For car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics, having the right tools can make all the difference when it comes to vehicle maintenance and repair. Among these essential tools, the OBDII scan tool stands out as a vital piece of equipment for diagnosing car problems. While basic OBDII scanners are readily available and can read generic trouble codes, many users wonder if they can delve deeper into vehicle systems, specifically reading ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) codes and other enhanced diagnostics. This question becomes particularly relevant when considering affordable options in the market.
One user, familiar with the BlueDriver scan tool, raised an interesting point about enhanced codes. They noted that the tool’s website advertised “Enhanced Codes” for their 2008 vehicle, including systems like ABS, Airbag, and Transmission. The crucial part was the “etc.,” suggesting capabilities beyond standard OBDII functions. The core question was whether the BlueDriver app actually lists the specific modules it can communicate with, confirming its ability to access these enhanced codes. This inquiry highlights a common desire among users: to understand the extent of diagnostic coverage offered by OBDII scan tools, especially for critical systems like ABS.
Another user, responding to the query, shared their experience with the BlueDriver. They hadn’t seen a specific list of modules within the app. However, they observed that the tool displays all available PIDs (Parameter IDs) and then scans to show the PIDs supported by the connected vehicle for live data monitoring. This suggests a dynamic approach where the tool identifies capabilities based on the vehicle itself. To further investigate, they offered to perform a screen capture, demonstrating the tool’s actual display when connected to a JK model Jeep, similar to the original poster’s vehicle. This hands-on approach is invaluable for understanding real-world performance.
The discussion then touched upon a practical scenario. While attempting to find a transmission temperature PID using BlueDriver, with the intention of monitoring transmission temps before and after installing a Mopar trans cooler, the user discovered that their Jeep JK didn’t seem to have a transmission temp PID accessible through the OBDII port. This raised the question of how the vehicle’s “HOT OIL” light is triggered, implying that not all vehicle data is universally accessible even with advanced scan tools.
Adding an interesting anecdote, the user mentioned their connection to Harman, the company behind the original Infinity audio system in the JK. Recalling a conversation with the software engineer working on the amplifier’s diagnostics pre-release, they remembered being told about the extensive diagnostic programming within the amp. Later, using the BlueDriver, they were surprised to pull a code from the Infinity amplifier indicating a disconnected subwoofer. This personal experience became a compelling piece of evidence.
Having previously used the Torque Pro app without retrieving any amplifier diagnostic codes, the BlueDriver’s ability to do so was significant. It strongly suggested that BlueDriver was indeed communicating with modules beyond the basic engine control unit, potentially accessing a wide range of systems on the CAN bus network. While it would be beneficial if the tool explicitly listed the modules it could communicate with upfront, the real-world code retrieval from the amplifier served as practical confirmation of its enhanced diagnostic capabilities.
In conclusion, the experience shared suggests that OBDII scan tools like BlueDriver can indeed read enhanced codes, including ABS and other system-specific diagnostics. While the tools may not always explicitly list communicable modules, their ability to retrieve detailed codes and access a broader range of vehicle systems is evident. For users seeking an “Obdii Scan Tool With Abs” and enhanced diagnostic features, exploring tools like BlueDriver and understanding their real-world performance through user experiences can be highly informative in making the right choice for their automotive diagnostic needs.
