The OBDLink MX+ is a powerful and versatile OBD2 scanner designed to work seamlessly with various vehicles and platforms, making it an ideal choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics. The scanner’s compact and wireless design, coupled with its wide range of compatibility, makes it an essential tool for diagnosing vehicle issues, performing real-time monitoring, and retrieving manufacturer-specific trouble codes.
Key Features
- Bluetooth Connectivity: The OBDLink MX+ supports Bluetooth, allowing it to pair wirelessly with your smartphone, tablet, or PC. It’s compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows platforms, providing a flexible and convenient user experience.
- Vehicle Compatibility: The scanner supports all OBD2-compliant vehicles, which include most cars and light trucks made after 1996 in the US. It also works with EOBD, JOBD, and many manufacturer-specific diagnostic protocols.
- Advanced Features: The MX+ provides advanced diagnostics such as reading and clearing trouble codes, real-time data monitoring, and enhanced diagnostics for Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, and other major brands.
- Free Lifetime Firmware and Software Updates: OBDLink provides free lifetime updates, ensuring the device stays compatible with the latest vehicle models and protocols.
- BatterySaver™ Technology: This feature ensures that the OBDLink MX+ won’t drain your car’s battery when it’s left plugged in for extended periods.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: The scanner offers fast data retrieval, making it ideal for real-time monitoring and extensive vehicle diagnostics.
- App Compatibility: The MX+ works with a variety of OBD apps, including OBDLink’s own app, Torque, BimmerCode, and FORScan.
User Experience
The OBDLink MX+ is straightforward to use, offering easy plug-and-play functionality. Once connected to the OBD2 port, the device pairs with your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. The interface on the OBDLink app is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for beginners to navigate, while offering enough depth for professionals to get detailed data and diagnostics.
Users report that the scanner excels in reading and clearing both generic and manufacturer-specific codes. The ability to retrieve enhanced diagnostics, especially for brands like Ford, GM, and Chrysler, sets it apart from many generic OBD2 scanners. The data refresh rate is fast, which is essential for real-time performance monitoring and graphing.
One of the standout features is the free firmware and software updates, ensuring that the device stays functional with newer vehicle models and evolving technology. The BatterySaver™ technology is also highly praised as it prevents battery drain when the device is left plugged in for long periods.
The device’s high-speed data transfer rate, low power consumption, and compatibility with a range of third-party apps make it one of the best OBD2 scanners available in its price range.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 3.0 (Backwards compatible with Bluetooth 2.1 and higher) |
| Vehicle Compatibility | OBD2, EOBD, JOBD-compliant vehicles (US models 1996+, EU models 2001+) |
| Supported Protocols | ISO15765-4 (CAN), ISO9141-2, ISO14230-4 (KWP2000), J1850 VPW, J1850 PWM |
| Operating Platforms | Android, iOS, Windows |
| Advanced Diagnostics | Yes (Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, etc.) |
| Power Consumption | < 1.3 mA when connected (BatterySaver™ mode) |
| App Compatibility | OBDLink App, Torque, BimmerCode, FORScan, and more |
| Data Logging and Graphing | Yes, with real-time graphing and data logging |
| Data Transfer Rate | Up to 3x faster than many competing OBD2 scanners |
| Firmware Updates | Free lifetime updates |
| Software Updates | Free lifetime updates |
| Battery Drain Protection | BatterySaver™ Technology ensures no drain when plugged in |
| Dimensions | 1.97 x 1.77 x 0.91 inches (5.0 x 4.5 x 2.3 cm) |
| Weight | 1.1 oz (31.18 grams) |
| Warranty | 3-year warranty |
| LED Indicators | Multi-colored LED status indicators for Bluetooth connection, vehicle, power |
Pros
- Wide compatibility with multiple platforms and apps
- Fast data transfer rate for real-time monitoring
- BatterySaver™ technology prevents battery drain
- Free lifetime firmware and software updates
- Enhanced diagnostics for major vehicle brands
Cons
- Does not support some older vehicle models or non-OBD2-compliant vehicles
- The price point may be higher compared to basic OBD2 scanners
Conclusion
The OBDLink MX+ is a feature-packed OBD2 scanner that excels in both compatibility and performance. Its seamless Bluetooth connectivity, wide platform support, and enhanced diagnostics make it a great investment for anyone looking to diagnose and monitor their vehicle efficiently. While it may be slightly more expensive than basic OBD2 scanners, the advanced features, free updates, and long-term reliability justify the price.
FAQs
Is the OBDLink MX+ compatible with all vehicles?
The OBDLink MX+ is compatible with most OBD2-compliant vehicles, which includes cars and light trucks sold in the US since 1996. It also works with EOBD and JOBD vehicles sold in Europe and Asia, respectively. However, it may not work with some older, non-OBD2-compliant vehicles or heavy-duty trucks.
Does the OBDLink MX+ support diesel vehicles?
Yes, the OBDLink MX+ supports diesel vehicles, provided they are OBD2-compliant. This generally applies to diesel vehicles produced after 1996 in the US or 2001 in Europe.
Can I leave the OBDLink MX+ plugged in all the time?
Yes, the OBDLink MX+ is designed to be left plugged in continuously. Its BatterySaver™ technology ensures that it won’t drain your car’s battery, even if left plugged in for extended periods.
Is the OBDLink MX+ compatible with iOS devices?
Yes, the OBDLink MX+ is fully compatible with iOS devices, as well as Android smartphones and tablets. It also works with Windows PCs via Bluetooth.
How do I update the firmware on the OBDLink MX+?
Firmware updates are done wirelessly through the OBDLink app. When a new update is available, you’ll receive a notification in the app, and you can install the update with a few taps. Firmware updates are free for life.
Can I use the OBDLink MX+ to monitor real-time vehicle data?
Yes, the OBDLink MX+ can monitor and display real-time vehicle data, such as RPM, fuel consumption, engine load, and more. The fast data refresh rate makes it ideal for live monitoring and performance graphing.