As a leading developer at FIXD, I wanted to address some common questions and provide deeper insight into how the FIXD car scanner operates and why it stands out from basic OBD2 devices. Many users are curious about the technology powering their car scanners, and it’s important to understand the complexities involved in modern vehicle diagnostics.
The Intricacies of Modern Vehicle Diagnostics: Beyond Basic OBD2
It’s easy to assume that all car scanners are created equal, especially when you see inexpensive options available online. However, the reality of OBD2 and Controller Area Network (CAN) bus systems in modern vehicles is far more complex than it initially appears. Those budget-friendly $15 scanners often come with significant limitations. They typically rely on small, on-device code databases, often scraped from general wikis, and are designed for single-protocol, single-module communication, primarily focused on the engine.
These basic scanners frequently lack crucial features needed for comprehensive diagnostics. Error filtering, advanced inner-frame parsing for data retrieval from “problem” vehicles, and adaptability to various vehicle systems are often absent. They generally operate using static, one-size-fits-all scripts that are only effective on a limited range of vehicle addresses.
The diagnostic landscape changes dramatically when you move beyond basic engine checks. Supporting non-engine modules like airbags, TPMS, seatbelts, and transmissions introduces a new level of complexity. These modules often communicate using different protocols, requiring the scanner to perform mid-stream protocol switching and negotiation. Furthermore, specific baud rates and communication nuances are unique to each vehicle make, model, and year. Moving beyond simple hex-to-code parsing (Mode 3/7/9) quickly escalates the technical challenge.
FIXD’s Innovative Approach: Cloud-Based Diagnostics and Customization
Storing the vast amount of vehicle-specific data required for comprehensive diagnostics directly within a mobile app is simply impractical. The sheer volume of data, encompassing various vehicle branches and configurations, would necessitate a multi-gigabyte database, significantly impacting app size and performance. Adding to this complexity, some diagnostic commands and instruction steps are proprietary and licensed by manufacturers, demanding substantial access fees.
FIXD addresses these challenges with a smart, cloud-based approach. Instead of relying on a bulky on-device database, the FIXD car scanner begins by intelligently scanning your vehicle to assess its specific capabilities. Based on this initial scan, it downloads the latest, customized command list tailored precisely to your car.
This dynamic system is powered by a dedicated team of engineering interns who focus on specific vehicle modules, such as “08-12 Toyota Airbags.” They develop and deploy test scripts, gather real-world data, create custom parsers, and continuously release updates to the system. Because these scripts are refreshed and fetched every time you log in, your FIXD app benefits from the latest diagnostic capabilities with each launch, often without requiring a traditional app update.
This cloud-based architecture, while offering significant advantages in terms of data accuracy and comprehensiveness, necessitates API calls and therefore, network access and authentication tokens. While these scripts are cached locally for efficiency, an initial network connection is required to obtain them.
Addressing Connectivity Concerns and Enhancing User Experience
The need for logins has been a point of user feedback, and we understand the desire for seamless access. Initially, as a small four-person startup, our infrastructure was built around account-based access. We are currently undergoing a major refactor to streamline the signup process, including auto-account generation, which will simplify the user experience, although this is a complex undertaking and requires time.
In the interim, we’ve introduced an “offline mode” in version 7.1.1. If you have successfully logged in previously and the necessary data is cached, you can now access the app in offline mode, albeit with a reduced set of functionalities, clearly indicated by an “OFFLINE MODE” banner.
It’s important to note that network access is primarily required for authentication, initial data retrieval, and code scanning due to the reasons explained above. Live Data functionality, displaying real-time gauges and vehicle parameters, does not require a continuous network connection once you are logged in and in a driving session.
Regarding scanning and reading codes, complete offline functionality remains a significant technical hurdle due to the vehicle-specific data retrieval process. However, we have implemented a network error prompt that automatically saves your scan data if connectivity is lost during a scan. Upon regaining internet access, tapping “Retry” will resubmit the raw data for parsing and complete the scan seamlessly.
Understanding FIXD Premium: Value-Added Features and Sustainable Development
FIXD Premium is an optional subscription service designed to offer advanced features that incur ongoing costs for us to provide. For example, the “confirmed fixes” feature, providing verified repair solutions, relies on a third-party company that compensates mechanics for their expertise, and we pay them per API call to access this valuable data. Similarly, the issue forecasting feature, involving issue aggregation, machine learning analysis, and complex backend processes, represents a significant ongoing investment. These features, and others within Premium, are not sustainable to offer without a subscription model.
We are committed to transparency and have worked to improve our in-app messaging to clearly distinguish between free and premium features. Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to refine and enhance the FIXD car scanner experience. We are excited about the upcoming features on our roadmap for this year, encompassing both free and premium offerings, and we encourage you to stay tuned for further updates.
Thank you again for your insightful feedback. We believe in continuous improvement and are dedicated to providing you with a powerful and user-friendly car diagnostic tool.
