For car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics, monitoring vehicle parameters is crucial for maintenance and performance checks. OBD2 readers like BlueDriver have become popular tools for accessing this data. A common question among users, especially when dealing with transmission maintenance, is whether the BlueDriver OBD2 scanner can read transmission fluid temperature. Let’s delve into this question, exploring the capabilities of BlueDriver and alternative solutions for monitoring your transmission temperature.
The Question: Can BlueDriver Read Transmission Temperature?
Many users, like the one in the original forum post, have sought to use their BlueDriver devices to monitor ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) temperature. The need is clear: knowing the transmission temperature is essential for tasks like checking fluid levels accurately and ensuring the transmission is operating within safe limits, especially when towing or under heavy load.
The initial user, kcjaz, directly inquired about this, stating they couldn’t find A/T temp in the BlueDriver app’s live data. This sparked a discussion among other users, sharing their experiences and findings.
BlueDriver’s Official Stance on Transmission Temperature
FrazzledHunter, another forum member, shared direct communication from BlueDriver support from January 2020. The response from BlueDriver clearly stated: “Unfortunately transmission temperature is not part of the OBDII standard live data set and is not currently supported by BlueDriver.”
BlueDriver further explained that while they were considering R&D for Chrysler and Toyota ATF temp monitoring due to user demand, there was no ETA for release and no guarantee of broader manufacturer support. This official statement confirms that, at least up to July 2024 (as reported by a later forum user), BlueDriver does not natively support reading transmission temperature.
Community Experiences and Alternatives
The forum thread highlights the experiences of users who were surprised and disappointed by BlueDriver’s lack of transmission temperature support. Many users, coming from cheaper, older OBD2 adapters, assumed a more modern and premium device like BlueDriver would offer this functionality.
The discussion quickly pivoted to alternative solutions, with users recommending OBD Fusion as a viable option. OBD Fusion, when paired with a generic ELM327 OBD2 reader and vehicle-specific Enhanced PID (Parameter IDs) packs (like Toyota Enhanced Diagnostics), is confirmed to read transmission temperatures.
OBD Fusion and Toyota Enhanced PIDs
linuxgod, a forum participant, specifically recommended OBD Fusion with the Toyota Enhanced PID pack. This combination allows users to access not only transmission temperature but also other manufacturer-specific data like oil temperature. The Toyota Enhanced Diagnostics pack is available as an in-app purchase within OBD Fusion, offering a cost-effective way to expand the app’s capabilities for Toyota vehicles.
ELM327 Adapters and Other Options
The forum also mentions generic ELM327 OBD2 adapters as compatible with OBD Fusion. These adapters are widely available and relatively inexpensive. Users like bronc076 and linuxgod confirmed using ELM327 based adapters, with some using WiFi versions and others Bluetooth. Other apps like Carista and Torque are also briefly mentioned as potential alternatives for reading transmission temperature, although OBD Fusion appears to be the most recommended solution within this specific discussion. VeePeak and Carista are highlighted as specific brands of ELM327 adapters that have been tested and work well.
Conclusion: BlueDriver and ATF Temp – Know Before You Buy
For users specifically needing to monitor transmission temperature, especially on vehicles like Toyotas, the BlueDriver OBD2 reader, as of the latest reports in this forum thread (July 2024), is not the ideal tool. While BlueDriver is a capable OBD2 scanner for many standard diagnostic tasks, its lack of transmission temperature support can be a significant drawback for certain maintenance procedures and performance monitoring needs.
Alternatives like OBD Fusion, combined with a generic ELM327 adapter and vehicle-specific enhanced PID packs, provide a readily available and cost-effective solution for accessing transmission temperature data. Before purchasing an OBD2 reader with transmission temperature monitoring in mind, it’s crucial to verify compatibility and features to ensure it meets your specific vehicle and diagnostic requirements.
