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The OBD2 adapter Garmin ecoRoute HD in test
OBD2-real-time data promise some additional benefits for mobile Navis

Hannover, February 18, 2011 'For manufacturers of mobile navigation systems, it has become difficult to develop features that can set them apart from the competition. The more tense we were to try Garmin ecoRoute HD new product that promises to add real value. ecoRoute HD is an extension of Garmin mobile navigation devices that can display and process data from the OBD2 interface of the vehicle according to the manufacturer. Prerequisite is also an adapter for list price of 99 euros, which is plugged into the OBD2 interface and sends the read data via Bluetooth to the navigation device.

When it comes to Garmin, the mobile navigation system with ecoRoute HD into a veritable diagnostic device that can display a variety of engine data, as well as error codes and their meanings in plain text, if the OBD2 interface reports any error. Is In addition, the provider advertises that the ecoRoute software can even better help by using the real-time data from the OBD2 interface save fuel. We tried on several vehicles whether it is worth investing in the adapter.
Ran to the can

Before you can use ecoRoute HD is firstly a Garmin Navi series 1xxx, 2xxx or 3xxx, we got the Garmin nüLink 1695 is available. Second, you need the "Garmin ecoRoute HD Bluetooth adapter", one gets already for just over 70 euros now. Connecting the connector to the OBD2 interface in the vehicle does not present any problems, provided that the interface such as in most cases, is freely accessible somewhere below the steering wheel. However, this is not the case with every vehicle and to examine in each individual case, especially since the reset button should still be accessible. It is required, if for some reason no longer works for the transfer Navi.

The adapter is provided with a short cable, sits at the end of the connector for the OBD socket. It is long enough to be swinging around the adapter between the pedals, which would be a security risk 'but on the other hand too short to accommodate the adapter in a safe place can. For fixing lodged with Garmin cable ties and double tape. In a recent model of Subaru, we were able to secure the adapter with the cable ties easily, because an opening in the bottom cover of the instrument panel allowed this conveniently. In a Mercedes A-Class, however, the tape had to serve that is not sure, however, stuck because of the surface material used there. With an extension cord could circumvent these problems well. Even better would be a small adapter that can be plugged without any Kabelei.
Colorful variety of data

When first connecting the engine and the navigation must be turned on in this order. Then can the menu Bluetooth Connect. Normally, this procedure is only required once. In one case, the connection was lost to us, the reason we were unable to clarify. The adapter is designed according to Garmin so that it also stores OBD2 information if you do not use the navigation system; at its next use he passes the data by then.

First we tried the display, are shown in the various engine data in the cockpit-like circular instruments' by the way pretty deposited with a simulated carbon surface. Here you can learn then during the journey so interesting things as engine load, ignition timing, speed, coolant temperature and intake air temperature. The playful pleased assessed technology fans, but the benefits are clear. Only speed and coolant temperature have real value in practice, but in many modern cars displayed anyway. More seriously, in our view the potential distraction effect, bring to the dashboard instruments with them.

Diagnosis managed

To find out if ecoRoute HD can actually serve as a simple diagnostic device, we first had to find a vehicle that ever had an error. And indeed, in a large Opel with defective function of the lambda sensor the combination of adapter and Navi returned error code, supplemented by the plaintext "lambda probe, no activity, cylinder bank 2 sensor 1". The fact that this function towing or workshop costs can be reduced, such as Garmin thinks seems arg optimistic 'that facilitates remote diagnostics, at least plausible. Especially benefit those who are able to carry out repairs themselves. Anyway: here ecoRoute HD does indeed what the manufacturer promises.
Pseudo-measured value

Especially excited we were at how the OBD2 data affect the function of the ecoRoute feature of Navis. Because "save fuel and protect the environment" under the heading advertises Garmin so that the actual fuel consumption (plus CO2 emissions) will be displayed and the system navigates on request on fuel-efficient routes. Even when you set up ecoRoute HD on the navigation device we lop, because you have to enter the consumption of the vehicle used 'for what? The explanation is simple: The OBD2 interface is in reality neither the consumption nor the CO2 emission from 'how our tests also showed.

The idea that can be calculated as the engine load associated with the consumption entered an exact consumption data, also leads to nowhere. A linear relationship between load and consumption there is not simple. On demand Garmin explained that in the ecoRoute software actually only one is stored "universal curve", after it is judged whether or not you drive economically. A criterion such as the engine load can not contribute more than indicate that the driver is strong, for example, gas accordingly.

Whether you drive economically, indicate in ecoRoute apart from a consumption curve and a colored leaflets, which rewards the careful driver with the color green, like one knows about from Honda hybrid vehicles. Unfortunately, it quickly becomes clear during the journey that will no longer be evaluated, as one knows anyway: hectic tempo changes and high speeds are not conducive to consumption and be acknowledged with yellow or even red. Once more original Garmin: "By reading of vehicle and emission data in real time and the notes on optimizing the operating mode ecoRoute HD allows the operator to easily and practiced by a sustainable and environmentally friendly driving style."

We can confirm at best, that the presence of the function may increase the sensitivity of the issue. Since the advertising people have taken plenty of mouth, especially since OBD2 does not provide the necessary data de facto. For this purpose, for example, would be able to access stored in the vehicle characteristic diagram of the motor control required, does not occur.
Underused data

But otherwise would be to start with the OBD2 data quite something: The coolant temperature in conjunction with the load and speed could be used, for example, to the warm-up phase to help the driver in a motor sound driving. Granted, this is perhaps a bit too exotic idea that Garmin has also not implemented.

Interestingly, the sensor data of the vehicle but in any case for a smarter navigation. Finally OBD2 provides, among other things, the engine load, the engine speed, the accelerator pedal position and the speed. On the information about the steering angle and the turn signals to get through the OBD2 interface but not zoom. Still could be in many cases with a high probability to determine where the vehicle is' independent of the GPS positioning.

Blind flying

The biggest gains promise the sensor data in through tunnels where there is GPS reception more regularly. This is usually the domain of fixed installations, as they determine on the basis of speed signal and the steering angle in the tunnels position reasonably accurately and promptly warn drivers of underground exits' while aftermarket systems can only guess. But ecoRoute HD does not use this opportunity. When tunnel test, also showed that the speedometer froze, suggesting that the actually existing value is not even used.
Conclusion

The bottom line is the advertised features so only the well-functioning diagnostic function and the display of some more or less relevant motor data, the term ecoRoute but is semantically wrong. With what it can, the product may therefore be a nice toy, from its use, despite some security concerns is not necessarily advisable. Really fun but would only make the device when the usable OBD2 data would be used to improve navigation. ecoRoute HD starved literally in front of the deli.

(GGO / H cars)

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Update of review:
Device has failed at 1 month and 8 days of operation and can no longer connect / set.
Thus, this device is worthless!
In various forums, we this "failure" described repeatedly. If you want to define this part, which I would recommend to make using Google about problems with the Garmin ecoRoute HD smart !!! Anyway, I'll send it back - is a typical case of warranty.