The short answer is  No,

How the OBD Power Supply Works

The OBDII power supply provided with your TripLogik device connects only to the following inside the plastic connector:

  • One pin: Battery positive (+12V)

  • Two pins: Battery negative (ground)

Since only these three metal pins are present in the connector, it is physically impossible for the power supply to connect to or interfere with your car’s onboard computer.

The connector is deliberately designed this way to eliminate any risk of damage to the vehicle’s electronics.

Common Misunderstanding from Dealers

Some dealers are not familiar with what TripLogik is or how it works.
We have received reports of dealers mistaking it for a performance-enhancing device, sometimes referred to as “chipping.”

  • Chipping devices modify the car’s computer to increase performance.

  • TripLogik is not such a device.

  • TripLogik has no data connection to the vehicle computer at all and cannot communicate with it in any way.

If Your Dealer Still Has Concerns

If a dealer or mechanic insists otherwise, please ask them to contact us directly.
We will be happy to provide additional technical details and clarification.


Possible risk to the instrument

Some vehicles may send unexpected data through their USB ports to any connected device.
In certain cases, we have found that this can corrupt the instrument’s internal firmware, making it completely unusable.
If this happens:
  • No trips will be recorded.
  • The instrument will stop functioning, even when connected to the proper OBD power supply.
Note: We do have a simple self-repair procedure available for users in this situation.

Technical Details

The TripLogik OBD power supply is built with automotive-grade components and uses a linear circuit design.
  • This design ensures there is virtually no electrical noise emitted into the vehicle’s power system under normal operating conditions.
  • Current draw:
    • Typical operation: ~50 mA
    • Sleep mode: <50 mA
    • Maximum peak: 80 mA
Because of this low and stable consumption, the power supply has no measurable impact on the vehicle’s electrical system.

If you conencted the TL1000 into a car USB and it dosent work anymore 

Some car multimedia interface are known to attempt to write to conencted devices like the TL1000.

This can damage the firmware (i.e., the internal software of the instrument) and make it unusable.

If you accidentally plug it into a multimedia socket and then into the OBD cable, it will no longer work.


See the following article Latest Firmware for TripLogik TL1000 1.25 to reprogram the internal firmware of the instrument.


Other Common Questions

Q: How much power does the OBD power supply use, and can it drain my battery?
The TripLogik OBD power supply is designed to use only a very small amount of power, far less than what would affect a vehicle battery under normal conditions.
Read the full explanation on this subject here


Technical Note to Dealers

TripLogik is designed with automotive-grade electronic components to operate well below the maximum and minimum power consumption parameters—less than 50 mA in sleep mode and 80 mA when active.


The power supply is self-protected against overconsumption. This means that if anything other than a TripLogik TL1000 is connected, the power supply will shut down and therefore cannot consume more than 80 mA.


It is also protected against voltage surges caused by vehicle overvoltage conditions (such as battery boosting in winter).

It should be noted that there are low-quality cell phone chargers and other devices on the market that draw power from the OBD port and consume much more than what is normally acceptable. This is not the case with TripLogik.


Althoug products specifically designed to modify vehicle performance by altering the computer’s parameters exist, Triplogik is not one of them. TripLogik does not communicate with the vehicle’s computer. The connector has no physical contacts that could be used to access it.


In both of the above cases, manufacturers may ask you not to use such devices due to the risk of damaging the vehicle. TripLogik, however, has been a proven product since 2007 and in no case does it affect the operation of the vehicle.



CR:RM 2025