Are you on the fence about using Bluetooth and app-based tools for car diagnostics? Many seasoned mechanics and car enthusiasts often lean towards traditional, standalone devices for tasks like reading OBD2 codes. There’s a certain comfort in physical tools that don’t rely on smartphone apps or wireless connections. However, as vehicles become more technologically advanced, the landscape of automotive diagnostics is shifting, and sometimes, embracing new technology is necessary to keep up.
OBDLink MX Plus Bluetooth Car Scanner
My perspective on this began to change recently when a maintenance light illuminated on my wife’s car dashboard. My initial approach was to grab my trusty, decade-old Innova-made Craftsman OBD2 code reader. This tool had served me well in the past, quickly diagnosing common issues. However, this time, it drew a blank. The scanner reported no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), suggesting the problem might be related to a manufacturer-specific or model-specific code beyond the reach of my older device.
Upon starting up, the Innova scanner prompted for the car’s make and model, but its database only extended up to 2013 models. Unfortunately, her car was a 2015, falling outside the scanner’s compatibility range. While this Innova/Craftsman device was capable of reading enhanced codes, it simply wasn’t equipped to do so for this particular vehicle. A quick online search confirmed my suspicions – neither Innova nor Craftsman offered any firmware or software updates for this older reader. Connecting it to update software yielded no results, leaving me with a tool that was no longer adequate for modern vehicles.
This experience highlighted the growing need for an OBD2 scanner capable of reading and interpreting contemporary enhanced trouble codes. I embarked on researching replacement options, considering both standalone tools and Bluetooth-enabled scanners. The market offers a mix of auto diagnostic apps, some free for basic functions and others requiring payment for advanced features. My research led me to the OBDLink MX+ Bluetooth-based scanner, a device compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows platforms.
OBDLink distinguishes itself by providing its own proprietary software and granting free access to manufacturer and model-specific diagnostic databases with the MX+ model. According to OBDLink, users gain “access to hundreds of additional parameters that are not available over standard OBD2. Enhanced diagnostics are free with OBDLink MX+ and can be purchased in-app for other OBDLinks.” This enhanced diagnostic capability was precisely what I needed to address the issue with my wife’s car and ensure future compatibility.
While the OBDLink MX+ comes with a higher price tag compared to some competitors, my research revealed potential reliability issues with lesser-known brands. I also explored newer standalone OBD2 code readers, but models with enhanced scanning capabilities were significantly more expensive. Even if I found a standalone scanner meeting my immediate needs, the experience with my Innova/Craftsman device raised concerns about its long-term usefulness with newer vehicles.
For someone like me, who uses a code reader occasionally, spending around $150 seemed like the upper limit. Pricier handheld solutions were out of consideration, especially given my disappointment with the outdated Innova and Craftsman scanner. Lower-cost options, whether Bluetooth or standalone, seemed to lack the enhanced code reading functionality I required. My goal was to effectively troubleshoot the current problem and be prepared for potential future issues.
The OBDLink MX+ stood out, particularly because it was recommended by at least one third-party app, lending it credibility. FORScan was also identified as a potential alternative app if OBDLink’s software proved insufficient. With a reasonable return policy in mind, I decided to purchase the OBDLink MX+. The convenience of same-day delivery from Amazon was a bonus, allowing me to get my hands on the scanner quickly.
Upon arrival, downloading the OBDLink app and following the setup instructions was straightforward. The process was user-friendly, guiding me through the steps without the need for a complicated manual. I was able to quickly diagnose the issue with my wife’s car, gaining valuable insight into the problem.
My experience with the Bluetooth code scanner was surprisingly positive. It established a quick connection with my phone and proved to be easy to operate. The ongoing software and database updates from OBDLink instill confidence that this device will remain compatible with both current and future vehicles. This ongoing support seems to justify the purchase price – you’re investing in both the adapter and OBDLink’s software ecosystem, which isn’t always the case with less expensive devices.
Even if OBDLink were to discontinue its app, the MX+ adapter’s compatibility with other actively developed and supported apps like FORScan provides a safety net against obsolescence. This contrasts sharply with the limitations I encountered with the Innova/Craftsman OBD2 reader, which became outdated with no upgrade path. While the older scanner might still read basic DTC codes, modern car diagnostics demand more comprehensive capabilities.
Modern scan tools like the OBDLink MX+ extend beyond basic troubleshooting, offering a range of monitoring features and options. Exploring these advanced functionalities is something I plan to do when time permits. While $140 might initially seem steep for an adapter, the fact that it includes software and enhanced code databases for various car manufacturers justifies the cost.
Frankly, my preference would still be a standalone tool over a Bluetooth module that relies on a smartphone app. However, finding a standalone OBD2 code scanner offering comparable features within my budget proved challenging. Standalone scanners with enhanced code reading capabilities often come with significantly higher price tags.
Perhaps with more time, I could have sought recommendations from the ToolGuyd community or explored more options. However, this purchase also served as a testing and review opportunity, pushing me outside my comfort zone with Bluetooth-based tools. In retrospect, my initial hesitation towards this technology was somewhat unfounded. For this particular application, a Bluetooth-integrated tool seems exceptionally well-suited.
While I generally still favor standalone tools, I’m now more open to considering Bluetooth solutions on a case-by-case basis. If car diagnostics were a more frequent part of my routine, I might have invested in a pricier standalone hardware solution with similar advanced features. However, for occasional use, the OBDLink MX+ strikes a good balance between capability and cost.
I have no regrets about purchasing the OBDLink MX+, and I anticipate using it further, ideally for monitoring rather than reacting to dashboard warning lights. While a less expensive alternative with the same capabilities would have been ideal, the MX+ offered features that were hard to find in lower-priced models, and their marketing effectively conveyed its value proposition. The compatibility with Android, iOS, and Windows, along with enhanced code diagnostics, were compelling selling points.
The question of long-term utility remains – will this adapter still be relevant in ten years? The hope is that ongoing app and software updates will ensure continued compatibility, but only time will tell.
