You just purchased and received your first OBDLink® adapter. What do you do next?

This guide describes how to install and run the OBDwiz application, which supports the following versions of Windows: Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11. The steps and screenshots in this guide were taken on a device running Windows 11. Other Windows versions may operate differently. 

Follow the steps in this guide to begin using your adapter with your vehicle and the OBDwiz app.


Note: The screenshots in this article were taken using the OBDLink MX+ adapter. If you are using another OBDLink adapter, the screenshots may be slightly different.


Configure Bluetooth settings on your device

  1. On your Windows device, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.
    Windows Bluetooth and devices menu showing Devices settings.

  2. Scroll down to Device settings > Bluetooth devices discovery.
    Windows Bluetooth and devices menu showing Bluetooth devices discovery setting. The dropdown arrow is highlighted.

    Click the drop-down arrow to change the setting from Default to Advanced.
    Bluetooth devices discovery setting dialog. The Advanced setting is highlighted.




    Bluetooth devices discovery setting dialog. The Advanced setting is displayed. 

Leave the Devices settings screen open because you will need it in the next step.


Next steps:  Install and connect your OBDLink adapter


Install and connect your OBDLink adapter

  1. Start your vehicle’s engine by pressing the Start button.
    If your vehicle uses a key, turn the key to Accessory (Acc) mode.
  2. Plug your adapter into the OBD port in your vehicle.

    In most cases, the OBD port is in the driver’s side footwell, below the steering wheel.

  3. Check your adapter to confirm that the green power LED is on.

  4. On your adapter, press the Pair button.

    Note: Only OBDLink MX+ and OBDLink LX adapters have this button. If you are using a different adapter, skip this step.

  5. On your Windows device, on the Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices screen, click the Add device button.

    Windows Bluetooth and devices menu screenshot. The Add device button is highlighted.


    1. Click Bluetooth.

      Add a device menu screenshot. The Bluetooth option is highlighted.

    2. You will see a list of Bluetooth devices. Click on your OBDLink adapter.
      Add a device menu screenshot. Available Bluetooth devices are listed. The OBDLink MX+ device is highlighted.

    3. Click Connect if you are prompted to confirm a PIN.

      Note: Some Bluetooth adapters support numeric comparison and you may see the screenshot below. You can ignore the displayed PIN number and click Connect. If you are given an option to enter a PIN, enter the value 0000.

      Bluetooth device connection dialog. The Connect button is highlighted.


Note: Your adapter may show as Not connected because it is not being actively used, as shown in the screenshots below. In this case, Windows has added your adapter to the Bluetooth device list and the adapter is now in a standby state. Continue with the next step.

Bluetooth devices notification saying "Your device is ready to go!" The OBDLink adapter is highlighted.
Bluetooth and devices menu screenshot, showing a list of Bluetooth devices. The OBDLink MX+ adapter is highlighted.


Next steps:   Install the OBDwiz app


Troubleshooting tips


If you don’t see your OBDLink adapter in the Add a device list, try these steps:

  • Press the Pair button (OBDLink MX+ and OBDLink LX adapters only), and continue from Step 4.
  • Unplug your OBDLink adapter, plug it back in, and continue from Step 3.
  • Close the Bluetooth settings screen and reopen it, then start from Step 1.


If you can’t add your OBDLink adapter to the Devices list, try this step:

  • Sometimes Windows opens a small notification message when adding a Bluetooth device. It may be opened behind other apps on your desktop. Close the notification message. Check that other apps and screens are minimized during this process to avoid any issues.
    Windows Add a device dialog screenshot.


Install the OBDwiz app 

Before you continue, be sure that:

  • Your OBDLink adapter is added to the Bluetooth Devices list.
  • Your vehicle’s engine is running.


  1. On your Windows device, download and install the OBDwiz app:  https://obdwiz.app/
    Note: Some anti-virus programs will flag OBDwiz as potential malware and you may need to force an override. Be sure you are downloading from the recommended URL.
  2. After downloading, we recommend that you right-click the .exe file and select Run as Administrator. 

    You must accept the software license to run the OBDwiz app.

  3. Open the OBDwiz app by double-clicking on the desktop icon.

    OBDwiz application icon, which is a blue car with the word "OBDwiz" below it.

    Click OK to accept the Warning message.

  4. You will see the OBDwiz home screen.

    Image of the OBDwiz home screen.


  5. Click the Connect button to connect the OBDwiz app to your adapter.

    Image of the OBDwiz home screen. The Connect button is highlighted.


  6. In the OBDwiz app, you will see several Connecting messages. 

    You may not see all the example messages shown below because the connection steps happen quickly.

    OBDwiz connecting message, 1 of 2 examples.OBDwiz connecting message, 2 of 2 examples.

  7. When the connection is successfully completed, the Connect button is grayed out and the Interface and ECU indicators in the lower left are green (highlighted in the screenshot below).

    OBDwiz home screen. The Connect button is grayed out and highlighted. The Interface and ECU indicators are highlighted.

  8. You will see a notification about activating OBDwiz. Click OK to start the activation.
    OBDwiz notification message stating Activation is required.
    You can also click Help > License to open the Activate OBDwiz wizard.
    1. If you are a new OBDLink user, click the first option and click Next.
      Activate OBDwiz wizard. The option "I am a new OBDLink user" is highlighted. The Next button is highlighted.
      Otherwise, click the option that applies to you.

    2. Enter your first and last name, company name (optional), and email address. Click Next.
      Activate OBDwiz wizard screen showing fields for first name, last name, company, and email address.


    3. OBDwiz will display your activation code. Click Next.
      Activate OBDwiz wizard screen showing an activation code that is blurred out. The Next button is highlighted.

    4. Select how you want to activate your OBDwiz license and click Next.
      OBDwiz wizard screen showing a blurred out activation code and the options for choosing an activation method. The Next button is highlighted.

  9. When the activation is complete, you will see the OBDwiz home screen and you will still be connected to your OBDLink adapter.
    OBDwiz home screen. The Connect button is grayed out and highlighted. The Interface and ECU indicators are highlighted.

You may see an OBDwiz prompt to restart the application after activation is complete. Click OK, restart OBDwiz, and continue from Step 4 to connect to your vehicle.

Note: Even when you are connected in the OBDwiz app, you may notice a time delay before Windows shows that your adapter is connected in the Bluetooth & devices screen.


Click Help > License or Settings > About > License to open the License Manager dialog and review your information.

OBDwiz license manager screen showing blurred out information for the activation code, user name, company, and email address.


Next steps:  Configure the app for your vehicle


Troubleshooting tip

You may have issues connecting to OBDwiz if another OBD app is running, because the OBDLink adapter can only connect to one app at a time. You can’t run the OBDwiz app and another third-party OBD app (such as FORScan or AlfaOBD) at the same time. 


Configure the app for your vehicle

Make the changes described below to provide the most precise fuel economy, power, and torque estimates possible for your vehicle.

Before you continue, be sure that:

  • Your OBDLink adapter is connected to the OBDwiz app.


  1. In the OBDwiz app, click Tools > Vehicle Manager on the menu bar.
    OBDwiz home screen with the Tools menu option highlighted.

  2. In the Vehicle Manager dialog, click the gray button in the Edit column.
    Vehicle Manager dialog box. The gray button in the Edit column is highlighted.

  3. You will see the Vehicle Editor dialog showing the General tab.
    The OBDwiz app automatically attempts to read your vehicle’s identification number (VIN) and pre-populate your vehicle’s information on screen.
    Note: In some cases, the app may not be able to read or decode the VIN. In this situation, you can manually enter your vehicle year, make, and model in the Vehicle Editor.
    Vehicle Editor General tab showing vehicle details. The VIN number is blurred out.

  4. You can fine-tune settings on the Vehicle Editor > Fuel tab to improve the accuracy of fuel economy calculations. For example, if your vehicle uses E85 fuel (sometimes called flex fuel), click the Fuel tab and select E85 in the Fuel Type field.
    Check your User’s Manual for the exact engine size for your vehicle, then modify the Engine Size setting to enter an accurate value, such as 3.0.
    Vehicle Editor Fuel tab showing vehicle details.
  5. The OBDLink app automatically chooses a Fuel Calculation Method using the Parameter IDs (PIDs) supported by your vehicle. Each fuel calculation method uses certain vehicle values during the calculation.

    The default settings will work for most situations and vehicles. However, you can fine-tune the values to improve the calculation accuracy. 

    • Mass air flow rate

      Select one of the following Fuel Type options: Gasoline/petrol, E85, E100, or diesel

    • Intake manifold absolute pressure

      • Select one of the following Fuel Type options: Gasoline/petrol, E85, E100, or diesel

      • Enter an Engine Size value: Refer to your owner's manual for this information.

      • Volumetric Efficiency (VE): Tap the information icon found to the right of this field to learn about typical values for VE for different engine types. A number at the low end of the range is typically used for calculations. It may be possible to find additional information for your vehicle online.

    • Direct Fuel Rate

      No Vehicle Editor settings are used.

The OBDLink app makes power and torque calculations using the Fuel, Engine Size, and Brake Specific Fuel Consumption settings. The default settings will work for most situations and vehicles. It may be possible to find additional information about your vehicle online.

When you have finished making changes, click OK to close the Vehicle Editor and click OK to close the Vehicle Manager. 


Next steps:  View dashboard gauges


Learn more about vehicle settings

OBDwiz includes extensive help information. Click Help > Contents to open it.

  • Learn more about Vehicle settings in Configuration > Vehicle Management.
  • Learn more about Fuel settings in Configuration > Fuel Setup.


View dashboard gauges

OBDwiz displays several dashboards and diagnostic gauges by default, including engine RPM and speed. 

Your OBDLink adapter can be in the Not Connected state while you view dashboard gauges in the OBDwiz app. However, we recommend that you do these steps while Connected, because the OBDwiz app shows you all the displays your vehicle will report data for. (Before it is connected to your vehicle, the OBDwiz app displays all the PIDs it can access, some of which may not be available for your vehicle.)

  1. From the OBDwiz home screen, click Dashboards on the left side.
    OBDwiz home screen. The Dashboards button on the left side is highlighted.

  2. You will see the default dashboards and gauges.

    When your Windows device is Connected to the adapter in your vehicle, you can see live data from your vehicle on the dashboard. For example, if you tap the accelerator pedal, the engine RPM gauge value increases.

    Dashboards screen showing a dashboard view. The RPM gauge is highlighted.

  3. Click anywhere on the main dashboard to open the dashboard selector, which appears on the bottom of the screen. The selector will automatically hide if you don’t use it right away. 
    1. Click the green arrow buttons to toggle between the default dashboards. 

      Two of the four default dashboards are shown below.

      OBDwiz dashboard with green arrow buttons highlighted. 1 of 2 screenshots.
      OBDwiz dashboard with green arrow buttons highlighted. 2 of 2 screenshots.


    2. You can show or hide the left navigation pane by clicking the buttons highlighted below.
      OBDwiz dashboard with highlighted buttons for showing and hiding the left navigation pane.

    3. You can add a new gauge by clicking the Edit Dashboard button.
      OBDwiz dashboard with the Edit Dashboard button highlighted.

    4. You can switch to a different dashboard by clicking the Dashboard Selector button and choosing the dashboard by name.
      OBDwiz dashboard with the Dashboard Selector button highlighted.

  4. (Optional) Click the Edit Gauge icon to add a gauge.
    OBDwiz dashboard with the Edit Dashboard button highlighted.
    1. OBDwiz opens the Dashboard Editor dialog. Click the Add button.

      In this example, we selected the Gauge option.

      Dashboard Editor dialog box. The Add button is highlighted.


    2. You will see your new gauge on the dashboard highlighted in yellow. The Dashboard Editor dialog will list the new gauge at the top.
      OBDwiz dashboards screen showing a new gauge highlighted in green. The Dashboard Editor dialog is also shown. The new gauge Digital Display is highlighted.

    3. Click and drag the gauge to move it around on the dashboard. 

      Select the OBD-II Item to change the gauge from the default PID value (Vehicle Speed).

      Click the three dots (...) to open the PID Selector.

      OBDwiz dashboards screen showing a new gauge highlighted in green. The Dashboard Editor dialog is also shown. The OBD 2 item is highlighted, including the three dots button.


    4. In this example, we chose Engine coolant temperature. Click OK to save your selection.
      PID Selector dialog. The Engine Coolant temperature item is highlighted.

    5. Click the Save button to save your changes.
      Dashboard Editor dialog box with the Save button highlighted.

      Enter a dashboard name or use one of the default dashboard names and click Save.
      File Manager screen showing the list of saved obdwiz dashboards.

    6. You will see the new gauge you added on the dashboard.
      OBDwiz dashboards screen showing the new gauge highlighted in green.

Learn more about dashboards and gauges

OBDwiz includes extensive help information. Click Help > Contents to open it.

  • Learn about the default dashboard in Viewing Collected Data > Default Dashboard.
  • Learn how to edit dashboards and add new gauges in Customizing OBDwiz > Creating Custom Dashboards.


Next steps:  Update adapter firmware


Troubleshooting tips

Your vehicle may not support all of the gauges and displays shown by default in the OBDwiz app. 

If you edit PIDs in the OBDwiz app when it is not connected to your vehicle, you will see many PIDs that are not available for your specific vehicle. To avoid confusion, we recommend that you edit PIDs when the app is Connected to your vehicle.


Update adapter firmware

To install a firmware update using a Windows PC, download and run the STN Firmware Updater (a Windows utility) to connect to your OBDLink adapter as described below.

  1. Download the STN Firmware Updater utility.
    Windows Download Firmware Update Utility screenshot

  2. Run the Install-StnFirmwareUpdater.exe file.
  3. Connect to your OBDLink adapter.
  4. Click Upload and the updater will start the process.
    STN Firmware Updater screenshot. The Upload button is highlighted.

  5. When the process is complete, the updater will show that your adapter is up-to-date. 

    Click Disconnect and close the STN Firmware Updater.

    STN Firmware Updater screenshot. The Disconnect button is highlighted.


After the update is complete, use the OBDwiz software to connect the OBDLink adapter to your Windows device. 


Next steps:  Check vehicle diagnostics


Troubleshooting tips

After you update the firmware, your OBDLink adapter may not connect to your Windows device right away. Try these tips:

  • Unplug your OBDLink adapter and plug it back in again.
  • Check the Bluetooth settings for your Windows device and select your OBDLink adapter.

For more troubleshooting tips, see Update OBDLink Adapter Firmware, in the Troubleshooting section.


Check vehicle diagnostics

The OBDwiz app includes standard diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for free. You can purchase enhanced diagnostic add-ons to support additional DTCs for many vehicle types, which let you access additional modules and parameters that are not included in the SAE OBD-II standard. Common examples are reading and clearing codes for ABS (anti-lock braking system), SRS (supplemental restraint system), and TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system). 

Before you begin, be sure to: 

  • Start your vehicle and connect your Windows device to your OBDLink adapter.
  • Make sure your Windows device is not streaming to any other Bluetooth devices.
  1. (Optional) Purchase Enhanced Diagnostics for your vehicle.

    In the OBDwiz app, click Tools > Vehicle Manager on the menu bar.

    OBDwiz home screen. The Tools menu button is highlighted.

    In the Vehicle Manager dialog, click the gray button in the Edit column.
    Vehicle Manager dialog box. The gray button in the Edit column is highlighted.

    You will see the Vehicle Editor dialog showing the General tab. Click the Enhanced Diagnostics Available link.
    Vehicle Editor General tab. The Enhanced Diagnostics Available link is highlighted.

    You will see a browser window similar to the one below. Click Add to cart to purchase the enhanced diagnostics add-on for your vehicle.
    Browser window showing the OBDwiz Enhanced Diagnostics Add-on for Ford Vehicles page. The Add to Cart button is highlighted.

    You will receive an email with installation instructions for the Enhanced Diagnostics Add-on you purchased.
    When you have completed the Add-on installation process, click Settings > About > License or Help > License to view the License Manager dialog.
    You will see something similar to the screenshot below. Click OK to close the dialog.
    OBDwiz License Manager dialog box showing basic license information and license features for several add-ons. Personal details such as activation code, user name, and email address are blurred out.

  2. In the OBDwiz app, close the Vehicle Editor and Vehicle Manager dialogs if they are still open, then click Diagnostics in the left pane.
    OBDwiz Home screen with the Diagnostics button highlighted.

  3. You will see several tabs on the Diagnostics pane.
    1. The Trouble Codes tab shows any diagnostic trouble codes that were automatically read by OBDwiz. 

      Click the Refresh button to refresh the trouble code information from the vehicle.

      OBDWiz diagnostics screen showing the Trouble Codes tab. The Refresh button is highlighted.


    2. When a DTC is generated, your vehicle's Electronic Control Unit (ECU) will capture a set of PID values. The data on the Freeze Frame tab may help you understand what was happening at the time the DTC was generated.

      OBDWiz diagnostics screen with the Freeze Frame tab highlighted.


    3. The PID Values tab shows all of the PIDs that are currently configured.

      OBDWiz diagnostics screen with the PID Values tab highlighted.


    4. The Diagnostic Report tab combines the OBD-II diagnostic information into a single report that can be saved and recalled for your vehicle. You have several options including Save, Export, Print, and Store.

      OBDWiz diagnostics screen with the Diagnostic Report tab highlighted.


    5. The Console tab is primarily for expert OBD users. 

      We recommend you do not make any entries here or you could damage your vehicle.

      OBDWiz diagnostics screen with the Console tab highlighted.


Learn more about diagnostics


Next steps

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed and connected your OBDLink adapter and configured the OBDwiz app. 

You can explore other OBDLink features and functionality using our support article knowledge base.

For descriptions of terms used in this article, see the Glossary of Acronyms and Terms.


Need more help?

OBDLink Support Forum 

Submit a Support Ticket


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