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Product Reviews

Product Review: Lemur BlueDriver OBD2 Sensor

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Professional diagnostics at an affordable price.

If your vehicle’s instrument panel suddenly activates a warning light, what will you do? For some drivers, they will automatically head to a garage to have a mechanic connect expensive equipment to their car to determine what that error code means. Typically, a fee of $60 to $80 is charged to clear the code. If there is a problem, then repairs are made for an additional cost.

That’s a lot of money to shell out only to tell you that your gas cap is loose or to inform you that some other minor problem is present, one that you could have handled yourself. For that reason, consumers have been turning to various OBD2 (OBDII) devices to decipher that information and to save them money.

Lemur BlueDriver

OBDII Devices and Your Car

The only problem with some of the various OBDII devices is that they may require tools to install. Worse, a handful are only suitable for PC or Mac connectivity — switch to a new operating system and your reader may no longer provide the reports you need. Bye, bye investment!

And how do I know this? Because I was presented with an OBDII reader nine years ago when I was still using a PC. Just two years later that tool was rendered inoperable as I switched to a Mac. That earlier device was fine, but it still meant taking extra steps to get my computer to read the information.

Lemur BlueDriver OBD2 Sensor

Just as all technologies evolve, the same can be said for OBDII readers. Indeed, when I was presented with the opportunity to test the BlueDriver scan tool from Lemur, I jumped at it. After all, when you discover that the latest gizmo can be read by a smartphone or a tablet, then its ease of use should be considered.

As always with all product reviews that appear here in Auto Trends Magazine, the product is supplied by the manufacturer — usually through a public relations firm. Our reviews are objective and that means we share with our readers the good, the bad or the ugly. Typically, however, we research the product before accepting it — we don’t want to waste your time or ours by sharing a dud device. Even so, if a product has some shortcomings, we will tell you about them.

Happily, the Lemur BlueDriver OBD2 Sensor (retail $99.95) performs as promised. It is designed for all model year 1996 and later cars, those that are equipped with the current generation on-board diagnostic (OBD) port. That port is usually located under the left side of your dashboard or nearby. If you cannot find it, your owner’s manual should point you in the right direction.

Lemur BlueDriver

Smartphone or Tablet Connectivity

Simply take the BlueDriver out of its package, connect it to the port and sync it with your smartphone or table. Instructions are given on how to accomplish this feat — it took me no more than three minutes to make a connection to my iPhone 5. Yes, this system works with iOS and Android units, so no drama there.

We used my wife’s 2013 Toyota RAV4 as the test mule for the BlueDriver device. Just before I made the connection, I scanned the device to obtain the related app. A blue light activates on the BlueDriver when it is connected.

Head over to the app, open it up and you will be presented with nine icons, including a flashlight. Here, you can read codes, clear codes, obtain vehicle information, perform a smog check and retrieve the current mileage status among other tasks.

Start Your Engine, Then Launch the App

To read the driver codes, your vehicle must be turned on. Then, launch the app and tap “read codes.” Within a few seconds your car will be scanned for current information. That information can be shared with another computer — even one located across the world. At the same time, if there is a problem that needs mechanical attention, you can forward that report to your mechanic for his review.

For graphing and logging wonks, the BlueDriver app is a data dream come true. You can choose between metric or imperial units, then scan your vehicle. Current information is displayed to your device and then can be saved as a .csv file as a data log. Send it to your personal computer, open a spreadsheet program and then review your data.

You can pan and zoom the graph as well as tap and hold to enable crosshairs. Whatever viewing changes you make, the data will continue to stream. Icons on the top right of the screen enable you to share the graph.

One important menu item is “freeze frame data.” Here, you can check what information your engine was sending the precise moment the check engine light comes on. This feature is very important as it doesn’t require the engine light to stay on.

Repair Reports and Tips

What is also important is the repair reports that tie in with your vehicle. The report will explain what the code means, list possible causes, identify the fix most likely required, and also identify other remedies drivers have undertaken. As many of us know, diagnostics isn’t always precise, at least not on the first attempt. Wasting your time and money should not be an issue.

Given that my wife’s car is new, I didn’t expect to find problems. But just having an OBDII device handy, is very helpful. That the Lemur BlueDriver OBD2 Sensor does the job as advertised is a relief. And if you’re not particularly technologically adept, the company has manuals and YouTube videos to walk you through the process.

Photos courtesy of Lemur Vehicle Monitors.

Product Review: Cyntur JumperPack Mini

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Jumper cables come in handy and may be the only way for you to resurrect a dead battery. But what happens if you are stranded, far from home and with no one nearby to help out? Even if somebody does stop by to render assistance, you can never be quite certain that they have your best interests in mind.

Well, there is a solution that may be of interest to you, especially if the thought of being without help for hours or longer has you concerned. A California company by the name of Cyntur has developed the JumperPack Mini, a powerful self-contained jump-starter that can have your drained car or truck battery started again. Although it is compact, the diminutive JumperPack Mini packs enough power to start a V-8 powered vehicle thanks to its powerful lithium-ion battery and connecting red and black clamps.

Cyntur JumperPack Mini

The Cyntur JumperPack Mini sits on top of the battery waiting to recharge it.

Easy to Use

To use the JumperPack Mini you simply ensure that your ignition is turned off. Then, engage the parking brake and place the transmission in park (automatic) or neutral (manual). Next, you will place the unit on a stable, level surface as close to the battery as possible, but away from the engine and other moving parts. Notably, this unit is only 6 inches long by 3.3 inches wide by 1.3 inches high and weighs just under one pound.

Next, insert the jump-start cable into the JumperPack Mini. Then, connect the red positive clamp to the red positive battery terminal. Likewise, do the same for the black negative clamp and terminal. Once the connections are firm and everything is in place, start your engine. Cyntur recommends that you crank the engine for no more than four seconds. Usually, your engine will turn over, but if it does not, then recheck the connections before attempting a second start one minute later.

Once the engine has turned over, then disconnect the red clamp followed by the black clamp. Although you will likely store the unit after that singular use, you will need to recharge it as soon as you can. Certainly, you want to have enough power on hand for the next emergency.

Cyntur JumperPack Mini

Bright LED function lights show when the Cyntur is charged.

Energy Storage and Two Disclaimers

Cyntur says that the JumperPack Mini holds a charge for up to one year. The compact kit comes with an AC wall charger and will fully recharge the unit in under four hours. Therefore, check the unit before you leave for your next long trip, such as your family excursion this summer.

Two disclaimers before we move on: I had no need to use the JumperPack Mini on my car as the battery is new and in excellent condition. But I will say that the instructions were easy to follow, the unit is solid and the connecting points are firm. The second disclaimer is that Cyntur supplied the JumperPack Mini for product test purposes. It is a complimentary device, but that in no way influenced my opinion about the product. Check out the other reviews on this site and you will note that we are objective in all our many analyses.

Safety Standards Met

If you were to buy a JumperPack Mini, it comes with a precharged 12,000mAh lithium-ion battery. Besides holding a charge for up to a year, it has 250 cranking amps of starting power. The company says that it meets all safety standards, including USDOT, UL and TUV. Moreover, it comes with a two-year limited warranty

Cyntur supplies a carrying case for the unit and the cable, but it does not provide enough room for the AC adapter — you will need to store that separately. The case is compact enough to fit in the majority of glove boxes, in your center storage compartment or in an under trunk compartment. It occupies less room than your bulky jumper cables — not that you want to remove those. Personally, I consider the JumperPack Mini as insurance for those times when help is NOT on the way.

There are a few other considerations about the jump-starter worth mentioning. Notably, it comes with a built-in 200-lumen LED light, ideal for providing display lighting or emergency strobe lighting when you need it. Furthermore, a battery level gauge displays the available power, which is terrific — you will not be taken by surprise if there is not enough energy left. Finally, it comes with a 2.1A USB port and that means you can recharge your smartphones and tablets no matter where in the world you are. That means if you are camping remotely, you can keep your devices charged.

Cyntur JumperPack Mini

A supplied AC adapter makes recharging easy.

Order Online or Purchase at Target Stores

You can order the JumperPack Mini directly from the company at www.cyntur.com. Or you can visit any Target store, the exclusive brick and mortar retailer for this unit with a retail price of $99.99. Think grad or dad gift here.

So, keep in mind that I did not test this unit on my car’s battery. I did fiddle with the light, and charged my cell phone — I also understand that it can handle my wife’s tablet. Certainly, if it were to charge my laptop I would be immensely gratified, but I have no complaints as my smartphone is the biggest energy drainer of them all.

New Top, New Year: Jeep Soft Top Installation

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Jeep Wrangler
Step-by-step Jeep soft touch installation instructions!

Jeep soft tops have come a long way since granddad’s CJ-3A. Gone are the days of old snaps and metal zippers used on earlier Jeep models. These are the days of high tech Smittybilt winches and massive off-roading tires with menacing tread patterns.

Now back to the soft tops: improvements in soft top technology and materials have helped to reduce noise and now provide sealing attributes comparable to hard tops. Soft-top Jeep Wranglers have been and continue to be Jeep’s best-selling short wheelbase model for a very good reason: there’s nothing quite like roaming the open trail with the wind in your face.  The canvas and vinyl of a soft top, however, will eventually begin to show wear after years of exposure to the elements. Fear not: you can replace your stock factory top fairly easily and inexpensively, with more aftermarket options.

Without further ado, our 20-step instructions follow – good luck!

Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 1

Out with the old and in with the new. The first thing to do is to remove all of the original top hardware from the body as your new Supertop comes with its own hardware. Be sure to remove the old bow assembly, windshield retainer, tailgate bar and, on YJ models, all belt rails.

Measure both sides of the vehicle between the top lip of the windshield to the top outer edge of the body to 75 1/8 inches on both sides as shown.

Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 2

Next, uninstall the two Torx bolts (#40) securing the sport bar to the windshield frame and slide the supplied windshield bracket into place as shown.

Reinstall the Torx bolts and torque to 17 foot-pounds, then repeat this step on the other side of the Jeep.

Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 3

Place the two windshield retainer halves on top of the windshield frame. The retainer holes match up with the OE holes, so drilling should not be necessary.

If yours do not match, or if you are installing a new windshield frame, then mark, punch, and drill with a 1/8-inch bit using the retainers as a template.

Be certain to drill one hole between the two retainer halves for a total of 11 holes, then install the retaining screws.

Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 4

Position the side belt rail and line it up with any existing holes. Once aligned, use it as a template to mark any necessary new holes. Center punch and drill the required holes with a 3/8-inch bit.

When you are done drilling, insert 5/16-inch Phillips head bolts into the rearward two holes only and loosely secure same with washers and tapping plates. Do the same thing on the other side of your Jeep.

Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 5

Position the corner rail onto frame. If your Jeep already has two top holes, attach the corner rail with the supplied 5/16 Phillips head bolts, washers and the tapping plate.

If the inboard OE screw hole does not match up with new corner rail hole, then mark, center punch and drill a new one (1/8-inch bit), install the #8 x 1/2-inch panhead screw (that is what’s being done in picture here).

Repeat this step on the other side.

Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 6

Next, install the vertical retainer mount, then loosely install two sets of bolts, washers and tapping plates.

Repeat this step on the other side.

Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 7

Though instructions say to keep the white packaging tape in place, lay the bow assembly halves on the body, place the bow mounts over the third and fourth holes in the side belt rails, then loosely secure the front bolt/washer/retaining nut assembly only.

We found it easier to prop the bow halves upright, then secure. Repeat this step on the other side.

Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 8

Lift the top bow halves and insert the male end into the female end. Push, pull, twist and/or do whatever it takes to fully seat these two halves together.

Tolerances on ours were tight and it took a lot of heaving & grunting to get them together. In retrospect, we should have done this with the bow halves lying down, not upright (chalk that one up to a late night install job).

Once mated, slide the foam pieces together and tighten all bolts in the belt rails.

Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 9

Raise the bow up, then slide the two bottom bow halves together (again, avoid doing it like we did).

Try doing this with the bow halves resting in a lying down position.

Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 10

Lift the bottom bow to access rear bow mount bolt hole and install the bolt, washer and the tapping plate.

Repeat this step on the other side.

Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 11

Insert the vertical rod into the vertical rod retainer with the bows in an upright position.

Repeat this step on the other side.

Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 12

Secure the horizontal rod to the windshield bracket by inserting the bailhead stud into the bracket hole and then turn the pin clockwise, ensuring that they are securely locked together.

Do the same thing on other the side.

Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 13

Position the top fabric onto the frame of the vehicle. Insert the plastic strip on the leading edge of the top underneath the windshield retainer.

For a proper fit, the top must be centered on the retainer. Also, the space between the top and the windshield flange need to be equal on both sides.

Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 14

Connect the two rear flaps (three snaps each) to the snap studs on the rear bow from the inside of the vehicle.

Move the bow forward to put enough slack in the top to secure the connections.

Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 15

Tuck the rear corners of the top under the corner belt rails.

Next, raise the rear bow up on to the front bow, inserting the bent tab on to the rear bow and into one of the four holes in the front bow.

Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 16

Install side curtain by starting at top and rear zippers, then inserting lower plastic strip under side retainer. Close the top and side zippers.

Wrap the forward vertical flap around vertical rod (not front bow), securing it with hook and loop fastener. Wrap top flap over door opening around horizontal rod. Same on other side.

Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 17

Install the rear curtain retainer onto the tube located on the bottom of the rear curtain as shown in the supplied instructions.

Secure your baseball cap firmly on your head, because soon (in just four more steps) you will be on your way down the road in your new soft top. This is a true story.

Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 18

Our 1987 Wrangler came with button snaps for the upper door half instead of the belt rails found on preceding models.

Our conversion involved replacing OE button snaps with a set of 1988 to 1995 model year rails.

Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 19

Wrapping up the upper door halves is a cinch. Insert three pins into the adjoining door sockets. Minor adjustments can be made by raising or lowering the supplied adjustment collars.

Finish by slipping the plastic strip under the door retainer.

Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 20

Close the door and test for proper fitment. There should be a good seal all around.

If necessary, the doorframe can be bent inward or otherwise adjusted to eliminate any gaps.

That’s it! You are now done and ready to hit the road in your Jeep with its new soft top roof.

Product Review: Dyson DC31

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This handheld cleaner gets the job done.

I was given the chance to review a new handheld vacuum cleaner this month, jumping on the opportunity when I learned that the product was cordless and made by Dyson. Dyson is a manufacturer of household vacuum products, known for their chic design, suction ability, portability and premium price.

The product I was given, a Dyson DC31, is the subject of this review. And, no, this isn’t a paid endorsement–my findings are my own.

What is it: The Dyson DC31 is a sophisticated three-pound cleaning machine. About the only thing it has in common with other handhelds is its size and type of battery used. Powered by a rechargeable 22.2 volt lithium-ion battery, the DC31 maintains its suction power until it runs out of juice.

Who makes it: Dyson, the maker of vacuums and similar innovative products, has designed the DC31. James Dyson is a British engineer who invented the first bagless vacuums in the late 1970s which employed “cyclonic separation” to extract dirt. A variation of that technology is evident in the Dyson DC31.

How it works: It’s magic! Seriously, the Dyson DC31’s digital motor utilizes a compressor fan and neodymium magnet, rotating at 104,000 revolutions per minute. On a regular setting the DC31 operates for 10 minutes; for tougher assignments you can choose a high power setting which will give you six minutes of operating time.

Where I used it: Two very dirty cars of mine needed a thorough vacuuming, long neglected projects I must admit. I had to recharge the battery three times over three days to complete the work as both cabins had more stuff in, on and around the surfaces than I care to admit. With each use I chose the higher setting in order to pick up every piece of dirt, wrapper and other debris on, under and between the seats. At all times the suction was strong and consistent; the handy brush and crevice tools made sure that I vacuumed up everything. Spotless!

Why this product? Dyson products are expensive, but for good reason. You get a quality product with a solid plastic container, accessory tools, a reusable filter, easy to clean out debris bin and a two-year warranty on parts and labor. Priced from $219, the Dyson DC31 is at the top end of the handheld vacuum spectrum. For $50 more you can get a handheld version called the DC31 Animal — that model includes a motorized brush bar, ideal for cleaning up in homes where an animal is present.

The bottomline: The Dyson price will be beyond what some consider worthy of a handheld vacuum, but that is to be expected. Price considerations aside, this device lives up to everything that it says it can do. Under normal conditions I’d be able to quickly vacuum out both cars on one charge, but accumulate a little extra dirt and you’ll have to wait the 3.5 hours for a full recharge.  No cords and belts to deal with and a reusable filter make this product worthy of your consideration.

See Also — Product Review: Cyntur JumperPack Mini