Monitoring your vehicle’s transmission temperature is crucial, especially when towing or performing maintenance. Many car owners turn to OBD2 scanners like BlueDriver for real-time data. But if you’re specifically looking to check your transmission fluid temperature (ATF temp) with BlueDriver, you might be in for a surprise.
Based on user experiences and direct confirmation from BlueDriver support, BlueDriver OBD2 scanners do not natively support transmission temperature readings. This can be disappointing for users who expect comprehensive data from a popular tool like BlueDriver.
The User Question: BlueDriver and ATF Temp
The question of BlueDriver’s ability to read transmission temperature isn’t new. Car owners have been asking this for years, as evidenced by online forums. One user, kcjaz, specifically inquired: “Will the BlueDriver OBD2 reader and app give live transmission fluid temp data?” They further explained their need to check ATF temperature while planning to add transmission fluid.
This perfectly encapsulates the common need: vehicle owners want a convenient way to monitor ATF temperature, and OBD2 scanners seem like the ideal tool.
BlueDriver’s Official Stance on Transmission Temperature
Disappointment arises when users discover BlueDriver’s limitations in this area. Another forum user, FrazzledHunter, contacted BlueDriver directly in January 2020 and received a clear response: “Unfortunately transmission temperature is not part of the OBDII standard live data set and is not currently supported by BlueDriver.”
BlueDriver’s reply highlights a key point: transmission temperature is not a standard OBDII parameter. While the OBDII standard provides a wealth of diagnostic information, it doesn’t mandate transmission temperature as a universally accessible data point. However, this doesn’t mean the data isn’t available in your vehicle’s computer system.
BlueDriver also mentioned they were “starting R&D on displaying ATF temp for Chrysler & Toyota,” indicating potential future support for specific makes. However, as of July 2024, users are still reporting that BlueDriver does not offer transmission temperature readings.
User Experiences and Frustrations
The forum thread reveals user frustration stemming from the assumption that a premium OBD2 scanner like BlueDriver would cover essential parameters like ATF temperature. One user, beingbeforedoing, stated, “Like others, I made the mistake of assuming a $100 new and fancy dongle would read something my $20 5-year-old dongle has done since day one. My mistake.”
This sentiment is understandable. In a market with increasingly sophisticated and affordable OBD2 tools, the absence of transmission temperature reading in BlueDriver is a notable drawback for some users. It underscores the importance of checking specific features before purchasing an OBD2 scanner, especially if transmission monitoring is a priority.
Why Monitor Transmission Temperature?
Understanding why transmission temperature monitoring is important clarifies the need for this feature in an OBD2 scanner. Excessive transmission heat is a primary cause of transmission fluid breakdown and eventual transmission failure. Monitoring ATF temperature is crucial for:
- Towing: Towing significantly increases the load on your transmission, leading to higher temperatures. Real-time monitoring allows drivers to adjust driving habits to prevent overheating.
- Heavy Duty Use: Similar to towing, any situation that puts extra strain on the vehicle, like off-roading or hauling heavy loads, can elevate transmission temperatures.
- Maintenance and Diagnostics: Checking ATF temperature is essential when performing transmission fluid changes or diagnosing potential transmission issues. Proper fluid level checks often require the transmission to be within a specific temperature range.
Alternative OBD2 Scanners for Transmission Temperature
While BlueDriver may not fit the bill for transmission temperature monitoring, the good news is that several excellent alternatives are available. Forum users and experts recommend OBD Fusion combined with an ELM327 adapter as a reliable solution.
OBD Fusion and Enhanced PIDs
OBD Fusion, along with “enhanced PIDs” (Parameter IDs), is frequently mentioned as a go-to for accessing transmission temperature data, particularly for Toyota vehicles. User linuxgod shared, “I use OBD Fusion and a generic ELM 327 OBD2 reader. OBD Fusion along with the Toyota Enhanced PID pack will give you both transmission temps as well as oil temp.”
Enhanced PIDs are manufacturer-specific codes that go beyond the standard OBDII parameters. By purchasing and loading the appropriate PID pack for your vehicle (like Toyota Enhanced Diagnostics for Toyota), OBD Fusion can access and display data like transmission temperature that standard OBD2 scanners might miss. The cost for these enhanced PID packs is typically quite reasonable, often around $10.
Generic ELM327 Adapters
The forum discussions also highlight the versatility of generic ELM327 OBD2 adapters. These affordable adapters, often costing under $20, when paired with apps like OBD Fusion, can unlock advanced features. Users have reported success using various ELM327 adapters, both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi versions. Brands like Veepeak and Carista are mentioned as reliable options.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right OBD2 Scanner for Transmission Temperature
If monitoring transmission temperature is a key requirement for your OBD2 scanner, BlueDriver is likely not the best choice currently. While it excels in many diagnostic areas, its lack of ATF temperature support is a significant limitation for users needing this specific data point.
Instead, consider exploring alternatives like OBD Fusion with an ELM327 adapter and enhanced PIDs. This combination offers a cost-effective and powerful solution for accessing transmission temperature and a wide range of other vehicle-specific data. Before purchasing any OBD2 scanner, always verify its compatibility with your vehicle and confirm whether it supports the specific parameters you need, especially transmission temperature. Doing so will ensure you choose the right tool for your car maintenance and diagnostic needs.
