When your vehicle displays an engine light the code it could just be your fuel cap not properly closed to transmission fluid pressure low which is a problem that cannot be ignored but how could you know? Why would you want to go to the mechanic shop every time you see the engine light and possibly get ripped off because you as the car owner does not know what’s wrong with your car before getting it fixed at the shop.
Now this is where OBD2 bluetooth scanners shine.
These devices give you the ability to know exactly what’s actually wrong with your engine by just plugging a small bluetooth device into your car’s OBD2 port which is usually located under the steering column near the footwell area (just do a quick google search to find out for you vehicle).
Ignoring the check engine light is not something you want to do if you want to keep your vehicle running. That's why manufacturers have now given car owners the ability to find out what’s wrong with your vehicle by just using this OBD2 bluetooth device and your smartphone.
Here is a list of my top 5 OBD2 bluetooth scanners
*Some devices work only on Android or only on iPhone or Windows so I will let you know which scanner works with which device.
*All of the devices mentioned below do have the capability to reset and read check engine light depending on which application you use.
BlueDriver Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool
Pros:
Works with Apple iOS and Android devices via BlueDriver app
Displays check engine light codes
Other vehicle system codes such as ABS, Airbag, Transmission, TPMS, etc. also displayed depending on vehicle model and year.
Live Data available to monitor engine live stats while driving such as engine load, coolant temperature, throttle position, and more...
Find out what each code means depending on your specific vehicle using BlueDriver app database verified by professionals.
Durable construction
Cons:
Expensive at around $100
Codes and live data for other systems besides the engine is limited to certain makes, and years. Check in the description for more information -----> https://amzn.to/2XS1uDY
About This Device:
This BlueDriver Bluetooth Scan Tool is among one of the most popular bluetooth OBD2 scanners with a rating of 4.7 stars on Amazon. It can be used by the normal car owner or even everyday on-the-go mechanics that don’t want to carry around a large OBD2 scanner.
BlueDriver app is simple and straight-forward even for people who don’t know much about cars. There is an unlimited database of information for different codes your vehicle may be showing. For certain makes of vehicles you can also read transmission codes as well as from other systems like ABS, TPMS, SRS, ect.
A possible downside for some may be that the BlueDriver sells for around $100 which may be a little on the pricier side however it doesn’t compare to how much some wired OBD2 scanners cost.
Yes, I know the expensive OBD2 scanners are expensive for a reason because you are able to see and do so much more with your vehicle. However, this device should suffice for most people and would also be a great addition for professional mechanics as well.
Some people have experienced that for their specific vehicle there was not enough live data information available. For that, I would suggest you look through the description and maybe search on google in order to find out what live data modules and other systems are available to view for your specific vehicle.
OBDLink MX+ OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner
Pros:
Works with Apple iOS, Android and Windows PC
Works with apps like FORScan, BimmerCode, AlfaOBD, Torque Pro and much more
Clears check engine light
View live data from different car systems (ABS, TPMS, SRS etc.)
Enhanced features for certain makes (Honda, Toyota/Lexus/Scion, Hyundai, Kia, GM, Ford, Mazda, Nissan/Infinity
Cons:
Expensive- price is around $100
Does not have enhanced features for vehicle makes not mentioned above
About This Device:
OBDLink MX+ is by far the most versatile bluetooth OBD2 scanner in its price range. Having the ability to connect to 3 different types of operating systems opens up a whole plethora of apps that you can use. Unlike the BlueDriver this device is not held down with only 1 app because if one app doesn’t fit your needs then there is most likely another one that would be able to give you the results that you desire.
Although live data is available on most cars, the ability to view more in depth features are only available for the vehicles mentioned in the “Pros” section. So if you have any of those makes this would be a great addition to your tool arsenal. Don’t get me wrong, for any of the vehicles not mentioned above you will be able to see live data for certain car systems/sensors or various parameters but you won’t be able to see as much as for supported vehicles.
The price is at around $100, however honestly for what you get with this device. The price is really a bargain compared to the competition because of the insane amount of versatility. No wonder this is a top rated item on Amazon with over 6,000 reviews. Now that speaks volumes.
OBDLink LX OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner
Pros:
Works with Android and Windows
Can use 3rd party applications (Torque Pro, DashCommand, OBDWiz, OBDLink etc.)
3-year manufacture warranty either repair or replace
Graph and log Live Data
Average Price at around $55
Can be updated
Cons:
Does NOT work with Apple iOS
Customers have experienced some issues while trying to do a firmware upgrade on the device
About This Device:
Being the inexpensive version of the OBDLink MX+, the OBDLink LX is a bluetooth scanner that fits in the budget of most consumers and still be able to do most of the tasks that more expensive devices do. This device has the ability to use 3rd party apps for both Windows and Android so you can pick which app fits your needs. Just like every other device this can read all your engine light codes and even show you live data of your vehicle systems.
One really downside is for Apple users because this device is not compatible with Apple iOS devices which does limit the market for these devices since there are so many iOS users out there.
The Device does in fact have the ability to be updated, however some people have experienced issues while updating. Something would go wrong while in the process and then the device was actually rendered as useless. Note that this did not go wrong for everybody, only for a few. My recommendation is to contact the company directly if something like this ever occurs because they will repair or replace it for you according to their 3-year warranty. Even if you did pass the 3-year warranty time it doesn’t hurt contacting the company and explaining your situation.
Veepeak OBDCheck BLE OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner
Pros:
Works with Android, Apple iOS, and Windows
Works a wide variety of 3rd party apps (Torque Pro, OBD Fusion, BimmerCode, JScan OBD etc.)
View live data depending on which app you use
1-year replacement warranty
Much more affordable at around $35
Cons:
Some people have mentioned bluetooth connection and pairing issues mainly for certain iOS devices
Enhanced features are limited based on vehicle make
About This Device:
A bluetooth OBD2 scanner in the $30 range that provides you with the essential information, now that’s a steal. The Veepeak OBDCheck BLE OBD2 scanner gives you the flexibility to use any of the 3 operating systems with a wide range of apps with different features depending on the application.
Do note that you may not be able to view as many different systems and sensors as the more expensive competitors however you do get the ability to view live data for certain general systems such as coolant temperature, air intake temp., throttle position sensor and more.
Only a few people have mentioned some issues with Bluetooth connectivity, usually with people who owned certain iPhone devices. However, most of the issues were resolved when individuals contacted the company and explained their connectivity issue. As a result, the company gave replacements with a more updated firmware and that resolved the issue for most.
Chances are if there is anything wrong with your device you will know by the first week of using it. My advice is if there is anything not working as it should just contact the company directly or through Amazon and chances are they will be able to resolve the issue for free or give you a refund.
Veepeak Mini Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner
Pros:
Works with Android and Windows devices
Very Affordable at around $12
Works with 3rd party apps (Torque Pro, OBD Fusion, Car Scanner, OBD Fusion etc.)
View live data for certain sensors and systems depending on vehicle
Cons:
Does NOT work with Apple iOS devices
Enhanced features are limited based on vehicle make
About This Device:
Being one of the most affordable and top rated devices on the market, the Veepeak Mini OBD2 scanner allows many more people the ability to find out what’s behind that check engine light. This mini Bluetooth scanner can connect to a wide range of Android and Windows apps. The features and sensors available may vary depending on the vehicle you are plugged into. To put it into simpler terms, this device gets the job done without emptying your wallet. It has all the essential features like reading and resetting check engine lights along with much more for such a low price.
Apple iOS users may be frustrated since this does not work with apple devices. Part of the reason is because Apple devices tend to be more strict on which devices can and cannot connect basically for security reasons.
Being such an inexpensive device however does limit the features that would be available for certain vehicles because you may not be able to view certain sensors that you could have with the more expensive counterparts. I would mainly just recommend this for what it is predominantly meant for which is for reading the check engine light.
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