The Fixd onboard diagnostics (OBD) adapter emerges as an accessible tool for car owners seeking to understand their vehicle’s health and stay ahead of maintenance needs. Positioned as a user-friendly alternative to complex diagnostic procedures, Fixd promises to decode the cryptic world under your car’s hood directly to your smartphone. But in a market saturated with car diagnostic tools, does Fixd truly deliver on its promises? This review dives deep into the Fixd car tool, exploring its features, capabilities, and limitations to help you decide if it’s the right gadget for your garage.
Like many OBD-II scanners, the Fixd adapter is compact and designed for easy plug-and-play use with any car manufactured in the US post-1996. This compatibility allows it to access your car’s computer systems and relay both active and past fault codes. It’s important to note that while the initial generation of Fixd adapters received lukewarm reception, the second-generation hardware has significantly improved in reliability and user satisfaction. Our review focuses on this enhanced second-generation model, which we put to the test to evaluate its real-world performance.
Setting up the Fixd adapter is straightforward. The process begins with downloading the Fixd app, available for both iOS and Android platforms. Registration is required within the app, a step that differentiates it from some competitors like ScanTool’s OBDLink series, which offer computer software options. Currently, Fixd operates exclusively through its mobile apps, lacking support for Windows or Mac.
For users unsure about the OBD-II port location in their vehicle, the Fixd app offers a helpful support feature. It allows you to email Fixd support for guidance, ensuring even those unfamiliar with car mechanics can easily locate the port. During our test, plugging the Fixd scanner into a 2014 Audi AllRoad and syncing it with a Samsung Galaxy S6 was seamless. The app inquired about repair methods—DIY or mechanic—and requested the device’s serial number, found on the adapter itself.
The Bluetooth connection established almost instantly after entering the serial number, eliminating the need for manual pairing codes. With a range of approximately 35 feet, the Bluetooth connectivity provides ample freedom to move around the engine bay while monitoring data on your smartphone.
(Image credit: Brian Nadel/Tom’s Guide)
The Fixd app’s interface is centered around a ‘Condition’ window, presenting the vehicle’s year and model along with any current fault alerts. However, unlike some OBD-II scanners such as the ScanTool.net OBDLink LX and NX, Fixd does not display the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) directly on this screen.
Beyond the main condition screen, the app organizes information into categories like ‘Details,’ which provides fault codes and explanations; ‘Timeline,’ for maintenance schedules; and ‘History,’ logging past events. Each section conveniently includes links to find local mechanics or access AutoZone for parts, streamlining the repair process.
Diagnosing Car Issues with Fixd: Strengths and Limitations
In diagnostic testing, Fixd effectively identified a deliberately introduced fault—a disconnected engine oil temperature sensor—and successfully cleared the check-engine light afterward. When generic fault codes are detected, Fixd goes beyond simply showing the code. It offers a description of the issue in plain language, for example, indicating a failing oxygen sensor.
While Fixd can process and explain thousands of generic OBD-II codes and retrieve manufacturer-specific codes, it falls short of detailing these manufacturer-specific faults. Furthermore, Fixd’s diagnostic scope is limited, as it cannot diagnose issues related to airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), or tire pressure monitoring systems. The company has indicated ongoing development to expand these capabilities in future updates.
One of Fixd’s standout features is its maintenance reminder system. It tracks your car’s service history and alerts you about upcoming maintenance tasks, ranging from essential oil changes and filter replacements to less frequent checks like sunroof track lubrication and CV joint boot inspections. This proactive approach is particularly beneficial for owners who might overlook routine maintenance.
Fixd is versatile enough to manage multiple vehicles within a family, but it has limitations for DIY mechanics. It cannot reset service reminder lights after maintenance is performed at home, nor can it perform pre-inspection emissions checks—features available in competing products like the Carista adapter and app. Additionally, Fixd’s functionality is limited while driving; it does not display or record real-time dynamic data such as speed, engine RPM, or fuel pressure, which can be crucial for in-depth diagnostics during vehicle operation. For these advanced features, tools like ScanTool’s OBDLink LX and MX, with their customizable dashboards, offer a more comprehensive solution.
What Users Are Saying in Fixd Car Tool Reviews
Customer feedback for the second-generation Fixd adapter is generally favorable. On platforms like Amazon, it holds an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from numerous reviews. Users often commend its ease of use and effectiveness in diagnosing basic car issues. However, some reviews point out areas for improvement, particularly in the initial setup instructions, suggesting that clearer guidance could enhance the user experience.
Fixd vs. Competitors: Is It the Right OBD-II Scanner for You?
When compared to other OBD-II scanners, Fixd positions itself as a valuable tool, especially considering its price point. While options like the BlueDriver, priced at $99.95, offer more advanced capabilities such as interpreting manufacturer-specific codes and providing dynamic driving data, Fixd is significantly more affordable. For users seeking a budget-friendly, basic diagnostic tool, the Autel Autolink AL319 is another contender. However, it lacks code descriptions, a feature where Fixd excels by providing user-friendly explanations of detected issues.
Bottom Line: Is Fixd a Good Value?
Overall, Fixd offers a compelling package for its price. It effectively identifies car problems, suggests fixes, and reminds users of necessary maintenance. Although it has room for software enhancements and lacks some advanced features found in higher-end scanners, Fixd is a practical tool to keep in your car. For routine maintenance and unexpected car troubles, having Fixd or a similar OBD-II scanner can provide peace of mind and potentially save money by catching minor issues before they escalate. While it might not be the top-tier choice for professional mechanics or users needing in-depth data analysis, for the average car owner, Fixd is a worthwhile investment.
Credit: Fixd
