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AutoZone Fix Finder - any better than basic OBD-II scanning?

AutoZone Fix Finder - any better than basic OBD-II scanning?

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by: jjapt Active Indicator LED Icon 7 OP 
~ 6 years ago   Mar 24, '18 10:04am  
AutoZone Fix Finder - any better than basic OBD-II scanning?
 
Has anyone used the AutoZone Fix Finder? Description pasted below for context.
 
Does the records database thing actually result in more/better info beyond what a cheap OBD-II scanner/app and a skim of model-specific online forums does? (For those who don't know - you can now get a wifi/bluetooth scanner for under $20 and pop an app on your phone to read/reset. Handy for the easy things.)
 
It's free but I ask cos I'll feel obligated to buy something if I take their time/service and I don't really need anything right now.
 
Thanks!
 
Their description:
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The AutoZone Fix Finder*
An easy-to-use tool to troubleshoot why your Check Engine Light is on, Fix Finder utilizes an extensive database of repair solutions from ASE certified mechanics to help you get to the most likely fix.
How does AutoZone Fix Finder work?
 
* Fix Finder pulls your vehicle information, code and mileage.
* This data is analyzed to give you verified fix solutions for your specific vehicle from over 5.5 million ASE-Certified technicians' records.
* These solutions are given to you in a FREE, easy-to-read MYZONE HEALTH REPORT. 4951
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TXtransplant Active Indicator LED Icon 13
~ 6 years ago   Mar 24, '18 12:08pm  
Although just about all of the parts stores can read OBD codes their units don't go deep enough to get to the anciliary vehicle systems (like ABS or traction control).
 
I wouldn't think this would be any better than using a cheapie scan tool and then google to define the fault/code.
 
After reading about fixfinder (to me) it seems that they are hoping to provide a mechanic referral which would get the store a referral fee from the provider.
 
4951
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jjapt Active Indicator LED Icon 7 OP 
~ 6 years ago   Mar 25, '18 1:09am  
After reading about fixfinder (to me) it seems that they are hoping to provide a mechanic referral which would get the store a referral fee from the provider.
 
@TXtransplant : Thanks!
My suspicion is that they'll try selling all the relevant parts. Guess I can go ahead and see; I already know all the likely ways to address my EVAP issue (p1443 is well discussed on Ranger forums and the parts are all pretty easy to replace, trick is just figuring out which has gone bad) but haven't researched what might be up with my mom's Mazda5. I'll see how their report matches up for the Ranger and then take the van over or not accordingly; not worth it if it doesn't say anything more that DashCommand.
 
I was hoping someone would know if their claimed drawing from all those tech records would add anything beyond what google and youtube results have to say. But probably not surprising that there's not much overlap between "Up for DIY auto repairs" and "only basic scanner/no scanner on hand" populations. 4951
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TXtransplant Active Indicator LED Icon 13
~ 6 years ago   Mar 25, '18 1:20am  
@jjapt : Absolutely. I wish you luck with your repairs.
 
OBD2 is a universal language so often code signatures as well as their definitions are pretty repeatable between brands.
 
If you can get to an actual spec definition of the fault vs. weeding through pages of forum speculations you'll get to the root cause much faster.
 
I have a b/t cheapie that I use for quick resets but years ago bought a better diagnostic combo that will do a deep dive from a laptop. 4951
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jjapt Active Indicator LED Icon 7 OP 
~ 6 years ago   Mar 26, '18 12:40am  
@TXtransplant : Thanks! For me, issues are rare enough - and I stick to low-level enough DIY - that while the more extensive laptop-linked systems are appealing, I can't really justify going beyond the basic scanners. I do like the wifi/DashCommand combo better than my previous cheap scanner with display; the additional dynamic info is kind of neat.
 
Follow-up - I did stop in with the Ranger today. It indeed just pulls the same code as the cheap ones, Their system does give slightly more detail in the description than DashCommand and suggests the 3 most common/likely causes, I expect based on that database they mention. And helpfully links to the (rather high priced vs. from other sources) related parts. So indeed it's the part sales for repairs behind it.
 
So conclusion to anyone else wondering -
For those who don't have access to a code reader, go for it; it does give a little more info than stopping in at a different shop for a free scan so might save a bit of online research.
 
For those with a reader, not worth a special trip. I didn't learn anything new about the truck so won't bother taking my mom's van. 4951
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TXtransplant Active Indicator LED Icon 13
~ 6 years ago   Mar 26, '18 12:44am  
And helpfully links to the (rather high priced vs. from other sources) related parts. So indeed it's the part sales for repairs behind it.
 
@jjapt :
 
I thought it would be as much. Thanks again for your feedback. Emoticon
 
Btw....since this is also a reference to AutoZone what is your opinion of their parts?
 
Personally I avoid them at all costs. Their prices are inflated as well as the [Chinese] DuraLast brand being inherently unreliable...especially with sensors from personal experience.
 
I prefer O'Reilly or if I'm shopping for OEM w/ a part number....believe it or not....Amazon. I just recently did a complete replacement of my traction control (electronics) system on a Nissan and every part number was there....on Prime, 50% of dealer cost and delivered free in two days. 4951
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Chrisinkingwood Active Indicator LED Icon 8
~ 6 years ago   Mar 26, '18 4:50am  
[ Removed by Request ] 4951
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jjapt Active Indicator LED Icon 7 OP 
~ 6 years ago   Mar 27, '18 12:25am  
since this is also a reference to AutoZone what is your opinion of their parts?
 
@TXtransplant : I've only addressed whatever issues have come up with my own vehicles so haven't done enough to have opinions re: the various non-OEM brands; currently still rely on online recommendations and reviews for that. But I was really surprised by AutoZone's pricing - I'd never priced parts from them, but the couple of basic items I'd bought from them before were reasonably priced. So it was a surprise to see the one part I'd already thrown at my issue priced at 4x what it cost at amazon and the online parts places I'd priced out back at the time of replacement.
 
For comparison, currently Duralast Canister Purge Valve $79.99. I paid $18 for the Standard Motor Products version off amazon a couple inspections ago; it's still about that. Looks like O'Reilly's is currently at $26.99 for their "BWD" version. I'm a fan of Prime. Amazon doesn't have all the Motorcraft parts, but then again some are pretty rare now with Rangers off the market for several years.
 
I'm not against junkyards for parts where it would be obvious it's fine, tho that's not applicable for my current issue. Did get a couple interior items from a junkyard up in MI; never been to any around here. (Probably junkyard is a much easier option for something like the Ranger, with so many previously on the road and essentially unchanged for so many years, than for a lot of other vehicles.) I know someone whose 2003 died recently; if he hasn't donated/junked it yet I'm going to cannibalize his solenoid and charcoal canister. 4951
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jjapt Active Indicator LED Icon 7 OP 
~ 6 years ago   Mar 27, '18 12:32am  
I fianlly just broke down and got a good OBDII code reader that also does ABS and SRS airbag codes and one that could read them for Land Rovers which have a lot if proprietary codes.
 
@Chrisinkingwood : Do your friends know yet? I've been asked to bring my just basic one over more than once... Emoticon
 
Proprietary codes seem like a scam. Are they typically for things that require special training/tools/etc. such that the manufacturers are trying to protect themselves from liability, or is it just that it's more specific codes that only apply to a particular model (/line/whatever) and they'd rather not share on general principle? 4951
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