Experiencing trouble connecting your BAFX OBD2 reader to your ’99 Miata? You’re not alone. Many Miata owners, especially those with NB models, sometimes encounter difficulties getting their OBD2 devices to communicate with the vehicle’s ECU. Let’s explore common issues and solutions to get your BAFX product working so you can read and potentially erase those check engine lights.
One of the first things to verify is the OBD2 port location on your ’99 Miata. While you correctly identified the connector near the fuse box to the left of the driver’s knee, it’s worth double-checking its positioning. Sometimes, the port can be slightly tucked away. Ensure your BAFX OBD2 reader is firmly plugged into this port. A loose connection can prevent proper communication and result in a “No response from vehicle ECU” error, which you’re currently seeing with apps like Torque and Car Gauge Lite.
Another aspect to consider is protocol selection. While most modern OBD2 readers, including BAFX products, are designed for auto-protocol detection, older vehicles like the ’99 Miata might benefit from manual protocol selection within your OBD2 app settings. Consult your BAFX reader’s manual or online resources to see if there are recommended protocols for older OBD-II compliant vehicles, and check if your Torque or Car Gauge Lite app allows for manual protocol settings. Trying a different protocol than “Auto” might establish a stable connection.
It’s also worth noting that while OBD2 is standardized, some vehicles can be a bit particular about reader compatibility. Although BAFX readers generally receive positive reviews and are not the cheapest option, it’s possible there might be a compatibility quirk with your specific ’99 Miata. Before considering replacing your BAFX product, ensure you have thoroughly checked the port connection, tried manual protocol selection, and even tested the reader on another OBD2 compliant vehicle (like you did with your ’98 Civic to confirm the reader itself is functional). If the BAFX reader works on other cars but not your Miata, and you’ve exhausted other troubleshooting steps, then exploring other OBD2 reader brands or models might be the next step. However, systematically ruling out connection and protocol issues first will save you time and potentially money.
