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The Bluedriver Bluetooth Professional OBD2 Scan Tool holds a place as one of the best (if not the best) Bluetooth scanners on the market today.
Bluetooth OBD2 code readers run tests from any connected device (phone, tablet, computer, etc.). These scanners plug into the proper console and send the signal to the device you’re using.
But while many Bluetooth scanners require a third-party app to use, Bluedriver has its own high-quality app that puts data from your car on your device. These high-tech options take up less space in your home then many scan tools and present information easily on any of your devices.
And with Bluedriver’s Bluetooth capability, professional mechanics and DIYers will be free to move around the garage while inspecting and making repairs to other vehicles.
Now, let’s break down the key functions and features of the Bluedriver to determine if this convenient form of a scan tool is the right fit for you.
5 Special Features and Functions
1. Read and Clear Codes For Multiple Systems In Your Car
Find out the issue with that pesky check engine light by running scans with the Bluedriver OBD2 diagnostic scan tool and reset the light as well. That includes confirmed codes, pending codes, and permanent codes.
For your ABS system, the Blue Driver scanner can read and clear the codes. Run these checks as you walk around your garage thanks to the unit’s portability.
Read more: Best OBD2 ABS Code Reader
If there is an issue with your airbag or safety system, the Bluedriver will alert you to the issue with SRS system checks.
And many scan tools won’t read your transmission codes unless those issues turn on the check engine light. But with the BlueDriver scan tool, read exclusive transmission codes as well as all the other major systems in your car.
2. A Database of Over 30 Million Fixes
And after the codes are checked, the Bluedriver Bluetooth Professional scanner offers vehicle-specific repair reports from millions of fixes certified by professional mechanics. Identifix, which is used by professional mechanics nationwide, provides the database.
These include code definitions, possible causes of the issues, and reported fixes that are vehicle specific.
And I repeat, professional mechanics have certified these fixes on the Bluedriver Bluetooth professional OBDII scanner.
The Bluedriver OBD2 scanner informs car owners of recommended maintenance schedules for their vehicles. Also, get the news first when manufacturers issue recalls or technical service bulletins.
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3. Live Data and Graphing
The Bluedriver also offers live data with interactive graphing, gauges, or digital printouts. Users choose the way they want to view their live data. View a digital display of the current readings on your car. Analyze the data in graph form. View the data on gauges more like you see on your dashboard.
Users can customize the colors to make the data easier to read. And mechanics can export live data onto their devices and printout information.
This Bluetooth scanner also comes equipped with Mode 6 testing and smog check to determine if you’ll pass emissions.
And the freeze-frame feature offers a snapshot of your vehicle when codes are stored.
4. Emissions Testing
Use the Bluedriver to run a Smog Check to determine if your car is ready for emissions.
The Smog Check runs two separate categories of testing: the Smog Readiness Status and Common I/M Monitor Checks.
The Smog Readiness portion determines pass or fail for a smog readiness check, checks for confirmed trouble codes, and checks for pending trouble codes.
The I/M monitor portion tests for misfire, checks your fuel system, and runs a comprehensive component test.
And the BlueDriver runs Mode 6 testing that counts misfires and reads On-Board diagnostic system monitors.
5. Free Online Updates
Professional engineers working for Bluedriver provide free updates for the supporting software.
Compatibility
Bluedriver is compatible with multiple models of GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Honda, Volkswagen, and Mazda
You should be able to analyze the check engine light with any car brand. But other systems will not work with all other cars.
The Bluedriver should read ABS, SRS, and transmission systems for several of the previously mentioned brands (Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda).
These models are compatible worldwide, meaning the Bluedriver OBD2 scan tool should be compatible with these systems regardless of where the car was made.
Other models (BMW and Volkswagen) are compatible with ABS, SRS, and transmission if the car was made in North America.
Click here to check out Best BMW Scan Tool on the market 2021
Honda’s built after 2003 and made in North America should work with the Bluedriver for all systems as well.
Specific Makes
For GM: Chevy, GMC, Cadillac, Buick, Saturn, Pontiac, and others
For Chrysler: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Plymouth
For Toyota: Scion, Toyota, and Lexus
For Ford: Lincoln, Ford, and Mercury
For Nissan: Renault, Infiniti, and Nissan
For Honda: Acura and Hondas made in North America after 2003
For BMW: BMW and Mini made in North America after 2005
For Volkswagen: VW, Lamborghini, Audi, and Bentley made in North America
Compatible protocols include:
- SAE J1850 PWM
- ISO9141-2
- ISO1430-4 KWP
- SAE J1850 VPW
- ISO15765-4 CAN.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The obvious advantages of the Bluedriver Bluetooth professional OBDII scan tool for iPhone, iPad, and Android include its portability. Bluedriver takes up little space in your garage and won’t require you to find safe storage for a large device.
Data downloads quickly on your device and is available in many different applicable forms.
Unlike many Bluetooth devices, the app for Bluedriver comes with your purchase of the scan tool. And software updates are free as well.
And did I mention the millions of certified fixes available in the Identifix database? All Scanners tell you what’s wrong when that check engine light comes on. But few Bluetooth scanners (or regular scan tools for that matter) tell you how to fix it with legitimate professional advice.
Cons
The Bluedriver Bluetooth scanner does not use ELM327 technology. That means the BlueDriver is not bi-directional and cannot communicate with your car. All this scanner does is read the information that is there and give advice on how to fix the problems.
So for mechanics and car owners who need a device to perform bi-directional functions like brake bleeding, the Bluedriver is not for you.
Many users have commented about live data not being user-friendly. Though the data is available in lots of different forms, car owners may need a lot of practice and customer service to figure out the best ways to access it.
Not all advanced features supported as advertised. This is another common complaint amongst users. Now keep in mind, Bluedriver’s promotional materials indicate specific car makes that work with different systems.
But some users found that even those systems didn’t work with the cars they were supposed to.
And Bluedriver works exclusively with its app. So turn to something else if you prefer to use a third-party app that works with other Bluetooth scanners.
Who is it For?
The Bluedriver is perfect for car owners who want detailed information on the various systems in their cars. If you are a car owner who mostly relies on mechanics to make the major repairs in your car, then Bluedriver is great for saving money on diagnostic costs
DIYers will also appreciate the money they save from being able to fix major issues with their cars on their own using Bluedriver’s professionally approved fixes.
Professional and at-home mechanics will also appreciate the freedom to move around their garage that the Bluedriver affords them. But professionals be warned: you will need another device for bi-directional purposes.
Alternative of BlueDriver
 BlueDriver |  OBDLink MX+ |
|
| Customer Rating |  | |
| Price |  |  |
| Item Weight | 8 ounces | 1.28 ounces |
| Item Dimensions | 2.2 x 1.9 x 1 inches | 2 x 0.9 x 1.8 inches |
| Reset Check Engine Light | ✔ | ✔ |
| ABS | ✔ | ✔ |
| SRS Diagnostics | ✔ | ✔ |
| Transmission Codes | ✔ | ✔ |
| Live Data | ✔ | ✔ |
| Oil Reset | ✔ | -- |
| TPMS Reset | ✔ | -- |
Bottom Line
The Bluedriver OBD2 scanner is second to none in speed and affordability for what it does. Read multiple systems for many car brands and get professional advice downloaded right on your phone.
Multiple data interfaces give mechanics and car owners of all stripes the ability to analyze the issues plaguing their cars. Detailed emissions testing data and the 30 million certified professional brand exclusive fixes are also major pluses.
Just remember not all functions work for all cars. And professionals who need a device to perform bidirectional functions and work with systems beyond the main four may need to look elsewhere.
But if you need a device that gives clear, reliable diagnostic information and steps for how to fix the problem, then the Bluedriver Bluetooth scanner might be the perfect device for you.
Walk around your garage and download data onto your devices while also finding out whether you will pass emissions testing with the Bluedriver Bluetooth Professional Scanner.
