For car owners looking to understand what’s happening under the hood without breaking the bank, the Fixd OBD2 scanner emerges as an accessible option. This compact adapter, paired with your smartphone, promises to demystify car troubles and keep you informed about necessary maintenance. While it offers a user-friendly approach to vehicle diagnostics and maintenance reminders, it’s essential to understand its capabilities and limitations, especially when compared to more comprehensive diagnostic tools. This review delves into the Fixd OBD2 scanner, examining its features, performance, and how it stacks up in the competitive market of automotive diagnostic tools.
Setting up the Fixd OBD2 adapter is remarkably straightforward, taking about five minutes from start to finish. The process begins with downloading the Fixd app, available for both iOS and Android devices. Registration within the app is required, a step that differentiates it from some competitors like ScanTool’s OBDLink LX and MX, which offer desktop software options. Currently, Fixd operates solely through its mobile app interface.
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Locating the OBD-II port in your car can sometimes be a minor hurdle, but Fixd addresses this directly within their app. Users can request assistance from the Fixd support team to pinpoint the port’s location if needed, ensuring a smooth initial setup. Once the Fixd scanner is physically plugged into the OBD-II port—as was done in a 2014 Audi AllRoad for this review—and the app is active, the software intuitively asks about your car maintenance habits, whether you are a DIYer or prefer professional mechanics. Following this, entering the serial number from the Fixd device itself completes the initial setup phase.
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The connectivity between the Fixd adapter and your smartphone is seamless. The app swiftly detects the OBD adapter and establishes a Bluetooth connection automatically, eliminating the need for manual pairing codes. During testing, the Bluetooth range extended to a practical 35 feet, providing ample mobility to check engine bay components while monitoring data on the phone.
Credit: Brian Nadel/Tom
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The main screen of the Fixd app, the “Condition” window, displays essential vehicle information such as the year and model, along with any current fault codes. However, unlike some OBD2 scanners like the OBDLink LX and NX, Fixd does not display the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) directly on this screen.
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For deeper insights, the app organizes diagnostic data into categories like “Details,” which provides fault codes and explanations, “Timeline” for maintenance schedules, and “History” for a record of past events. Each of these sections conveniently includes links to find local mechanics or access AutoZone for parts, streamlining the repair process.
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Diagnosing Car Troubles with Fixd
In terms of diagnostic capability, Fixd effectively identified an artificially introduced fault—a disconnected engine oil temperature sensor—and successfully cleared the check engine light. When generic fault codes are detected, Fixd goes beyond simply showing the code, offering a plain-language description of the issue, such as “your oxygen sensor has gone bad.” This feature is particularly helpful for users who may not be familiar with OBD-II codes.
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While Fixd can manage and interpret thousands of generic OBD-II codes and retrieve manufacturer-specific codes, it falls short in explaining the latter. Furthermore, its diagnostic scope is limited; it cannot diagnose issues related to safety systems like airbags, anti-lock brakes, or tire pressure monitoring systems. The company has indicated ongoing development to expand Fixd’s capabilities to include these critical vehicle systems in future updates.
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A standout feature of Fixd is its proactive maintenance reminders. The app diligently tracks your car’s service history and alerts you about upcoming maintenance needs, ranging from routine oil and filter changes to less frequent but important tasks like sunroof track lubrication and inspection of constant-velocity joint boots. This makes Fixd particularly useful for owners who appreciate a nudge towards timely vehicle upkeep. It accommodates multiple vehicles, making it suitable for families with more than one car. However, Fixd cannot reset the service reminder light if you perform maintenance yourself, nor does it support pre-inspection emissions checks, features that are available in tools like the Carista app and adapter.
Fixd’s utility is primarily for stationary diagnostics and maintenance planning. It lacks the ability to display and record dynamic driving data such as speed, engine speed, and fuel pressure, which can be invaluable for diagnosing issues that occur while driving. For users needing real-time data monitoring, alternatives like ScanTool’s OBDLink LX and MX adapters offer dashboard-style gauges for live data display.
What Car Owners Are Saying About Fixd
Customer feedback for the second-generation Fixd adapter appears largely favorable. On Amazon, it holds a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 70 reviews. Users commonly praise its ease of use and effectiveness in basic diagnostics. Some feedback suggests improvements could be made to the initial installation instructions for even smoother onboarding.
Final Verdict: Is Fixd the Right OBD2 Scanner For You?
The Fixd OBD2 scanner offers considerable value for its price, effectively bridging the gap between basic error code readers and more advanced diagnostic systems. Its strengths lie in user-friendliness, clear explanations of generic codes, and helpful maintenance reminders. While it has limitations, particularly in diagnosing advanced systems and providing dynamic data, it is a solid tool for routine car care and understanding basic vehicle issues.
For users seeking more in-depth diagnostics, especially with manufacturer-specific codes and live data, the BlueDriver, priced at $99.95, is a recommended alternative, albeit at nearly twice the cost of Fixd. Budget-conscious users might also consider the Autel Autolink AL319, a more basic option with a color display, but it lacks code descriptions.
In conclusion, Fixd is a commendable OBD2 scanner, especially for its price point. While not the ultimate diagnostic solution, it’s a worthwhile tool to keep in your glove box for maintenance awareness and tackling everyday car issues.
Credit: Fixd
