As a leading developer at FIXD, I want to provide some deeper insight into how our FIXD Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner works and address some common questions users have. The world of OBD2 and CANBUS systems in modern vehicles is far more complex than many realize. Those inexpensive, generic scanners you find for under $20 often present a deceptively simple picture, but they are typically quite limited in their capabilities.
These basic scanners usually rely on small, static code databases, often compiled from publicly available wikis. They generally support only a single communication protocol and focus solely on the engine module. Advanced features like error filtering, parsing complex data frames from “problem” vehicles, or adapting to various vehicle-specific nuances are typically absent. They operate using simplistic, one-size-fits-all scripts applied to a very restricted set of diagnostic addresses.
The landscape changes dramatically when you expand diagnostic efforts beyond the engine. Modern vehicles incorporate numerous modules – airbag systems, TPMS, seatbelts, transmissions, and more – each potentially speaking different communication protocols. Supporting these requires sophisticated mid-stream protocol switching and negotiation, along with accommodating specific baud rates and communication intricacies that are unique to each vehicle make, model, and year. Moving beyond basic Mode 3/7/9 hex code interpretation into advanced data parsing quickly becomes a significant challenge.
Storing the vast and varied diagnostic logic for every vehicle directly within a mobile app is simply impractical. The sheer volume of data would necessitate a multi-gigabyte database, constantly requiring updates and consuming precious phone storage. Furthermore, access to certain diagnostic commands and procedural steps is often licensed and proprietary, with automakers charging substantial fees for access to this information.
FIXD takes a different, more sophisticated approach. Instead of relying on a massive on-device database, our FIXD Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner and app work in concert. When you connect FIXD to your car, the system intelligently scans your vehicle to assess its specific communication capabilities. Based on this assessment, the app downloads a customized command list tailored specifically to your car. This ensures accurate and comprehensive diagnostics.
We have a dedicated team of skilled engineering interns who focus on specific modules, such as airbag systems in 2008-2012 Toyota models. They develop and deploy rigorous test scripts, gather extensive data, create custom parsers, and continuously release updates to our vehicle command library. Because these scripts are refreshed and fetched every time you log in, your FIXD app benefits from the latest diagnostic logic with each launch, often without requiring a full app update.
This dynamic, cloud-based approach necessitates API calls, which in turn requires network access and authentication tokens. While we understand the desire for offline functionality, this online connection is crucial for delivering the most comprehensive and up-to-date diagnostic capabilities. We do cache these scripts locally to minimize data usage and improve speed.
Regarding logins, we recognize this has been a point of user feedback. As a startup that began with a small team, our infrastructure was initially built around account-based access. We are actively working on a significant refactor to streamline the signup process, including implementing auto-account generation, though this is a complex undertaking that will take time.
In response to user requests for offline access, we have introduced an “offline mode.” With version 7.1.1 and later, if you have successfully logged in at least once and allowed the app to cache the necessary data, you can now access a limited “OFFLINE MODE” (indicated by a warning banner within the app). Crucially, network access is not required for Live Data once you are logged in. The network is only needed for initial login, authentication, and fetching the latest vehicle-specific scripts upon app launch. While scanning and reading detailed codes might not be fully offline due to the reasons explained above, the new offline mode does provide basic code retrieval even without an active internet connection, displaying basic code descriptions from a local database when network is unavailable. If you initiate a scan while offline, the app will now save your scan data. Upon reconnecting to the internet and tapping “Retry,” the cached raw data will be submitted for parsing, allowing the scan to proceed normally.
Finally, let’s address FIXD Premium. FIXD Premium is an optional subscription service designed to offer enhanced features that incur ongoing costs for us. For instance, our confirmed fixes are sourced from a third-party provider who compensates mechanics for repair data, and we are charged per API call to access this information. Features like issue forecasting, which involve issue aggregation, machine learning analysis, and significant backend infrastructure, also carry substantial recurring costs. These valuable Premium features would simply not be sustainable without a subscription model. We are continually working to improve our messaging and clearly differentiate between free and Premium features within the app to ensure transparency for our users.
Thank you for your continued feedback. We are committed to enhancing the FIXD experience and have exciting new features planned for both free and Premium users in the coming year. We encourage you to explore the new offline mode and stay tuned for further improvements as we continue to develop and refine the FIXD Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner.
