For car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD2) scanners have become indispensable tools. They offer a window into your vehicle’s health, allowing you to read diagnostic codes, monitor live data, and even perform certain tests. Among the popular OBD2 scanners on the market is BlueDriver, known for its user-friendly app and Bluetooth connectivity. But for those specifically concerned about their vehicle’s transmission, a crucial question arises: Does the Bluedriver Obd2 Driver read transmission temperature?
This question is particularly relevant for vehicle owners who tow trailers, haul heavy loads, or simply want to ensure the longevity of their automatic transmissions. Monitoring transmission fluid temperature (ATF temp) is vital in these scenarios, as excessive heat can lead to premature wear and costly repairs.
Let’s delve into this topic based on real user experiences and expert insights.
The User Inquiry: ATF Temp and BlueDriver
The original question comes from a user seeking to monitor ATF temperature on their Toyota 200 series while performing a transmission fluid change. They specifically ask if the BlueDriver OBD2 reader and app provide live transmission fluid temperature data. After reviewing the BlueDriver app’s “all” Live Data items and not finding “A/T temp,” they turned to online forums for answers.
Alt text: BlueDriver Bluetooth OBD2 scanner tool used for vehicle diagnostics.
BlueDriver’s Official Stance on Transmission Temperature
Disappointingly, direct user inquiries to BlueDriver customer support, as shared in the forum thread, confirm that BlueDriver does not currently support transmission temperature monitoring. BlueDriver’s official response in 2020 stated that transmission temperature is “not part of the OBDII standard live data set and is not currently supported by BlueDriver.” While they mentioned considering R&D for Chrysler & Toyota ATF temp display due to high demand, there’s no guaranteed release date or expansion to other manufacturers. As of July 2024, this limitation still stands.
This means that despite BlueDriver’s capabilities for reading a wide range of OBD2 data, it falls short for users specifically needing to monitor ATF temperature directly through the app’s live data stream.
Why Doesn’t BlueDriver Show ATF Temp?
The key phrase in BlueDriver’s response is “not part of the OBDII standard data set.” OBD2 standards define a set of parameters that all vehicles must report, primarily for emissions-related diagnostics. While many modern vehicles do measure transmission temperature internally, this data point is not mandated as part of the standard OBD2 output.
Therefore, whether an OBD2 scanner can access ATF temperature depends on:
- Vehicle Manufacturer Implementation: Does the vehicle manufacturer make ATF temperature data accessible through the OBD2 port beyond the standard parameters?
- Scanner Capability: Is the OBD2 scanner designed to request and interpret these manufacturer-specific parameters (often called PIDs – Parameter IDs)?
BlueDriver, in its current form, appears to focus on the standard OBD2 data set and lacks the enhanced capabilities to read manufacturer-specific PIDs for ATF temperature in vehicles like Toyota and potentially others.
Alternative OBD2 Solutions for ATF Temperature Monitoring
Fortunately, the automotive aftermarket offers several OBD2 solutions that do provide transmission temperature monitoring. The forum thread highlights a few popular and effective alternatives:
1. OBD Fusion with Enhanced PIDs
OBD Fusion is a highly recommended smartphone app (available on iOS and Android) that, when paired with a compatible OBD2 Bluetooth or WiFi adapter (like a generic ELM327), can read transmission temperature. The crucial element is purchasing the “Enhanced Diagnostics” or “Enhanced PID” add-on for your specific vehicle make (e.g., Toyota, Ford, GM). These enhanced PID packs contain the manufacturer-specific codes needed to access parameters like ATF temperature, oil temperature, and more, which are not part of the standard OBD2 set.
Alt text: Screenshot of OBD Fusion app displaying live vehicle data, potentially including transmission temperature.
2. Generic ELM327 Adapters
The ELM327 chip is a widely used microcontroller in inexpensive OBD2 adapters. Many generic ELM327 Bluetooth or WiFi adapters available online (often under $20-$30) are fully compatible with apps like OBD Fusion. Brands like Veepeak and Carista are mentioned as reliable options. The key is to ensure the adapter supports the communication protocols your vehicle uses (typically CAN).
3. Carista and Torque Pro
Besides OBD Fusion, other apps like Carista and Torque Pro (Android) are also mentioned as potential solutions for reading ATF temperature, especially when combined with compatible OBD2 adapters and vehicle-specific configurations or plugins.
Choosing the Right OBD2 Tool for Your Needs
If your primary need is to monitor transmission temperature, especially on vehicles where this data is not part of the standard OBD2 output (like some Toyota models as discussed), BlueDriver, in its current state, may not be the ideal choice.
For ATF temperature monitoring, a combination of:
- A generic ELM327 OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth or WiFi)
- OBD Fusion app with the Enhanced Diagnostics add-on for your vehicle make
appears to be a highly effective and cost-efficient solution. This setup provides access to manufacturer-specific PIDs, unlocking transmission temperature and other advanced data points beyond the basic OBD2 capabilities.
Before purchasing any OBD2 scanner or app, it’s always recommended to:
- Research your specific vehicle: Confirm if your vehicle makes transmission temperature data accessible via OBD2, even if it’s not standard.
- Check scanner/app compatibility: Verify if the scanner and app you are considering explicitly list transmission temperature monitoring as a feature for your vehicle make and model.
- Read user reviews: See if other users with similar vehicles have successfully used the scanner and app to monitor ATF temperature.
By doing thorough research and considering alternatives like OBD Fusion and ELM327 adapters, you can equip yourself with the right OBD2 tool to effectively monitor your vehicle’s transmission temperature and ensure its long-term health.
