MyVoltControl vs tes•LAX - CAN Bus Explorer Usage & Stats
MyVoltControl is designed specifically for the Chevrolet Volt (and related models), and the Chevrolet Bolt. ("Related models" include the Cadillac ELR, Cadillac CT6, Opel Ampera, Holden Volt, Opel Ampera-e.)
MyVoltControl requires the use of an OBD adapter that complies with the ELM327 specification (most do). You can use either:
- an OBDLink MX+ OBD adapter (preferred)
- an OBDLink MX-WiFi OBD adapter
- a Bluetooth-Low-Energy (aka Bluetooth 4) OBD adapter. (Classic bluetooth adapters are not supported by iOS.)
- a generic WiFi OBD adapter will work in most cases (but is not recommended).
If you need to buy an adapter, or to see a list of some that aren't ELM327 compatible, refer to the information in our FAQ page at http://www.CraftinDeApps.com/FAQ#MVC
These adapters plug into the OBD-II port under the left side of your dash.
The App itself is free. Use of the functions described below requires one-time in-app purchases to enable each one that you want to use.
MyVoltControl consolidates four functions, long available for other phones, and makes them available for the iPhone and iPad. In addition, the last one is unique to this app. These are known as:
-->> MyVoltHold
-->> MyVoltLifetime
-->> MyVoltDiag
-->> MyVoltAfterblow
-->> MyVolt12v
-->> The Volt Hold function does four things.
- First, at the top, it has several "information pages" that you can switch between to see information about your car. These are shown in the photos above.
- Second, it allows you to turn on a "Hold" mode which approximates the Hold mode built into the car beginning with the 2013 model. This Hold mode turns on the internal combustion engine (ICE) as needed to try to maintain a State of Charge value that is close to the charge that was present when you turned the mode on. So why, you may ask, would I want that function on a newer car. Very simple really. Since Sport mode and Hold mode are mutually exclusive, this function allows you to use the car Mode button to engage Sport mode, while using the Hold function in this App to achieve Hold mode at the same time! Hold mode can also be automatically engaged based on several factors.
- Next, it allows you to ask the car to run the internal combustion engine. You can use this to get heat from the engine on a cold morning, or to manually simulate your own Hold mode if you prefer.
- Finally, you can also use this function to force the ICE off, which you might want to do if the ICE is running due to low temperature (done for driver comfort).
The Volt Hold function is not available (and would serve no purpose) on the Chevrolet Bolt models.
-->> The Volt Lifetime function allows you to reset the lifetime fuel economy value ("Lifetime MPG" or "Lifetime L/100km") value for your car. You will find this useful if you've purchased a car which has recorded the previous owner's fuel economy results. You can also use this to calculate the distance travelled in both EV mode and on the ICE by entering the Lifetime Economy number shown on your dash. The Volt Lifetime function is not available (and would serve no purpose) on the Chevrolet Bolt models.
-->> The Volt Diag function allows you to run some tests on your high-voltage (traction) battery.
-->> The Volt Afterblow function allows you to control a system that GM added to your car to dry out the A/C vents. This system is OFF by default and the Volt Afterblow function allows you to turn it on (or back off).
This app function is not available for 2013 model year cars.
- You can use the Volt Afterblow feature ONLY if you are using an OBD adapter which supports the SWCAN (aka GMLAN) bus. It must also support the "ST" command set (in addition to the common "AT" command set). Very few adapters offer this support. The known to be good and recommended adapters for this are the OBDLink MX+ or the OBDLink MX-Wifi adapters.
-->> The Volt 12v function displays graphs showing the values of voltage and current on your 12 volt battery.
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tes•LAX is a CAN bus Explorer and visualization tool that works with CAN data from many sources, including gas-powered and electric vehicles.
** tes•LAX can connect to some OBD-2 accessories to show live CAN Bus data from your vehicle. Additional wiring, and installation is necessary. Damage done to your vehicle may not be covered by vehicle warranty. Proceed at your own risk. **
- Predefined visualizations with many useful signals for a popular types of electric vehicles.
- Designed to analyze and visualize CANBus data with 11-bit message identifiers.
- Works with the OBDLink MX+ and CX, vLinker MC+ and WiFi, and other WiFi and Bluetooth Low Energy accessories. Note that "Classic Bluetooth" accessories other than the OBDLink MX+ are not supported. Please visit https://teslax.app for more information on supported accessories.
- Support for accesories supporting the Panda UDP Protocol. Note: Comma.ai has discontinued WiFi support for the Panda White. You many be able to flash your Panda to an old version of firmware to maintain WiFi support. The Comma.ai Panda is for advanced users only and not recommended for normal users.
- Playback CAN Bus log files. (TXT, ASC and BLF file formats)
- Data sources containing multiple buses (ASC/BLF log files, Panda)
With an "Extended Release" purchase or subscription:
- Configure the visualization by choosing signals from the included signals database.
- Additional pages of pre-configured visualization in provided presets.
For pros, and tinkerers, an "Extra Strength 2.0" purchase or subscription unlocks additional features:
- New in 2.0: Additional full page visualizations such as a Drag Timer, Matrix View, and Graph.
- Record log files in TXT, ASC, and BLF formats and convert to comma separated format (CSV)
- Create and edit presets.
- Modify the signal database to create and update signals as the vehicle manufacturer changes the data format.
- Export presets to file for backup/sharing and re-import them.
- Ability to import DBC files (containing signal definition information).
- A "Binary Matrix" view of a message or signal for reverse engineering data streams.
- Use javascript code to calculate a result value from the raw message bytes (or other defined signals within the same message)
This software is not affiliated with or endorsed by Tesla Motors or any vehicle manufacturer.
This app accesses data streams that are not documented or supported by the vehicle manufacturer. If the manufacturer decides to change the data stream, then this app may display incorrect information. If the manufacturer removes data, then some or all functionality of the app may cease to work. Many signals in the signal database may be from previous versions of the vehicle operating software (such as the cell voltages, which were removed in a software update many updates ago)
You are responsible for all risks of installing and using 3rd party hardware in your vehicle.
Do not use tes•LAX while driving. Please obey all traffic laws and do not drive while distracted.
tes•LAX uses bluetooth and local network access only for the purpose of connecting to accessories. Analytics are not collected at any time.
Use caution when using accessories that are not secured via password or pairing. See https://teslax.app/supported-hardware/ for more information.
You accept full and unconditional responsibility for the use of this software. All About Jake, LLC is not responsible for any consequences of using this software, including any damage to your vehicle, loss, damage to property, personal injury, or violation of law that may occur in connection with using this application. Obey all laws and respect the privacy of others. THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. The author(s) and copyright holders shall not be liable for any damages, even if advised beforehand of the possibility of such damages.
Full terms of use can be found here: https://www.teslax.app/terms-and-conditions/
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MyVoltControl VS. 
tes•LAX - CAN Bus ExplorerJanuary 13, 2026