OBD2 Dashboard 🚗📟

Overview

This repository hosts the code and documentation for an advanced automotive dashboard built using an ESP32-S3 microcontroller and an ELM327 OBD-II module. The dashboard displays real-time vehicle sensor data, including RPM, speed, coolant temperature, engine load, oxygen sensor voltage, battery voltage, fuel economy, and more, providing an intuitive graphical interface for monitoring vehicle performance.

Features

• Real-Time Vehicle Diagnostics: Instantly fetch and display OBD-II data.
• Graphical Interface: Rich UI built using Arduino_GFX.
• Easy Setup: Simple integration with ELM327 modules.
• Derived Calculations: Displays calculated parameters like instantaneous fuel economy.

Hardware Requirements

• ELM327 OBD-II Module (UART compatible) - Choose the PIC Version a.k.a double board pcb. Purchase Link

• JC3248W535 Developement Board (ESP32S3 Based) Purchase Link.

Libraries Used

Arduino_GFX

Getting Started

Hardware Connections

1. Connect ESP32-S3 UART pins to ELM327 (default GPIO 17 RX, GPIO 18 TX)

2. Connect the JC3248W535 display accordingly.

Setup & Installation

1. Clone the repository: git clone https://github.com/[YourGithub]/OBD2-Dashboard.git

2. Install Arduino_GFX: Go to Arduino IDE > Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries and search for Arduino_GFX.

3. Configure ESP32 board in Arduino IDE.

   

4. Upload the code via Arduino IDE.

How It Works

The ESP32-S3 sends OBD-II PID requests to the vehicle ECU via the ELM327 module over UART. Responses are parsed using specific formulas and displayed visually on the connected screen. Here’s a simplified example of how data is parsed:

// Requesting Coolant Temperature
sendOBDCommand("0105");

// Parsing OBD-II response
String hexData = response.substring(4, 6); // Extracting temperature hex data
int temperature = strtol(hexData.c_str(), NULL, 16) - 40; // Converting to Celsius
Serial.printf("Coolant Temp: %d°C\\n", temperature);

🖨️ 3D Printing Instructions (OBD2 Dashboard Holder)

To ensure optimal strength, heat resistance, and durability for use inside a car (especially on the dashboard), follow these recommended PETG printing settings:

General Settings:

• Material: PETG (Black or Dark Gray recommended for UV resistance)
• Nozzle Temperature: 235–250°C (depends on filament brand)
• Bed Temperature: 70–85°C
• Cooling: 20–50% fan after first few layers (avoid full fan to reduce warping and layer splitting)
• Speed: 60~70 mm/s (slow speed gives better layers).

Mechanical Strength:

• Infill Density: 50–75% (Grid or Gyroid preferred)
• Perimeters/Walls: Minimum 3
• Top Layers: 5
• Bottom Layers: 5
• Layer Height: 0.2 mm or 0.3 mm for balanced strength and detail

Adhesion Tips:

• Use a clean PEI sheet or apply glue stick/hairspray on glass for better bed adhesion.
• Enable a brim (5–8 mm) if corners lift.

Post-Processing (Optional but Recommended):

• Allow printed part to cool fully on the bed to avoid warping.
• For enhanced UV and heat resistance, consider applying a matte clear coat rated for automotive use.