I found this tool to be very easy to use. When I used it for the first time, I loaded the app for my iPhone 11, plugged the MX+ into the OBD connector, paired the Bluetooth and let it do its thing. Firmware in the adapter was updated without any issues (my phone was connected to my home Wifi network at the time). I also used the MX+ with a Dell laptop (running Forscan software) as well and found the Bluetooth pairing a little more difficult. However, I think this was more of a Windows 10 issue (and my not being accustomed to pairing devices to a laptop).
I bought this tool as my Carista OBD2 adapter did not have the capabilities to access all of the data buses in my wife's 2013 Ford Fusion. Using the Bluetooth MX+ with the Forscan software (using free 2 month license) loaded on a laptop, I was able to get into all of the high speed and low speed buses in the Ford (CAN, CAN2, CAN3, etc.). I needed to program up some "dealer only" accessible features as well as program a used Ford radio/ACM that I had installed to replace the failed original radio. To do this, I needed to download the "As Built List" from Ford website (enter VIN) for the original radio and copy the hexadecimal configuration data into the used radio. The MX+ with the Forscan software worked flawlessly.
Next, my 2006 Chevy Avalanche airbag trouble light set so I used the MX+ (with the OBDLink app loaded on my iPhone 11) to diagnose which crash sensor had triggered the trouble code. Matching the DTC code read by the MX+ with what was in my GM Service manual, I was able to diagnose down to the exact sensor that needed to be replaced. My only complaint here is that the description provided in the OBDLink app did not match what was in the service manual. For instance, DTC B0101 was set. The app displayed this as "Electronic Front End Sensor 1 Performance" (which is really DTC B0100 in the manual). DTC B0101 in the manual is "Discard Electronic Front End Sensor 1". Since these are expensive sensors ($200+ for the GM version), I decided to swap the two front crash sensors to confirm that the problem followed the sensor. When I did this, the MX+ read out DTC B0104 "Electronic Front End Sensor 2" although the description in the manual shows this as "Discard Electronic Front End Sensor 2". So in any case, the MX+ with OBDLink app was able to confirm that the sensor was in fact defective. I trust the DTC code that was read out but not the description.
Next, my factory Navigation built into the radio in my Avalanche has not been working. The MX+ captured a DTC code from the radio indicating that GPS had failed. I will leave it to another time to diagnose but its amazing how many systems in the vehicle that the MX+ has access to.
I use the Carista application on my phone to make "dealer only" changes to my 2020 Prius Prime. As the MX+ is listed as compatible with this app, I know the next time I need to make changes, I will be using the MX+ instead of the Carista OBD2 adapter (assuming there are no hardware issues), but I have not yet tested this.
Overall, the price appeared high compared to other OBD adapters. However, when I take into consideration that I paid hundreds of dollars over 10 years ago for an Auto X-ray reader kit (and this is nothing more than a paper weight now since the manufacturer went out of business and the firmware is no longer updated), the $100 price paid for the MX+ does not seem bad. I just hope these folks stay in business so that they can continue to provide updates.
I definitely recommend the OBDLink MX+ OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner.
| Manufacturer | OBD Solutions, LLC |
|---|---|
| Brand | OBDLink |
| Model | OBDLink MX+ |
| Item Weight | 0.988 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 2.01 x 0.91 x 1.81 inches |
| Item model number | MX201 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 428101 |
| Safety Rating | CE |
