Lemur Blue Driver rant

[Bailey28]

I inherited a Lemur brand Blue Driver OBDII diagnostic tool that plugs in to the OBD port to read codes. For the past 10 or so years I have had the thing I have been able to check DTC codes and look at specific areas of ecm operations. I have the Blue Driver app on my phone.

A few weeks ago I got a PO 441 for emissions code on my Veloster. I know this because I used the Blue Driver to plug in and retrieve the code. Yesterday I attempted to use the Blue Driver module however a message came up stating I needed to create and log into an account online to access the service. Something about version 8.0 now requires this...

Anyone else run into this? Whats going on with all of the everyone wants you to log in to use something now? 10 years without an account now they want this? I really don't feel like creating another account, it seems that all it does is get you more spam and advertising filling up the inbox.

 

[kschachn]

Not that it helps, but OBDeleven is the same way. I haven't used BlueDriver in a while but yeah I'm getting the same screen now.

 

[rijndael]

I think you're going to see a lot of devices moving to accounts, whether paid or free, because of the add-ons people may need for things like the Dodge Secure Vehicle Gateway.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

A cheap scan tool can read and even erase codes without having to create any account

Walmart has one for $20, and of course there are other code readers that do more as well.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Everyone wants you on an account so they can collect your data and monetize it. Is the short answer.

Welcome to our dystopian future.

PS - the $20 code reader is a good idea. I have seen them for as little as $10 from time to time.

 

[Kira]

Welcome to our dystopian future.

The future is now!

 

[Bailey28]

Ok. Off to buy a cheap scan tool. No more accounts and BS for me.

 

[burbguy82]

lemurs are not blue, unless your paint them as such.....and they dont drive.

 

[kschachn]

Ok. Off to buy a cheap scan tool. No more accounts and BS for me.

Except that there can be parameters that a cheap scan tool can't read. If your only goal is to clear a CEL then it may be adequate.

 

[f355spider]

Except that there can be parameters that a cheap scan tool can't read. If your only goal is to clear a CEL then it may be adequate.

For the past 15+ years the cheapo ELM327 scanners work great for me. I just keep one in each car now, they are so cheap. For 90% of my needs they are fine. Anything more, its usually over my head and going to a BMW or Ferrari specialist anyway. But awesome to fix a failing coil pack, O2 sensor, etc and has saved me thousands.

 

[Bailey28]

Update:::: All I had to do was choose an email address and click on it. Then the blue driver worked as it did before...

My apologies for overblowing the issue with the above drama.... carry on.

 

[97prizm]

Ok. Off to buy a cheap scan tool. No more accounts and BS for me.

I'd go more than cheap. A good scan tool is probably better off in the long run.