Install the Correct ELM327 OBD2 Driver for Windows

This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing the correct ELM327 OBD2 driver on your Windows computer, ensuring seamless communication with your vehicle for diagnostics and troubleshooting. A properly installed driver is essential for your OBD2 software to detect the ELM327 device and connect to your car’s onboard computer.

Identifying the Correct ELM327 OBD2 Driver

Before installing the driver, connect your ELM327 USB scanner to your Windows laptop. Windows may automatically install a driver, but it’s crucial to verify its correct installation.

1. Open Device Manager:

   • Windows XP: Control Panel » System » “Hardware” tab » Device Manager
   • Windows Vista/7/8/10/11: Control Panel » System » Device Manager

2. Expand Ports (COM & LPT): Look for devices like “USB-Serial CH340,” “FT232R USB UART,” “Prolific USB-to-Serial,” “USB Serial Port,” “USB2.0-Serial,” or “Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge.”

3. Check for Errors: A yellow exclamation mark (!) indicates a driver problem. If you see one, proceed to the driver installation section. If no yellow mark is present, your driver is likely installed correctly.

Downloading and Installing the ELM327 OBD2 Driver

We offer several driver packs to address compatibility issues across different ELM327 devices and Windows versions. Download and install them in the order presented below until the yellow exclamation mark in Device Manager disappears. Restart your PC after each installation.

• Driver Pack 1 (CP210x): http://totalcardiagnostics.com.s3.amazonaws.com/CP210x_VCP_Windows.zip

  • Run CP210xVCPInstaller_x64 for 64-bit Windows.
  • Run CP210xVCPInstaller_x86 for 32-bit Windows.

• Driver Pack 2 (Prolific PL2303): http://totalcardiagnostics.com.s3.amazonaws.com/PL2303_Prolific_DriverInstaller_v1.8.0.zip

• Driver Pack 3 (FTDI): http://totalcardiagnostics.com.s3.amazonaws.com/CDM_v2.10.00_WHQL_Certified_FTDI.zip

• Driver Pack 4 (CH340): http://totalcardiagnostics.com.s3.amazonaws.com/CH340-USB-Driver.zip

• Driver Pack 5 (Prolific for Windows 8): http://www.totalcardiagnostics.com/files/prolific_Win8_x64_x86.zip

  1. Important: Extract the folder to your Desktop.
  2. Right-click on “ser2pl” (gear icon) and select “Install.”
  3. Connect the ELM327. In Device Manager, under Ports (COM & LPT), right-click on “Prolific” with the yellow mark, and select “Update Driver Software.”
  4. Choose “Browse my computer for driver software.”
  5. Select “Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.”
  6. Uncheck “Show compatible hardware.”
  7. Choose Prolific driver version 3.3.2.102 and install.

• Driver Pack 6 (Total Car Diagnostics): http://www.totalcardiagnostics.com/files/TotalCarDiagnostics-ELM327-Driver-Package.zip

  1. Extract the folder.
  2. Run “InstallUSB.”

Advanced Troubleshooting for ELM327 OBD2 Driver Issues

If the yellow exclamation mark persists, try these steps:

1. Verify ELM327 Functionality: When plugged in, all lights on the ELM327 should flash briefly, then settle on a solid red light. If not, the device may be faulty.

2. Try Different USB Ports: Sometimes, a different USB port resolves the issue.

3. Manually Update Driver:

   • In Device Manager, right-click the device with the yellow mark.
   • Select “Update Driver Software.”
   • Choose “Browse my computer for driver software.”
   • Navigate to the extracted Driver Pack 6 folder, ensuring “Include subfolders” is checked.
   • Click “Next” and install, ignoring any red warnings.

4. “Code 10 Error” Fix: If you encounter a “Code 10 error” with “Prolific USB-to-Serial”, refer to our specialized guide for this specific issue.

Testing Your ELM327 OBD2 Connection

After installing the driver, use a free OBD2 software like EasyOBD to test the connection:

1. Download and install EasyOBD: http://www.totalcardiagnostics.com/files/EasyOBD-Test-OBD-Software.zip

2. Connect your ELM327 to your computer and car. Turn the ignition to the “ON” position (dashboard lights on, engine off).

3. Launch EasyOBD. It should connect automatically. Green lines indicate a successful installation. Red lines suggest incompatibility.

By following these instructions, you should successfully install the appropriate ELM327 OBD2 driver and establish a reliable connection for vehicle diagnostics. If problems persist, consult our support resources or contact us for assistance.