ANCEL BD310 Diagnostic Computer OBD2
I’ve tested quite a few OBD2 readers on this blog and know my way around them pretty well. Today we’ll be looking at the ANCEL BD310 Bluetooth OBD2 diagnostic computer.
So many of these devices plug into your cars OBD2 port and then you have to use them with a smart phone app.
The ANCEL BD310 is refreshing in that it can be used either with an app or by itself. Although you will probably enjoy the app the most.
It also has a cable long enough to reach from your port, under the dash and mountable on your Air Conditioner vents with the included magnetic mount. That means you can monitor some of your cars details in real time.
Modes Of Operation
There are essentially three modes of operation.
- Bluetooth with smart phone app
- Wired – user input
- HUD Mode – monitor key driving data in real time
Bluetooth (click pics to enlarge)
When power is applied the ANCEL BD310 starts in Bluetooth mode. You will need to use the Ancel app from the App Store to connect the device. From here the app is very intuitive and super easy to use.
Wired (click pic to enlarge)
On the left side of the BD310 is a small button. A single push takes you to the screen shown in the photo above. This interface is also pretty intuitive. Running a diagnostic is as simple as pushing a button.
Diagnostic (click pic to enlarge)
Reports
I made a quick video showing how to generate and share reports!
Battery Tester
Yep. It tests your car battery for you as well.
Final Thoughts
The ANCEL BD310 is a full featured diagnostic computer. It is a bit easier and more intuitive to use from the smart phone app. And that is where you have to generate reports. I didn’t mention the HUD feature much but you can display critical information in HUD Mode. Maybe your car is running hot. You can keep an eye on it easily.
If I had a dream feature for the ANCEL BD310 (and other diagnostic computers) it would be a key fob programmer. The only reason I thought of this was because one of my key fobs actually died yesterday.
And the feature I like best is the ability to generate and share reports. If you know what is wrong with your car BEFORE you go to the mechanic you are more likely to have a better experience with the repair process.
JOHN’S TECH BLOG LOVES ANCEL DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS