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Which scan tool is best: OBDLink^® MX+ or BlueDriver^®? To answer this question, we will compare the Bluetooth OBD adapters across the following categories:

• Enhanced OEM Diagnostics

BlueDriver will match your vehicle’s make, model, and trouble code to a specific fix from a database of millions of repairs. Your Repair Report will always contain fixes that have been verified by Professional Automotive Technicians, so no more googling unreliable fixes that waste your time and money. BlueDriver is a leading provider of direct-to-consumer aftermarket diagnostic scan tools and services. The BlueDriver diagnostic tool is able to match a vehicle’s make, model and trouble code to a specific fix from a repair database that has been verified by professional automotive technicians. Once the proper fix is identified, customers can.

• Sampling Rate

• Over-voltage Protection

• OBD App Support

• Battery Drain Protection

• Warranty

The usefulness of a scan tool is determined to a large extent by the amount of enhanced data that it can display. “Enhanced OEM diagnostics” refers to manufacturer-specific information that is not available over generic OBD-II. It can be roughly broken down into two categories:

• Enhanced trouble codes (e.g., ABS, Airbag, HVAC)
• Enhanced parameters (e.g., transmission temperature, tire pressure, wheel speed)

*Reference the “Manufacturer-Specific Enhanced Diagnostics Support” for specific vehicle coverage

Both OBD adapters support generic OBD-II, but that is where the similarities end.

While BlueDriver^® can read some OEM diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) it cannot read any OEM live parameters. If you want to monitor transmission temperature, tire pressure or any of the thousands of OEM parameters, you’re out of luck with BlueDriver^®.

Another major disadvantage of BlueDriver^® is its inability to access GM and Ford manufacturer-specific networks, because it lacks the necessary hardware (pins 1, 3, and 11). MX+^® can communicate on both networks, providing access to thousands of DTCs and parameters that are off-limits to BlueDriver.

The network diagram for the 2015 Ford Expedition (below) helps illustrate the point:

ECUs (electronic control modules) are essentially small computers that control various vehicle functions. In this example (2015 Ford Expedition) the ECUs reside on one of two vehicle networks: HS-CAN and MS-CAN. OBDLink MX+^® can access modules on either network, but BlueDriver^® is limited to HS-CAN, and cannot access anything on MS-CAN.

Both OBDLink MX+^® and Bluedriver^® ship with apps compatible with Android and iOS devices. OBDLink MX+^® also includes a license for OBDwiz, a Windows-based diagnostic program.

Thanks to its open architecture, OBDLink MX+^® is also supported by dozens of third-party automotive apps, greatly expanding its utility. Apps are available to perform specialized diagnostics, record lap times, display custom digital gauges, unlock enhanced performance, save fuel, change vehicle settings and even control door locks and remotely start the engine on select vehicles.

BlueDriver’s^® closed architecture means users only get one choice — the app that it ships with.

The sampling rate is an important OBD device characteristic that measures the number of samples (data points) captured per second. A high sampling rate is necessary to accurately capture fast-changing signals and monitor multiple parameters and is a must for smooth graphs and digital dashboards.

In head-to-head benchmark testing, BlueDriver’s sampling rate varied between 5 and 10 samples per second. Under the same conditions, OBDLink MX+ was up to ten timesfaster.

Low-power “sleep” mode is an essential feature for any OBD device advertised as “safe to leave plugged in”. When the engine is turned off, the alternator is no longer charging the battery and any significant load will eventually drain it. An intelligent scan tool should recognize this condition, quickly power down and consume the least possible amount of energy in sleep mode.

Tests revealed that BlueDriver^® takes three times as long to enter lower power mode while consuming 7.5 times as much energy. Most concerning, BlueDriver^® consumes 19.3 milliamperes in sleep, which is up to twice as much as the vehicle’s own parasitic current draw and ten times as much as OBDLink MX+.

BlueDriver’s^® excessive current draw is enough to cause serious problems, as evidenced by numerous customer testimonies:

Devices powered from the OBD port must be designed to withstand the harsh environment of the vehicle electrical system. One of the most dangerous conditions is known as a “load dump” pulse (formally referred to as “Pulse 5a”). In automotive electronics, “load dump” refers to the high-energy voltage spike which occurs when the vehicle battery is abruptly disconnected from the alternator while it is being charged. This can happen, for example, if the battery terminals become oxidized (a surprisingly common problem).

We put the BlueDriver^® and OBDLink MX+^® through a series of tests designed to validate the overvoltage protection circuitry. Both units were first powered from the nominal 12 volts to establish proper operation. Then, a 400-millisecond 90-volt pulse was introduced to simulate a load dump condition. MX+^® survived the test, but it rendered BlueDriver^® unit inoperable: the blue status LED turned off and the unit was no longer discoverable via Bluetooth.

To better understand the failure conditions and its mechanism, we replaced the BlueDriver^® unit, opened it up and started to slowly ramp up the voltage. At 19 volts, the BlueDriver^® started smoking and caught fire shortly after. OBDLink’s protection circuit kicked in at 18 volts and it remained fully operational when the 12-volt power was restored.

Bluedriver.net

In the third and final test, OBDLink MX+^® received 90 volts continuously and was able to survive it indefinitely without any ill effects. The same test caused BlueDriver’s^® capacitor to explode, the circuit smoked and was no longer operational.

Aftermath of the slow ramp-up test: BlueDriver’s^® power regulator caught fire and was completely destroyed.

OBDLink MX+^® comes with triple the warranty coverage of BlueDriver^®. Warranty information accurate as of September 1, 2019

OBDLink® is a registered trademark of OBD Solutions.

All other trademarks and registered trademarks referred to are the property of their respective owners. iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Android™ is a trademark of Google Inc. BlueDriver® is a registered trademark of Root Four Imagination Inc (Lemur Vehicle Monitors). The trademark holders are not affiliated with the maker of OBDLink® MX+™ and do not endorse this product.

Bluedriver

The Bluedriver OBD2 diagnostic scanner is a high-end scan tool trusted by mechanics and developed by professional engineers in North America. It is also officially licensed and certified for Android and Apple devices.
The Bluedriver code reader is different from other Bluetooth scan tools(like the Fixd Scanner). It not only reads and clears diagnostic trouble codes but as well performs more functions such as graphing of engine parameters and real-time data logging. You will not find this type of function in the BAFX products 34t5 or Carista Bluetooth OBD2 Adapter Scanner. Apart from this, it also offers a vehicle-specific list of possible causes and can provide a list of the most common fixes for that particular trouble code. Read this Bluedriver Obd2 review to know more about this scanner.

Technical Specifications of the Bluedriver Obd2 Scan Tool

So, whether you’re a pro mechanic or a DIYer enthusiast looking for a quality OBD2 scan tool, the Bluedriver diagnostic code reader will save you both time and money when troubleshooting faulty vehicle parts. It also provides fast data transfer and quick repair report that makes the work of the user to be easy. Use this device to read and clear error codes in 1996 or newer vehicles.

Related: Bluedriver VS Fixd Feature Comparison

Page Contents

• 1 Technical Specifications of the Bluedriver Obd2 Scan Tool
• 3 Why Buy Bluedriver OBD2 Scanner?

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Bluetooth Scanner Bluedriver OBD2 Review 2021

• The Bluedriver app is made and assembled in the United States. So, you can trust it fully as it meets all the standards and requirements of a professional OBD2 scan tool.
• The Bluedriver OBD2 scanner is of a compact design and lightweight. It measures 5.5 by 3.3 by 2.2 inches in size and weighs around 3.2 ounces. This makes it be very portable and easy to store.
• The Bluedriver device is compatible with Android and iOS devices. Note that it cannot be used on a windows phone as it is not compatible. This is a setback if you own a windows phone.
• It reads and clears trouble codes such as engine trouble codes, ABS codes, SRS codes, airbag codes and Transmission codes.
• Bluedriver provides quick repair solutions as you can send trouble code report through email and receive the procedure from identify.
• It will help you know if you will pass or fail the smog check.
• It comes with free vehicle-specific repair reports drawn from a database of over 6.6 million fixes verified by auto certified mechanics.
• The device works by linking up the Bluedriver app and the Bluedriver sensor
• It performs advanced test results such as misfire counts for onboard diagnostic system monitors.
• The data log function allows the user to save data to a CSV file
• It has the ability to graph multiple data sources

Why Buy Bluedriver OBD2 Scanner?

• User-friendly device – unlike conventional scan tools where you have to connect a cable to the scan in order to use it, this scanner just requires you to download the app on your smartphone and link it with the device.
• Portable scanner – this code reader is lightweight and very portable. You can keep it in your pocket as you work on or repair cars. Alternatively, you can place it in your backup and it won’t weigh you down.
• Convenient to use – this device is very convenient to use as all the results are displayed on your phone. You can store them or share with your client by sending them via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.
• Easy to install – installing this gadget is simple as you don’t require any tools to do so. Just plug it in and download the app to start using the device.
• Extensive vehicle coverage – the Bluedriver OBD2 scanner functions on all 1996 and newer vehicles – domestic and foreign vehicles. This makes it be suitable for car repair shops and mechanics.
• Performs a wider range of functions – unlike several basic code readers, this scan tool does more than just reading and erasing error codes. It also allows real-time data logging and graphing of engine parameters.
• Wireless connectivity – the wireless connectivity makes this scan tool to be flexible and very easy to use. You can read the error codes from a distance as you don’t have to be necessarily in the car.
• Free updates – this feature allows you to download the latest bug fixes so that your device can be up to date and be used on the latest car models.
• Fast and reliable – the code reader transfers data from the vehicle to your phone very quickly. There is no time wasted waiting for the device to respond as it connects instantly to your phone.

Advantages of this Tool:

• OBD2 Bluetooth scanning tool does not require any wires
• It does not take much place because there only a few things required – an OBD2 adapter and your smartphone or tablet
• Since scanning uses third-party software it is easier to update. Often device communicates with the database so you can eliminate problems even smoother and more efficiently. It works on a wider range of vehicles
• OBD2 tool is used only to transmit information on your device so it is fast and does not require any additional power source

Related: BlueDriver VS OBDLINK

Bluedriver Scan Tool Setbacks:

• It is not compatible with windows phone. So, if you have a windows phone, look somewhere else as it will not be helpful to you.
• The device is not compatible with some vehicles. Thus, you should check for compatibility before buying. Some of the vehicles that this device is not 100% compatible with are VW, BMW, Golf, Hyundai, and Volvo.
• Many users have reported that the app has some flaws which the manufacturer should work on to make the device better.
• Poor transmission has been reported. Since the device uses Wi-Fi to rely on data, people have reported that the connectivity is at times weak and not reliable.

It is doubtless that these devices have a few minutes. If you are running out of your smartphone or tablet and you don’t have a charger, you will not be able to do a service. This may cause a quandary as to get information about your vehicle. You will need to have a device that is capable of working.

Why buy Bluetooth Scan Tool?

OBD2 Bluetooth scanning tool is one of the newest and most promising technologies. That will allow you to service your vehicle even easier and easier only with your smartphone or tablet. Thanks to this technology the user saves some money. It requires only an OBD2 adapter and a smartphone or tablet. In addition, it is very modern, because nowadays almost all people are using smartphones. It makes this OBD2 Bluetooth scanner even more attractive and comfortable. Most of the OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth application developers or manufacturers allow you to share data collected about your vehicle. So it is easier to share information and seek ways to resolve the problem.

Related: Bluedriver VS Bafx

However, technologies are evolving rapidly and they easily amaze us by all the high-quality products on the market. Obviously, products like these are OBD2 Bluetooth scanning tools. We can safely say that they will be popular products in the future. Sooner or later, they will probably replace the common OBD2 scanners which are used with wire because their use is a lot more convenient and simple. But professionals are still choosing scanners with wires so these new OBD2 Bluetooth scanning tools are usually used by ordinary people. That is because of their good price, great qualities and they are easy to use.

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Summary
With such unique features at an excellent price, the Bluedriver OBD2 scan tool is a great tool for professional mechanics, technicians, and DIY enthusiasts. This device is portable, reliable, and convenient to use. There is no need to plug in a cable but simply download the app and view the error codes from your smartphone. Even though the code reader has its setbacks, the advantages outweigh them. But before buying this Bluetooth diagnostic scan tool, you need to ensure that it is compatible with your car make and model. I hope this Bluedriver Obd2 review will influence your buying decision.

FAQ

Question: Do I have to leave the Bluedriver OBD2 scanner hooked in or plug it out?
Answer: As per experience, leaving the Bluedriver scanner plugged in your vehicle after reading the error codes will cause many issues. First of all, it will use up a lot of your fuel, which you won’t like. Secondly, it can lead to communication problems between modules and may cause your vehicle operating optimally. So, remove the plug-in after reading the DTCs and definitions.

Question: Which one is better; a Bluetooth scan tool or a cable OBD2 code reader?
Answer: All of these scan tools have their own advantages and disadvantages. Scan tools that are plugged in using a cable offer more stable and fast results when compared to Bluetooth code readers. Bluetooth code readers may experience poor transmission which may lead to the delay of relaying of results. But when it comes to ease of use and flexibility, the Bluetooth is the better choice. Also, with the advancement in technology, the Bluetooth scanners are the future of OBD2 scanners.

Question: What is the importance of having an OBD2 code reader?
Answer: A diagnostic scanner saves you money and time spent visiting a car repair shop or mechanic. In addition, it saves you from danger as you’re able to identify serious issues with your car and get your mechanic to repair them in good time. Also, scan tools help you diagnose some simple car issues by yourself. Scan tools are portable and allow you to diagnose your car anywhere. With a wide vehicle coverage, a single code reader is enough to diagnose your different car models and makes.

Still, have a question after reading this Bluedriver Obd2 review? Comment below.