Experiencing trouble connecting your BAFX Bluetooth OBD2 reader to your 1999 Miata, even with the red light showing? You’re not alone. Many Miata owners encounter similar issues when trying to use aftermarket OBD2 adapters, especially with earlier NB models. This guide will walk you through common problems and solutions to get your BAFX OBD2 reader working with your Miata.
You’ve plugged in your new BAFX OBD2 adapter, the red light is on, signaling power, but your Torque app or Car Gauge Lite stubbornly refuses to connect, displaying “No response from vehicle ECU.” Frustrating, right? Especially when the same adapter works perfectly fine on another car, like a ’98 Civic. Let’s dive into why this might be happening with your ’99 Miata and what you can do about it.
One of the first questions to consider is the OBD2 protocol compatibility. While the ’99 Miata is OBD-II compliant, some early OBD-II vehicles can be a bit finicky with certain readers. It’s less about needing to manually specify a protocol and more about ensuring the reader is fully compatible with the specific implementation of OBD-II in your Miata’s ECU. The BAFX reader is generally well-regarded, but compatibility issues can still arise.
Location, location, location! You mentioned finding the OBD2 port under the fuse box cover to the left of the driver’s knee. That is indeed a common location for the OBD2 port in many vehicles. However, it’s worth double-checking if your 1999 Miata has another OBD2 port. While less likely, some vehicles might have ports in slightly different locations. For the NB Miata, the port near the fuse box is the standard and correct location. Reaching that port can be a bit awkward, especially if you’re thinking of leaving an adapter plugged in for gauges while driving. Unfortunately, for the NB Miata, this is the primary, and usually only, OBD2 port location.
Now, are NBs “super picky” about OBD2 readers? There’s no definitive answer to whether NBs are inherently more selective than other cars, but it’s true that some OBD2 readers work better with certain makes and models than others. Your experience of the BAFX reader working on a Civic but not a Miata is a common example of this. It might not be about the BAFX reader being fundamentally flawed, but rather a compatibility quirk between this specific reader and your ’99 Miata’s ECU communication.
So, what are your next steps?
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Verify OBD2 Port Location: While unlikely, just quickly double-check your Miata owner’s manual or online Miata forums to absolutely confirm the OBD2 port location. It should be under the fuse box cover on the driver’s side footwell.
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Ensure Proper Adapter Seating: Sometimes, it’s as simple as making sure the OBD2 adapter is firmly and fully plugged into the port. Disconnect and reconnect the BAFX adapter, ensuring a snug fit.
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Test with a Different App: You’ve tried Torque and Car Gauge Lite, which are both reputable apps. However, just for troubleshooting purposes, try another OBD2 app. There are many free and paid apps available on the Google Play Store. A different app might initialize the connection in a slightly different way that could work with your Miata.
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Check Adapter on Another OBD2 Car (Again): You’ve already tested on a Civic, which is great. If possible, try the BAFX reader on one more OBD2 compliant vehicle to re-confirm the adapter itself is still functioning correctly and the red light consistently comes on and it attempts to connect (even if it fails on the Miata).
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Consider a Different OBD2 Reader: If none of the above steps work, it might be time to consider that your BAFX reader and your ’99 Miata simply aren’t playing nicely together. Before returning the BAFX, research OBD2 readers specifically known to work well with NB Miatas. Miata forums and communities are excellent resources for this kind of information. Look for recommendations for readers that users with similar year Miatas have successfully used. Brands like Veepeak, or specific models known for broader compatibility, might be worth exploring.
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Professional Scan: If you’re still stuck, and especially if you have any concerns about your Miata’s ECU, it’s always a good idea to have a professional mechanic scan your car. They use professional-grade scan tools that are typically more robust and compatible with a wider range of vehicles. If your mechanic was able to read codes before, their tool likely has a more reliable connection method.
The red light on your BAFX OBD2 reader indicates it’s receiving power, which is a good sign. The issue is likely in the communication handshake between the reader and your Miata’s ECU. By systematically troubleshooting and considering compatibility, you should be able to pinpoint the problem and get connected. Don’t give up – accessing your Miata’s data via OBD2 is a valuable tool for monitoring and maintenance!
