I was on DXSoul.com buying some more of the USB LED lights (see photo). I noticed they have these OBD2 Bluetooth diagnostic tool devices for less than six dollars. I thought about buying one, but then I thought about some of the ramifications of using one.
They are great because the device eliminates the wiring and interface device for a standard OBD2 diagnostic tool, which saves a lot of money – that’s where most of the cost is. All you need is this Bluetooth device, a phone with Bluetooth, and the software.
The device is no bigger than the plug that goes into the OBD2 socket of the car. Therefore, in order not to misplace it, there is a great incentive to just leave it plugged into the car’s socket. That means the device can always be active. This raises more than one concern. One is that anyone could use a phone with Bluetooth and software that could do anything with the car. It could unlock the doors, deactivate the alarm system, disable any “lojack” type of locating devices, start the car, and even drive a driverless vehicle.
Another problem could be the device and software might be able to take control during normal driving and cause the car to turn off, and possibly cause an accident. Almost as bad, it might be able to enable or disable the brakes or accelerator, either of which could cause an accident. And the driver losing control could have some serious psychological repercussions. It’s a seriously scary thought!
I have seen a demonstration on the news where a car is stopped when the brakes are applied remotely while the driver is in the car, without the driver doing anything. This is not just a possibility, it’s reality.
So these should all be considered. Also it would be foolish to buy one of these devices if the only way to use it is to pay a lot of money for the software. If the software is nearly the same cost with or without the standard diagnostic cabling, then it would be better (due to the above issues) to use the cabling instead.
Below: Go to dxsoul.com and search for the number shown. Less than $3.00, free shipping.
