The BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool has carved out a unique space in the crowded market of Bluetooth OBD-II automotive diagnostic scanners. Unlike typical code readers, it aims to provide not only in-depth vehicle insights but also actionable advice on how to address detected issues. Its user-friendly app and comprehensive features place it among the top contenders in the realm of OBD-II scanners, as noted in numerous comparisons. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s delve into a detailed review of the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool and see if it’s the right choice for your automotive diagnostic needs.
BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool: Price and What’s Included
At a price point of around $120, the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool from Lemur Vehicle Monitors positions itself as a step above basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanners. It’s the flagship, and currently the only, diagnostic hardware offering from this specialized company within the US market. This price reflects its advanced features and the included BlueDriver app, aiming to offer more than just basic code reading capabilities.
Design and Physical Attributes
The BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool distinguishes itself with a more substantial build compared to many Bluetooth-based OBD-II scanners. Measuring 2.2 x 1.9 x 1.0 inches and weighing 2.4 ounces, it’s noticeably larger than compact options like the Jethax OBD2 device. However, it remains more streamlined and less intrusive than bulkier handheld scanners or even some Bluetooth competitors like the ThinkDiag.
The device features a practical all-black design with ribbed sides, ensuring a secure grip when connecting or disconnecting it from your vehicle’s OBD-II port. This thoughtful design element adds to the overall user-friendliness.
The BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool incorporates an LED indicator on its side to communicate its operational status. It emits a blue glow during startup and flashes blue when actively transmitting data. Importantly, the LED intelligently dims after initial operation to minimize driver distraction. A red blinking light signals disconnection from a paired device, while a solid red light indicates recovery mode, typically during a firmware update process.
Functionally, the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool aims to replicate the capabilities of a handheld scanner by leveraging the processing power and display of your smartphone or tablet. It relies on the free BlueDriver app, compatible with both Android and iOS devices, to present diagnostic information in a clear and accessible format. The app is designed for intuitive navigation, ensuring users can readily understand their vehicle’s condition.
A key strength of the BlueDriver app is its ability to capture and display live vehicle data in real-time. It presents this information through customizable, automotive-style gauges directly on your mobile device screen. For data analysis and record-keeping, the app offers a convenient export function, allowing users to save data as a .csv file. Beyond raw data, the app excels in generating diagnostic reports, suggesting potential causes for detected issues, proposing repair solutions, and even providing links to relevant replacement parts. This feature set makes the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool a valuable tool for initiating DIY repairs or for gaining informed insights before consulting a professional mechanic.
The BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool includes a pre-inspection test, branded as “Smog Check,” which mirrors the functionality of pre-inspection readiness tests found in other OBD-II scanners, often referred to as I/M tests. Furthermore, it can effectively identify, display, and clear stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from the vehicle’s computer system. Moving beyond basic OBD-II functionalities, the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool offers advanced diagnostics for systems like anti-lock brakes (ABS) and engine misfires. However, the depth of data accessible can vary depending on the specific vehicle’s manufacturer and model year, a common limitation in OBD-II scanning.
Performance in Real-World Use
Testing the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool proved to be a straightforward experience. Upon plugging the device into the OBD-II port of a test vehicle and launching the BlueDriver Android app on a Galaxy S9 smartphone, the scanner established a connection promptly on the first attempt. The app’s main screen presented a clear and navigable interface with nine primary options.
These options included essential functions like “Read Codes,” “Smog Check,” and a “Mode 6” diagnostic check. Mode 6 delves deeper into the vehicle’s system monitoring, aiming to identify potential issues even before the Check Engine Light illuminates. Retrieving the vehicle identification number (VIN) was also instantaneous, demonstrating the tool’s quick access to vehicle information.
In practical testing across multiple vehicles, the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool consistently performed reliably. It successfully detected a deliberately introduced fault – a disconnected oil-temperature sensor – and accurately identified the issue. Furthermore, it effectively cleared the Check Engine Light after the fault was addressed. The app provided real-time driving data, including engine and vehicle speed, presented in an easy-to-interpret format. However, it lacks a trip-summary feature, a function found in some competing scanners like the Ancel BD310.
Setup and Ease of Use
Despite its slightly larger size, the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool maintains a low profile once installed in the OBD-II port, typically located beneath the dashboard. It remains unobtrusive and doesn’t interfere with the driver’s legroom. Bluetooth range proved to be ample, reaching up to 32 feet in testing with a Galaxy S9, allowing for convenient movement around the vehicle and engine bay during diagnostics.
The package includes a concise setup booklet, providing a simple flowchart to guide users through the initial setup and Bluetooth pairing process. While a comprehensive instruction manual is not included in the box, BlueDriver provides a resource-rich website with extensive diagnostic and repair information. However, navigating this detailed content on a smaller phone screen can sometimes be less than ideal. 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 stands out by offering more than just basic OBD-II code reading. It delivers fault code analysis and suggests potential causes, empowering users with valuable insights into vehicle issues. For individuals who prefer using their smartphone for vehicle diagnostics, the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool presents a compelling and feature-rich solution. Its ability to potentially save significant repair costs makes it a worthwhile investment for proactive car owners and DIY enthusiasts alike. While it might not have every single feature of the most advanced (and expensive) professional scan tools, it strikes a strong balance of capability, user-friendliness, and value for money in the Bluetooth OBDII scanner market.
