Bluetooth Data Link Connection Help

Select from below


General Bluetooth Interface Information

The NVH app calculates the most common vehicle vibrations with no additional tools required. Engine speed-related vibrations, however, can be an exception. If your vehicle has an engine speed-related vibration, the NVH app can read engine RPM from your vehicle’s Data Link Connector (DLC), improving diagnostic accuracy. A Bluetooth diagnostic tool is required to read engine RPM directly from the engine computer.

If you are a full-time service professional, field service engineer, field technical specialist, instructor, technician, or mechanic, you may want to purchase the Bluetooth diagnostic tool for regular use.


Do I need a Bluetooth Interface?

Depending on what type of transmission you have, you may need an optional Bluetooth data link connector (DLC) interface for your vehicle. There are six main types of transmissions on the road today:

  1. Automatic Shifted Transmissions – It is not necessary to use a Bluetooth DLC interface tool, but it can speed up engine speed-related vibration diagnosis. The NVH app estimates engine RPM during diagnostics based on your vehicle information. However, without a Bluetooth data-link connection, the estimated engine RPM is only accurate if you maintain a steady engine speed on a long, flat road surface (Use cruise control where possible).
  2. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)** – CVT’s require the use of a Bluetooth DLC interface tool to diagnose engine speed-related vibrations. Diagnosing tire speed and driveshaft speed-related vibrations do not require a Bluetooth DLC interface tool.
  3. Manual Shifted Transmissions – A Bluetooth DLC interface tool is unnecessary, but it can speed up engine speed-related vibration diagnosis. Adjust the shifting speeds to match when you shift your transmission in the Settings Screen, and you are ready to begin vibration diagnosis.
  4. Plug-In Hybrid-Electric (PHEV) and Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (HEV) Transmissions – A Bluetooth DLC interface tool is needed to diagnose engine speed-related vibrations. Diagnosing tire speed and driveshaft speed-related vibrations do not require a Bluetooth DLC interface tool.
  5. Class 4-8 Medium-Duty (MD) and Heavy-Duty (HD) Truck Transmissions – A Bluetooth DLC interface tool is needed to diagnose engine speed-related vibrations. Diagnosing tire speed and driveshaft speed-related vibrations do not require a Bluetooth DLC interface tool.
  6. Electric Vehicle (EV) Drive Units / Transmissions. A Bluetooth DLC interface tool is not needed. The NVH app can accurately calculate the RPM of an electric motor(s).

**Subaru and Nissan use CVT transmissions in most of their vehicles. Almost all other vehicle manufacturers use a CVT in one or more of their vehicles. A CVT does not shift like other transmissions; however, many CVT vehicles use paddle shifters on the steering wheel to give the driver the illusion of actually shifting.

Optional Bluetooth Adapters

Two High Quality and Durable Adapters are Supported
OBDLink MX+ and LX Bluetooth Adapters

 Light Duty Trucks and Passenger Cars

 

NEW! – January 2023. We have added support for the OBDLink MX+ (Apple and Android Devices) and the OBDLink LX (Android Devices Only).

The NVH app supports the OBDLink MX+ and LX with the following vehicle Data Link Connectors (DLC) and communication protocols

  • Android and Apple  – Passenger cars and light trucks with OBD-II since 1996 (16-pin DLC)

    Nexiq Blue-Link and Blue-Link Mini

    The Nexiq Blue-Link Mini works with Android and Apple iOS. The Nexiq Blue-Link is also supported. The NVH app supports the Blue-Link and Blue-Link Mini with the following vehicle Data Link Connectors (DLC) and communication protocols:

    • Android and Apple – Class 4-8 Medium Duty and Heavy Duty trucks from 2001 until today (Black or Green 9-pin DLC J1939 250kbps and Green 9-pin DLC J1939 500kbps).