For car owners keen on staying ahead of vehicle troubles and understanding their car’s health, the Fixd Bluetooth OBD2 scanner emerges as an accessible gadget. Pairing with your smartphone, this onboard diagnostic (OBD) adapter offers a window into your car’s inner workings, flagging issues and reminding you about essential maintenance. However, is it the ultimate car diagnostic solution? Let’s delve into a comprehensive review.
Like many OBD2 scanners on the market, the Fixd adapter is designed for simplicity. It plugs into the OBD-II port found in virtually every car sold in the US since 1996. This connection allows it to communicate with your vehicle’s computer systems, providing insights into both current and past fault codes.
Note for buyers: Steer clear of the original Fixd adapter. User feedback points to reliability issues. The second-generation Fixd hardware, the version under review, is significantly improved in terms of performance and dependability.
Setting Up Your Fixd Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner
Getting Fixd up and running is remarkably quick, taking around 5 minutes in total. 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. It’s worth noting that unlike some competitors like ScanTool’s OBDLink LX and MX, Fixd currently lacks software compatibility with Windows or Mac computers, limiting its use to mobile platforms.
If you encounter difficulty locating your OBD-II port, the Fixd app offers a helpful support feature. You can request assistance via email, and the Fixd support team will guide you to the port’s location specific to your vehicle. Once the Fixd scanner is physically connected to your car’s OBD-II port and the app is launched on your smartphone, the software prompts you to categorize your car maintenance approach – DIY or mechanic. Following this, you’ll input the Fixd device’s serial number, conveniently printed on the device itself.
The Bluetooth connection process is seamless and fast. Within moments, the app identifies the OBD adapter and establishes a Bluetooth link automatically, eliminating the need for manual pairing codes. The scanner boasts a Bluetooth range of approximately 35 feet, offering flexibility to move around the engine bay while monitoring diagnostic data on your phone in real-time.
The app’s primary “Condition” screen presents key vehicle information, including the car’s year and model, along with any current fault codes. However, it doesn’t display the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a feature present in some competing OBD scanners like the ScanTool.net OBDLink LX and NX.
The app is structured with intuitive categories: “Details” for fault code explanations, “Timeline” for maintenance schedules, and “History” for a record of past events. Each section includes direct links to locate nearby mechanics or access AutoZone for parts, streamlining the repair process.
Diagnosing Car Problems with Fixd
In practical use, Fixd demonstrated accurate diagnostic capabilities. It correctly identified an intentionally introduced fault – a disconnected engine oil temperature sensor – and successfully cleared the check engine light after the issue was resolved. When generic fault codes are detected, Fixd goes beyond simply showing the code; it provides a plain-language description of the problem, for instance, indicating a faulty oxygen sensor.
While Fixd can process and explain thousands of generic OBD codes and retrieve manufacturer-specific codes, it falls short in detailing the latter. Furthermore, its diagnostic scope is limited; it cannot diagnose issues related to airbags, anti-lock brakes, or tire pressure monitoring systems. The company has indicated ongoing development to expand Fixd’s capabilities to include these critical vehicle systems in future updates.
One of Fixd’s standout features is its proactive maintenance reminders. The app tracks your car’s service history and alerts you about upcoming scheduled maintenance. Beyond basic oil and filter changes, it includes reminders for tasks like sunroof track lubrication and inspection of constant-velocity joint rubber boots, promoting comprehensive vehicle care.
Fixd is versatile enough to manage diagnostics for a single car or an entire family fleet. However, it lacks the ability to reset the service-reminder light if you perform maintenance yourself, and it cannot conduct pre-inspection emissions checks. Competitors like Carista offer these functionalities with their app and adapter.
READ MORE: The Best OBD-II Scanners for Your Car
A limitation of Fixd is its lack of real-time dynamic data display. It doesn’t show or record crucial data points like speed, engine RPM, or fuel pressure, which can be invaluable for in-depth diagnostics. Other OBD2 scanners, such as ScanTool’s OBDLink LX and MX adapters, excel in this area, presenting dynamic data through visually appealing dashboard-style gauges.
What Car Owners Are Saying About Fixd
Customer sentiment towards the second-generation Fixd appears largely positive. On platforms like Amazon, user reviews average around 4.3 out of 5 stars. While most users are satisfied, some feedback suggests room for improvement in the initial installation instructions.
Final Verdict: Is the Fixd Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner Worth Buying?
Overall, the Fixd Bluetooth OBD2 scanner delivers significant value for its price. From identifying car problems and suggesting solutions to reminding you about upcoming maintenance, it offers a robust set of features for the average car owner. While there’s still potential for software enhancements, Fixd, or a similar device, is a worthwhile addition to any glove compartment for routine car care and unexpected emergencies.
Among competing OBD II scanners, the $99.95 BlueDriver stands out as a preferred choice for its ability to interpret manufacturer-specific codes across various automakers and provide dynamic driving data. However, it comes at nearly double the cost of Fixd. For budget-conscious buyers, the Autel Autolink AL319 offers a basic, affordable option with a color display, though it lacks code descriptions.
In conclusion, Fixd is a commendable OBD2 scanner, balancing features and affordability, but it doesn’t quite reach the top spot in the competitive market.
Credit: Fixd
