For car owners and DIY mechanics, monitoring vehicle parameters is crucial for maintenance and troubleshooting. Among these parameters, transmission temperature is especially vital, particularly when towing or performing transmission fluid checks. If you are considering using a BlueDriver OBD2 scanner to monitor your transmission temperature, you might be wondering if this popular tool supports this function. This article delves into whether BlueDriver OBD2 readers can display transmission temperature, and explores alternative solutions for those needing this capability.
The question of BlueDriver’s ability to read transmission temperature is a common one among users. In online forums, like the discussion on ih8mud.com, car enthusiasts have inquired about this specific feature. One user, kcjaz, directly asked if the BlueDriver OBD2 reader and app could provide live transmission fluid temperature data. Despite searching through the “all” Live Data items within the BlueDriver app, they couldn’t find A/T temp, raising concerns about its availability.
Further investigation and user experiences shared in the forum thread confirm that BlueDriver OBD2 scanners do not inherently support transmission temperature readings. FrazzledHunter, another forum member, contacted BlueDriver support directly in January 2020 to inquire about the missing transmission temperature data. BlueDriver’s response clarified that “transmission temperature is not part of the OBDII standard live data set and is not currently supported by BlueDriver.” They also mentioned that while they were starting research and development to display ATF temp for Chrysler & Toyota vehicles due to high demand, there was no definitive timeline for release or a comprehensive list of supported manufacturers. This official statement directly from BlueDriver indicates a limitation in their device’s capabilities regarding transmission temperature monitoring as of the latest user inquiries in July 2024, where users continued to confirm the absence of this feature through direct contact with BlueDriver support.
This limitation might be surprising, especially considering BlueDriver’s reputation as a comprehensive OBD2 scan tool. As noted by FrazzledHunter, BlueDriver’s response highlights that transmission temperature is “not part of the standard data set.” This suggests that while the data might be available within the vehicle’s computer system, BlueDriver, out of the box, does not access or display it, possibly focusing on standardized OBDII parameters. Competitors in the OBD2 scanner market, as mentioned in the forum, do claim to offer transmission temperature readings, further emphasizing this gap in BlueDriver’s features.
Fortunately, for users needing to monitor transmission temperature, especially for vehicles like Toyotas, alternative OBD2 solutions exist. Forum members afgman786 and linuxgod recommended using OBD Fusion along with a generic ELM327 OBD2 reader. OBD Fusion, paired with enhanced diagnostic packs specific to manufacturers like Toyota, can access and display parameters beyond the standard OBDII set, including transmission temperatures. linuxgod specifically mentioned using OBD Fusion with the Toyota Enhanced PID pack to obtain both transmission temperatures and oil temperature readings. These enhanced PID (Parameter ID) packs essentially extend the capabilities of generic OBD2 readers, allowing them to tap into manufacturer-specific data.
For Toyota owners, OBD Fusion’s “Toyota Enhanced Diagnostics” purchase option, available for a small fee, unlocks access to these valuable temperature parameters. Users have confirmed that even a budget-friendly ELM327 adapter, costing around $20, when combined with OBD Fusion and the Toyota enhanced PIDs, can successfully display transmission temperature. Other apps like Carista and Torque Pro were also mentioned as potential alternatives that may offer transmission temperature monitoring, although OBD Fusion was highlighted as a particularly effective solution for Toyota vehicles.
In conclusion, while BlueDriver OBD2 scanners are powerful tools for many diagnostic and monitoring tasks, they currently do not support displaying transmission temperature. For users specifically needing to monitor this parameter, especially for vehicles where transmission temperature is a critical factor in maintenance or operation, alternatives like OBD Fusion with an ELM327 adapter and enhanced manufacturer-specific PIDs offer a viable solution. Before purchasing an OBD2 scanner with the primary intention of monitoring transmission temperature, it’s essential to verify its compatibility with this specific function, as assuming all scanners offer the same features can lead to unexpected limitations. Exploring options like OBD Fusion ensures you have the necessary tools to accurately monitor your vehicle’s transmission temperature and maintain optimal vehicle health.
