The world of car diagnostics can seem straightforward, especially with the abundance of inexpensive OBD2 scanners and apps available. However, as the lead developer of Fixd explains, delving into the intricacies of OBD2/CAN systems reveals a complexity far beyond what meets the eye. Those budget-friendly scanners often present a simplified view, relying on limited, generic databases and basic protocol support. When it comes to truly understanding your vehicle’s health, particularly beyond just engine codes, a more sophisticated approach is necessary.
The challenge lies in the sheer variability of modern vehicles. Supporting a wide range of modules, from airbags and TPMS to seatbelts and transmissions, demands handling multi-protocol communication, adapting to specific baud rates, and navigating the unique configurations of different makes, models, and years. This is where FIXD differentiates itself. It moves beyond basic hex-to-code parsing to offer comprehensive diagnostics.
Unlike simplistic scanners, FIXD doesn’t rely on a static, one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it dynamically assesses your car’s specific capabilities and downloads a customized command list tailored to your vehicle. This innovative method is crucial because storing the vast, ever-evolving database required for every vehicle directly within an app would be impractical and consume gigabytes of storage on your phone.
To achieve this level of customization, FIXD employs a dedicated team of engineering interns. These specialists focus on specific modules, such as airbag systems in 2008-2012 Toyota models, deploying test scripts, collecting data, developing custom parsers, and releasing regular updates. This continuous refresh process means your FIXD app gains enhanced diagnostic capabilities each time you launch it, even without explicit app updates.
This dynamic, cloud-based approach, while powerful, necessitates API calls, and consequently, network access and authentication. While FIXD caches scripts locally to minimize data usage, an initial network connection is required to retrieve the customized data for your vehicle. Addressing user feedback regarding logins, FIXD acknowledges the initial infrastructure, built when they were a smaller startup, was centered around account creation. They are currently undergoing a significant overhaul to streamline the signup process, including exploring auto-account generation, though this is a complex undertaking that requires time.
Recognizing the need for accessibility even without constant connectivity, FIXD is actively developing an “offline mode.” This feature, now live in version 7.1.1, allows users who have previously logged in to access the app and perform basic scans even without an internet connection. While functionality may be somewhat reduced in offline mode, it provides essential diagnostic capabilities when network access is limited. It’s important to note that “Live Data” within FIXD does not require network connectivity after the initial login and data fetch, allowing for real-time gauge monitoring while driving. However, comprehensive code scanning and reading, due to the reasons outlined above, will likely always require an online connection to access the necessary vehicle-specific data. FIXD does offer a network error prompt that caches scan data, ensuring that information is not lost if connectivity is temporarily interrupted during a scan.
Beyond the core diagnostic features, FIXD offers an optional Premium service. FIXD Premium unlocks advanced functionalities that incur ongoing costs for the company, such as “confirmed fixes.” These verified repair solutions are sourced from a third-party company that compensates mechanics for their expertise, with FIXD incurring per-API call charges to access this valuable data. Similarly, the “issue forecast” feature, which leverages issue aggregation and machine learning analysis, involves substantial backend infrastructure and processing. These premium features provide significant added value for users seeking deeper insights and repair guidance, while FIXD strives to clearly delineate which features are included in the standard and Premium tiers.
In conclusion, FIXD represents a significant leap beyond basic OBD2 scanners by tackling the inherent complexities of modern vehicle diagnostics. Its cloud-based, vehicle-specific approach, continuous updates, and commitment to user feedback, demonstrated by the introduction of offline mode, position FIXD as a powerful tool for understanding and maintaining your car’s health. As FIXD continues to evolve and add features, both free and premium, it remains a valuable asset for car owners seeking a comprehensive and insightful diagnostic experience.
