Getting Started

Installation

You can install the JScan app via Apple Appstore or Google Play, free of charge.

First steps & DEMO mode

After installation you can immediately start using JScan.

We highly suggest you start with the Demo Mode first. To enter the demo mode, simply choose your vehicle, and on the OBD Adapter choice screen select “Demo Adapter”.

The demo mode doesn’t connect to a real vehicle, uses sample data and gives you a preview of functions and features specific to the selected model.

How to use JScan

Here are some basics you should know before you connect to your car.

There are three main areas of the app:

  • Dashboard: with diagnostic and trail view functions

  • Modules: gives you access to live data of the vehicle’s modules

  • Adaptation: lets you configure / reprogram your vehicle

For further details, please see the User Manual section.

Working with a vehicle

First of all:

Warning

you will need one of the compatible adapters.

We generally recommend Bluetooth rather than Wi-Fi versions.

Once you have a proper adapter, see the instructions for Connecting to your vehicle.

If you haven’t purchased a license yet, you will be prompted to do so when connected to a car.

License

Straight after installation JScan allows you to connect to your vehicle (as long as it is supported of course) and read the data from the ECU. This means, that you can run a Quick Diagnostic but also take a look into ECU settings (via Adaptations) to see current values (for example wheel size, gear ratios, various features status etc.)

License gives you the following additional functions:

  • Advanced Scan

  • Live data in specific modules

  • Trail View (for selected Vehicles)

  • Data modfication: writing to the ECU

Note

After you buy a license, just connect to a vehicle and the app will ask if you want to assign the licene to the VIN.

For more details see the License section.

Connecting

You will need a compatible adapter. Check out the list of compatible adapters.

For vehicles from 2018 onwards, you will need a security bypass cable. See details for each vehicle on our website and read the warning on the main screen of JScan app.

Bluetooth adapter

Note

iPhones work with BT 4.0 (BLE) or newer adapters only.

  1. Plug the adapter into the OBD port

    In newer vehicles (2018+) you might need to use a security bypass cable in order to make changes to your vehicle. See the vehicle-specific section.

  2. Turn the key to ON/RUN position

    Caution

    The dashboard controls need to light up, basic checks need to be performed.

    ACC position is not enough.

    You can connect to your vehicle with engine running but don’t make any Adaptations unless they are explixitly designed for it. It’s fine to use Trail View, read Live Data, etc.

  3. To connect with most modern OBD Adapters there is no need to pair them with the phone first. You might need it with older devices (BT 3.0 & 2.0), but try without pairing first.

  4. Open JScan app

  5. Select your vehicle

  6. Select “Autoconnect” if your adapter is listed in the option’s description, or choose your proper BT adapter (note, that there are separate groups for 4.0 BLE and 3.0 & older BT adapters, make sure you tap the correct option)

    Note

    This is when the app store account license reads and locks the vehicle VIN, so if you connect to your mom’s / dad’s / friend’s vehicle to show them how JScan works, you will bind the license to their VIN. There’s no “undo”.

  7. Explore

Note

Hint: If you are having issues with connecting to the OBD Adapter please make sure that you gave all required permissions to the JScan app. This includes Location / GPS, and it has to be turned on in your phone. We DO NOT collect, store, or even use the location data in any way, but it has to be enabled dues to how mobile systems prviacy rules are built (in short: JScan needs to be allowed to to determine your location, because - in theory - it could do it based on the Wi-Fi or a BT device you are connected to).

Wi-Fi adapter

Follow the steps above, but at step 3.

  • connect to a Wi-Fi cast by the adapter

  • some adapters and phones will require you to disable mobile data transfer, otherwise the connection will fail

  • make sure you allow JScan to use your device location - it’s needed for establishing the wi-fi connection (see note above)