The car diagnostic tool for the public
THE VISION
Open-Source
Built with a commitment to transparency and collaboration, in line with open-source principles.
Data-driven
Contributing to more sustainable vehicle maintenance and reduced environmental impact.
Accessible for All
Designed for the public aiming to meet the needs of car owners and professionals.
Community Centered
Fostering knowledge-sharing and improvement across a community of users, developers.
THE ROADMAP
Libre Diagnostic is an open-source project aimed at building a system for car diagnostics. The goal is to use the ELM327 adapter as a bridge to sent across real-time binary data to a computer and develop a software that would check for error codes, and monitor various vehicle systems. By the end of the project, we’re hoping to have a user-friendly platform that anyone—from car owners to mechanics—can use to better understand and maintain their vehicles. The outcome will be a tool that’s free, easy to use, and supported by a community of developers and users.
PHASE 1: Research & Reporting
(Apr 2025 - May 2025)
- Create Technical Feasibility Report
- Create DTC & Diagnostic Standards Report
- Create a combined Requirements and Design Document outlining Core Features, System Structure, Data Flow and Tooling Selection
PHASE 2: Backbones of the System
(Jun 2025 - Aug 2025)
- Develop a module that connects to the ELM327 device, sends OBD2 and AT commands, receives raw responses, and parses them into readable values like RPM and speed
- Add a simulation mode that allows testing the app without a real car connection
- Develop an interface where the user can choose actions like reading data or clearing error codes
- Include a way to save diagnostic results and logs for future reference or debugging
PHASE 3: Brand-Specific Support
(Sep 2025 - Oct 2025)
- Add a brand selection menu before starting diagnostics to allow users to choose their vehicle manufacturer
- Support manufacturer-specific trouble code decoding by using brand-specific DTC lookup tables, where DTCs available
- Retrieve manufacturer-specific DTCs using standard Mode 22 queries where available, with fallback messaging when unsupported
- Add an optional simulation mode for brand specific DTCs that allows testing the app without a real car connection
PHASE 4: Additional Features & Graphical User Interface
(Nov 2025 - Dec 2025)
- Implement live data plotting and display a real-time graph of engine RPM
- Read and display the vehicle's battery voltage
- Build a fully GUI-driven interface that allows users to control all app functions
- Package the application into a standalone executable Linux file
PHASE 5: Post-Development Documentation
(Jan 2026 - Feb 2026)
- Create System Limitations and Possible Future Improvements Final Documentation
The END Goal
1.
Connect the ELM327 adapter to the car’s OBD-II port. Ensure the connection is secure and the adapter is properly seated.
2.
On your computer, access the Bluetooth settings and select the ELM327 from the list then pair it with your device.
3.
Download and install the Libre Diagnostic Software on your computer. Follow the installation instructions.
4.
Once installation is complete, initiate a real-time diagnostics session to wirelessly retrieve and analyze data.
ELM327
ELM327
The ELM327 is a publicly available and affordable device that interfaces with a car’s OBD-II port, allowing access to the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system.
It acts as a bridge between the car and a computer or mobile device, communicating via Bluetooth or USB.
THE FEATURES
Real-Time Data Monitoring
Comprehensive Diagnostic Codes
User-Friendly Interface
Wireless Connectivity
Supports Multiple OBD-II Protocols
Graphical Data Representation
Data Export Functionality
Battery Voltage Monitoring
The community
THE FORUM
Join the conversation soon! Our forum is currently under construction and will be open for collaboration and discussion shortly
THE CONTRIBUTERS
Everybody who is interested in this project is welcome to help or share ideas!
Email to: contact@librediagnostic.com
THE SPONSORS
This project was funded through the NGI0 Core Fund, a fund established by NLnet with financial support from the European Commission’s Next Generation Internet programme, under the aegis of DG Communications Networks, Content and Technology under grant agreement No 101092990.
