Help & FAQ

ScanFixAI works with ELM327-compatible OBD-II adapters. We recommend these adapters for the best experience:

• OBDLink MX+ ($100) -- Best for Bluetooth (Android). Fast, reliable, and supports all protocols.
• OBDLink EX ($70) -- Best for USB on Windows. Fastest connection, most reliable for Ford MS-CAN.
• OBDLink CX ($80) -- Best for WiFi connections.

Cheap $10-20 Bluetooth adapters from Amazon may work for basic code reading, but they are typically slow and may not support advanced features like MS-CAN, as-built data, or key programming. See our compatibility page for full details.

Every vehicle made after 1996 has an OBD-II port. It is usually located under the dashboard on the driver's side, near the steering column. Common locations:

• Below and to the left of the steering wheel
• Behind a small panel or cover under the dash
• Near the fuse box area

The port is a 16-pin trapezoidal connector. If you cannot find it, search for "[your vehicle year/make/model] OBD2 port location."

Windows (USB adapter):

• Plug the adapter into your vehicle's OBD-II port
• Connect the USB cable to your computer
• Turn the vehicle's ignition to ON (or start the engine)
• Open ScanFixAI and select the COM port from the dropdown on the Dashboard
• Click Connect

Android (Bluetooth adapter):

• Plug the adapter into your vehicle's OBD-II port
• Turn the vehicle's ignition to ON
• Open ScanFixAI and tap Connect
• Select your adapter from the Bluetooth device picker

Try these steps in order:

• Check power: Make sure the vehicle's ignition is turned to ON (not just accessory). Some vehicles require the engine to be running.
• Check the adapter: Ensure the adapter is fully seated in the OBD-II port. Most adapters have a light that turns on when powered.
• Windows USB: Check Device Manager for the COM port. Try a different USB cable. Install the adapter's drivers if needed.
• Bluetooth: Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your device. Pair the adapter in your device's Bluetooth settings first, then try connecting in ScanFixAI.
• WiFi: Connect to the adapter's WiFi network (usually named "OBDLink" or similar) before opening ScanFixAI.
• Restart: Close ScanFixAI, unplug the adapter, wait 10 seconds, plug it back in, and try again.

Once connected to your vehicle:

• Click Full Scan on the Dashboard to scan all modules at once
• Or go to the Trouble Codes tab for more granular control

ScanFixAI reads codes from all available modules (engine, transmission, ABS, body, etc.), not just the engine. Each code is displayed with a plain-English explanation, severity level, and potential causes.

• CRITICAL -- Safety-related issue. Do not drive until resolved. Examples: brake system faults, airbag codes, steering issues.
• HIGH -- Significant issue that needs attention soon. Could cause further damage if ignored. Examples: misfire codes, transmission faults.
• MEDIUM -- Issue that should be addressed but is not immediately dangerous. Examples: emissions codes, sensor faults.
• LOW -- Minor issue or informational code. May not affect drivability. Examples: EVAP codes, communication codes.

ScanFixAI uses AI to analyze your vehicle's diagnostic data holistically rather than looking at each code in isolation. The AI considers:

• All active diagnostic trouble codes and their relationships
• Your specific vehicle's year, make, model, and engine
• Known common failures and TSBs for your vehicle
• Freeze frame data (conditions when codes were set)
• Patterns across multiple modules

The result is a diagnosis that identifies the most likely root cause rather than just listing symptoms, similar to what an experienced master mechanic would tell you.

Free tier: 1 AI analysis per day. Pro: Unlimited.

Yes. The AI Mechanic Chat works without a vehicle connection. You can describe symptoms, ask about repair procedures, get part numbers, ask about wiring, or get diagnostic advice. It works like having a master mechanic you can text anytime.

When you are connected to a vehicle, the AI Mechanic automatically has context about your specific vehicle and its current codes, making its answers even more targeted.

• Open ScanFixAI
• Go to the License tab in the sidebar
• Enter your license key (format: SFAI-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX)
• Click Activate

Your license is bound to one device at a time. You can move it between devices by deactivating first, then activating on the new device.

No. ScanFixAI uses one-time payments, not recurring subscriptions. You will never be charged automatically. When your license period ends (30 days for monthly, 365 days for annual), you can purchase a new period if you wish to continue using Pro features.

Each license key is valid for one device at a time. You can move your license between devices by going to the License tab and clicking Deactivate, then activating on your new device. There is no limit to how often you can move your license.

Since ScanFixAI uses one-time payments (not subscriptions), there is nothing to cancel. Your license simply expires at the end of the period.

If you would like a refund, email support@scanfixai.com within 30 days of purchase. Include your purchase email and a brief description of why you are requesting a refund. See our full refund policy for details.

Email support@scanfixai.com from the email address you used when purchasing. We will look up your key and send it to you.

• Make sure the ignition is ON or the engine is running
• Check that the adapter is firmly seated in the OBD-II port
• Try disconnecting and reconnecting
• Some vehicles need the engine running (not just key-on) for all modules to respond
• If using a cheap adapter, it may not support all protocols. Try an OBDLink adapter.

• Bluetooth/WiFi: Move your phone or laptop closer to the vehicle. Signal interference can slow communication.
• Cheap adapters: Budget ELM327 clones are significantly slower than genuine OBDLink adapters. A full scan that takes 5 minutes on a cheap adapter may take 30 seconds on an OBDLink.
• USB: Try a different USB port or cable. Some USB hubs may cause issues.

Yes. Code clearing is available on the free tier. Go to the Trouble Codes tab, scan for codes, and use the Clear Codes button. Note that clearing codes does not fix the underlying problem -- if the issue persists, the codes will return.