LEARN
ABOUT SMARTDRIVER
Frequently
Asked Questions
| What is SmartDriver? |
| How can it help me? |
| How do I use it? |
| Frequently Asked Questions. |
- Will SmartDriver work with my vehicle?
- What else do I need to use SmartDriver?
- How does SmartDriver work?
- How does SmartDriver connect to my vehicle?
- How big is the SmartDriver unit?
- Will others know it's in my vehicle?
- How do I set SmartDriver?
- How
does SmartDriver connect to my computer?
- How do I retrieve information from SmartDriver?
- Will SmartDriver locate my vehicle?
- I don't have a serial port available on my PC. What can I do?
Will SmartDriver work with my vehicle?
SmartDriver works with all passenger cars and trucks manufactured for model year 1996 and later. A number of 1994 and 1995 vehicles are compatible with SmartDriver as well. SmartDriver also works with a wide variety of commercial vehicles up to about a 14,000 GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) by General Motors, Ford, and others.
For a current list of 1994 SmartDriver compatible vehicles, click here.
For a current list of 1995 SmartDriver compatible vehicles, click here.
If you do not see your 1994 or 1995 vehicle listed here, call us at 877-731-SMRT for details. As we continue to test and find other SmartDriver compatible vehicles, we will add them to our lists.
What else do I need to use SmartDriver?
Aside from a model year 1996 or later vehicle, you need an IBM or compatible personal computer, with an available serial port, running Windows 95, 98, Me, NT 4.0 Workstation (with Service Pack 5 or later), Windows 2000 or Windows XP. At this time, we do not support Macintosh, Linux- or Unix-based operating systems. If we are not currently meeting your operating system requirements, please let us know about it at wishlist@smart-driver.com.
How does SmartDriver work?
SmartDriver collects information from your vehicle's built-in electronics. Service technicians with special diagnostic equipment have used this information for years to determine how to repair vehicles. SmartDriver uses this same information stream to determine when preset limits are exceeded with your vehicle.
How does SmartDriver connect to my vehicle?
This depends on whether you purchase the plug-in or hard-wired version of SmartDriver. The plug-in version connects to your vehicle through the Data Link Connector, or DLC. This connector is typically located underneath the driver's side dashboard, just above the pedals. The connector has 16 pins and looks like this (smaller in real life):
Some manufacturers (e.g. Ford, BMW, Mercedes) often mount the connector behind a small rubber cover or plastic hinged door. If you cannot locate the port on your model year 1996 or later vehicle, give us a call at (877) 731-7678.
The hard-wired version connects to a maximum of six (6) conductors, which run to the Data Link Connector pictured above. For a preview of how the hard-wired version is installed in your vehicle, click here.
How big is the SmartDriver unit?
SmartDriver's dimensions are 5 1/4" L by 3 3/4" W by 1 1/2" D. It weighs approximately 7 ounces.
It is easily concealed underneath the dashboard, or can be mounted out of the driver's way with the included Velcro® fasteners.
Will others know it's in my vehicle?
Other drivers and passengers will not know that SmartDriver is installed in your vehicle unless you want them to know. The unit is easily concealed underneath the driver-side dashboard on most vehicles.
However, the vast majority (~90%) of our customers want other drivers of their vehicle to know that SmartDriver is installed, since this provides positive reinforcement of the safe, responsible driving habits you wish to encourage in others.
How do I set SmartDriver?
Before you plug SmartDriver in your vehicle, you must set the recording thresholds with your PC. This is easily done with the included software.
How does SmartDriver connect to my computer?
SmartDriver interfaces with your personal computer through the serial port, similar to connection of a 'Palm Pilot.' If the SmartDriver unit is not connected to the vehicle when sending or retrieving data, you will need to use the included AC adapter. Most of our customers disconnect SmartDriver from the vehicle prior to connecting the unit to a computer. Here is a photo of the left-hand side of the SmartDriver unit depicting the connections (click on the image for a close-up view).
How do I retrieve information from SmartDriver?
Information about how the vehicle has been driven is retrieved by plugging SmartDriver back into your PC. Several reports in varying degrees of detail can either be read on your computer screen and saved onto disk, or printed for later reference.
Will SmartDriver locate my vehicle?
SmartDriver does not locate your vehicle in case of theft. Dedicated locator devices are available through other vendors such as www.lojack.com. However, SmartDriver records all drivers of your vehicle, and also records any disconnection and/or reconnection of SmartDriver to your vehicle.
I don't have a serial port available on my PC. What can I do?
Please see our page regarding serial ports. If this page does not answer your question, email us at support@smart-driver.com or give us a call at (877) 731-7678.
