Multiecuscan

Hello,

In order to access my car's OBD port I have to remove some trim. To speed things up a bit, is it okay to leave the ELM interface plugged in to the port and feed it out so I can keep the trim on all the time? Just means I can plug the laptop in much more easily.

TIA

I see no problem with this but a better solution is to get a short extension cable for the EOBD port and just tuck that up behind the trim..

Many people have similar interfaces/dongles plugged into the OBD port so they can monitor stuff on their phones / etc.

If there is a concern, then it will be with the fact that the interface will take a small amount of power from the OBD port and if the vehicle is left for a long time without use you may flatten your battery.
The other concern would be with adapter changes as the 147 requires at least one different adapter cable. You will not have these concerns if you get a short extension cable for the EOBD port.

That's really helpful, thanks. Will any decent extension cable work? I ask because I had to buy a modified ELM to suit the car so does it follow that I'd also need to buy a modified extension?

Apologies if that's a daft question but I'm new to MES!

Any extension cable of good quality should be OK as all it is is a pin to pin extender. As long as it supports all the EOBD pins there will be no problem. You want the shortest one you can get that allows you to easily get access when required. 20cm or 30cm should be enough.

Examples: https://www.amazon.co.uk/obd-extension-cable/s?k=obd+extension+cable

You will note that some are ribbon cables. I would go for non ribbon https://www.gendan.co.uk/product_OBD20CM.html as if you can get your interface connected behind the trim panel then you will cetainly be able to get the more robust extension cable types.

Smashing, many thanks.