Experiencing trouble connecting your BlueDriver OBD2 scanner to your iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth? It’s a common frustration, but often easily resolved. This guide will walk you through simple steps to get your BlueDriver and iOS device communicating smoothly again, so you can get back to diagnosing your vehicle’s health.
1. Engine Ignition Check
First and foremost, ensure your vehicle’s engine is running or that the ignition is switched to the ‘running’ position. The BlueDriver scanner needs power from your car to operate and establish a Bluetooth connection. If you’re attempting to read diagnostic codes without the engine running, you might need a different procedure. For connections without starting your engine, refer to BlueDriver’s specific guide for connecting without engine start for detailed instructions.
2. Bluetooth Settings Verification
Next, let’s check your iPhone or iPad’s Bluetooth settings. Make sure Bluetooth is actually turned on. Also, confirm if your BlueDriver scanner is already paired with your device. Sometimes, a seemingly simple oversight here can be the root cause of the connection problem. Navigate to your device’s Bluetooth settings menu and verify these settings.
3. iOS Version Compatibility
If you are using an older iOS version, specifically between 9.3.1 and 9.3.4, or between 11.0 and 11.1.2, you might be encountering a known Bluetooth issue within these specific iOS iterations. Apple has addressed these bugs in later updates. The recommended solution is to update your iOS to version 11.2 or any newer version available for your device. Software updates often contain crucial bug fixes that can resolve connectivity problems.
4. Interference from Multiple Paired Devices
Bluetooth devices can sometimes interfere with each other. If you have other phones or tablets nearby that are already paired with your BlueDriver or have Bluetooth enabled, they might be attempting to connect automatically. This can prevent your intended device from establishing a connection. Try turning off Bluetooth on other nearby devices to eliminate potential conflicts and ensure a clear connection path for your iPhone or iPad.
5. Device Restart Procedure
A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches that might be hindering the Bluetooth connection. Restart your iPhone or iPad. For most models, you can do this by pressing and holding the home button and the power button simultaneously until the device shuts down and restarts.
For newer iPhone models without a home button, like iPhone X, iPhone Xs, and iPhone Xr, the restart process is slightly different:
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears and your phone restarts.
6. Bluetooth Re-pairing Process
Sometimes, the Bluetooth pairing between your BlueDriver and iOS device might become corrupted. In this case, “forgetting” the existing pairing and re-pairing the devices can establish a fresh and stable connection.
Here’s how to re-pair your BlueDriver:
- Go to the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone or iPad.
- Locate your BlueDriver device in the list of paired devices.
- Tap the information icon ( i ) next to your BlueDriver’s name.
- Select the “Forget This Device” option. This will remove the pairing information.
- Follow the BlueDriver app’s pairing instructions again to re-establish the Bluetooth connection.
7. Power Cycle BlueDriver OBD2 Scanner
Lastly, ensure your BlueDriver is receiving power properly from your vehicle’s OBD2 port. Unplug the BlueDriver scanner from the OBD2 port, wait a few seconds, and then plug it back in firmly. Upon plugging it back in, check for the solid blue light indicator on the BlueDriver. This light confirms that the device is receiving power. If there is no light when you plug it in, it’s possible there’s an issue with the vehicle’s fuse that powers the OBD2 port, which is often linked to the cigarette lighter fuse. Consult your vehicle’s manual for fuse box diagrams and fuse locations.
If you’ve gone through all these steps and your BlueDriver OBD2 Bluetooth is still not connecting to your iOS device, further assistance is available. You can easily reach out to BlueDriver support directly through their mobile app. Navigate to the More tab within the app and select Contact Us to submit a support request. Alternatively, you can create a support ticket on their website’s support page for more in-depth troubleshooting.
