FIXD is a small but valuable OBD2 scan tool to read engine fault codes. It’s a compact, portable, cost-effective scan tool for DIY car enthusiasts and mechanics alike.
If you’ve ordered a FIXD OBD2 scanner from Amazon or would like to learn how to use it after reading my in-depth FIXD review, this step-by-step guide is for you.
Table of Contents
How To Use FIXD Scanner? – Initial Setup
If you’ve received your FIXD car scanner, then follow these steps to set it up for the first time. Also, you should ensure that the FIXD code reader is compatible with your car model.
If you’re planning to buy a FIXD OBD2 sensor, you can order it on Amazon where they typically offer steep discounts.
The following car models are compatible with the FIXD OBD2 car scanner:
- Vehicles that were made after 1996 and sold in the USA are compatible.
- Vehicles that are made after 2006 and sold outside the USA are compatible.
- Diesel vehicles made after 2008 are compatible.
Follow these steps to set up the FIXD car diagnostic tool for the first time:
Step 1: Download FIXD App
First, download the FIXD App from Google Play Store or Apple iOS Store. Ensure your Android phone runs above Android 4.4+ and your iPhone runs above iOS 14+.
Step 2: Register Account
If you’re a new customer of FIXD, register a new account on the App. If you already have an account with Fixd scanner, choose the login option.
Step 3: Turn ON Bluetooth
Go to your phone settings menu and turn ON the Bluetooth. Do NOT pair with the FIXD OBD device from the Bluetooth menu. The pairing action will automatically happen when you open the Fixd App.
Step 4: Connect FIXD Scanner
Select your repair preferences and enable the maintenance reminder. Now tap on the “I have a FIXD sensor,” It will ask to allow Camera access. Click on Allow.
Step 5: Scan/Enter Sensor Code
FIXD OBD2 scanner comes with unique sensor codes. Just scan the back of the FIXD device to scan the code or enter the sensor code manually.
Step 6: Start Your Car Engine
Turn ON the ignition switch and start your car/truck engine.
Step 7: Insert Fixd Scanner
Locate the OBD2 port of your vehicle and insert the Fixd scanner while running your engine. The OBD2 port is generally located underneath the dashboard on the driver’s side.
Verify that a Blue light is glowing in the Fixd scanner. It means your OBD2 device has power and it’s ready to connect with your smartphone.
Step 8: Open Fixd App
Launch Fixd App on your smartphone, and it’ll automatically scan the nearby Fixd devices.
If a device is found, tap on “I found it” and enter the vehicle name VIN to continue.
Now Fixd scan tool has been connected with your vehicle ECU, and you can scan your car for any fault code.
Your First Diagnostic Scan With FIXD OBD2 Sensor
So, you’ve set up your FIXD OBD2 scanner with your smartphone. Now, you can scan for any malfunction in your car. You can leave it plugged in to track live data.
Let’s learn how to scan a car with a FIXD OBD II scanner-
Step 1: Launch FIXD App
Launch FIXD App on your smartphone and verify that your OBD2 sensor is connected and communicating with OBD.
Step 2: Tap On Scan
Inside the FIXD App navigation, you’ll find a Scan option at the bottom left corner. Click on that!
Now you’ll see the “Tap to Scan” button in the middle of the smartphone screen. Tap on that!
Step 3: Wait for a Few Minutes
Once your click on the Tap to Scan button, FIXD will start the scanning process.
It will take a few minutes to diagnose your car sensors and provide the health report.
You’ll see the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) on your phone screen. It also shows a short description of the problem found in your vehicle.
However, if you’re a premium FIXD member, you can also get a repair cost estimate.
Troubleshoot: FIXD No Blue Light – Fix It In 3 Easy Steps
Many customers report no blue light glows when inserting the FIXD sensor into the vehicle. If you face the same issue,
Don’t worry!
This blue light is a sign that FIXD is connected to ECU.
Try these solutions to fix the No Blue Light issue in the FIXD sensor.
1. Update FIXD App
First, you must ensure that your smartphone has the latest version of the FIXD app installed.
The outdated version could have some bugs due to which the FIXD sensor is unable to communicate with your phone.
Go to Google Play Store or Apple App Store and search FIXD. If you see any new version available, download and install it on your device.
2. Turn OFF WiFi
If your WiFi and Bluetooth are enabled, it can conflict with the wireless connection. Although rare, sometimes your phone will not communicate with the FIXD sensor.
Turn ON the Bluetooth from the wireless settings menu but disable Wifi. Do not connect with Bluetooth because it’ll automatically connect when you open the FIXD app.
3. Start Your Engine
If you’ve plugged the FIXD sensor into your car, but the blue light doesn’t turn ON even if you start the engine, remove the FIXD sensor from the OBD2 port.
Now, start your engine and wait for a few seconds for everything to settle. Now plug the FIXD sensor when your vehicle engine is in running condition.
Do not insert the FIXD device into the OBD2 port when your engine is stopped. This will fix the “No Blue Light” issue on the FIXD OBD sensor.
You can fix the No Blue Light issue in FIXD by following the above solutions.
If none of the above solutions work, please get in touch with FIXD at support@fixdapp.com.
How To Cancel FIXD Premium Subscription?
FIXD has a premium subscription plan showing the estimated repair costs, on-call support, and a few additional features.
If you’re not willing to use FIXD premium anymore, you can cancel the subscription and continue using the free version.
Do I Need FIXD Premium Subscription?
FIXD scanner does not require any premium subscription to detect the trouble code.
However, FIXD premium has additional features such as on-call support and estimated repair cost.
If you don’t want to pay for FIXD premium, you can continue using the free version of the FIXD App.
FIXD Free Vs. Premium Subscription
Features | Free | Premium |
Translate your check Engine Light into plain English. | Yes | Yes |
View problem severity. | Yes | Yes |
Get maintenance alerts. | Yes | Yes |
Monitor multiple vehicles’ health from one phone. | Yes | Yes |
See what repairs are needed. | No | Yes |
Repair cost estimation. | No | Yes |
On-call support from FIXD mechanics. | No | Yes |
Predict likely future car problems. | No | Yes |
View vehicle ownership and accident history. | No | Yes |
Precheck emissions at home. | No | Yes |
How To Cancel FIXD Premium Subscription?
If you have subscribed to FIXD premium from the website but don’t want to continue it anymore, you can cancel it by clicking this link- https://staff.fixdapp.com/products/subscriptions/subscriptions.
You’ll be asked to enter the activation code you received in your email shortly after your subscription. If you cannot find the FIXD activation code, reach out to support@fixdapp.com.
If you’ve subscribed to FIXD premium from an Android or iOS app, then you need to follow these steps to cancel the subscription.
How To Cancel FIXD Premium On iPhone?
Follow these steps to cancel FIXD premium on iPhone-
- Go to Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap on your profile picture to open Apple ID.
- Click on Subscriptions.
- Tap on FIXD subscription.
- Tap on Cancel and tap again to confirm the cancellation.
How To Cancel FIXD Premium on Android?
- Launch the Google Play Store app.
- Tap Menu > My Apps > Subscriptions and tap on the FIXD to cancel.
- Alternatively, tap Menu > My Apps > Tap the app of the subscription you’d like to cancel > Tap the app’s details page.
- Tap “Cancel” and “Yes” to confirm the cancellation.
- Now, the status of this subscription has been changed from Subscribed to Canceled.
You can contact Apple support or Google support for any pending refunds. You can continue the FIXD free version on your iPhone or Android.
Conclusion
FIXD is a great OBD2 scan tool that you can leave plugged in to detect trouble codes in real time. FIXD scanner works with both Android and iOS devices. You can read the step-by-step process to set up the FIXD car sensor and scan the issue in your car.
While the FIXD Premium subscription comes with valuable features like estimated repair costs and on-call support, you can cancel it anytime. You simply log onto their website or cancel via your Apple or Google accounts as discussed above.
Let me know if you like this guide in the comments or if you have any further questions!
I have a 2010 Nissan Cube. It looks like I must remove the plastic/rubber outer liner on the plug in in order to insert the Fixd device. It will not insert without providing more room. Is the the remedy that I must follow to use this device?