For car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, understanding what’s happening under the hood is becoming increasingly important. Modern vehicles are complex machines, and when that dreaded check engine light illuminates, you need a reliable way to diagnose the issue. Enter the BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool, a device that promises to turn your iPhone into a powerful car diagnostic tool. But does it live up to the hype? In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the features, performance, and user experience of the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool, specifically focusing on its compatibility and functionality with iPhones.
Unpacking the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool: More Than Just a Code Reader
The BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool isn’t just another basic OBD-II scanner. It’s designed to offer a deeper dive into your vehicle’s health, providing not only fault codes but also potential fixes. This Bluetooth-enabled device works seamlessly with your iPhone (and Android devices), leveraging a user-friendly app to display real-time data and comprehensive diagnostic reports. Priced around $120, it sits in a sweet spot between basic code readers and expensive professional-grade scanners. Lemur Vehicle Monitors, the company behind BlueDriver, focuses solely on this diagnostic tool in the US market, suggesting a dedication to quality and specialization.
Design and Build: Robust and Practical
While not the smallest Bluetooth OBD-II scanner on the market, the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool boasts a robust and practical design. Measuring 2.2 x 1.9 x 1.0 inches and weighing 2.4 ounces, it’s noticeably larger than some ultra-compact scanners, but still smaller and less cumbersome than handheld scanners with built-in screens. The ribbed sides provide a secure grip, making it easy to plug into and remove from your car’s OBD-II port, typically located under the dashboard.
The device features an LED indicator that provides visual feedback on its status. A blue light signals startup and data transmission, while a blinking red light indicates a disconnection from your iPhone or tablet. A solid red light signals recovery mode, usually after a firmware update. This simple yet informative LED is a useful touch. The absence of a screen on the BlueDriver is deliberate; it relies entirely on the intuitive BlueDriver app on your iPhone to display information, which many users find to be a more modern and versatile approach.
The BlueDriver App Experience: Intuitive and Feature-Rich on iPhone
The heart of the BlueDriver system is its free companion app, available for both iOS and Android. For iPhone users, the app is specifically optimized for the iOS ecosystem, ensuring smooth performance and seamless connectivity. The app interface is well-organized and user-friendly, presenting complex automotive data in an easy-to-understand format.
One of the app’s standout features is its ability to display live vehicle data in customizable gauges on your iPhone screen. This allows you to monitor parameters like engine temperature, RPM, and speed in real-time. For data enthusiasts, the app also offers the option to export data as a .csv file for further analysis. Beyond live data, the app truly shines in its diagnostic capabilities. It generates detailed reports that not only list fault codes but also suggest potential causes and fixes, often including links to relevant parts. This feature is invaluable for DIY mechanics or for gaining a better understanding of issues before consulting a professional mechanic.
The BlueDriver app also includes a “Smog Check” or I/M readiness test, which is crucial for ensuring your vehicle will pass emissions testing. It can also effortlessly read and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), effectively turning off the check engine light when appropriate. Importantly, the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool goes beyond basic OBD-II functions, offering advanced diagnostics for systems like ABS (anti-lock brakes) and engine misfires. However, the depth of diagnostic data available may vary depending on your vehicle’s make, model, and year.
Performance and Real-World Testing
Connecting the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool to a vehicle and pairing it with an iPhone is a straightforward process. In testing scenarios, the scanner connected reliably on the first attempt, quickly establishing a Bluetooth link with the BlueDriver app on an iPhone. The app’s main screen is logically laid out, providing quick access to key functions like “Read Codes,” “Smog Check,” and “Mode 6” diagnostics, which delves deeper into vehicle systems to identify potential issues before they trigger the check engine light. Retrieving the vehicle identification number (VIN) is also instantaneous.
The BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool demonstrated consistent performance across different vehicles, accurately identifying intentionally introduced faults, such as a disconnected sensor. It successfully cleared the check engine light after addressing the issue. Live data streaming to the iPhone app was smooth and responsive, displaying real-time vehicle parameters effectively. While it lacks a dedicated trip summary feature found in some other scanners, the focus on robust diagnostics and repair guidance is where the BlueDriver truly excels.
Setup and Ease of Use
Despite its slightly larger size, the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool remains unobtrusive once plugged into the OBD-II port. Its Bluetooth connectivity offers a generous 32-foot range in testing, providing ample freedom to move around the vehicle while using the app on your iPhone. The included setup booklet provides a simple visual guide to get started. While a comprehensive printed manual is not included, BlueDriver offers a wealth of online resources, including diagnostic and repair tips on their website. The device is backed by a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
Verdict: A Professional-Grade Scan Tool in Your Pocket (and Paired with Your iPhone)
The BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool stands out as a powerful and user-friendly diagnostic tool, especially for iPhone users. Its ability to not only read fault codes but also provide insightful analysis and repair suggestions sets it apart from basic OBD-II scanners. The intuitive and feature-rich BlueDriver app, optimized for iOS, transforms your iPhone into a sophisticated diagnostic interface.
Pros:
- Comprehensive Diagnostics: Goes beyond basic OBD-II functions, offering advanced system scans.
- User-Friendly iPhone App: Intuitive interface with live data, repair reports, and more.
- Valuable Repair Information: Suggests potential causes and fixes for fault codes.
- Bluetooth Convenience: Wireless connection to your iPhone for easy use.
- Reliable Performance: Consistent and accurate readings in testing.
Cons:
- Larger Size: Slightly bigger than some ultra-compact Bluetooth scanners.
- No Dedicated Screen: Relies entirely on your iPhone or tablet.
- Feature Variation: Diagnostic depth may vary depending on vehicle make and model.
Bottom Line:
If you’re an iPhone user looking for a professional-grade OBD-II scan tool that provides in-depth diagnostics, repair guidance, and seamless integration with your smartphone, the BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool is an excellent investment. It empowers you to understand your vehicle’s health, potentially saving you significant money on repairs and providing valuable insights for both DIY maintenance and communication with professional mechanics. For car owners who want more than just basic code reading, the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool is definitely worth considering.
