As the lead developer at FIXD, I wanted to address some common questions and provide insights into why your Fixd Bluetooth Obd2 scanner operates the way it does, and what we’re doing to continuously improve it. We understand that users might have questions about network connectivity and our premium service, so let’s dive into the details.
The Unexpected Complexity of OBD2 and CAN
It’s easy to assume that all OBD2 scanners are created equal, especially when you see inexpensive options on the market. However, the reality is that OBD2 and CAN (Controller Area Network) systems in modern vehicles are incredibly intricate. Those budget-friendly $15 scanners often have significant limitations. They typically rely on small, basic code databases, sometimes scraped from online wikis, and usually only support a single communication protocol and engine module. They often lack robust error filtering or the advanced parsing needed to collect data from vehicles that present communication challenges. Furthermore, they generally operate using static, generic scripts that are not optimized for the vast diversity of vehicles on the road.
The complexity escalates dramatically when you move beyond basic engine diagnostics. Supporting non-engine modules like airbag systems, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems), seatbelts, and transmissions introduces a whole new layer of challenges. These modules often communicate using different protocols, requiring scanners to perform mid-stream protocol switching and negotiation. Specific baud rates and communication nuances are often unique to each vehicle make, model, and year. Moving beyond simple hexadecimal to code parsing (basic modes 3, 7, and 9) requires a much more sophisticated approach.
Storing the vast array of vehicle-specific variations and diagnostic logic directly within a mobile app becomes impractical. The sheer volume of data required to cover every vehicle configuration would result in an app of immense size, potentially multiple gigabytes. Adding to this complexity, some diagnostic commands and procedures are proprietary and licensed by vehicle manufacturers, making them inaccessible without significant financial investment.
FIXD’s Solution: Cloud-Based Vehicle-Specific Diagnostics
Instead of burdening your smartphone with a massive, outdated database, FIXD takes a smarter approach. When you connect your FIXD Bluetooth OBD2 scanner to your vehicle, our system intelligently scans your car to assess its specific capabilities. Based on this assessment, it downloads the latest, customized command list tailored precisely to your vehicle.
We have a dedicated team of skilled engineering interns who focus on specific vehicle modules, for example, “2008-2012 Toyota Airbags.” They develop and deploy test scripts, gather real-world data, create custom parsers, and continuously release updates. Because these scripts are refreshed and downloaded every time you log in, your FIXD app benefits from the latest diagnostic capabilities each time you use it, often without requiring a manual app update.
This dynamic, cloud-based system is the reason FIXD requires network access. The API calls are necessary to authenticate your session and fetch these vehicle-specific diagnostic scripts. While we cache these scripts locally to minimize data usage, an initial network connection is essential to obtain them.
We recognize that requiring logins can be inconvenient. As a startup that began with a small team, our infrastructure was initially built around account-based access. We are currently undergoing a significant overhaul to streamline the signup process, including exploring auto-account generation, which will take time to fully implement.
Introducing Offline Mode and Network Error Handling
We’ve heard your feedback regarding network dependency, and we’re actively addressing it. We’re excited to announce the launch of “Offline Mode” (available in version 7.1.1 and later)! If you’ve logged into the FIXD app successfully at least once, and the necessary vehicle data is cached, you can now access the app even without an active internet connection. You’ll see an “OFFLINE MODE” banner to indicate reduced functionality, but you’ll still be able to perform basic diagnostics.
It’s important to note that network access is not required for Live Data once you are logged in and have downloaded the vehicle scripts. You can monitor live gauges and vehicle parameters in real-time without an internet connection. However, for scanning and reading diagnostic trouble codes, online connectivity is generally needed to access the latest vehicle-specific parsing logic. That being said, with the new offline mode you can now see basic generic codes even when offline. Check the network error popup when you attempt a scan in offline mode to see these. This is an initial implementation, and we plan to enhance offline capabilities over time.
Furthermore, we’ve implemented a network error prompt that automatically saves your scan data if you lose internet connectivity during a scan. When you regain connection and tap “Retry,” the app will resubmit the raw data for parsing, allowing the scan to continue seamlessly.
Understanding FIXD Premium
FIXD Premium is an optional subscription service that provides advanced features that incur ongoing costs for us. For example, our “confirmed fixes” feature, which offers verified repair solutions, relies on data from a third-party company that compensates mechanics for their expertise. We pay this third-party provider per API call to access this valuable data. Similarly, features like issue forecasting, which involves issue aggregation, machine learning analysis, and complex backend infrastructure, also have substantial ongoing costs.
Offering these advanced capabilities requires a subscription model to ensure sustainability. We are committed to transparency and are continually working to improve our messaging to clearly differentiate between free and premium features within the app.
Thank you for your valuable feedback. We are dedicated to enhancing your FIXD Bluetooth OBD2 scanner experience and have exciting new features, both free and premium, planned for the coming year. Stay tuned for updates!
