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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
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
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
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
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
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:
- check
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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:
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 2021-01-15 at 16:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Is this tool useful to analyze a used car to buy? 2010 Odyssey
Bill, this tool is useful on all cars 1996 or newer.
I agree but these guys do cheap dealer grade diagnostic http://www.cartruckdiagnostictools.co.uk
Does it work on all cars or only cars manufactured and sold in the USA? I am a mechanic in west Africa, Ghana. I work on many cars from different country and wants to purchase one for my job, kindly help me out.
Hi Im looking to purchase an OBD bluetooth the vehicle I need it for is a Daihatsu Delta 2004 turbo diesel. Does your device have the codes for this light truck ??
which scan tool is best for 2013 corolla, I am confused what to choose as scan tool. I am not mechanic but I have worked on my cars, doing most of work.
Is scan tool give codes and brief explanation what is wrong?
I am subscribed dealers kind repair book quite in detail description. If I want to purchase what you suggest where can I call as best place. Does the equipment comes with scan and the cable.
One of your reviewed scanners is listed as a WIFI scanner, and not BLUETOOTH. It would have been useful in your review to know what advantages/disadvantages this scanner would have. Also, the video above says WIFI in the title, but the video clearly shows it connecting with BLUETOOTH.
The fact that there are now numerous scan tools for car enthusiasts to choose from, familiarity is a must to get the best diagnostic tool available. Bluetooth Scanners don’t just make car owners more knowledgeable, but also save themselves from hefty charges during visits to car shops.
I’m confused by your article. You seem to say Bluetooth is best, but then you feature a WiFi scanner, which is not a Bluetooth scanner. I’m trying to determine if WiFi or Bluetooth is best, and the advantages of one over the other.
Chris, Thank for your question. We included the Foseal OBD2 Scanner Adapter within our BlueTooth reviews because we believe it is a very solid wireless device, where you can see EVERYTHING, including real-time data (RPM, engine temp, and so on), and the error codes, which you can clear out from the vehicle through the application. All while sharing similarities with BlueTooth technology, such as being wireless and accessed through your mobile device (iOS or Android).
I mean best Bluetooth scanner^^
you will get them here i bought one works great http://www.cartruckdiagnostictools.co.uk
What I am struggling to understand is with all of the various Bluetooth scanners available, how on earth can you actually include a scanner in which your description contains the following
“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.”
I mean seriously? And you put this item on your top 5 list in the #3 spot? This has to be a joke right? Please tell me it is. I beg you. I work in IT and have to deal with this on a nearly daily basis. And you are encouraging people to buy this product? You do understand what malware is, don’t you? This could be something simply annoying such as pop ups but could also include identity theft. I could go on and on but I can’t. I know. I am just flabbergasted you could actually do this.
It’s really an excellent product. And I want to introduce a similar and useful product to you. Launch Creader 8001
Its capable in ASEAN country
Can I perform coding using these scanners such as registering a new car battery? Or would I have to invest in one of the conventional obd2 scanners?
tell me about scanner if worked at dealer for 16 years hell there stuff don’t do all that sounds to good thinking about getting one where u buy at other than amazon
Forms that ask on your cell number and provider are most
certainly useless and should stop filled out. Type some
text to Craigslist explaining the situation within the box
marked as “Describe the issue. craigslist all states How to Report Fraud on Craigslist; How to Report Craigslist Scammers; Comments. Cascading style sheets (CSS) are styles you are able to add on the existing HTML elements with your Web pages, emails along with other online content.