I’m going to start with a disclaimer: I am not mechanically inclined. I’ve tried to get hands-on with our cars in the past, but it’s seldom gone well. My latest bugaboo has been the check engine light on my 2008 Pathfinder, a workhorse I use for towing. It’s gone through a series of issues, but that one — very scary — indicator light is seriously lacking in detail. What is actually wrong? Is it a safety issue, or an emissions problem? Is it going to cost me $100 or $2,000 to fix? I have no idea. Every time it lights up, I have to take the Pathfinder into the garage and wait for them to run diagnostics to get the details. With the OBDLink MX+ and your smartphone, you can run those diagnostics yourself, so you have a better idea of what the issue is and can take the appropriate action.
Easy Connectivity
The OBDLink MX+ is a small device (2-inches in length) that works with OBD-II compliant vehicles — that’s all 1996 and newer cars and light duty trucks sold in the U.S. market. One end is all pins for plugging into the vehicle’s ODB port, the other has a Bluetooth button and some LED indicator lights.
To set up the OBDLink MX+ you simply plug it into the OBD port (you may need to check your owner’s manual to figure out where this actually is but it’s usually located somewhere underneath the vehicle’s steering wheel), turn the vehicle on, push the Bluetooth connect button on the scanner, then pair with it in your smartphone (or tablet or laptop) settings.
You’ll also need to download an app to actually interpret the info the scanner is sending to your device. There are numerous third party apps out there that will work, but OBDLink offers its own free app for iOS and Google.
So Much information…
It is amazing just how much data is available through your vehicle’s OBD port. OBDLink says it has access to thousands of diagnostic codes and parameters, including data related to ABS brake systems, tire pressure monitoring systems, transmission temperature, battery voltage, oxygen sensors, AC, airbags — virtually every system in a vehicle. With the OBDLink MX+ and an app to interpret that data, you get access to a lot of information that helps to paint a picture of how well your vehicle is running, as well as diagnostic info that can pinpoint why a general warning like the “check engine light” has come on. You can even run a test to check if your vehicle is ready for an emissions test.
My vehicle was free of error codes during the entire time I was testing (good for my wallet, but not as great for testing), but OBDLink says you can also use the scanner and app to clear error codes. So if you’re sick of seeing the “check engine light” but have determined it’s not a safety issue, you have the option of clearing the error code so the warning light turns off.
In addition, there are more diagnostic tests available for free download from within the app for several auto makers, including Nissan, Ford, GM and Toyota. When I checked for my Pathfinder, the app downloaded 43 additional modules.
Plug It In and Leave It
One of the features of the OBDLink MX+ is its “BatterySaver” technology. This is pretty much what it sounds like. You can leave the scanner plugged in and it will automatically sleep when the vehicle is turned off, so it doesn’t drain the battery. It’s also small enough there shouldn’t be any issues with legroom.
Why would you want to leave it plugged in? First, it’s easier than fumbling around for that OBD port every time you want to take a reading. And if the scanner is always plugged in, you won’t misplace it.
The OBDLink MX+ can also output useful real-time data. If you have a dashboard mount for your smartphone, this can act like a secondary set of gauges that show information like engine temperature, engine RPM and fuel consumption.
Recommendation
The OBDLink MX+ doesn’t actually fix anything, but it offers peace of mind. If that check engine light — or other warning indicators — light up, the scanner will give you more detailed information. This lets you make the informed decision of whether or not to take the vehicle in for service immediately. And because you already have the information direct from your vehicle’s ODB port, there is less worry that a repair shop you may not trust will be making unnecessary repairs.
You can also use the scanner to provide real time driving data.
At $79.95 that’s probably about what you’d pay for an oil change and a new set of windshield wipers, making the OBDLink MX+ a worthwhile acquisition.
