For car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, understanding your vehicle’s health is crucial. In 2020, as now, OBD2 readers emerged as indispensable tools for diagnosing car problems. While basic ELM-327 readers offered a starting point, many sought more comprehensive solutions. This is where tools like the BlueDriver OBD2 reader distinguished themselves, offering deeper insights into vehicle diagnostics.
One user’s experience perfectly illustrates the advantages of choosing a more advanced OBD2 reader. Having previously used generic ELM-327 devices, they found BlueDriver to be a significant upgrade. The limitations of basic readers became apparent when facing complex vehicle issues or wanting a thorough understanding of a car’s condition.
This image shows the top portion of a vehicle diagnostic report generated by the BlueDriver OBD2 reader, displaying the vehicle year, make, and model along with a summary of detected issues.
The user tested the BlueDriver on a 2009 Honda CR-V and a 2005 Acura TSX, uncovering a wealth of stored diagnostic information beyond standard OBD-II codes. This ability to access historical data and manufacturer-specific codes is a key differentiator. Unlike basic readers that might only flag current, active issues, BlueDriver provided a detailed history of potential problems. This deeper dive is incredibly valuable for preventative maintenance and understanding intermittent issues that may not trigger a constant check engine light.
This image displays a section of the diagnostic report detailing specific fault codes related to systems like VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) and TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), indicating the reader’s ability to access advanced vehicle systems.
The included PDF report generation further enhanced the user experience, allowing for easy sharing and record-keeping of diagnostic results. This feature is particularly useful for communicating with mechanics or tracking vehicle maintenance over time. The report’s clarity and organization were also noted as improvements following firmware and app updates in April 2020, highlighting the ongoing development and support for the BlueDriver platform.
This screenshot from the BlueDriver report shows a list of historical fault codes, including a wheel speed sensor issue and TPMS errors, demonstrating the device’s ability to store and report past diagnostic events.
One specific example highlighted the BlueDriver’s ability to detect Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) codes, beyond just engine-related faults. The report flagged a low battery and lost transmission signal from a rear right tire sensor. This demonstrates the broader diagnostic scope compared to basic OBD2 readers, which often focus solely on powertrain issues.
This image shows the compact BlueDriver OBD2 sensor, emphasizing its small size and portability compared to larger, more cumbersome diagnostic tools.
The user emphasized that BlueDriver was “a lot more helpful than the generic ELM-327” and praised its compact size, even smaller than ELM-327 units. This portability makes it an excellent tool for road trips and pre-purchase used car inspections. Being able to quickly scan a used vehicle for potential hidden issues before buying is a significant advantage for any car buyer.
This image depicts the BlueDriver OBD2 reader plugged into a vehicle’s OBD2 port, illustrating its ease of use and direct connection to the car’s diagnostic system.
While vehicle support limitations existed in 2020 for older models, like ABS codes on a 2004 Civic, the active development of the BlueDriver app and firmware promised expanding vehicle compatibility and code coverage. This commitment to ongoing improvement further solidified BlueDriver’s position as a leading OBD2 reader choice in 2020 for users seeking in-depth vehicle diagnostics beyond the basics.
