Are you experiencing frustrating connection problems with your Cobb Accessport and your vehicle’s OBD2 port? Many car enthusiasts, especially those using performance tuning devices like the Accessport, encounter issues where the device intermittently fails to connect to the ECU. This can be incredibly annoying when you’re trying to flash a new tune or capture crucial datalogs. Often, the culprit isn’t your Accessport Obd2 Cable itself, but rather loose pins within your car’s OBD2 port. While Cobb Tuning may have mentioned tightening these pins as a potential solution, a clear guide on how to do this has been missing – until now. After extensive research and hands-on experience, we’ve compiled a simple, step-by-step guide to help you tighten those OBD2 port pins and restore a solid connection for your Accessport OBD2 cable.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these essential tools to ensure a smooth and efficient process:
- Phillips Head Screwdriver: For removing screws securing the dash panel.
- Small Blade Flathead Screwdriver: Carefully used for releasing plastic tabs (use with caution).
- Very Small Pick or Sharp Pointy Object: Crucial for gently tightening the OBD2 port pins.
- Common Sense and Patience: Essential for any DIY car repair task.
- A Cool Cat (Optional): For moral support and garage companionship.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tightening OBD2 Port Pins
Follow these steps carefully to tighten the pins in your OBD2 port and improve the connection for your Accessport OBD2 cable.
Step 1: Disconnect the Battery (Recommended)
While the original guide mentions skipping this step, for safety and to minimize any risk of electrical shorts, it’s highly recommended to disconnect your car’s battery. Locate your battery in the engine bay or trunk and disconnect the negative terminal using a wrench.
Step 2: Remove the Hood Release Handle
The hood release handle needs to be removed to access the dash panel. Grip the handle firmly and pull it straight down and towards you. Avoid using a flathead screwdriver here, as you could damage the clips. Gentle but firm hand pressure is usually sufficient.
Step 3: Locate and Remove the Dash Screw
Once the hood release is removed, you’ll find a screw located behind where the handle was. Use your Phillips head screwdriver to remove this screw. It’s typically black and easily visible.
Step 4: Detach the Lower Dash Cover
Grip the bottom edge of the dash cover panel located beneath the steering column. Gently pull it downwards and outwards to detach it. It will likely still be connected by wires, so don’t pull it away completely.
Step 5: Disconnect Switch Connectors
Reach behind the dash panel and carefully disconnect the three electrical connectors attached to the switches on the panel. These usually have small tabs that you need to press to release them.
Step 6: Push Out the OBD2 Port Plug
From the front of the dash panel where the OBD2 port is located, use your flathead screwdriver to gently push in the retaining tabs on the sides of the OBD2 port plug. This will allow you to push the plug out from the back of the panel.
Step 7: Remove the White Retaining Clip
On the back of the OBD2 port plug, you’ll find a white plastic retaining clip. This clip secures the pins in place. Carefully remove this clip. It might be tight, and using two small picks can be helpful to gently pry it off.
Step 8: Admire Your Cool Cat (If Applicable)
Take a moment to appreciate your feline helper, if you have one. Garage cats are excellent supervisors.
Step 9: Document the Wire and Pin Order
Before proceeding, take a clear picture of the back of the OBD2 port plug. This is crucial! Ensure you can clearly see the wire colors and their positions (top and bottom). This photo will be your reference for reinserting the pins correctly.
Step 10: Release and Tighten Pins Individually
Work on one pin at a time. Hold the wire at the back of the plug. Use your small pick to gently pull the plastic clip surrounding the pin just enough to feel the wire release slightly.
Step 11: Tighten the Pin Connector
With the pin slightly released, use your pick to gently tighten the metal connector inside the plastic clip. You’ll want to push the small metal part of the pin connector inwards, effectively squeezing it to create a tighter grip on the OBD2 port pin when it’s plugged in.
Step 12: Re-insert and Secure the Pin
Push the pin back into its original position in the plug until you hear or feel a click or snap. This indicates that the pin is securely locked in place.
Step 13: Repeat for All Pins
Repeat steps 10-12 for each of the remaining pins in the OBD2 port plug (there are typically 8 pins in total in a standard OBD2 port).
Step 14: Reinstall the Retaining Clip
Once all pins are tightened, carefully push the white retaining clip back onto the back of the OBD2 port plug. This clip is vital as it prevents the pins from backing out when you plug in your Accessport OBD2 cable. Do not lose or forget to reinstall this clip!
Step 15: Reconnect Plugs to Dash Panel
Plug the OBD2 port plug and the other switch connectors back into their respective slots in the dash panel. Ensure they click into place securely.
Step 16: Reinstall the Dash Panel
Reinstall the dash panel, starting by aligning the bottom clips first, then pushing the top section into place. You might find it helpful to gently lift the weather stripping along the door frame for easier panel fitment. The weather stripping is flexible and easily repositioned.
Step 17: Reinstall Hood Release and Screw
Reinstall the hood release handle by pushing it firmly upwards and back into its slot until it snaps into place. Finally, reinstall the screw behind the hood release to secure the dash panel.
Testing and Final Thoughts
Optional Step: Test Before Reassembly
For peace of mind, you can reconnect your battery temporarily and test your Accessport OBD2 cable connection before fully reassembling everything. This can save you time if you need to troubleshoot further.
Improved Connection and Data Logging
After tightening the OBD2 port pins, you should experience a significantly improved connection with your Accessport OBD2 cable. You’ll likely notice faster connection times and more reliable data logging, eliminating frustrating errors and connection drops. A loose OBD2 port connection can be a major headache, especially when flashing your ECU, as a dropped connection during flashing can lead to serious issues. By taking the time to tighten these pins, you’re ensuring a stable and dependable link for your Accessport OBD2 cable and tuning needs.
