Many users encounter frustrating issues when trying to pair Bluetooth OBD2 dongles, like the popular BlueDriver, with aftermarket Android head units such as Joying. If you’re experiencing difficulties connecting your BlueDriver OBD2 Bluetooth adapter to your Joying car stereo, you’re not alone. This guide will explore common causes and troubleshooting steps to get your devices communicating.
One user reported issues connecting various OBD2 dongles, including KONNWEI KW902 and vgate iCar Pro OBD2 Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE), to their Android 10 Joying head unit. Despite these dongles working flawlessly with phones, tablets, and laptops, pairing with the Joying unit proved impossible. Attempts to manually enter pairing codes, even after adjusting Bluetooth settings within the Joying system, consistently failed with “incorrect code” errors.
Several factors can contribute to Bluetooth connectivity problems between OBD2 dongles and Android head units:
- Bluetooth Compatibility Issues: While OBD2 Bluetooth dongles use standard Bluetooth protocols, specific Android head units might have compatibility quirks. Certain Bluetooth versions or profiles might not be fully supported by the Joying unit, leading to pairing failures.
- Incorrect Bluetooth Settings on Joying Unit: Although the user adjusted settings like the pairing code and auto-connect, other obscure Bluetooth settings within the Joying system might be interfering. Hidden or advanced Bluetooth configurations could be preventing successful pairing.
- Firmware or Software Glitches: Bugs within the Joying head unit’s firmware or Android operating system can cause Bluetooth connectivity problems. These glitches might specifically affect OBD2 dongle pairing while other Bluetooth devices connect without issue.
- Dongle-Specific Issues: While less likely given the user’s experience with multiple dongles, there’s a slight chance of incompatibility with the specific Bluetooth implementation on the Joying unit for certain dongle models.
To troubleshoot this connection issue, consider these steps:
- Verify Basic Bluetooth Functionality: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both your Joying head unit and your BlueDriver OBD2 dongle. Restart both devices to refresh the Bluetooth connections.
- Check Joying Bluetooth Settings: Re-examine the Bluetooth settings on your Joying unit. Look for options beyond pairing codes and auto-connect. Explore advanced Bluetooth settings or developer options if available, but proceed with caution when altering advanced settings.
- Test with a Different OBD2 App: Instead of relying solely on the BlueDriver app, try a generic OBD2 app from the Google Play Store (like Torque Pro or OBD Fusion) to see if the Joying unit can connect to the dongle using a different application. This can help isolate if the issue is with the BlueDriver app itself or the general Bluetooth connection.
- Firmware Updates for Joying Unit: Check the manufacturer’s website (Joying) for firmware updates for your specific head unit model. Updating to the latest firmware can resolve known Bluetooth bugs and improve device compatibility.
- Contact Joying Support: If basic troubleshooting fails, reach out to Joying customer support. Explain the issue in detail, mentioning the OBD2 dongle models you’ve tried. They may have specific compatibility information or troubleshooting steps for their head units.
Connecting an OBD2 Bluetooth dongle to your Joying Android head unit should be a straightforward process, but compatibility issues can arise. By systematically troubleshooting and exploring potential solutions, you can often resolve these connection problems and utilize your OBD2 dongle for vehicle diagnostics on your car stereo. If all else fails, seeking assistance from Joying support or a car audio professional may be necessary.
