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How far have you gone in terms of  maximizing the usefulness and capability of your smartphone and tablet? With the introduction of bluetooth scanners, you can now turn your tablet or smartphone into a sophisticated and reliable diagnostic scan tool.

Surely, the market is flooded with a proliferation of these tools, but based on today’s technology use and demand, when it comes to having a scan tool or an OBD-II scanner, you should consider investing in a Bluetooth scanner.

To assist you on choosing the best Bluetooth scanner for your vehicle with the best ODB2 app, we have a short list of Bluetooth scanners that are surely considered as “must-haves” and “worth the buy”.

ODB2 Bluetooth Adapter and Bluetooth Scan Tools

Here is a brief review of these OBD2 bluetooth scanners.

Now, if you want to know how to go about buying an Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner to be a WIN – WIN deal both for your budget and your car engine, just scroll down.

1. BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool

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This device features of a sophisticated scanner coupled with the marvelous technology in your smartphone, giving you a unique tool to count on.

The BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone, iPad & Android by Lemur Vehicle Monitors is a professional OBD-II scanner that offers that best on-board diagnostics for your vehicle, trusted by many mechanics in North America. This Bluetooth scanner is designed to have all the capabilities found in expensive scan tools and leverages the benefits of your smartphone or tablet. You also don’t have to worry about the device compatibility because the BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool is officially licensed and certified for Apple and Android devices. To deliver the best user experience, the BlueDriver Sensor and the free installable BlueDriver App are designed to exclusively work with each other in order to perform the following:

• 1Read and Clear Codes
• 2Repair Reports
• 3Freeze Frame
• 4Smog Check
• 5Mode 6 or Advanced Test Results
• 6Live Data Reporting

What we really love about the BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone, iPad & Android are the features you get. This Bluetooth scanner definitely delivers more by having a free app, being compatible with both Apple and Android devices; being able to work with vehicles from 1996 onward, and those with CAN protocols; easy and convenient setup, as well as its on-board diagnostics reporting. Now, with the BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone, iPad & Android, we don’t have to worry about what the pesky little light is trying to say.

2. BAFX Products Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool

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This BAFX Products with Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool is absolutely perfect for check engine light & diagnostics. It is suitable for Android phone only.

This Bluetooth scanner is also a great consideration for your vehicle’s OBD needs. What’s good about the BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool for Android Devices is that it offers a cheaper or more affordable scan tool alternative for many vehicle owners out there, with guaranteed features like compatibility with vehicles built and sold from 1996 onward, compatibility with vehicles designed on CAN protocols, durability, more stable connection, faster data reporting, and top notch support. Other features also include the following:

• 1OBD-II Check Engine Light Code Reading
• 2CEL Resetting
• 3Sensor Reading
• 4Emission Testing

The only feature that makes it different from our pick is that it can only work with Android devices. This means that if you’re an Apple-savvy or one who uses iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices, then you wouldn’t be able to use the BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool for Android Devices.

3. Car WIFI OBD 2 OBD2 OBDII Scan Tool Foseal Scanner Adapter Check Engine Diagnostic Tool for iOS & Android

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The auto scan tool has a lot to offer. It’s a must-have device for every car owner.

This wireless auto scan tool from Foseal has a very compact and lightweight design, thus you can easily carry it with you. The bright lights it displays are also quite helpful as they are an indication that it’s doing something.

It works as advertised on both iOS and Android devices. In fact, I’m impressed at how well it performs with various apps. One app that I’ve downloaded for free and has worked perfectly on both my Android tablet and iPad was OBD Car Doctor. For the purpose of getting other advanced details about my car, I also purchased Torque Pro and it worked great on my Android device. On the other hand, the Dash Command ran smoothly on both my iPhone and Android tablet.

The scan tool is also very easy and straightforward to use, and even novice users wouldn’t have any issues using this ODB2 bluetooth adapter. The setup instructions for both Android and iOS devices are direct and to the point, and are easy to follow. After downloading an app on either my Android tablet or iPad, I simply plug in the auto scan tool to the OBD2 port and then turn on the car. Once a connection to the scanner’s wifi is established, the app is ready to scan the computer. Most notably, the wireless connection is quick and easy.

Performance-wise, it does a good job of clearing trouble codes on various cars I’ve had. With the app I’ve downloaded and installed, I was able to perform real-time diagnostics and get information about my gas mileage which I really find very useful.

If there’s one complaint I’d want to make, it’s with the CD that came along with the scan tool. For my case, the CD could not be read, so I had to read several forums to check if this is a common problem. I found out that some other customers have actually experienced worse issues than mine, as they ended up having their computer infected by some malwares.

Other than this, everything’s fine with this scan tool.

• 1OBD-II Check Engine Light Code Reading
• 2CEL Resetting
• 3Sensor Reading
• 4Emission Testing

The only feature that makes it different from our pick is that it can only work with Android devices. This means that if you’re an Apple-savvy or one who uses iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices, then you wouldn’t be able to use the BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool for Android Devices.

4. ScanTool 426101 OBDLink MX Bluetooth Scanner

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You’ll have a scan tool that will provide necessary data, while giving you thorough information related to your repair, all conveniently displayed on your smart phone or computer.[/review_product]

The ScanTool 426101 OBDLink MX Bluetooth: OBD Adapter/Diagnostic Scanner for Android & Windows offers a professional-grade scan tool for your vehicle’s on-board diagnostics. What makes this Bluetooth scanner stand out among its competitors is that it is referred as the world’s smallest OBD adapter that can work up to four times faster in user experience (via Android app and PC software). The ScanTool 426101 OBDLink MX Bluetooth: OBD Adapter/Diagnostic Scanner for Android & Windows also supports SW CAN and MS CAN protocols found on proprietary GM and Ford networks, in addition to the 5 standard OBD-II protocols. Other features of this Bluetooth scanner include:

• 1BatterySaver Technology
• 2Check Engine Light Reading and Clearing
• 3Android, PC, and Symbian Compatible
• 4Free Diagnostic Software
• 5Compatibility with Third Party Apps and Softwares

The ScanTool 426101 OBDLink MX Bluetooth: OBD Adapter/Diagnostic Scanner for Android & Window offers flexible features. Although this Bluetooth scanner offers great features, similar to the BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool, this Bluetooth scanner is not compatible with Apple iOS devices.

5. ScanTool 427201 OBDLink LX Bluetooth Scanner

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This scan tool should be a fun device whether you’re a gear-head, a tech-geek, or both. As long as you’re not using an Apple product, and you don’t need the ABS, SRS, or enhanced diagnostics, you should be happy with this choice.[/review_product]

Last on the list is the ScanTool 427201 OBDLink LX Bluetooth: OBD Adapter/Diagnostic Scanner for Android & Windows. This Bluetooth scanner features an inexpensive, hacker-proof, user-friendly, and lightning-fast scan tool for your vehicle.

Similar to its other version, the OBDLink MX, the OBDLink LX offers great features and performance. This Bluetooth scanner is also designed to work four times faster than many of its competitors, delivers accurate and detailed user experience (via Android app and PC software), and provides sophisticated and real-time performance monitoring that any vehicle owner would want to achieve during OBD. In addition, the ScanTool 427201 OBDLink LX Bluetooth: OBD Adapter/Diagnostic Scanner supports all legislated OBD-II protocols, EOBD, JOBD, and other international OBD-II variants.

This Bluetooth scanner is also a great consideration for you if you’re planning to have a tool to help you out with your on-board diagnostics. The ScanTool 427201 OBDLink LX Bluetooth: OBD Adapter/Diagnostic Scanner is definitely designed to be very portable and eye-catching with its color and shape. In addition, we were really impressed with its fast performance and data reporting thus really providing us with real-time and convenient information about our vehicle’s status. But one thing you should take note is that, similar to its other version (OBDLink MX), this Bluetooth scanner only works with Android devices and PC. If you own an Apple device, then we suggest you having our pick, the BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool.

Why Bluetooth Scanners?

Do you really need a Bluetooth scanner? Why Bluetooth scanners? Of course you need one! If you own a vehicle and may either be on the road on business trips or just simply driving your children to school, a Bluetooth scanner is a must tool that every vehicle-owner should have.

You should also be investing in a Bluetooth scanner because of the many features it offers to you as a vehicle-owner. A Bluetooth scanner is a handy tool that you should have, especially nowadays. Surely, this on-board diagnostic tool will not be a waste for your money. Most vehicles today are made with built in bluetooth. If you own a new model vehicle, a bluetooth OBD scanner will much more efficient than a traditional one. These scanners are reliable with a car’s bluetooth, and can even work faster and more efficiently than a traditional scanner and one that relies on Wifi.

Know more why you should be having a Bluetooth scanner:

• Very portable: This is one reason why a Bluetooth scanner should be with you: it is portable. Although many on-board diagnostic tools are also designed to be perfect for “on-the-go”, a Bluetooth scanner still stands out among them because of its many “on-the-go” features like its compact size, “no bulky cord” or wireless design, and of course, a better performance based on the capabilities of your smartphone or tablet, the devices that are always with you.
• checkCompatible with today’s devices: As mentioned, a Bluetooth scanner performs well with the strengths of today’s modern smartphone and tablets. Since Bluetooth is supported as a connection protocol to these devices, having a Bluetooth scanner will not have a compatibility problem with your Android devices or your iPhone and iPad. This, in turn, gives you additional features such as free app updates, saving data, live data interaction, and many more.
• checkProvides better, faster data: Unlike the traditional scan tools like the code readers, a Bluetooth scanner is more efficient in providing live data to its users. By having this tool, identification and transmission of data is better and faster. It will be able to perform much better at reading generic and manufacturer trouble codes, providing trouble code definitions, and providing instant troubleshooting procedures and tips.

Who should consider buying Bluetooth Scanners?

A Bluetooth scanner is an important tool in facilitating the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) process. It does not only perform according to its specifications but a Bluetooth scanner also provides a better, much efficient scanning, diagnosis, and reporting to all vehicle-owners.

Bluetooth scanners can be used personally or commercially. A vehicle-owner, like you, should consider buying one of these best Bluetooth scanners because it will surely help you maintain your vehicle at its best, at an instant, and whenever it needs some on-the-spot diagnosis. If you travel a lot in your vehicle, be it for your business purposes or for your family needs, a Bluetooth scanner should always be with you. Who knows when that pesky little light may alert you in the middle of the road, right? If you own a vehicle that has bluetooth in the car, a bluetooth OBD scanner will be the right choice to purchase.

Companies that specialize in automotive repair should also consider buying Bluetooth scanners. A Bluetooth scanner is a good addition to every shop’s set of automotive tools because it provides more features and works more efficiently, both of which a repair shop can take advantage of.

Which vehicles does it work with?

Before having to make your decision to invest in a new Bluetooth scanner, it is very important to know which vehicles it works with.

If you have a newly purchased vehicle (which was also built in the same year), then don’t worry because a Bluetooth scanner is surely compatible with it. BUT if you have a vehicle that was built and sold before the year 1996, then you will need much more reading to do.

A Bluetooth scanner, and OBD-II scanners in general, only work with all vehicles (cars and light trucks) that were built and sold in the United States after January 1, 1996. This means that all cars and light trucks after this date were required to be OBD-II equipped.sfd

How about for vehicles built and sold before the January 1, 1996? Below is a list provided by the California Air Resources Board on the Certified OBD-II Complying Engine Families and Models.

ENGINE FAMILY	MANUFACTURER	MODEL(S)	FULLY COMPLIANT?
1994 Model Year Certifications
RAD2.8V8GFEM	Audi	100	No
RFM3.8V8G1EK	Ford	Mustang	No
RFM4.6V8G1EK	Ford	T-Bird, Cougar	No
RMB2.2VJGCEK	Mercedes-Benz	C220	No
RMB3.2VJGCEK	Mercedes-Benz	C 280, S 320, SL 320	No
RNS2.0VJGDEK	Nissan	G20	Yes
RTY3.0VJGFEK	Toyota	Camry, ES300	No
RTY2.7HGEEK	Toyota	T100	No
RTY2.42HGEEK	Toyota	Previa, Previa All-Trac	No
RVW2.8V8GFHM	Volkswagen	Corrado	No
RVV2.3VHGFEK	Volvo	850 Turbo	No
1995 Model Year Certifications
SBM5.4V8GAEK	BMW	750cl(V12), 850ci(V12)	No
SCR2.0VJGFEK	Chrysler	Dodge Neon, Plymouth Neon	No
SCR122VJG2EK	Chrysler	Dodge Neon, Plymouth Neon	No
SCR2.0VJG2GK	Chrysler	Dodge Neon, Plymouth Neon
SCR2.0VJGFEL	Chrysler	Dodge Neon, Plymouth Neon	No
SDS2.0VJGFEK	Diamond Star	Eagle Talon, Mitsubishi	No
		Eclipse, Chrysler Sebring,
		Dodge Avenger
SFM3.828G1EK	Ford	Windstar	No
SFM3.8V8G1EK	Ford	Mustang	No
SFM4.6V8G1EK	Ford	T-Bird, Cougar	No
SFM4.6V8G1GK	Ford	Grand Marquis, Town Car,	No
		Crown Victoria
SFM2.318G1EK	Ford	Ranger	No
SFM3.028G1EK	Ford	Windstar	No
SFM3.018G1EK	Ford	Ranger	No
SFM3.028G1FK	Ford	Ranger	No
SFM3.028G1FK	Ford	Ranger	No
SFM4.6VJG1EK	Ford	Continental	No
SFM4.028G1EK	Ford	Ranger	No
S1G3.8V8G1EK	GM	Camaro, Firebird	Yes
S3G4.319GFEJ	GM	S10 Pick-Up, Jimmy, Blazer	No
S3G4.329GFGJ	GM	S10 Pick-Up	No
SIG2.3VJG2GK	GMC	Cavalier, Sunfire
SHN2.7VJG1EK	Honda	Accord LX, EX (V6)	Yes
SHN2.7VJGFEK	Honda	Accord LX, EX (V6)	Yes
SHN2.5VJGKEK	Honda	TL	Yes
SHN3.0VJGKEK	Honda	NSX	Yes
SJC4.0VJGAEK	Jaguar	AJ16 (SC)	Yes
SJC6.0V8GFFK	Jaguar	V12	No
SJC4.0VJGFEK	Jaguar	XJS	No
SKM1.8VJG1EK	KIA	Sephia	No
STK2.3VJGFEK	Mazda	Millenia	No
STK2.5VJGFEK	Mazda	Millenia	No
STK1.5VJG2EK	Mazda	Protege	No
STK1.8VJG1EK	Mazda	Protege	No
SFM2.318G1EK	Mazda*	B2300	No
SFM3.018G1EK	Mazda*	B3000	No
SFM3.028G1FK	Mazda*	B3000	No
SFM4.018G1EK	Mazda*	B4000	No
SFM4.028G1EK	Mazda*	B4000	No
SMB3.6VJGFEK	Mercedes Benz	S 320, C 280, SL 320	Yes
SMT1.5VJG2EK	Mitsubishi	Summit, Mirage	No
SMT1.8VJG2EK	Mitsubishi	Summit, & Summit Wagon,	No
		Mirage, Expo, LRV
SMT2.4VJG2EK	Mitsubishi	Summit Wagon, Expo, LRV	No
SNS2.4VJGFFK	Nissan	240 SX	Yes
SNS2.0VJGFFK	Nissan	G20	Yes
SNS3.0VJG1EK	Nissan	Maxima	No
SNS3.0VJG1FK	Nissan	Maxima	No
SNS2.4VJG2EK	Nissan	Altima	Yes
SNS1.6VJG2EK	Nissan	Sentra/200 SX	Yes
SNS2.0VJGFEK	Nissan	200SX SE-R	Yes
SNS3.0VJG1EK	Nissan	Maxima	No
SLR4.0H8GOEK	Rover	Range Rover New Model	No
SFJ2.2VJGFEK	Subaru	Legacy	Yes (A/T models only)
STY3.41JG1GK	Toyota	T100 2WD	Yes
STY3.42JG1GK	Toyota	T100 2WD & 4WD	Yes
STY3.0VJGFEK	Toyota	Camry, Camry Wagon,	Yes
		ES300, Avalon	No
STY2.42HGJEK	Toyota	Previa, Previa All-trac	No
STY2.71HGEEK	Toyota	T100 2WD	Yes
STY1.5VHGFEK	Toyota	Tercel	No
STY4.0VJG1GK	Toyota	LS 400	No
STY2.41HG1GK	Toyota	Tacoma 2WD	No
STY2.71HG1GK	Toyota	Tacoma 4WD	No
STY3.41JGFEK	Toyota	Tacoma 2WD/4WD	No
STY3.42JGFEK	Toyota	Tacoma 4WD	No
STY4.55JGFEK	Toyota	Land Cruiser	No
SVV2.3VJGFEK	Volvo (TC)	850 Turbo Sedan/Wagon	No
SVV2.4VJGFEK	Volvo	850 Sedan/Wagon	Yes

You should take note that in terms of the Certified OBD-II Complying Engine Families and Models, the California Air Resources Board only recognizes the engine family instead of the vehicle models. This means that the engine is the deciding factor for compliance.

Essential considerations when buying a Bluetooth Scanner

Instead of going directly to the store and choosing your own Bluetooth scanner, you should consider some important things first. Of course, you wouldn’t want to have one without knowing what you’re buying right? In choosing between a number of OBD-II scanners and other scan tools, it is essential to be familiar with the following:

• Variety: If you go to a retailer or land on an online store, you will surely be surprised at all the options available. The truth is, there are a lot of tools for your vehicle’s on-board diagnostics, as in a LOT. So, you should be able to know the different kinds of tools that will facilitate OBD. As introduced above, a scan tool and an OBD-II scanner are the most common tools that will help you find out the information that the little light is trying to communicate to you. Specifically, there are the code readers and the Bluetooth scanners that are chosen by many vehicle owners, do-it-yourself mechanics, and automotive repair companies. But if you want the best for yourself and for your vehicle (when it comes to features, compatibility, portability, and mostly value), the tools that we recommend are the Bluetooth scanners.
• Features: When you are trying to buy something for yourself, you should always look for the features or specifications. When it comes to Bluetooth scanners, features are actually developed and added to provide further assistance to your vehicle’s on-board diagnostics. Instead of just identifying and reading trouble codes, other important automotive-related features are also added to Bluetooth scanners, such as: bluetooth capabilities, screen size, on-board memory, power source, battery life, and others.
• Vehicle Compatibility: Before buying a Bluetooth scanner, you should also know the vehicle it will be working with. Vehicles (all cars and light trucks) that are built and sold after January 1, 1996 are required to be OBD-II equipped. So if you have a vehicle that you just purchased recently, then you’re good to go to buy your vehicle a Bluetooth scanner.
• Device Compatibility: Since you are going to work with a wireless-capable OBD-II scanner, it is a must to have a device that is going to be compatible with it. Since nowadays Bluetooth is connected with smartphones and tablets, it is essential to have these devices so you can easily and successfully work with your Bluetooth scanner. Also, you should take note that some Bluetooth scanners work only with some specific devices or operating systems, usually with Android devices, Apple devices, both, and/or others.
• Budget: Just because you need to know why the little light on your vehicle’s dashboard is flashing in from of you, you don’t need to purchase an expensive OBD-II scanner or scan tool. We suggest you look for an affordable Bluetooth scanner. If you find a Bluetooth scanner that is more expensive than what you expect, and does not have the best features, then it’s a no-brainer for you to look for better ones.

How does a Bluetooth Scan Tool work?

Once the check engine light starts to illuminate, it has something important to tell you, surely related to its system. Ito know what the message is, you need to have a scan tool or OBD-II scanner on hand.

The functionality of a Bluetooth Scan Tool relies on its components, from the OBD-II adapter to its connected device, a smartphone, tablet, or PC. Its functionality starts from the basic ability to read and clear codes. Since a Bluetooth Scan Tool is dependent on an application or software that is installed on a mobile device or computer, there are various features that are added to it making on-board diagnostics more effective and convenient. They include storing and playing back live data, graphing data, reading generic and manufacturer-specified trouble codes, displaying pending codes, providing trouble code definitions, providing troubleshooting procedures and tips, as well as miscellaneous functions like battery saving, sensor reading, and emission testing.

ODB2 Bluetooth Android and iOs Comparison and Conclusion

It is a sign of trouble whenever that pesky little engine light blinks or illuminates in the dashboard, especially if you are in the middle of the road. Since that light is only triggered when there is an abnormal condition, malfunction or problem in your vehicle, you need to have a tool that will help you find out what it really is. The only way to identify the problem is by using a scan tool, an OBD-II scanner, or to be specific, a Bluetooth scanner for Android and iOs.

A Bluetooth scanner is one of the best recommendations as a tool to assist you with your vehicle’s on-board diagnostics. It provides faster, more convenient, and efficient way of reading and clearing codes, providing live data, identifying trouble code definitions, and even helping you solve the problem by sending you troubleshooting procedures and tips instantly.

A Bluetooth scanner provides real value value to vehicle owners, do-it-yourself mechanics, and all automotive repair companies.

Last update on 2021-04-11 at 14:34 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API