Mini OBD II.
Does this meet my expectations? Absolutely. I can now at will scan fault codes before heading to the mechanic for diagnosis. If it's a minor issue it can be postponed. For example, should a DTC indicate an oxygen sensor is faulty, there's no immediate rush to see the professional. On the other hand, should the scanner warn of a missing component or suggestive oil or coolant leak, or that I forgot to pick up milk on my way home like the wife asked, then I need turn around POST HASTE...and undo potential future damage. In my case these persistent misfire codes I fear are nothing more than a faulty or failing ECM which I am hesitant to replace because of the cost. Little sense pouring a deluge of currency in a senior mode of transport. otherwise, everything runs fine, for the time being. And should it not the car will warn of headwinds. And the FlyroadUP OBD II Scanner will translate what the Swedish Volvo is crying about.
I recommend this scanner. It's a great tool for establishing a peace of mind. Simple to use, albeit fastidious which software it prefers to date, but otherwise very informative at the low cost of $25 CAD. Now every time my wife's car acts up I will be the hero that establishes what troubles lay on the horizon. Now anyone owning a vehicle between 1996 and present can diagnose issues as they arise with respective convenience and at reasonable cost.
| Manufacturer | FlyroadUp |
|---|---|
| Place of Business | chengdu, sichuan 610014,CN |
| Brand | FlyroadUp |
| Model | Car Diagnostic Tool |
| Parcel Dimensions | 10 x 6.5 x 2.7 cm; 40 g |
| Manufacturer reference | V019 |
| Manufacturer part number | V019 |
| Item Weight | 40 g |
| Country of origin | China |
