The Fixd OBD2 adapter is marketed as a simple and affordable way to understand your car’s health and stay on top of maintenance. In this Fixd Obd2 Review, we’ll delve into whether this device lives up to the hype as a user-friendly car diagnostic tool for the average driver. We’ll explore its features, ease of use, and how it compares to other OBD2 scanners on the market, helping you decide if Fixd is the right choice for your automotive needs.
Setting up the Fixd adapter is designed to be a breeze, taking just about five minutes from start to finish. You begin by downloading the Fixd app, available for both iOS and Android devices. Registration is required within the app, a process that, unlike some competitors like ScanTool’s OBDLink series, doesn’t extend to desktop software for Windows or Mac users.
If you’re unsure where your car’s OBD-II port is located, the Fixd app offers a helpful feature: you can email their support team for assistance in finding it. Once located, plugging in the Fixd scanner is straightforward. After connecting the adapter to the OBD-II port of a 2014 Audi AllRoad and launching the app on a Samsung Galaxy S6, the software inquired about repair responsibility – DIY or mechanic – allowing for an “in-between” option. The final step in the setup is entering the Fixd device’s serial number, conveniently printed on the device itself.
Pairing the Fixd adapter via Bluetooth is automatic and rapid. The app swiftly discovered the adapter and established a Bluetooth connection without needing any manual pairing codes. The device boasted a generous 35-foot range, providing ample mobility to check engine components while viewing diagnostic data on a smartphone.
The app’s primary “Condition” screen provides a quick overview, displaying the car’s year and model, along with any current fault codes. However, it notably omits the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a feature present in scanners like the ScanTool.net OBDLink LX and NX.
For deeper diagnostics, the app offers sections for “Details” (fault code and explanation), “Timeline” (maintenance schedule), and “History” (event log). Each section includes quick links to find local mechanics or access AutoZone for parts, streamlining the repair process.
When it comes to diagnosing car issues, Fixd demonstrates effectiveness in identifying generic fault codes. During testing, it accurately diagnosed a simulated fault – a disconnected engine oil temperature sensor – and successfully cleared the check engine light. Fixd goes beyond simply showing fault codes; it provides descriptions of the problem, such as identifying a faulty oxygen sensor.
While Fixd can process and interpret thousands of generic OBD codes and retrieve manufacturer-specific codes, it falls short by not providing detailed explanations for these manufacturer-specific codes. Furthermore, Fixd’s diagnostic capabilities are limited; it cannot diagnose issues related to airbags, anti-lock brakes, or tire pressure monitoring systems. The company has indicated they are working to expand these features in future updates.
One of Fixd’s standout features is its maintenance reminder system, making it particularly useful for drivers who tend to forget scheduled service. The app tracks your car’s service history and alerts you to upcoming maintenance needs, ranging from oil and filter changes to less frequent tasks like sunroof track greasing and inspecting constant-velocity joint boots.
Fixd supports monitoring a single vehicle or an entire family fleet. However, it lacks the ability to reset the service-reminder light after DIY maintenance and cannot perform pre-inspection emissions checks, features that are available in competitors like Carista. Another limitation is Fixd’s inability to display and record dynamic data such as speed, engine speed, and fuel pressure, which can be valuable for in-depth diagnostics – capabilities offered by devices like ScanTool’s OBDLink LX and MX.
User reviews for the second-generation Fixd adapter are generally positive. On Amazon, it holds a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 70 reviews. While some users suggest improvements in the installation process, the overall sentiment is favorable.
Bottom Line: Is Fixd OBD2 Worth Buying?
Fixd offers a compelling package for its price, providing valuable features like problem identification, repair recommendations, and maintenance reminders. While software improvements are still desired, Fixd, or a similar OBD2 device, is a worthwhile addition to any car owner’s toolkit for routine maintenance and unexpected issues.
For those seeking more advanced features, the BlueDriver, priced at $99.95, is a strong contender, offering specialty code interpretation and dynamic driving data. However, it is considerably more expensive than Fixd. Budget-conscious users might consider the Autel Autolink AL319, a basic option with a color display, though it lacks code descriptions.
In conclusion, Fixd is a solid OBD2 scanner with useful features for the average car owner, making it a good value despite not being the top-of-the-line option.
