ECO OBD2 Fuel Saver Busted - Voiding Warranties Ep 6

Summary

In this episode of 'Voiding Warranties,' the host tests a Chinese-made fuel saver device that claims to save 15% on fuel. After investigating various possibilities, including clearing OBD2 errors, reprogramming the car, or tricking it into more economical modes, the host uses a car simulator to test the device. Ultimately, the fuel saver fails to deliver, only flashing lights and providing no actual data. The host concludes that it doesn’t reprogram cars or improve fuel economy, and it's likely just a placebo, leaving consumers with a false sense of savings.

Takeaways

• 😀 The product being tested is a Chinese-made 'fuel saver' that connects to the OBD2 port of a vehicle.
• 😀 The device claims to save 15% on fuel by reprogramming the car’s ECU based on driving habits.
• 😀 It is marketed with a two-year warranty and a money-back guarantee, but the validity of these claims is unclear.
• 😀 The presenter is skeptical about the claims and doubts that a device like this could reprogram a car’s ECU.
• 😀 The OBD2 protocol is not designed for reprogramming a car’s ECU, which casts doubt on the device’s effectiveness.
• 😀 The product could theoretically send false data to the car’s CAN bus, but this might cause more harm than good.
• 😀 There is also a possibility that the device could trick the car into thinking it’s undergoing an emissions and fuel economy test.
• 😀 Instead of using an actual car, the presenter uses a car simulator to test the device’s functionality.
• 😀 The simulator sends random data mimicking ECU signals, allowing for a controlled test environment.
• 😀 Despite multiple attempts, the device fails to transmit or receive meaningful data, indicating it doesn't function as advertised.
• 😀 In conclusion, the device only flashes lights and creates the illusion of activity, failing to save fuel or reprogram the car’s ECU.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video focuses on testing a Chinese-made fuel saver, analyzing its claims and functionality, and exploring the impact it might have on vehicle performance and fuel economy.

What is the advertised function of the Eco OBD2 fuel saver?

The Eco OBD2 fuel saver is marketed as a device that plugs into a car's OBD2 port, claiming to save up to 15% in fuel consumption by remapping the car's ECU (Engine Control Unit) after driving 200 kilometers.

What is the skepticism expressed by the presenter about the product?

The presenter is skeptical about the product's ability to effectively reprogram a car's ECU to save fuel, citing limitations in the OBD2 protocol and the fact that reprogramming generally requires specialized tools and cannot be done by simple plug-in devices like this one.

How does the presenter test the product without using his own car?

The presenter uses a car simulator, which simulates an ECU, to test the product. This allows the device to interact with the simulator using the same OBD2 protocols, without needing to connect to an actual car.

What issues might arise when using multiple devices on a car's OBD2 port?

When multiple devices are connected to the OBD2 port, there can be collisions or conflicts in data transmission. The OBD2 devices might not correctly check for valid data, potentially leading to faulty or unreliable readings.

What is the significance of the reset button on the device?

The reset button on the fuel saver is intended to initiate a reset process. However, when pressed, the button gets hot, which suggests a potential design flaw or short to ground, making it a possible safety concern.

What was the outcome of the test with the Eco OBD2 fuel saver?

The test revealed that the Eco OBD2 fuel saver does not provide any useful data or make any functional changes. It only flashes lights and does not actually request or transmit any data through the OBD2 port, indicating that it does not perform as advertised.

What is the likely purpose of the flashing lights on the Eco OBD2 device?

The flashing lights on the Eco OBD2 device seem to be a gimmick designed to create the illusion that the device is functioning and providing value, even though no actual data is being transmitted or changes are being made to the car’s ECU.

What is the broader implication of using cheap OBD2 devices like the Eco OBD2 fuel saver?

Cheap OBD2 devices like the Eco OBD2 fuel saver are likely to provide no real benefit in terms of fuel savings or performance improvement. They may simply create a false sense of effectiveness for consumers who believe they are optimizing their vehicle's efficiency.

Why does the presenter mention the Volkswagen emissions scandal in relation to this device?

The presenter refers to the Volkswagen emissions scandal as an example of how car manufacturers can manipulate data to pass emissions and fuel economy tests. He speculates that the Eco OBD2 fuel saver might work in a similar way, tricking the car into thinking it is in a more fuel-efficient mode.