BlueDriver Scan Tool Reviews: Is This Pro-Grade OBD-II Scanner Worth It?

The BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool has carved out a unique spot in the crowded market of Bluetooth OBD-II automotive diagnostic scanners. It distinguishes itself by not only offering a comprehensive view of your vehicle’s inner workings but also providing actionable repair insights.

Its user-friendly app and robust feature set make it a compelling option for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics. While it’s a bit bulkier than some Bluetooth scanners, and certain functionalities are vehicle-dependent, the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool stands out as a strong contender among the best OBD-II scanners available.

Continue reading for an in-depth BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool review.

BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool: Price and How to Buy

At a price point of $120, the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool from Lemur Vehicle Monitors positions itself as a step up from basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner adapters. This scan tool is the flagship, and currently the only, diagnostic product offered by the company in the US market. You can typically find it available through major online retailers like Amazon and automotive parts stores.

BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool: Design and Physical Attributes

The BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool deviates from the ultra-compact design trend seen in many Bluetooth OBD-II scanners. It’s noticeably larger, measuring 2.2 x 1.9 x 1.0 inches and weighing 2.4 ounces. To put this in perspective, it’s about twice the size and weight of the Jethax OBD2 device. However, it remains more compact and less intrusive than bulkier handheld scanners like the ThinkDiag.

The device sports an all-black aesthetic with ribbed side grips. This thoughtful design element makes it easy to handle, ensuring a secure grip when plugging into or removing it from your vehicle’s OBD-II port, even in tight spaces.

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)

An LED indicator light on the side provides visual feedback on the scanner’s status. It emits a blue glow during startup and flashes blue when actively transmitting data. To minimize distractions, the light dims after a short period of operation. A blinking red light indicates a disconnection from a paired device, while a solid red light signals recovery mode, typically encountered after a firmware update interruption.

Functionally, the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool bridges the gap between basic Bluetooth adapters and dedicated handheld scanners. It leverages the processing power and display of your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet via the free BlueDriver app. The app itself is intuitively designed, presenting vehicle diagnostics data in a clear and easily digestible manner.

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)

A standout feature of the app is its ability to capture and display live vehicle data using customizable, automotive-style gauges on your mobile device’s screen. For data logging and analysis, the app also offers a convenient export function to save data in .csv format. Beyond data display, the app provides valuable diagnostic reports, suggesting potential causes for detected issues, recommending fixes, and even linking to online retailers for necessary replacement parts. This makes it an excellent resource for initiating DIY repairs or providing informed insights when consulting with a professional mechanic.

(Image credit: BlueDriver)

The BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool incorporates an I/M readiness test, branded as “Smog Check” within the app. This function mirrors the pre-inspection readiness tests found in other OBD-II scanners, essential for emissions compliance checks. It naturally also performs the fundamental OBD-II function of reading, interpreting, and clearing stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that trigger the check engine light and other warning indicators.

Stepping beyond basic OBD-II functionality, the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool delves into deeper system diagnostics, covering systems like anti-lock brakes (ABS) and engine misfires. However, the breadth and depth of data accessible are contingent on the specific vehicle’s make, model, and year of manufacture. Newer and more advanced vehicles generally offer a wider range of diagnostic parameters.

BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool: Performance and User Experience

Connecting the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool is a streamlined process. Plugging it into the OBD-II port of a test car and launching the BlueDriver Android app on a Galaxy S9 smartphone resulted in an immediate and successful connection on the first attempt. The app then presented a clear main screen with nine primary function options.

(Image credit: BlueDriver)

These options included essential functions like “Read Codes” for retrieving diagnostic trouble codes, “Smog Check” for emissions readiness, and “Mode 6” which provides advanced diagnostic data to identify potential issues before they trigger the check engine light. Retrieving the vehicle identification number (VIN) was also instantaneous and accurate.

(Image credit: BlueDriver)

The BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool demonstrated consistent performance across multiple test vehicles. It reliably detected a deliberately introduced fault – a disconnected oil-temperature sensor – and successfully cleared the check engine light after the issue was addressed. The app effectively displayed real-time driving data, such as engine speed and vehicle speed, via customizable gauges. However, it lacks a trip-summary feature, a function found in some competing scanners like the Ancel BD310.

BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool: Setup and Support

Despite its slightly larger size, the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool remains unobtrusive once installed in the OBD-II port, typically located beneath the dashboard. Bluetooth range proved to be ample, achieving a 32-foot range with the Galaxy S9 test phone. This provides considerable freedom of movement around the vehicle and engine compartment during diagnostics.

The package includes a concise quick-start guide booklet, featuring a simple flowchart to facilitate initial setup and Bluetooth pairing.

While a comprehensive printed instruction manual is not included, BlueDriver provides a resourceful website brimming with diagnostic and repair information, tips, and FAQs. While the website is mobile-accessible, the density of information can sometimes make it less than ideal for viewing on smaller smartphone screens. The BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool is backed by a standard 1-year warranty.

BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool Review: The Verdict

The BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool goes beyond simply reporting vehicle faults. It offers valuable fault code analysis and suggests likely causes, empowering users with actionable repair insights. If you are comfortable using your smartphone for vehicle diagnostics, the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool is a highly capable and user-friendly tool that can potentially save significant money on car repairs by enabling informed DIY fixes or facilitating better communication with mechanics.

BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool: Specs