Just got my hands on the BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool here in the UK, and I’m already impressed with the real-time data it offers. This Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, praised in numerous online reviews, boasts enhanced diagnostic capabilities, particularly for Honda vehicles. While I’m hoping to avoid needing its fault code reading features on my brand new Honda for a good while, diving into the live data has been genuinely insightful.
One of the first things I observed using the BlueDriver tool is the engine’s operating temperature. Assuming ECT1 accurately reflects the engine temperature, it consistently runs between 80°C and 85°C (176°F to 185°F). This seems slightly cooler than what I’m used to with other engines. Interestingly, this temperature range remains stable regardless of driving conditions, whether I’m stuck in stop-start traffic or idling for an extended period. The dashboard gauge only starts to register movement around 55°C (132°F) and reaches its highest point at approximately 75°C (165°F). It appears the thermostat is calibrated to open precisely when the engine reaches its optimal operating temperature, as indicated by the radiator coolant temperature (ECT2) beginning to rise at that point.
Another interesting observation is regarding fuel trims. So far, my fuel trims have consistently been negative. The short-term fuel trim (STFT) averages around -5.5%, and the long-term fuel trim (LTFT) is about -8%. I’ve been using E0 fuel and recently switched to E10 to see if this makes a positive difference, as some users have suggested.
The BlueDriver app makes visualizing this data incredibly easy. Below are examples of the live data display while driving. You can also see graphs generated directly from the data. The first graph shows all the collected live data, while the second zooms in specifically on the STFT and LTFT values for closer analysis.
It will be fascinating to monitor how these readings change as we head into winter here in the UK. Living in a region with very cold winters and primarily doing short commutes, I anticipate seeing some shifts in these values. The BlueDriver OBD2 scan tool is proving to be a valuable tool for keeping a close eye on my vehicle’s performance.
