It’s frustrating when your new Bafx Obd2 Bluetooth Scanner refuses to connect to your car, especially when it works perfectly fine on another vehicle. If you’re experiencing this issue with your 1999 Miata, you’re not alone. Many Miata owners have encountered similar problems, and thankfully, there are a few common reasons and solutions to explore before you assume your scanner is faulty. Let’s troubleshoot why your BAFX scanner might not be communicating with your ’99 Miata’s ECU.
One of the first things to consider is the communication protocol. While OBD-II is a standard, sometimes automatic protocol detection can stumble. Your Miata, being a 1999 model, might benefit from manually selecting the correct protocol within your Torque app or Car Gauge Lite. Dig into the app settings and see if you can specify a protocol – ISO 9141-2 is a common protocol for older vehicles and worth trying if available. Instead of relying on the “Auto” setting, manually choosing the right protocol can often establish a successful connection.
Next, let’s double-check the OBD2 port location. You mentioned finding a port under the fuse box cover to the left of the driver’s knee, which is indeed the standard location for the NB Miata (1999-2005). You are plugging into the correct port. It’s understandable why you might question this given your mechanic’s access point. While the primary OBD2 port is near the fuse box, there isn’t typically another hidden port in the footwell of a Miata NB. The location under the fuse box cover is the designated and correct OBD2 port for your 1999 Miata.
Finally, while the BAFX OBD2 Bluetooth scanner is generally well-regarded and compatible with many vehicles, it’s true that some cars can be a bit more particular with aftermarket scanners. Before jumping to conclusions about scanner incompatibility with your NB Miata, exhaust all software and protocol selection options within your chosen app. Ensure Bluetooth pairing is stable and try different OBD2 apps if possible to rule out app-specific glitches. If, after trying these steps, you still face “No response from vehicle ECU,” then considering another OBD2 scanner model might be the next logical step. However, systematically checking protocol settings and confirming the OBD2 port location will resolve the issue for most users experiencing this problem with their BAFX scanner and a 1999 Miata.
