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Japan, Tokyo
1 Level
699 Review
27 Karma

Review on πŸ”§ PLX Devices Kiwi 3 Bluetooth OBD2 Diagnostic Scan Tool: Compatible with Android, Apple, & Windows Mobile by Mike Weaver

Revainrating 2 out of 5

Not worth the price - very disappointed

I have a long list of complaints about this tool. The first red flag is a note in the box that says "Don't go back to Revane, we're here to help." I've contacted the manufacturer twice but only got one response to a small question. The second letter was never answered. Hardware Issues: Annoyingly bright LEDs that never go out (even when the machine is off). Sometimes you need to uninstall/reconnect to pair. Software issues: Only recently did they stop charging for sensor features, but if you want other features like logging, you still have to pay extra. For the price of the hardware, they could add the full functionality of the application for free. Also, there is no traditional way to pair a device with Bluetooth, you have to rely on the app to connect. Unfortunately, the application often does not cope with this. Also, the app tends to crash on certain screens, causing it to restart and reconnect. It's not very safe to drive. Many ads are divided into different screens and there is no way to create a screen with the ads you want to see. The app only works in a landscape orientation (and will not flip if your phone is upside down). The app doesn't even automate vehicle identification - you have to enter the data manually. I also saw a HUGE discrepancy in app mileage versus reality. The application resets the fuel consumption at the beginning of each connection. Trip details will be lost if the app crashes. Etc. Etc. Ad nauseumThe Good: Yes, this clears the MIL/Check Engine display. Yes, it has some useful sensors (but you'll have to look elsewhere to find out what most of them mean), but be aware that some cars don't put out some data. Yes, this device also works with other paid apps on your device (and you'll probably think a lot better about it!). Yes, you can update the firmware via a separate app. Yes, the data rate is decent (though perhaps because there are so few data points on each screen). Went back to Revain and chose Blue Driver. Despite the app's proprietary blocking, their app is completely free and works great.

Pros
  • Automotive
Cons
  • New Competitors