The BlueDriver Scan Tool is a powerful tool for vehicle diagnostics, offering a wide array of features to help you understand and maintain your car. A key aspect of accessing the complete suite of Bluedriver Obd2 Features hinges on your vehicle’s identification, primarily through its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This article will delve into how BlueDriver utilizes your VIN to unlock enhanced functionalities and what you need to know to ensure you’re getting the most out of your scanner.
BlueDriver leverages your vehicle’s VIN, a unique 17-character identifier, to automatically recognize your car’s make, model, and year. This VIN is typically located on the driver’s side dashboard, visible through the windshield, and also on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Upon connecting your BlueDriver sensor to your vehicle’s OBD2 port, the app attempts to retrieve the VIN directly from your car’s engine computer. For most vehicles, this process is seamless and automatic.
However, some older vehicles, particularly those manufactured before 2005, may not support automatic VIN retrieval. In these cases, or when using BlueDriver for the first time or after reinstalling the app, you might be prompted to manually enter your VIN. This manual entry is crucial because several valuable BlueDriver OBD2 features are VIN-dependent. Without proper VIN identification, you’ll be missing out on key functionalities designed to provide you with tailored and accurate vehicle information.
These VIN-dependent features significantly enhance the diagnostic and repair capabilities of your BlueDriver scanner. They include:
- Repair Reports: Access to comprehensive, vehicle-specific repair reports is a cornerstone of BlueDriver. These reports offer detailed diagnostic information, potential causes, and verified fixes for specific trouble codes, significantly streamlining the repair process. This feature relies heavily on the VIN to provide accurate and relevant repair guidance for your exact vehicle.
- Vehicle Specifications: Understanding your vehicle’s precise specifications is vital for maintenance and repairs. BlueDriver, with VIN identification, provides access to detailed specifications, including engine type, transmission, and other factory settings. This ensures you have the correct information for parts ordering and service procedures.
- Recalls: Staying informed about safety recalls is paramount for vehicle safety. BlueDriver uses your VIN to check for any open recalls specific to your vehicle, ensuring you are aware of and can address any potential safety issues.
- Maintenance Schedules: Following the recommended maintenance schedule is crucial for prolonging your vehicle’s life and preventing costly repairs. BlueDriver provides VIN-specific maintenance schedules, tailored to your car’s make, model, and year, taking the guesswork out of routine maintenance.
- Service Bulletins (TSBs): Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) are issued by manufacturers to address known issues and repair procedures. BlueDriver, with VIN recognition, can provide access to TSBs relevant to your vehicle, offering valuable insights and manufacturer-recommended solutions for potential problems.
- Enhanced Codes for Mercedes and BMW: For owners of Mercedes-Benz and BMW vehicles, BlueDriver offers enhanced diagnostic capabilities, including reading and clearing manufacturer-specific trouble codes beyond generic OBD2 codes. This enhanced functionality, providing deeper insights into these complex vehicle systems, is also VIN-dependent.
If you are reconnecting to a vehicle that doesn’t automatically transmit its VIN, BlueDriver intelligently remembers your previous connection. The app will ask if you want to reuse the last entered VIN, simplifying the process for returning users.
You can always manually enter or update your VIN within the BlueDriver app. Navigate to the “Vehicle Info” page and tap the VIN box at the top of the screen to input the 17-digit code. For added convenience, BlueDriver also offers a VIN scanning feature. By tapping the barcode button, you can use your device’s camera to scan the VIN barcode located on the driver’s side doorjamb, ensuring accuracy and ease of entry.
It’s important to note that while BlueDriver offers the option to manually select the year and manufacturer without entering a VIN, doing so will disable all VIN-dependent features. Similarly, if you initially enter a VIN and then manually change the year or manufacturer, the VIN-related functionalities will be overridden. Furthermore, manual manufacturer selection will not enable the enhanced diagnostic codes for Mercedes-Benz or BMW.
Currently, BlueDriver’s automatic VIN decoding is primarily designed for North American (Canada & US) vehicles. However, if you own a vehicle outside of North America that has a North American equivalent, you can manually enter a VIN from a North American model using online VIN decoder resources. While this might enable some VIN-related services, data accuracy cannot be guaranteed in such cases.
In conclusion, your vehicle’s VIN is the key to unlocking the full spectrum of BlueDriver OBD2 features. Ensuring accurate VIN entry, whether automatically retrieved or manually inputted, is essential for accessing repair reports, vehicle specifications, recalls, maintenance schedules, service bulletins, and enhanced diagnostic capabilities. By properly identifying your vehicle with its VIN, you empower BlueDriver to provide you with the most accurate and valuable diagnostic and repair information, making it an indispensable tool for vehicle owners and enthusiasts alike.
