Experiencing trouble connecting your BAFX Bluetooth OBD2 reader to your 1999 Miata? You’re not alone. Many Miata owners, especially those with the NB generation (1999-2005), have encountered similar issues when trying to use aftermarket OBD2 readers. This guide will walk you through common problems and solutions to get your Bafx Obd2 Reader working with your ’99 Miata.
It’s frustrating when a seemingly straightforward tool like an OBD2 reader refuses to connect. You plug in your BAFX adapter, the red light illuminates, and pairing with your Android device via Bluetooth is successful. However, when you launch apps like Torque or Car Gauge Lite, you’re met with the dreaded “No response from vehicle ECU” message. This scenario is particularly perplexing when the same reader works flawlessly on another car, such as a ’98 Civic. So, what could be the issue with your Miata? Let’s explore some potential causes and fixes.
One of the first questions to consider is whether you’re using the correct OBD2 port location on your 1999 Miata. While it’s common to find the OBD2 port near the fuse box, and you might have located a connector after removing the fuse box cover to the left of the driver’s knee, this might not be the primary or most accessible port for diagnostic purposes. Mechanics often access the OBD2 port from a lower position in the footwell. It’s worth double-checking if there’s another OBD2 port located beneath the dashboard, further down in the driver’s side footwell. This lower port is typically the standard OBD2 connector for diagnostics and might offer a more reliable connection.
Another point to investigate is protocol compatibility. While OBD2 is a standard, early OBD2 implementations, especially in the late 90s, could sometimes be a bit finicky with aftermarket readers. You might be wondering if you need to manually specify a protocol within your OBD2 app instead of relying on the “Auto” setting. While modern OBD2 readers like the BAFX are designed to automatically detect protocols, some older vehicles might require manual protocol selection. Consult your Torque or Car Gauge Lite app settings to see if there’s an option to manually select OBD2 protocols. Experiment with different protocols listed in the app to see if any establish a connection with your Miata’s ECU. Refer to your Miata’s service manual or online Miata forums for information on the specific OBD2 protocols supported by a 1999 model.
Finally, consider the possibility that your 1999 Miata might be somewhat selective about OBD2 readers. It’s not uncommon for certain vehicle models, especially from this era, to exhibit compatibility issues with some aftermarket OBD2 adapters. Even though the BAFX OBD2 reader is generally well-regarded and not the cheapest option available, there’s still a chance it might not be fully compatible with the NB Miata’s specific OBD2 implementation. If you’ve tried the troubleshooting steps above and are still facing connection problems, it might be worthwhile to explore other OBD2 reader brands and models known to work reliably with 1999 Miatas. Online Miata communities and forums are excellent resources for recommendations on OBD2 readers that other Miata owners have successfully used. Before considering a different reader, ensure you’ve thoroughly checked the port location and protocol settings. However, if those are ruled out, trying a different OBD2 reader might be the next logical step to diagnose your Miata effectively.
