Experiencing trouble connecting your BAFX Bluetooth OBD2 reader to your 1999 Miata? It’s a common frustration, especially when the little red light on your BAFX OBD2 adapter is shining brightly, suggesting power, yet your Android device and apps like Torque or Car Gauge Lite stubbornly refuse to communicate with your vehicle’s ECU. You’re not alone in facing this “No response from vehicle ECU” message, and it’s definitely worth exploring why your ’99 Miata might be playing hard to get while your ’98 Civic connects without a hitch. Let’s dive into some potential causes and troubleshooting steps to get your BAFX OBD2 reader working with your NB Miata.
First, let’s address the location of the OBD2 port on your 1999 Miata. You’re right, it’s located on the driver’s side, but you might be accessing it from slightly the wrong spot. While there are electrical components behind the fuse box cover to the left of your left knee, the actual OBD-II port on a ’99 Miata (NB generation) is typically found lower in the driver’s side footwell. You likely don’t need to remove the fuse box cover at all. Instead, try looking underneath the dashboard, closer to the center console and steering column. It’s often tucked up a bit, so you might need to get down low to spot it. This location can indeed be a bit less convenient if you’re planning to leave the adapter plugged in for extended periods, but confirming you’re using the correct port is the crucial first step.
Now, let’s consider the compatibility aspect. While OBD-II is meant to be a standardized system, some vehicles, particularly in the early years of OBD-II implementation, can be a bit finicky with certain readers. The fact that your BAFX OBD2 reader works perfectly with your ’98 Civic is a good sign that the adapter itself is functional, and the “Bafx Obd2 Lights” indicating power are working as expected. However, it doesn’t guarantee universal compatibility across all OBD-II vehicles. It’s possible that the 1999 Miata’s specific ECU communication protocols are not being correctly interpreted by the BAFX reader, or that there might be a slight incompatibility in the implementation.
Here are a few things to try to troubleshoot the connection issue between your BAFX OBD2 reader and your 1999 Miata:
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Verify OBD2 Port Location: Double-check the footwell area for the OBD2 port, ensuring you’re plugging the BAFX adapter into the correct connector. A quick online search for “1999 Miata OBD2 port location” with image results can visually confirm you’re in the right spot.
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Ignition and Engine State: Ensure your car’s ignition is in the “ON” position (usually two clicks forward, without starting the engine initially) when attempting to connect. While you’ve tried with the engine running, starting with just the ignition ON is often recommended for establishing the initial OBD2 connection. After a successful connection, you can then start the engine if needed for live data monitoring.
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Protocol Selection (if available): Some OBD2 apps allow you to manually select the communication protocol instead of relying on “Auto” detection. While the ’99 Miata should be using standard OBD-II protocols, experimenting with protocol settings within Torque or Car Gauge Lite might be worth trying. Consult your app’s documentation to see if manual protocol selection is an option and what protocols are available.
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App Compatibility and Updates: While Torque and Car Gauge Lite are popular choices, it’s worth testing with another OBD2 app to rule out any app-specific issues. There are many free and paid OBD2 apps available on the Google Play Store. Also, ensure that both your Torque/Car Gauge Lite apps and your Android device’s Bluetooth are updated to their latest versions.
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BAFX OBD2 Reader Compatibility Confirmation: While the BAFX reader is generally well-regarded, it’s always wise to double-check if there are any known compatibility issues with NB Miatas specifically. A quick search online for “BAFX OBD2 Miata NB compatibility” might reveal if other Miata owners have reported similar issues or successful connections. Check forums and online communities dedicated to Miatas for user experiences.
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Consider a Different OBD2 Reader: If you’ve exhausted the troubleshooting steps and still can’t get a connection, it might be that your specific BAFX reader, while functional, isn’t playing nicely with your ’99 Miata. While it’s not ideal, trying a different brand or model of OBD2 reader could be the solution. Before purchasing, look for OBD2 readers that are explicitly listed as compatible with Mazda Miatas or NB generation Miatas. Reading reviews from Miata owners can be particularly helpful in this regard.
The “bafx obd2 lights” being on is a good starting point, indicating the adapter is receiving power. The next step is to systematically rule out other potential roadblocks, from port location to compatibility quirks. Hopefully, by working through these steps, you’ll be able to establish a reliable connection and start enjoying the benefits of OBD2 diagnostics on your ’99 Miata. If you continue to face issues, providing more details about any specific error messages or behaviors you encounter in Miata-specific forums might yield more tailored advice from experienced Miata owners.
