OBD adapters that work with the Mach-E & Lightning
Any ELM327-compatible Bluetooth LE adapter works with the Companion app. These are the ones owners consistently have the best experience with.
Recommended
| Adapter | Price | Why |
|---|---|---|
| vLinker FS | ~$36 | Made for Ford vehicles (it's the adapter the FORScan community standardized on). Fast, reliable, has a physical sleep switch so it never drains your 12V. |
| OBDLink CX | ~$40 | Compact, very low power draw, designed to live in the port permanently. Rock-solid Bluetooth LE. |
What to avoid
- $8 no-name ELM327 clones — many use ancient firmware, classic Bluetooth (not LE, so iPhones can't use them for this), or drop connections constantly. The app handles clone quirks, but a good adapter is $30 — buy once.
- Wi-Fi adapters — they hijack your phone's Wi-Fi connection. Bluetooth LE is the right tool on iPhone.
Where the port is
Both the Mach-E and the Lightning put the OBD-II port under the dash on the driver's side, left of the steering column. It's a trapezoid-shaped 16-pin connector. Push the adapter in firmly — no tools needed.
Can I leave it plugged in?
With the two adapters above, yes — both are designed for permanent installation with tiny sleep currents. The vLinker FS also has a physical power switch if you want to be extra careful. If you use a cheap clone, unplug it when parked for long periods; some clones draw enough to wear on the 12V battery.
Already have an adapter? The app's demo mode lets you explore every feature before you pair, and connection takes one tap once you're in the car.