The world of automotive diagnostics has become increasingly accessible, thanks to the rise of Bluetooth scan tools. These handy devices plug into your car’s OBD-II port and communicate wirelessly with your smartphone, offering a wealth of information and diagnostic capabilities. For DIY mechanics and car enthusiasts, tools like BlueDriver promise to go beyond basic engine codes, delving into systems like ABS, Airbags, and Transmission. But when it comes to activating ABS with a Bluetooth scan tool, particularly with BlueDriver, what are the real possibilities?
Many users are intrigued by the “Enhanced Codes” advertised for tools like BlueDriver, hoping to access and interact with various vehicle modules. As one user on a popular forum, Mr.T, wondered about his 2008 vehicle, “Does the BlueDriver app list the modules it finds and communicates with? It’s the “etc.” in the Enhanced Codes that really interest me…”. This is a common question, reflecting the desire to understand the depth of access these tools provide.
While BlueDriver and similar tools may not explicitly list every single module they communicate with upfront, they are designed to scan your vehicle’s systems comprehensively. They typically display all available Parameter IDs (PIDs) and then identify which ones your specific vehicle supports for live data monitoring. This means BlueDriver is actively probing various electronic control units (ECUs) on your car’s network to gather information.
One user shared their experience of trying to find a transmission temperature PID on their Jeep JK using BlueDriver, stating, “Using BlueDriver, I was looking for a transmission temp PID… but apparently there’s not a trans temp PID on our JK’s. Which got me scratching my head and wondering…” This highlights that while Bluetooth scan tools offer extensive access, the availability of specific data and functions depends on the vehicle’s design and the manufacturer’s implemented PIDs.
Interestingly, BlueDriver’s capabilities can extend beyond what generic OBD-II scanners provide. Another user recounted an experience with their Jeep JK’s audio system: “When I used the BlueDriver and it pulled a code from the Infinity amp which basically said the Sub woofer was disconnected, it brought me back to that conversation.” This anecdote is significant because it demonstrates BlueDriver’s ability to communicate with modules beyond the powertrain, such as the audio amplifier in this case. Older tools like Torque Pro might not reach this level of module-specific diagnostics.
The fact that BlueDriver could retrieve a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) from the Infinity amplifier suggests it is indeed scanning and communicating with a wide range of modules on the vehicle’s Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. While it might not explicitly list all modules beforehand, its ability to pull codes from diverse systems indicates a deep level of diagnostic access.
So, back to the question of Activating Abs With Bluetooth Scan Tools like BlueDriver. While BlueDriver and similar tools are excellent for reading ABS codes, monitoring live data from the ABS system, and diagnosing issues, the ability to actively command or “activate” ABS functions is typically reserved for more advanced, professional-grade scan tools. “Activating ABS” often refers to functions like:
- ABS Bleeding: Cycling the ABS pump and valves to facilitate brake bleeding, especially when air has entered the ABS modulator.
- Component Testing: Individually activating ABS components like solenoids and wheel speed sensors for testing purposes.
While BlueDriver excels at reading enhanced codes and providing valuable diagnostic information across various modules including ABS, it is less likely to offer bidirectional control features necessary for ABS activation procedures like automated bleeding or component-level actuation. These advanced functions usually require scan tools with deeper factory-level access and are often found in more expensive professional diagnostic systems.
In conclusion, Bluetooth scan tools like BlueDriver are powerful tools for automotive diagnostics, offering enhanced access to systems like ABS. They can read ABS fault codes, display live data related to the ABS system, and help pinpoint problems. However, for specific ABS activation procedures such as automated bleeding or component testing, you may need to consider professional-grade scan tools that offer bidirectional control capabilities. Understanding the distinction between diagnostic reading and active control is key when choosing the right tool for your automotive needs.
