- Last Modified: 7/10/2022
Table Of Contents
Use BlueDriver to take the health of your vehicle into your own hands. Easily diagnose any automotive ailment from anywhere with this compact and comprehensive OBD2 scanning tool.
BlueDriver OBD2
BLUETOOTH SCAN TOOL
Pros
- User-friendly app interface
- One-click possible causes for trouble codes
- Freeze Frame shows all available engine metrics at the moment the “Check Engine” light came on
- Smog Check readiness test
- Mode 6 data (Formatted and Raw)
- OEM DTC’s (limited metrics)
- Vehicle Info shows Specs, Maintenance Schedule, Potential Recalls, and Service Bulletins
- Live data dashboard displays up to 5 metrics of your choice
- Compatible with almost any us vehicle made after 1996
- Compatible with Android and iOS phones and tablets
- 3-Year warranty
Cons
- No Windows (PC) app (unless you run it on Bluestacks)
- High sleep mode current (19mA) can drain your battery within a week
- No 3rd-party app compatibility
- No SW-CAN or MS-CAN proprietary enhanced diagnostics for GM and Ford vehicles
- Limited EOBD (Europe) or JOBD (Japan) compatibility (2001 and newer)
Smog Check Readiness
Even though the BlueDriver isn’t a direct replacement for a traditional Smog Check, it can save you a lot of time before you head down to your local smog shop. It has a dedicated test that will show you all the passes and fails, so you can see beforehand if your vehicle meets your state’s emissions guidelines.
It will also turn your “Check Engine” light off once you’ve fixed any issues. One important thing to remember is that you should drive your car around for at least an hour before you head over to get it tested.
That’s because most of the diagnostic data that the shop needs to read is historical data that gets deleted when the “Check Engine” light is turned off.
Intuitive App User Interface
The thing that sets the BlueDriver apart from most handheld scanners and other Bluetooth scanners is the app. Even though the BlueDriver isn’t compatible with any 3rd-party scanning OBD apps, their developers did (do) a great job of giving you everything you need in one simple dashboard.
On top of that, you’ll never have to pay for upgrades or extra features. The only purchase necessary is the scanner itself, so it starts paying for itself after the first use.
While it may not have some of the more proprietary enhanced Mode 6 or Live metrics, the BlueDriver can still read many enhanced metrics on most vehicles. Plus, more features and metrics are only a software update away.
Scanning Made Simple
Unless you’re an expert mechanic, many of the pros and cons may seem like gibberish, so let me make it easy for you. The BlueDriver OBD scanner is perfect for novice AND experienced mechanics because it is great at all of the basics.
For The Novice Mechanic
It can read generic trouble codes that will help diagnose easy-to-fix issues. Plus, you can click on each trouble code that comes up and it displays ALL of the possible causes. This alone can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
To take the guesswork out of finding the right part, many of the possible causes will have a link that will take you straight to the best place to buy the replacement part.
Even if you don’t have the tools, parts, and/or skills to fix the issue, at least you’ll be able to know whether the dealer or local shop is giving you the runaround.
For The Experienced Mechanic
Unless you need a 2-way scanner to manually control relays, valves, etc, the BlueDriver is still advanced enough to diagnose most issues with your vehicle. Plus, even though it doesn’t have SW-CAN and MS-CAN proprietary diagnostic capability, you can still get limited advanced OEM trouble code readings.
Conclusion
Unlike most OBD scanner brands, the Bluedriver is their only model, so you know you’re getting the best tool they have to offer. I don’t like the fact that the sleep mode draws 19mA of current because unless you use the vehicle on a daily basis, you might find yourself with a dead battery.
On the other hand, if you plan to use the BlueDriver to do spot checks when your check engine light comes on, it’s one of your best options for the price.
