The BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool has garnered attention as a user-friendly, wireless vehicle diagnostic solution. Initially, the appeal of a color LCD gauge display over a basic text readout, combined with the convenience of wireless installation, led me to choose the BlueDriver over alternatives like the ScanGauge II. The vision was to dedicate an older Android phone, free from everyday use, as a permanent display for vehicle parameters, utilizing the BlueDriver. However, the reality of daily use introduced some unexpected hurdles, particularly concerning connectivity and continuous monitoring, especially when considering advanced features like OBDII Mode 6.
The most significant drawback encountered with the BlueDriver is its persistent requirement for an internet data connection for initial pairing with the vehicle. This isn’t a one-time setup; every single time you want to use the BlueDriver, and upon every restart of the application, an internet connection is mandatory for pairing. While subsequent data streaming and interpretation to the paired phone screen occur via Bluetooth, the initial handshake demands internet access. In practice, this meant relying on my primary phone’s Wi-Fi hotspot to establish a connection for the BlueDriver app on the secondary, dedicated phone to communicate with the vehicle’s database. Once operational, the hotspot could be disabled, but this action unfortunately deactivates valuable features like data logging and other functionalities that rely on cloud connectivity. This deviates significantly from the expected “set and forget” experience I had anticipated.
Furthermore, the limitations extend to simultaneous use with other in-car technologies. My primary phone is typically connected to my Kenwood Excelon receiver via USB for Android Auto, a system that greatly enhances the in-car infotainment experience. Android Auto’s capabilities, in my opinion, outweigh the immediate need for real-time display of parameters like engine load percentage or Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) temperature. However, a critical incompatibility arises: activating the Android Auto connection disables Bluetooth on the phone. Consequently, running both BlueDriver and Android Auto concurrently on the same device becomes impossible. This presents a frustrating either/or scenario for users who desire both advanced vehicle diagnostics and seamless smartphone integration in their vehicles.
Delving deeper into the BlueDriver’s documentation reveals that its primary design leans towards a diagnostic tool for on-demand checks rather than a dedicated, continuous monitoring system. While it excels at reading and clearing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and providing access to enhanced diagnostics, including potentially OBDII Mode 6 data for more in-depth system analysis, its connectivity constraints and limitations regarding continuous data logging hinder its effectiveness as a permanent gauge solution. OBDII Mode 6, in particular, offers access to non-emission-related diagnostic data, providing valuable insights into specific component and system performance. For automotive enthusiasts and those keen on proactive vehicle maintenance, Mode 6 data can be crucial for identifying potential issues before they escalate into major problems. However, the BlueDriver’s operational characteristics make consistently leveraging these advanced features less convenient than desired.
Reflecting on the experience, while the BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII offers a compelling entry point into wireless vehicle diagnostics with potential access to detailed data like OBDII Mode 6, its reliance on constant internet connectivity for pairing and incompatibility with simultaneous Android Auto use are significant drawbacks. For users prioritizing continuous, real-time monitoring of vehicle parameters and seamless integration within a connected car environment, exploring alternatives like the ScanGauge II, despite its less visually appealing display, or dedicated Mode 6 scan tools might prove to be a more suitable long-term solution. The BlueDriver remains a capable diagnostic tool for occasional use, but for constant vigilance over your vehicle’s health and performance, especially concerning advanced data accessible through OBDII Mode 6, its limitations warrant careful consideration.
