OBDII bluetooth power always on
 

I bought an OBDII bluetooth scanner which is powered on even when the car is off. There is no on/off switch on it. The led is lit. It's a battery drain issue. I have not checked the actual draw on the battery yet, but the unit is slightly warmer than the iother plastic nterior componets sitting overnight. Is it typical that all these units are on once they are plugged in and has anyone checked the draw ? My unit was purchase off amazon, but it is probably the same as all the other Chinese units on Ebay. Thanks

Yes, usually they will continue to stay on and draw a bit of current when the car is off. That's why higher-end units have a power cutoff switch.

However, I seriously doubt it'll be an issue if your car is a daily driver. If it isn't, I would consider unplugging it before storing the car for multiple days.

You could always change the power going to the OBD pin to be an ACC wire and then you could have it turn on and off with your key.

Thanks, good to know it's not just my car. I don't believe I saw any with switches when I was looking, however I did not know of the power draw issue at the time.

Most "smart" loggers should shut off after they see the engine has stopped. I know my edge will do this. Maybe just leave it and see if after 5-10 mins it does turn off?

I have an OBD-to-USB adapter and a USB temperature module that stay powered up all the time. No problems so far in my DD. If I were going to go a week or more without driving the car, I'd unplug everything.

hmm wonder if this is the reason my car seems to barely start the last few times I tried to start it. It would sit all week and I only drive it on the weekends...

Hate to bring a dead thread back, but i just purchased an elm 327 and i am having the same issue. I am wondering if there is any way to by pass this without having to rewire or buy another obd II.

No magic trick to turn it off without rewiring the odbii or device. You can just simply unplug it when you get out of the car.