The Fixd OBD2 adapter is marketed as a simple and affordable tool to understand your car’s health and stay on top of maintenance. In a market flooded with car diagnostic tools, the question remains: Is Fixd Obd2 Good enough to be your go-to device? This review will delve into the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the Fixd OBD2 adapter to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your automotive needs.
What is Fixd OBD2 and How Does it Work?
Fixd is a small, plug-in device that connects to your car’s OBD-II port. This port is standard in all cars sold in the US since 1996 and provides access to your vehicle’s computer systems. Once plugged in, the Fixd adapter, in conjunction with its smartphone app (available for iOS and Android), translates complex vehicle data into understandable information. It essentially acts as an intermediary, allowing car owners, even those without extensive mechanical knowledge, to decipher what’s happening under the hood.
The primary function of Fixd is to read and interpret error codes, commonly known as “check engine light” codes. Beyond just displaying a cryptic code, Fixd aims to explain the issue in plain language, helping you understand the potential problem, its severity, and possible fixes. It’s designed to be user-friendly, especially for those who find traditional OBD2 scanners intimidating.
Setting Up and Using the Fixd Adapter
One of Fixd’s strongest selling points is its ease of setup. Getting started with Fixd is a straightforward process that takes just a few minutes. After downloading the Fixd app on your smartphone, you’ll be guided through a simple registration. Unlike some OBD2 adapters that require pairing codes or complex network configurations, Fixd connects via Bluetooth automatically once you enter the device’s serial number, found on the adapter itself.
The app interface is intuitive and user-friendly. If you’re unsure where your OBD-II port is located, the Fixd app offers a helpful feature to contact support for guidance specific to your car model. Once connected, the app displays key information such as your car’s year and model, and any current fault codes. The main dashboard provides a quick overview of your car’s “Condition,” highlighting any immediate issues.
The app is organized into clear sections like “Details” (for fault code explanations), “Timeline” (for maintenance schedules), and “History” (for a log of past events). Each section is designed to provide actionable information, including links to find local mechanics or AutoZone for parts, should you need them.
Diagnosing Car Problems with Fixd
In terms of diagnostics, Fixd performs adequately for common car issues. It can successfully identify and explain thousands of generic OBD codes, providing a description of the problem rather than just the error code itself. For instance, instead of just showing “P0131,” Fixd might tell you “Oxygen Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 1).” This level of detail is beneficial for car owners who want to understand the nature of the problem before seeking professional help.
However, it’s important to understand the limitations of Fixd. While it can retrieve manufacturer-specific codes, it does not provide detailed explanations for these. Furthermore, Fixd’s diagnostic capabilities are primarily engine-focused. It cannot diagnose issues related to systems like airbags, ABS (anti-lock brakes), or tire pressure monitoring systems. The company is reportedly working to expand these features in future updates.
Maintenance Reminders and Additional Features
Beyond diagnostics, Fixd also excels as a maintenance reminder tool. The app tracks your car’s service history and provides notifications for upcoming scheduled maintenance. This goes beyond basic oil changes, including reminders for tasks like sunroof track lubrication and checking CV joint boots. This proactive approach to maintenance can help prevent larger issues down the road and extend the lifespan of your vehicle.
However, Fixd has limitations in maintenance functionality as well. It cannot reset service reminder lights if you perform maintenance yourself, and it lacks the ability to perform pre-inspection emissions checks. For these more advanced features, you might need to consider alternatives like the Carista adapter and app.
One significant drawback is Fixd’s inability to display and record dynamic data while driving, such as speed, engine RPM, and fuel pressure. This real-time data can be invaluable for diagnosing intermittent or performance-related issues. If you need this level of insight, devices like ScanTool OBDLink LX or MX are better equipped with dashboard-style gauges to monitor live vehicle parameters.
User Reviews and Feedback
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 ability to decipher check engine lights. Some negative feedback focuses on the initial setup process, suggesting room for improvement in installation instructions. However, the overall sentiment indicates that users find Fixd to be a helpful and reliable tool for basic car diagnostics and maintenance tracking.
Fixd OBD2 vs. Competitors
When compared to competitors, Fixd occupies a specific niche in the OBD2 scanner market. The BlueDriver adapter, priced around $100, offers more advanced features like interpreting manufacturer-specific codes for various brands and providing dynamic driving data. However, it’s significantly more expensive than Fixd. For budget-conscious users, the Autel Autolink AL319 is a basic option with a color display, but it lacks code descriptions, a key feature that Fixd provides.
Ultimately, Fixd strikes a balance between functionality and affordability. It may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end scanners, but it offers a user-friendly experience and valuable features for everyday car owners.
Conclusion: Is Fixd OBD2 Good for You?
So, is Fixd OBD2 good? The answer is yes, particularly for users who:
- Want a simple and affordable way to understand their car’s check engine light.
- Need reminders for routine car maintenance.
- Are not looking for advanced diagnostic features like ABS or airbag code reading.
- Value ease of use and a user-friendly app interface.
Fixd is an excellent entry-level OBD2 scanner that provides significant value for its price. While it may not be the top pick for professional mechanics or users requiring in-depth diagnostics and live data monitoring, for the average car owner, Fixd OBD2 is a worthwhile investment for peace of mind and proactive car maintenance. It’s a handy tool to keep in your glove box for routine checks and unexpected car troubles.
