BlueDriver Bluetooth OBDII scanner: One Of The Best Standard Auto Diagnostic Devices

For this reason, finding a suitable Bluetooth obd2 scanner is tough. Many out there can only read and clear general vehicle trouble codes. My article today aims to introduce you to the BlueDriver Bluetooth OBDII scanner. This Bluetooth obd2 scanner tool works as well as the thousand dollars professional wired obd2 scanners.  In this article, you will learn what malfunction indicator lamps (MIL), diagnostic trouble codes, and check engine lights represent and their significance.

I will discuss OBD2 / EOBD Diagnostic/scan tools for vehicles manufactured after 1996. In addition, I will single out one obd2 scanner for my review because it is cheap and easy to use. Once you buy it, you don’t need to buy additional software in the future.

Disclaimer: This article is not published to demean any mechanic out there or take their work away from them. On the contrary, if you are a mechanic and you do not already have this tool, you need to get one asap so as to get your clients using modern cars back. Not everyone is as adventurous as i am and even with those who are adventurous there is not always time to fix ones car oneself. So you will still get your payment and save yourself the troubles and frustration of finding the faults

What is OBD2? and What are its Uses?

Before I review the BlueDriver Bluetooth OBDII scanner, let us acquaint ourselves with the essence of OBD2.  As I said earlier, If you purchased a car after 1996, chances are it has an OBD-II (On-board diagnostics II) port. Every car or truck manufactured after that point is mandated by United States Federal Law to install one. But again, what is this ODB-2?

OBD-II is a sort of computer that monitors emissions, mileage, speed, and other useful data. OBD-II is connected to the Check Engine light, which illuminates when the system detects a problem.

Depending on the problem, the light stays on, flashes, or disappears entirely. Mechanics can use scan tools to make sense of the diagnostic trouble codes. However, you, as an individual with the right equipment and some technical know-how, can too. In addition, you can even collect data on other aspects of your vehicle’s performance.

Onboard Diagnostics refers to any vehicle’s ability to register and report issues that may occur, or have occurred within the system. One of its strengths is it can detect problems long before the driver can notice any symptoms, such as low performance, low-fuel economy, and heavy emissions, or before the Check Engine or Malfunction light comes on.

As you would expect, professional mechanics heavily uses OBD-II, but there are consumer-oriented products that can take advantage of its diagnostic abilities.

What is a Vehicle’s Check Engine Light?

When your car’s “Check Engine” light comes on, you should know that there is a problem: something is wrong or about to go wrong with your vehicle’s engine. The light could mean a costly problem, like a bad catalytic converter or something minor, like a loose gas cap. But in many cases, at minimum, you’ll visit the mechanic to locate the malfunction and get the light turned off. But you can also locate the problem independently before taking it to the shop only if you have the right obd 2 scan tool.

The Check Engine light: This is formally known as the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). It signals from the car’s engine computer that something is wrong. The car dealer’s service department can diagnose the problem for a huge amount of money. In Nigeria, some make the diagnosis with as much as #30,000.

What are Diagnostic trouble codes(DTCs)

In layman’s language, they are simply the codes you get after diagnosing your vehicle with a competent scan tool. Trouble codes are how OBDII identifies and communicates to technicians where and what onboard problems exist. The first number in the DTC indicates whether the code is an SAE generic code(applies to all OBDII systems) or is specific to the vehicle manufacturer. The remaining three numbers provide information regarding the specific vehicle system and circuit. You can get an exhaustive list of trouble codes and their interpretations on from this link.

Special Warning: If your car has the check engine light and it has displayed an error code, please fix that particular error before another error occurred and get things more complicated. Not all scan tools are capable of retrieving pending errors and current ones simultaneously. So Please do not ignore the light and codes!!

Read Also: Start Making Money by using an OBD-2 Scanner to Diagnose Vehicles DTC

How can I Locate the OBD-II Port on my Vehicle?

Before going into a more specific explanation, let me first give you a general way of locating the port on any vehicle manufactured in 1996 or later.

• You must know the exact make and model of your car. e.g honda accord 2000 model. If you are having a problem getting this, please check your manual or your seat belt. It will surely be there on your seatbelt.
• Now visit www.google.com and use the following search terms without the quote “OBD2 port Honda Accord 2000 model” You will see a picture, video, or description explaining how to get to it.

The OBD 2 port is also known as the SAE J1962 diagnostic connector. The color is white or black, usually located behind the dashboard, above the brake pedal. It has spaces available for sixteen pins, but it may not have sixteen pins. Pin locations vary depending on the signal protocol supported by the vehicle.

The driver must easily reach the port. The port allows for a scan tool, or anything else compatible with OBD-II, to be plugged in, and information can be gained about the vehicle.

Types & Costs OF Common OBD-II Scanners

I will categorize this into 3. Later, I will review the BlueDriver Bluetooth OBDII scanner and why I feel its the best for personal use and startup mechanics.

My first experience with an OBD 2 Scanner

I have a case in point at hand. My friend’s vehicle’s automatic transmission suddenly started shifting hard. The problem started when he had a minor head-on collision with another car. He took it to the mechanic, who told him he might need to change his transmission.

God is so good; my friend happens to be the vigilante type. He told me he had suddenly noticed that his “D” was blinking continuously. We googled this out and were told to get an OBD scan tool. The local technician was charging us #15,000 to scan without repair.

I researched Amazon and saw one for around #33,000 with the landing cost. And this very one will also tell you what exactly is wrong and what to do to fix it. In summary, we bought this tool, scanned it, and discovered that one of the transmission oil pressure switches was the culprit. With the help of the scanner, we got the name and location, ordered it, and replaced it ourselves. Like a miracle, the “d” light stops blinking, and the transmission slowly starts shifting gears. This would have cost us no less than #170,000 to replace the entire transmission(minus the labor), and it still might not work perfectly. This scenario happened in 2016.

Categories of Common OBD-2 Scan Tools & Their Price Range

• Basic /personal/semi-professional OBD 2 scanners: the price ranges from $6 to like $50(this means it’s very cheap), excluding the shipping. It only reads the codes and does not give complete information. Also, it does not proffer the causes and solution tips. It may not detect all obd2 vehicles as it only recognizes vehicles stored on its databases. It could be wired or wireless via Bluetooth.
• Manufacturers-specific scan tools. This means if you use Honda, it will only work for Honda and Acura. Similarly, if you use Toyota, it will only work for Toyota and Lexus. It is expensive and varies; mechanics or car owners rarely buy it. Instead, taking your car to your OEM shop is better than buying their specific tool.
• Fully Professional scan/diagnosis tools are subdivided into high-end and mid-range. It becomes a bit cheaper if you are buying the sensor that uses Bluetooth(like the one I will review); otherwise, we are talking about a price tag between $100 to like $3000 or more(for a full suite with a giant screen and many other accessories that check engines and other components).

Tips for Buying OBD 2 Scanners

1. Make sure it is actually what you need. For example, if you want to check transmission issues on a Honda and the scan tool specifies that it cannot check it, then it is not for you.
2. Every mechanic or automotive electrician who wishes to buy should buy only a tool that supports all vehicle engines and has live updates.
3. If you need a tool that scans some enhanced codes(which is surely different from generic codes such as ABS, Airbag, and serious Transmission problems, you will need a tool that supports such.
4. Avoid the highly cheap ones because they may not last long.
5. Finally, no obd2 scanner is useless if your vehicle supports it.

BlueDriver Bluetooth OBDII scanner For Personal & Professional Use

 Now, we are at the tail end of the article. Herein, I will explain how you can save unnecessary expenses by using a BlueDriver Bluetooth OBDII scanner scan tool. I own a copy, and it has been a joy to win. I hereby recommend this for car owners and mechanic who wants a professional scan tool at a low price.  is BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool supports iPhone, iPad & Android. 

Why Choose the BlueDriver Bluetooth OBDII scanner over similar Bluetooth scanners?

• BlueDriver is the Professional OBD2 Diagnostic Scan Tool trusted by mechanics and developed by Professional Engineers in North America.
• It is officially licensed and certified for Apple and Android devices. The majority of the world popular own either an iOS device or an Android already.
• The BlueDriver App and BlueDriver Sensor work exclusively with each other to ensure quality.
• As easy to use as a code reader with all the capabilities of an expensive handheld scan tool. In addition, it has the benefit of receiving free app updates. This tool is very portable and light. It can save data on your phone via the app for later use and also performs interactive live data graphing.
• Free vehicle-specific Repair Reports drawn from a database of over 7.3 million fixes verified by certified auto mechanics

More BlueDriver Features

• Read and Clear CEL Codes: Confirmed, Pending, and Permanent for all makes,
• Read and Clear Enhanced Codes: e.g., ABS, Airbag, Transmission, etc., for GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota (more to come),
• Repair Reports: Code Definition, Possible Causes, Reported Fixes (Vehicle-specific for each DTC),
• Freeze Frame: Vehicle snapshot when a code is stored,
• Smog Check: See if the vehicle is ready for a smog test,
• Mode 6: Advanced test results (like misfire counts),
• Live Data: Graph multiple PIDs or export log to a file. Read up on the full specifications and features from the product page here.

Pictorial Representations of How BlueDriver Bluetooth OBDII Scanner Works

BlueDriver Bluetooth OBDII scanner Enhanced Diagnostics: List OF Supported Vehicles

It can view confirmed, pending, and permanent CEL codes. See the image above. For general codes, all makes of vehicles are supported. Read and Clear Enhanced Codes: e.g., ABS, Airbag, Transmission, etc., for GM(Including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Buick, Saturn, Pontiac, etc.), Ford(Including Ford, Lincoln, & Mercury), Chrysler(Including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, & Plymouth), Toyota(Including Toyota, Lexus, & Scion), Nissan(Including Nissan, Infiniti, & Renault), Mazda(All Mazdas), SUBARU(Only vehicles sold in the US), Mitsubishi(2008 Models and newer), Hyundai(Including Hyundai & Kia (2011 models & newer), Mercedes(Including Mercedes & Smart (2005 models & newer), and BMW(Including BMW & Mini sold in North America (2005 models & newer), Volkswagen(including VW, Audi, Lamborghini & Bentley sold in North America), and 2003+ Honda(Including Honda & Acura sold in North America (2003 models & newer)).