The Fixd onboard diagnostics (OBD) adapter offers a budget-friendly approach to understanding your car’s health and staying on top of maintenance. Similar to having a mechanic in your pocket, this tool plugs into your car and communicates with a user-friendly app to translate car data into plain language. But does the Fixd car scanner live up to the hype? Let’s delve into a detailed review.
Like many car diagnostic scanners, the Fixd adapter is designed for simplicity. It connects to the OBD-II port found in most cars sold in the US since 1996. Once plugged in, it accesses your vehicle’s computer systems, providing insights into both current and past issues.
It’s important to note: Steer clear of the original Fixd adapter. User reviews indicate it wasn’t as reliable. The second-generation Fixd hardware is the version to consider, and the one we’re focusing on in this review, as it offers significant improvements in performance and usability.
Setting Up Your Fixd Car Scanner
Getting started with the Fixd car scanner is remarkably quick, typically taking about 5 minutes. The process begins with downloading the Fixd app, available for both iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android devices. After installation, you’ll need to create a Fixd account. Unlike some competitors, such as ScanTool’s OBDLink LX and MX, Fixd currently doesn’t offer software for desktop computers like Windows or Mac.
If you’re unsure about the location of your car’s OBD-II port, the Fixd app includes a helpful feature to contact their support team for guidance. For my test, I plugged the Fixd scanner into the OBD-II port of my 2014 Audi AllRoad and used a Samsung Galaxy S6 to set up the app. The software then asked about my car repair habits – whether I typically handle repairs myself or use a mechanic. Finally, I entered the serial number from the Fixd device itself to complete the setup.
(Image: Fixd adapter serial number for app registration)
The app quickly located the OBD adapter and established a Bluetooth connection automatically. There was no need for manual pairing codes, which simplifies the process. The Bluetooth range of approximately 35 feet allowed me to comfortably check diagnostic data on my phone while inspecting the engine area.
The app’s primary “Condition” screen clearly displays your car’s year and model, along with any current fault codes. However, it’s worth noting that, unlike scanners like the ScanTool.net OBDLink LX and NX, Fixd doesn’t show the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) directly in this section.
Beyond the main screen, the Fixd app organizes information into categories like “Details” (fault code explanations), “Timeline” (maintenance schedules), and “History” (event logs). Each section also conveniently provides links to find local mechanics or access AutoZone for parts, streamlining the repair process.
Diagnosing Car Problems with Fixd
In testing, the Fixd car scanner accurately identified a deliberately introduced fault – a disconnected engine oil temperature sensor – and successfully cleared the check-engine light after “repairing” the issue. When a generic fault is detected, Fixd goes beyond just displaying the raw code. It provides a description of the problem in plain English, such as indicating a failing oxygen sensor.
While Fixd can handle and explain thousands of generic OBD codes and retrieve manufacturer-specific codes, it’s important to understand its limitations. It doesn’t provide detailed explanations for manufacturer-specific codes and cannot diagnose issues related to safety systems like airbags, anti-lock brakes, or tire pressure monitoring systems. Fixd has indicated they are working to expand these capabilities in future updates.
One of Fixd’s standout features is its maintenance reminder system. The app tracks your car’s service history and proactively alerts you about upcoming maintenance tasks. This goes beyond basic oil changes, including reminders for less frequent but important items like sunroof track lubrication and inspection of constant-velocity joint boots.
Fixd is designed to work with a single vehicle or manage a whole family’s fleet. However, it cannot reset service reminder lights if you perform maintenance yourself, and it lacks the capability to perform pre-inspection emissions checks. Competitors like Carista offer these features in their app and adapter.
Furthermore, Fixd’s functionality is limited while driving as it doesn’t display real-time dynamic data like speed, engine RPM, or fuel pressure, which can be valuable for diagnosing certain issues. Other OBD-II scanners, such as ScanTool’s OBDLink LX and MX, offer this real-time data display with customizable dashboards.
What Car Owners Are Saying in Fixd Car Scanner Reviews
Customer feedback on the second-generation Fixd scanner is generally positive. On platforms like Amazon, user reviews currently average around 4.3 out of 5 stars, based on numerous ratings. While many users praise its ease of use and helpful diagnostics, some reviewers suggest improvements in the initial setup process.
Final Verdict: Is Fixd the Right Car Scanner for You?
Overall, the Fixd car scanner offers significant value for its price. From identifying car problems and suggesting solutions to reminding you about essential maintenance, it covers many bases. While it has room for software improvements and lacks some advanced features found in more expensive scanners, it’s a valuable tool to have for routine car care and unexpected issues.
Compared to competitors, the BlueDriver scanner, priced around $100, is a strong alternative, offering interpretation of manufacturer-specific codes and dynamic driving data. However, it’s almost double the cost of Fixd. For budget-conscious users, the Autel Autolink AL319 is a basic option with a color display, but it doesn’t provide code definitions.
In conclusion, Fixd is a solid and user-friendly OBD-II scanner that is easy to recommend, especially for its price point and ease of use. While not the absolute top-of-the-line, it’s a significant step up from basic code readers and offers excellent value for everyday car owners.
Credit: Fixd
