CarDr OBDIQ · ULTRA · Reports · Integrations
How can we help?
Everything about scanning, reports, the Arbitration Risk Flag, and getting connected — searchable, visual, and written for the lane.
15 sec – 1 minFull scan
100+ECUs read
138+OEM protocols
90%+OEM coverage
01 · The app
The scan tool lives in your pocket.
CarDr OBDIQ runs the scan, decodes the VIN, and builds the report. Five screens, one scan — here's the whole flow.
Watch the live scan film →
Download CarDr OBDIQ
Free app · iOS 15+ / Android 9+ · pairs with the ULTRA adapter
Where do I find Clear Code in OBDIQ?
On the completed scan summary, look under CODE SUMMARY for the red Clear Code button. It is separate from the CODE RESET INFORMATION section. Use ignition ON, engine OFF for better clearing results, following your repair professional’s vehicle-specific procedure. The Clear Code progress popup includes a Close option for extended waiting times or failed responses. Closing the popup is not proof that codes were cleared; review the result before proceeding. Clear diagnostic trouble codes on supported vehicles and systems. Code clearing does not repair faults and can reset emissions readiness monitors. Save and review the scan before clearing. Rescan after appropriate repair. For help with the confirmation prompts on your app version, contact CarDr support with your vehicle and app version. See the original OBDIQ Clear Code screen. Request a guided walkthrough.
Is code-reset detection the same as clearing codes?
No. CODE RESET INFORMATION displays available information about an earlier reset, such as distance and warm-up cycles. Clear Code is a separate button under CODE SUMMARY that requests clearing on supported vehicles and systems. Reset information can be unavailable and does not prove a repair.
How do I run a scan, start to finish?
Turn on Bluetooth and mobile data, open OBDIQ and sign in, start the vehicle, plug ULTRA into the OBD port, tap Advanced Scan, enter the mileage, and tap Continue. When it finishes, tap COMPLETE to save. Something failing? Use the troubleshooter.
Do I need Wi-Fi or mobile data?
Yes — an active internet connection gives the best and most accurate results, and scan history syncs over it.
Which phones are supported?
iPhone on iOS 15 or later, and Android 9 or later. The app is free; scanning requires the ULTRA adapter.
Where do I see completed scans?
In the app under Scan Reports, and in the desktop web portal. History syncs across devices on the same account.
What does the finished report show?
A clear scan report brings OEM diagnostic codes and supported systems, repair-cost estimates, resting battery voltage, emissions readiness, reset information and Open Recall together. Available detail varies by vehicle and workflow. LIVE IN BETA. CarDr TrueCost turns the scan into an acquisition decision inside the OBDIQ app: severity-ranked repairs with cost estimates, live wholesale and retail market data, all-in cost, and a BUY / CAUTION / PASS verdict on the appraisal — plus a customer-facing trade-in offer view. See the sample TrueCost report.
Is there an extra charge for additional users?
No. A CarDr admin adds users through the web portal.
What is CarDr?
CarDr is a vehicle diagnostics and condition-reporting platform built for dealers, auctions, inspection teams, fleet users, warranty and underwriting workflows, and automotive software partners.
Who is CarDr for?
CarDr is built for multiple user groups, including used-car dealers, franchise dealers, auctions, field inspectors, managers, service operations, fleet teams, and platform partners that want diagnostic data inside their own applications.
What makes CarDr different?
CarDr combines the OBDIQ mobile app, the ULTRA OBD adapter, cloud services, sample report outputs, and manager tools. The platform is designed to deliver faster scans, broader OEM protocol coverage, deeper module access, and clearer reporting than basic generic OBD readers.
How fast is a scan?
Many scans complete in 15 seconds to about a minute (vehicles with more ECUs take about a minute), although actual scan time varies by vehicle — some vehicles have more ECUs and require more communication time than others.
What do I need before I scan?
A compatible iPhone or Android phone, Bluetooth turned on, mobile data turned on, the OBDIQ app installed, your login credentials ready, the vehicle started, and the ULTRA adapter fully seated in the OBD port.
What should I do after the scan finishes?
Review results on the main results screen, tap Complete to save the scan, then open Scan Results to view the saved report and share or reference it as needed.
What if the app will not connect?
Check that Bluetooth is on, app permissions were allowed, the phone is within about 5 feet of the adapter, and reopen the app if needed.
What if the scan is slow?
Some vehicles simply take longer because there can be 100+ ECUs to read. Wait for completion and do not unplug the adapter during the scan.
The app won't connect to the ULTRA adapter
Turn on Bluetooth and mobile data, allow all app permissions, and stay within about 5 ft of the adapter. The first connection can take up to a minute. Walk me through it
The scan won't start
Start the vehicle, re-seat ULTRA until the blue Ready light shows, enter the mileage, then retry Advanced Scan. Walk me through it
The scan is slow — is it stuck?
Vehicles can have 100+ ECUs, and some makes carry more than most — Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, and some Subaru models often take longer. Wait for completion; don't unplug the adapter or leave the area. Walk me through it
The app says it couldn't read the VIN (Identify Vehicle screen)
Some vehicles, including certain European models, don't share a readable VIN over the OBD port. Enter the VIN manually or select make, model, and year, then tap Confirm — the app tries again, and every failure is logged automatically. Check your VIN first
My scan isn't in Scan Reports
Tap COMPLETE at the end of every scan to save it, then open Scan Reports from the home screen. Make sure you're signed in with the account that ran the scan. Walk me through it
I can't sign in
Check mobile data, use the login your company assigned, or tap RESET PASSWORD on the sign-in screen. Walk me through it
I denied a permission at first launch
iPhone: Settings → OBDIQ ULTRA → turn on Bluetooth. Android: Settings → Apps → OBDIQ ULTRA → Permissions → allow Nearby devices and Location. Then relaunch the app.
02 · ULTRA adapter
Plug it in right, every time.
ULTRA is a patent-pending, dynamically reconfiguring OBD adapter — not a code reader. Seating it fully is 90% of a clean scan.
ULTRA product page →Step 1
Find the OBD port
Under the steering wheel, within about 2 ft of the column — a 16-pin trapezoid.
Step 2
Push until fully seated
Vehicle started, press ULTRA firmly into the port — no gap, no wiggle.
Step 3
Wait for blue “Ready”
The blue light means paired and ready. The app confirms the connection.
138+ OEM protocolsDynamic pin reconfiguration per make/model
Resets caught~23% had recently cleared codes in an auction sample of 10,000 scans
Full scan in 15 seconds to about a minuteMultiplexed — modules read in parallel
Always currentLogic updates from the cloud, no hardware refresh
CarDr ULTRA · white-label housings available for partners
Where exactly is the OBD port?
On almost all vehicles since 1996: under the dash on the driver's side, below the steering wheel. Some are behind a small flip-down panel. It's the 16-pin trapezoid connector.
Does the vehicle need to be running?
Cold + Warm Scan: Cold Scan (ignition on, engine off) captures resting battery voltage and the ECU baseline; Warm Scan (engine running) confirms what persists; one merged report separates voltage-sensitive codes from persistent faults. Resting battery voltage is part of every scan report. Follow your site's SOP if it differs.
Can I leave the adapter plugged in between scans?
Unplug it when the scan is COMPLETE and before the vehicle leaves — one adapter moves lane to lane with the inspector.
How do I order adapters?
Order diagnostic service through the Order page: ULTRA OEM Scan Starter — 50 Scans is $299 one-time with 50 scans and 1 included ULTRA adapter; ULTRA OEM Scan Team Pack — 200 Scans is $599 one-time with 200 shared scans and 2 included ULTRA adapters. Adapters are included at no separate charge. Shipping included; CarDr sales tax: $0. Read OEM diagnostic codes from engine, transmission, ABS, airbag and other supported systems. Coverage varies by vehicle and system. Repair-cost estimates help assess reconditioning costs and vary by vehicle and condition. Available code criticality and likely parts detail help prioritize inspection; estimates are not quotes or confirmed repairs. Clear diagnostic trouble codes on supported vehicles and systems. Code clearing does not repair faults and can reset emissions readiness monitors. Resting battery voltage is a reading, not a load test or a full battery-health diagnosis. A clear scan report brings findings together; Open Recall is included. Monthly scan plans are priced per rooftop: Dealer OEM 50 Monthly $219/month for 50 scans; Dealer OEM 100 Monthly $399/month for 100 scans; Dealer OEM 250 Monthly $699/month for 250 scans; Dealer OEM 500 Monthly $1,299/month for 500 scans; Dealer OEM Unlimited Monthly $1,799/month for unlimited scans. Unlimited scans are subject to a fair-use policy. Every plan shares its scans across ALL existing account ULTRA adapters at the rooftop. Additional ULTRA adapters: $135 each. Contact support@cardr.com to add adapters. Choose a plan to enroll at checkout: the first month is charged today and Stripe handles the monthly renewals you authorize. For legacy first-month checkout, CarDr will contact you to set up monthly billing. One rooftop per order; additional rooftops are separate orders; one-time packages never start a subscription. No new adapter is included. CarDr collects $0 sales tax. Month-to-month with 30-day cancellation. Monthly scans expire at the end of the billing period and do not roll over. Choose Dealer OEM 50 Monthly · Choose Dealer OEM 100 Monthly · Choose Dealer OEM 250 Monthly · Choose Dealer OEM 500 Monthly · Choose Dealer OEM Unlimited Monthly CarDr staff confirm enrollment separately. Partners can get white-label housings via sales@cardr.com.
How close do I need to stay to the adapter?
Stay within about 5 feet of the active ULTRA adapter during the scan. Moving too far away can interrupt communication.
Can multiple cars be scanned nearby at the same time?
Yes, but concurrent scans should be separated. A practical field rule is to keep active scan vehicles roughly 15 feet apart to avoid Bluetooth congestion.
Can I clear codes with CarDr?
On the completed scan summary, look under CODE SUMMARY for the red Clear Code button. It is separate from the CODE RESET INFORMATION section. Use ignition ON, engine OFF for better clearing results, following your repair professional’s vehicle-specific procedure. The Clear Code progress popup includes a Close option for extended waiting times or failed responses. Closing the popup is not proof that codes were cleared; review the result before proceeding. Clear diagnostic trouble codes on supported vehicles and systems. Code clearing does not repair faults and can reset emissions readiness monitors. Save and review the scan before clearing. Rescan after appropriate repair. For help with the confirmation prompts on your app version, contact CarDr support with your vehicle and app version. Where to find Clear Code.
03 · Scan reports
One scan, eight IQ modules.
Every finished report is a time-stamped, VIN-matched record you can share as a secure link, print, or pull through the API.
See real sample PDFs →Repair Summary IQParts + labor cost bands per finding
Vehicle IQYear, make, model, trim, drivetrain from VIN
Code Summary IQEvery DTC by module, prioritized by severity
Emissions IQO2, catalyst, EVAP, EGR readiness
Vehicle History IQMaintenance, repair & ownership history
Safety Recalls IQOpen NHTSA recalls for the VIN
Pricing Valuation IQMarket value estimates, local data
Code Reset IQCleared-code detection — miles & cycles since reset
View 1
Snapshot— quick code list and overview, for the lane.
View 2
Customer Summary— adds repair costs and plain-English code descriptions.
View 3
Full Scan Report— the complete record, for technicians and arbitration files.
A real CarDr report: findings by module, repair estimates, and scan results.
What exactly is in a scan report?
VIN, mileage, timestamp and resting battery voltage (part of every scan report); every DTC by ECU graded current / pending / historic / permanent; what each code means and its repair cost band; emissions readiness; code-reset detection; open recalls; and a secure shareable link.
Can I print or share reports?
Yes — reports open as secure links you can share, and the portal supports viewing and printing. Sample PDFs are on the Sample Reports page.
Where do managers log in?
At
prods.obdiq.com with manager credentials — every scan, every location, one dashboard.Can managers filter and search?
By location, inspector, VIN, make, model, year, and date — including arbitration-vehicle lookup by VIN.
What can a CarDr report show?
Resting battery voltage is part of every scan report. Depending on the workflow and vehicle, CarDr reports can include VIN and vehicle details, current and historic DTCs, advanced B/C/U/P codes where supported, code reset information, emissions readiness, repair estimates, recalls, and condition-report style outputs.
What can managers do in the portal?
Managers can view scan reports, track inspections by inspector, search scans by VIN, search by location, look up arbitration vehicles by VIN, and filter scans by date.
What report views are available?
Snapshot, Customer Summary, and Full Scan Report. Snapshot provides a quick code list and overview. Customer Summary adds repair cost and code descriptions. Full Scan Report provides the most detailed scan output.
04 · Arbitration Risk
See the flag. Make the call.
The Arbitration Risk Flag appears right on the scan screen at check-in — a routing signal, decided before the vehicle enters the lot.
Watch: check-in triage with the Arbitration Risk Flag
The flag, the before/after queue comparison, and the example report — on a real lot.
How the flag routes a vehicle
Scan at outside check-in → the flag decides the route
The FlagShown at the scanAppears immediately so the porter can route the vehicle. A routing direction — not a sale-light status or condition guarantee.
The Score ReportComputed on requestThe deeper Arbitration Risk Score Report — per-DTC scoring, root causes, repair exposure. Example RPT.T8066: CRITICAL, 92/100.
The flag in the app at scan completion — “View Arbitration Risk Report on portal.”
What is the Arbitration Risk Flag?
A signal computed from the scan that routes each arriving vehicle: no flag → left, toward the sale lane; flag → right, to focused inspection before release. Routing always follows your auction's SOP.
Does “no flag” mean the vehicle is problem-free?
No. It means nothing in the scan triggered the risk model. Routing is a triage decision, not a certification.
Flag vs. score — what's the difference?
The flag shows instantly after every scan. The Arbitration Risk Score Report is a deeper assessment computed only when requested — individual DTC scoring, policy triggers, and repair cost exposure.
Is the 92/100 a probability of arbitration?
No — it's a risk metric for prioritization, not a 92% probability. Repair figures in the report are estimates.
Do buyers see these reports?
Only if your workflow shares them. Reports aren't automatically attached to listings — that depends on your auction's configuration and integration.
05 · For auctions
Why auctions scan at check-in.
Inspect by exception: unflagged cars keep moving, mechanical staff focus on the vehicles that need them, findings land before the sale.
Plan an auction pilot →~1.1%apparent arbitration rate in a top auction group pilot, Northeast, vs a ~4% benchmark
82.4%of later-arbitrated vehicles had been flagged — 14 of 17, across 10,447 scans (Midwest group)
1.1%arbitration rate in a Northeast group pilot — 2 of 179
Why scan every vehicle instead of inspecting every vehicle?
A scan of 15 seconds to about a minute at outside check-in routes the fleet: most vehicles proceed, flagged ones get focused review. Inspection effort concentrates where the risk is — that's the triage model in the 45-second film above.
Where does the scan happen?
At outside check-in, before the vehicle enters the perimeter. The inspector plugs ULTRA in, reads the flag in the app, and the route is set once.
What does the GM get out of it?
Faster vehicle flow, focused inspector time, handling costs set once at check-in, mechanical findings before sale, and documentation that supports review and disclosure.
How does a pilot work?
Four steps over ~30 days: agree baseline and SOP → scan at outside check-in → route and document → compare flow, inspection effort, handling, and arbitration outcomes against your baseline.
Does routing replace our SOP?
No — routing follows your SOP, and the pilot starts by defining exactly what each route means at your auction.
What do inspectors deliver per vehicle?
The Arbitration Risk Flag at the scan, the Full Scan Report for documentation, and (on request) the Arbitration Risk Score Report.
06 · For dealers
Know the risk before you buy.
An OEM-level read in 15 seconds to about a minute (vehicles with more ECUs take about a minute) at appraisal — codes across modules, reset detection, and repair cost bands per VIN.
Dealer page →Getting started takes three steps
- Choose diagnostic serviceOne-time packages include ULTRA at no separate charge. Monthly service requires separate enrollment.
- Download CarDr OBDIQFree on the App Store and Google Play — sign in with your credentials.
- Scan at appraisalEvery trade and wholesale unit, before you commit capital.
What does every CarDr scan package include?
Read OEM diagnostic codes from engine, transmission, ABS, airbag and other supported systems. Coverage varies by vehicle and system. Repair-cost estimates help assess reconditioning costs and vary by vehicle and condition. Available code criticality and likely parts detail help prioritize inspection; estimates are not quotes or confirmed repairs. Clear diagnostic trouble codes on supported vehicles and systems. Code clearing does not repair faults and can reset emissions readiness monitors. Resting battery voltage is a reading, not a load test or a full battery-health diagnosis. A clear scan report brings findings together; Open Recall is included.
Which vehicle systems are supported?
Read OEM diagnostic codes from engine, transmission, ABS, airbag and other supported systems. Coverage varies by vehicle and system.
Are repair-cost estimates a repair quote?
Repair-cost estimates help assess reconditioning costs and vary by vehicle and condition. Available code criticality and likely parts detail help prioritize inspection; estimates are not quotes or confirmed repairs.
Is resting voltage a full battery-health diagnosis?
Resting battery voltage is a reading, not a load test or a full battery-health diagnosis.
How do I sign up?
Order diagnostic service from the Order page; the ULTRA adapter is included at no separate charge. Download the free OBDIQ app and use your verified business account to scan. Monthly scan plans are priced per rooftop: Dealer OEM 50 Monthly $219/month for 50 scans; Dealer OEM 100 Monthly $399/month for 100 scans; Dealer OEM 250 Monthly $699/month for 250 scans; Dealer OEM 500 Monthly $1,299/month for 500 scans; Dealer OEM Unlimited Monthly $1,799/month for unlimited scans. Unlimited scans are subject to a fair-use policy. Every plan shares its scans across ALL existing account ULTRA adapters at the rooftop. Additional ULTRA adapters: $135 each. Contact support@cardr.com to add adapters. Choose a plan to enroll at checkout: the first month is charged today and Stripe handles the monthly renewals you authorize. For legacy first-month checkout, CarDr will contact you to set up monthly billing. One rooftop per order; additional rooftops are separate orders; one-time packages never start a subscription. No new adapter is included. CarDr collects $0 sales tax. Month-to-month with 30-day cancellation. Monthly scans expire at the end of the billing period and do not roll over. Choose Dealer OEM 50 Monthly · Choose Dealer OEM 100 Monthly · Choose Dealer OEM 250 Monthly · Choose Dealer OEM 500 Monthly · Choose Dealer OEM Unlimited Monthly
Is there a contract or minimum term?
No — billing is month-to-month. Payment by major credit card, debit, or ACH.
What do dealers use it for?
Trade appraisals, wholesale buys sight-unseen, pre-bid evidence, recon planning and routing, reset detection on units that look “too clean,” and disclosure documentation of what was known and when.
What does it catch that a generic reader misses?
Advanced B, C and U codes across 100+ ECUs, recently cleared codes (~23% in an auction sample of 10,000 scans), transmission and radar codes, and per-VIN repair cost bands.
Can my whole team use it?
Yes — no extra charge for additional users; your CarDr admin adds them in the web portal.
07 · API & SDK
Your app. Our diagnostics.
Two pathways and four integration levels — from a branded app the same week to a fully embedded SDK in 4–6 weeks.
Developer reference →Pathway A · no hardware
Cloud APIs
REST/JSON, live in days.
- VIN decode · DTC lookup with plain English
- Predicted Component Failure (parts, labor, cost)
- Code-reset detection · emissions readiness
- Branded Condition Report API
Pathway B · ULTRA + SDK
Hardware-powered SDK
iOS, Android, React Native — same methods on all three.
connectToDevice()·startScan()— full scan in 15 seconds to about a minutestartLiveDataStream()— live PIDs (RPM, temps, trims)getRecentCodeReset()·getRepairCostSummary()- White-label adapter housings available
1No integrationPartner-branded OBDIQ app + report linksLive same week
2MinimalYour logo in app, branded secure links~1 week
3PartialURL APIs — scan data in your UI~2 weeks
4FullEmbedded SDK + REST, white-labeled4–6 weeks
Cloud API or SDK — which do I need?
No hardware and data-only needs (appraisals, warranty pre-checks, DMS plug-ins): Cloud APIs, integrated in days. Live scanning in your own app (inspections, recon, auctions): the ULTRA + SDK pathway.
How fast can we go live?
Level 1 (branded app, no code) ships the same week; Level 4 (fully embedded SDK, white-labeled) typically takes 4–6 weeks. Timelines are confirmed at scoping.
Which platforms have SDKs?
iOS, Android, and React Native — with consistent method names across all three.
Can we white-label the hardware?
Yes — custom-branded ULTRA adapter housings, paired with SDK scans and API data under one vendor relationship. Contact sales@cardr.com.
How do we start?
Scoping call → sandbox keys, docs and SDK packages → pilot with adapters at test sites → production with OTA updates and developer support.
Does CarDr support integrations?
Yes. The CarDr SDK/API supports both cloud-based APIs and ULTRA adapter plus SDK options for deeper embedded workflows — see our SDK & API page for details.
Can CarDr work without an OBD device?
Yes, for some use cases. The cloud API is positioned for VIN decode, DTC lookup, predicted component failure, code reset detection, repair estimation, emissions readiness, and condition-report outputs without requiring hardware in every workflow.
What kinds of businesses can integrate CarDr?
Developers, DMS providers, auctions, inspection platforms, dealership software, warranty apps, reconditioning workflows, and fleet services.
What are the integration levels?
No integration, minimal integration, partial integration, and full integration — depending on whether a partner wants a branded app experience, link-based reporting, API access, or embedded SDK workflows.
08 · Troubleshooting
Scan not working? Fix it yourself in minutes.
The interactive troubleshooter walks you through yes/no checks, verifies VINs, and shows exactly where to stand — in the same style as the app.
09 · Billing & account
Billing, users, and access.
How long are contracts?
Billing is month-to-month — no long-term commitments.
What payment methods do you accept?
Major credit cards, debit cards, and ACH withdrawal.
Who handles billing questions?
Email
support@cardr.com or call (800) 932-1120, option 2 — Monday–Friday, 7am–7pm CT.How do I add users to my account?
A CarDr admin adds them through the web portal at
prods.obdiq.com. No extra charge per user. Dealership managers will also receive this access as part of an upcoming update.Where do I log in?
The app with your assigned credentials; the manager portal at
prods.obdiq.com.Where do I download the app?
The App Store or Google Play — links in the app section above.
Where can I learn more or get started?
Useful entry points include the home page, the ULTRA page, sample reports, the order page, the SDK/API page, and the manager portal at prods.obdiq.com.