When it comes to diagnosing car troubles, having the right tools can make all the difference. In 2020, for those in the market for the best OBDII scanner, the options were plentiful, but not all scanners are created equal. Many users found themselves relying on basic ELM-327 scanners, which often provide a limited view of vehicle health. This user’s experience highlights why stepping up to a tool like BlueDriver can be a game-changer.
Generic ELM-327 scanners can be a starting point, but their limitations quickly become apparent. As one user discovered, while a couple of ELM-327 units seemed to function, the depth of information they provided was lacking. The real eye-opener came with the introduction of the BlueDriver scanner. Connecting it to a 2009 Honda CR-V revealed a wealth of historical data that the basic scanners simply missed. This wasn’t just about current issues; BlueDriver unearthed a history of stored codes, offering a more complete picture of the vehicle’s past and present condition. Even a newly acquired 2005 Acura TSX yielded a list of items requiring attention, showcasing BlueDriver’s ability to provide valuable insights across different vehicles.
The user noted improvements in the BlueDriver reports following a firmware and app update in early April of 2020, indicating ongoing development and enhancement of the product. Examining the report from their blue 2009 CR-V, it became clear that BlueDriver was capturing a range of codes, some of which were historical. For instance, a wheel speed sensor issue, previously addressed two years prior, was still logged. Furthermore, BlueDriver extended its capabilities beyond basic OBD-II, also reading TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) codes, as evidenced by errors related to the rear right tire sensor, including low battery and lost transmission signals. This ability to access TPMS data is a significant advantage, offering a more holistic vehicle diagnostic experience compared to standard OBDII scanners.
Compared to generic ELM-327 scanners, BlueDriver offered a significantly more helpful and detailed diagnostic experience. Adding to its appeal, BlueDriver is even more compact than ELM-327 units, making it an excellent companion for road trips or when evaluating used vehicles. Its small size belies its powerful capabilities, proving that in the realm of best OBDII scanners of 2020, BlueDriver provided a compelling combination of features and portability.
While BlueDriver demonstrated broad compatibility, limitations existed for older vehicles at that time. For example, ABS codes on a 2004 Honda Civic were not accessible. However, the user highlighted the active development of the BlueDriver app and firmware, suggesting the potential for expanded vehicle support and code access in the future. For anyone seeking a step up from basic OBDII readers in 2020, BlueDriver presented itself as a strong contender for the best OBDII scanner, offering deeper diagnostics and user-friendly features.
