The Fixd onboard diagnostics (OBD) adapter emerges as an accessible and budget-friendly tool designed to empower car owners with insights into their vehicle’s health and maintenance needs, working in tandem with your smartphone or tablet. While it offers a helpful overview, it’s crucial to understand its scope and limitations as a diagnostic solution. Let’s delve into a comprehensive review of the Fixd car diagnostic tool to determine if it aligns with your automotive needs.
Like many other car diagnostic scanners available on the market, the compact Fixd adapter seamlessly connects to the OBD-II port found in virtually every car manufactured and sold in the United States since 1996. This connection grants it access to your car’s internal computer systems, allowing it to read and interpret both active and stored fault codes.
It’s important to note for potential buyers: It’s advisable to bypass the first-generation Fixd adapter due to widespread negative feedback from users. The second-generation hardware, which is the focus of this review, demonstrates significantly improved reliability and utility.
Setting up the Fixd device is remarkably straightforward and user-friendly.
Initial Setup and Installation
The entire setup process for Fixd is designed to be quick, typically taking around 5 minutes. Starting with downloading the Fixd app, available for both iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android devices, you’ll then proceed to register an account with Fixd. It’s worth mentioning that unlike some competitors like ScanTool’s OBDLink LX and MX adapters, Fixd currently doesn’t offer dedicated software for Windows or Mac computers, limiting its use to mobile devices.
If you encounter difficulty locating your car’s OBD-II port, the Fixd app provides a helpful support feature. You can send an email to the Fixd support team through the app, and they will assist you in pinpointing the port’s location in your specific vehicle. Once the Fixd scanner is physically plugged into the OBD-II port and the app is running on your smartphone, the software will ask a question regarding whether you typically handle car repairs yourself or rely on a mechanic. You’ll then be prompted to input the Fixd device’s serial number, which is conveniently printed directly on the device itself.
(Image: Fixd adapter displaying serial number for app registration)
Within moments, the Fixd app efficiently detects the OBD adapter and establishes a Bluetooth connection automatically. This streamlined process eliminates the need for manual pairing codes or complex setup procedures. The device boasts a Bluetooth range of approximately 35 feet, providing ample freedom to move around the engine bay while viewing diagnostic information on your phone.
The app’s primary “Condition” screen presents key vehicle details, including the car’s year and model, along with any current uncorrected fault codes. However, it’s noted that unlike some OBD-II scanners like the ScanTool.net OBDLink LX and NX, Fixd does not display the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) directly within this window.
Navigating through the app, you’ll find categories like “Details” which provides fault code explanations, “Timeline” for maintenance schedules, and “History” logging past events. Each of these sections conveniently includes links to locate nearby mechanics or access AutoZone for parts procurement, enhancing the tool’s practical utility.
Diagnostic Capabilities and Performance
In terms of diagnostic capability, Fixd demonstrated accuracy in identifying a deliberately introduced fault – disconnection of the engine oil temperature sensor – and successfully cleared the check-engine light after the issue was resolved. A key strength of Fixd lies in its ability to translate generic fault codes into understandable language, going beyond simply displaying the code itself. For example, instead of just showing a code, Fixd might specify “Your oxygen sensor has gone bad,” offering more immediate clarity.
However, it’s important to acknowledge the limitations of Fixd. While it effectively handles and explains thousands of generic OBD codes and can retrieve manufacturer-specific codes, it falls short in providing detailed descriptions for these manufacturer-specific faults. Furthermore, Fixd’s diagnostic scope does not extend to critical safety systems such as airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), or tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). The company has indicated ongoing development efforts to incorporate these vital vehicle systems into future Fixd updates.
A standout feature of Fixd, particularly beneficial for those who tend to overlook routine car maintenance, is its service history tracking and scheduled maintenance reminders. Fixd goes beyond basic oil change reminders, encompassing a broader range of maintenance tasks, from sunroof track lubrication to inspecting constant-velocity (CV) joint boots.
Fixd is designed to manage multiple vehicles, making it suitable for families with more than one car. However, it lacks the capability to reset the service-reminder light after DIY maintenance, and it cannot perform pre-inspection emissions checks, features that are available in some competing OBD-II tools like the Carista app and adapter.
A significant limitation surfaces when using Fixd on the move. It does not support the display or recording of dynamic driving data, such as speed, engine RPM, and fuel pressure. This type of real-time data can be invaluable for diagnosing certain types of performance issues. In contrast, other OBD-II adapters like ScanTool’s OBDLink LX and MX offer this functionality through customizable, dashboard-style displays.
User Feedback and Market Perception
User sentiment towards the second-generation Fixd adapter appears to be generally favorable. Amazon reviews currently reflect an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, based on over 70 reviews. While the majority of users express satisfaction, some feedback suggests room for improvement in the initial installation process.
Final Verdict: Is Fixd a Good Choice?
In conclusion, the Fixd car diagnostic tool delivers considerable value for its price point. It effectively identifies car problems, suggests potential fixes, and provides helpful maintenance reminders. While it still has areas for software enhancement and lacks advanced diagnostic features, Fixd or a similar device is a worthwhile addition to any car owner’s toolkit for routine maintenance awareness and unexpected car issues.
Among competing OBD-II scanners, the $99.95 BlueDriver stands out as a preferred option for those needing more in-depth diagnostics, particularly due to its ability to interpret manufacturer-specific codes for various car brands and offer dynamic driving data. However, BlueDriver comes at nearly twice the cost of Fixd. For budget-conscious users seeking basic OBD-II functionality, the Autel Autolink AL319 provides a solid entry-level choice with a color display, albeit without code descriptions.
Overall, Fixd is a recommendable tool for its target user base, but it doesn’t quite reach the top spot when considering the broader spectrum of OBD-II scanner options available today.
Credit: Fixd
