The Fixd OBD2 reader has emerged as a popular tool for car owners looking to understand and maintain their vehicles better. This compact adapter promises to translate complex car issues into simple terms, provide maintenance reminders, and potentially save you money on unnecessary mechanic visits. But does it live up to the hype? In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the features, benefits, drawbacks, and real-world user experiences to help you decide if the Fixd OBD2 reader is the right choice for your car diagnostic needs.
What is the Fixd OBD2 Reader?
The Fixd OBD2 reader is a small, plug-in device that connects to your car’s onboard computer system via the OBD-II port, which is standard on most cars manufactured since 1996 in the US. Once connected, it communicates wirelessly with a user-friendly smartphone app (available for both iOS and Android). This pairing allows the Fixd system to monitor your car’s health, decode check engine lights, and provide insights into potential problems. Unlike some basic code readers that only display error codes, Fixd aims to explain these codes in plain language, making car diagnostics accessible to the average driver.
Key Features and Benefits of Fixd
Fixd offers a range of features designed to empower car owners with knowledge about their vehicles. Here are some of the key highlights:
- Easy Setup and Installation: Getting Fixd up and running is designed to be straightforward. The process involves downloading the Fixd app, plugging the adapter into your car’s OBD-II port, and registering your device within the app. The app provides guidance for locating the OBD-II port if you’re unsure where it is in your vehicle.
- User-Friendly Mobile App: The Fixd app is central to the user experience. It presents information in an easy-to-understand format, avoiding technical jargon. The app displays fault codes, explains what they mean, and even offers estimated repair costs in some cases.
- Check Engine Light Diagnostics: One of the primary functions of Fixd is to diagnose check engine lights. Instead of just showing a cryptic code, Fixd translates it into a description of the problem, helping you understand the potential issue before taking your car to a mechanic.
- Maintenance Reminders: Beyond diagnosing problems, Fixd also acts as a maintenance reminder. It tracks your car’s service history and alerts you to upcoming maintenance needs, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and other scheduled services. This feature can help you stay on top of your car’s maintenance schedule and potentially prevent larger issues down the road.
- Multi-Car Support: The Fixd system can manage data for multiple vehicles, making it convenient for families with more than one car.
Setting Up and Using the Fixd Adapter
The initial setup of the Fixd OBD2 reader is generally quick and painless, often taking around 5 minutes. After downloading the Fixd app on your smartphone or tablet, you’ll be prompted to create an account and register your Fixd device using the serial number printed on the adapter itself. The app then guides you through plugging the adapter into your car’s OBD-II port.
Once connected, Fixd establishes a Bluetooth link with your phone automatically. The app’s main “Condition” screen provides an overview of your vehicle, displaying the car’s year and model, and indicating any current fault codes.
Navigating through the Fixd app, you’ll find sections for “Details” (providing explanations of fault codes), “Timeline” (for maintenance schedules), and “History” (a log of past events). The app also offers links to find local mechanics or access parts from AutoZone, streamlining the repair process if needed.
Diagnosing Car Issues with Fixd
In terms of diagnostic capabilities, Fixd is capable of identifying and explaining thousands of generic OBD-II fault codes. When a generic fault is detected, Fixd goes beyond simply displaying the code and provides a description of the problem in understandable language. For instance, instead of just showing a code related to the oxygen sensor, Fixd might tell you “your oxygen sensor has gone bad.”
However, it’s important to note the limitations of Fixd. While it can retrieve manufacturer-specific codes, it doesn’t provide detailed explanations for these. Furthermore, Fixd’s diagnostic capabilities are primarily focused on engine-related issues. It does not diagnose problems with systems like airbags, anti-lock brakes, or tire pressure monitoring systems. The company has indicated they are working on expanding these capabilities in future updates.
One of the standout features of Fixd is its maintenance reminder function. It tracks your car’s service history and proactively notifies you about upcoming maintenance tasks, ranging from oil changes to less frequent items like sunroof track lubrication and inspection of constant-velocity joint boots.
However, Fixd has limitations in terms of advanced features. It does not display dynamic data like speed, engine RPM, or fuel pressure, which can be valuable for in-depth diagnostics. Competitors like ScanTool’s OBDLink LX and MX adapters offer these features with dashboard-style gauges. Additionally, Fixd cannot reset service reminder lights after you perform maintenance yourself, nor does it perform pre-inspection emissions checks, features that are available in tools like the Carista app and adapter.
What Users Are Saying in Fixd OBD2 Reader Reviews
Customer reviews for the second-generation Fixd adapter are generally positive. On platforms like Amazon, users have rated it around 4.3 out of 5 stars. Many users praise its ease of use and the helpfulness of the app in understanding car problems. Positive reviews often highlight Fixd’s ability to decode check engine lights and provide maintenance reminders as valuable features.
Some users have pointed out areas for improvement, particularly regarding the initial installation process, suggesting it could be made even smoother. However, overall sentiment leans towards Fixd being a useful tool for basic car diagnostics and maintenance tracking.
Fixd vs. Competitors: BlueDriver and Autel Autolink AL319
When considering OBD2 scanners, it’s helpful to compare Fixd to alternatives. The BlueDriver is often cited as a top-tier OBD2 scanner, offering more advanced capabilities, including interpreting manufacturer-specific codes for various automakers and providing dynamic driving data. However, it comes at a higher price point, nearly double the cost of Fixd.
For budget-conscious users, the Autel Autolink AL319 is a basic option with a color display that shows error codes. However, unlike Fixd, it doesn’t provide plain-language explanations of these codes.
Fixd strikes a balance between price and functionality. It offers more features than basic code readers like the Autel Autolink AL319, while being more affordable than advanced scanners like the BlueDriver.
Pros and Cons of the Fixd OBD2 Reader
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Easy to set up and use
- User-friendly mobile app
- Provides plain-language explanations of generic fault codes
- Offers maintenance reminders
- Supports multiple vehicles
Cons:
- Limited diagnostic capabilities compared to advanced scanners (no ABS, airbag, etc. diagnostics)
- Doesn’t explain manufacturer-specific codes in detail
- Lacks dynamic data display
- Cannot reset service reminder lights or perform emissions pre-checks
Conclusion: Is Fixd a Good OBD2 Reader for You?
Overall, the Fixd OBD2 reader offers a compelling package for car owners seeking an easy-to-use and affordable tool for basic car diagnostics and maintenance management. It excels at simplifying complex car issues, providing helpful explanations of check engine lights, and reminding you about essential maintenance tasks. While it doesn’t offer the advanced features of more expensive scanners, Fixd delivers significant value for its price.
For everyday car owners who want to be more informed about their vehicle’s health and avoid unnecessary trips to the mechanic for minor issues, the Fixd OBD2 reader is a worthwhile investment. It’s a practical tool to keep in your glove box for routine maintenance reminders and to help understand and address common car problems. However, for users needing in-depth diagnostics of all vehicle systems or dynamic performance data, a more advanced OBD2 scanner might be necessary.
