The Fixd OBD2 adapter has emerged as a popular tool for car owners looking to understand their vehicle’s health without the need for a mechanic’s visit. This small device promises to translate confusing check engine lights and maintenance reminders into plain English, delivered straight to your smartphone. But does the Fixd OBD2 scanner live up to the hype? As an automotive content creator at obd-de.com and a car repair enthusiast, I decided to put the Fixd scanner through its paces to provide you with an in-depth review.
Like many OBD2 scanners on the market, Fixd plugs into your car’s OBD-II port – a standard feature on all cars sold in the US since 1996. Once connected, it communicates with your car’s computer to reveal both current and past fault codes. It’s important to note that there are two generations of Fixd adapters. For this review, we focused on the second-generation hardware, as the first-generation Fixd received less favorable reviews.
Setting Up and Using the Fixd OBD2 Scanner
Getting started with the Fixd OBD2 scanner is designed to be user-friendly. The entire setup process took me approximately 5 minutes. You begin by downloading the Fixd app, available for both iOS and Android devices. Registration is required within the app. It’s worth mentioning that unlike some competitors like ScanTool’s OBDLink LX and MX, Fixd currently does not offer software for Windows or Mac computers, making it solely reliant on smartphone or tablet use.
If you’re unsure about the location of your OBD-II port, the Fixd app offers a helpful feature: you can email their support team for assistance in locating it within your specific vehicle model. Once I located and plugged the Fixd scanner into the OBD-II port of my 2014 Audi AllRoad and launched the app on my Samsung Galaxy S6, the software prompted me to indicate whether I typically fix car issues myself or use a mechanic. It then asked for the Fixd device’s serial number, printed directly on the adapter itself.
(Image of Fixd OBD2 adapter serial number for device registration)
The Bluetooth connection process was seamless and quick. The app automatically discovered the OBD adapter and established a Bluetooth link without needing any manual pairing codes. The Bluetooth range of around 35 feet proved more than adequate, allowing me to comfortably check diagnostic data on my phone while inspecting the engine bay.
The main “Condition” screen within the Fixd app displays your car’s year and model, along with any current fault codes. However, unlike some OBD2 scanners like the ScanTool.net OBDLink LX and NX, Fixd does not display the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) directly on this screen.
Navigating the Fixd app, you’ll find categorized sections for “Details” (providing fault code explanations), “Timeline” (for maintenance schedules), and “History” (a log of past events). Each of these sections conveniently includes links to find local mechanics or access AutoZone for parts, streamlining the repair process.
Diagnosing Car Issues with the Fixd Scanner
In terms of diagnostic capabilities, Fixd demonstrated accuracy in identifying a deliberately introduced fault – disconnecting the engine oil temperature sensor. It correctly diagnosed the issue and successfully cleared the check engine light after the sensor was reconnected. When a generic fault is 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 the Fixd device and app can process and explain thousands of generic OBD codes and retrieve manufacturer-specific codes, it’s important to note a limitation: Fixd does not provide detailed descriptions for manufacturer-specific codes. Furthermore, it cannot diagnose issues related to critical safety systems like airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), or tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). The company has stated they are working on incorporating these features into future updates.
One of Fixd’s standout features is its focus on vehicle maintenance. It actively tracks your car’s service history and provides timely reminders for upcoming maintenance tasks. This extends beyond basic oil changes to include items like sunroof track lubrication and inspection of constant-velocity joint boots, making it a helpful tool for proactive car care.
Fixd is versatile enough to manage a single vehicle or an entire family fleet. However, it lacks the ability to reset the service reminder light if you perform maintenance yourself, a feature offered by competitors like Carista. Similarly, Fixd cannot perform pre-inspection emissions checks. Another limitation is that Fixd does not display or record dynamic driving data such as speed, engine RPM, and fuel pressure, which can be valuable for advanced diagnostics. For users needing these features, devices like ScanTool’s OBDLink LX and MX, with their customizable dashboards, offer a more comprehensive solution.
What Car Owners Are Saying About Fixd
Customer feedback for the second-generation Fixd OBD2 scanner appears to be generally positive. On platforms like Amazon, the device currently holds a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from numerous reviews. While some users mentioned minor difficulties with the initial setup process, the overall sentiment points towards satisfaction with its performance and ease of use.
Final Verdict: Is the Fixd OBD2 Scanner a Good Value?
In conclusion, the Fixd OBD2 scanner offers a compelling package for its price point. It effectively identifies car problems, suggests potential fixes, and provides valuable maintenance reminders. While it may not be the most advanced OBD2 scanner on the market and has some software limitations, it provides significant value for routine car maintenance and emergency diagnostics. For everyday car owners, having a Fixd or a similar device in their glove box is a smart move.
When considering alternatives, the $99.95 BlueDriver stands out for its ability to interpret manufacturer-specific codes for various car brands and offer dynamic driving data, but it comes at nearly twice the cost of Fixd. For budget-conscious users, the Autel Autolink AL319 is a basic, affordable option with a color display, although it lacks code descriptions.
Overall, while not our top pick in the crowded OBD2 scanner market, the Fixd OBD2 scanner is a solid and user-friendly choice, especially for those prioritizing ease of use and maintenance reminders at a reasonable price.
Credit: Fixd
