I’m having trouble getting my new BAFX Bluetooth OBD2 reader to connect to my 1999 Mazda Miata, and I’m hoping someone can offer some advice. I purchased the Bafx Obd2 Reader online, specifically to use with my Miata, but I’m running into a frustrating “No response from vehicle ECU” error.
Here’s what I’ve done so far: I located the OBD2 port under the fuse box cover to the left of the steering wheel, as indicated in online resources. The BAFX adapter powers on (red light is visible), and I successfully paired it with my Android phone via Bluetooth using the provided code. I’ve tried using both the Torque (free) app and Car Gauge Lite to establish a connection. In both apps, it appears to attempt connection, cycles through various protocols, but ultimately fails with the “No response from vehicle ECU” message. I’ve attempted this with the engine both running and off, with no change in result.
Interestingly, I tested the same BAFX OBD2 reader on our 1998 Honda Civic, and it connected and worked perfectly right away. This leads me to believe the issue is specific to my Miata or my approach with it.
So, I have a few questions for anyone with experience using a BAFX OBD2 reader or similar tools on a second-generation (NB) Miata:
1. Protocol Selection for 1999 Miata OBD2 Connection
Could the issue be related to protocol settings? Should I be manually selecting a specific OBD2 protocol within the Torque app or Car Gauge Lite, rather than relying on the “Auto” setting? Is there a known protocol that works best with the 1999 Miata ECU and a BAFX OBD2 reader? Perhaps the automatic protocol detection is not correctly identifying the right one for my car.
2. Verifying the OBD2 Port Location on a 1999 Miata
I found the OBD2 port located under the fuse box cover in the driver’s side footwell. However, I recall when my mechanic previously scanned for OBD2 codes, it seemed like he accessed a port lower down in the footwell, without removing the fuse box cover. Is it possible there’s another OBD2 port location on the 1999 Miata that I’m overlooking? Could I be trying to connect to the wrong diagnostic port? The current location is also somewhat inconvenient for using a device like a ScanGauge continuously while driving, as it’s positioned where it could be easily bumped, and would require driving with the fuse box cover removed.
3. BAFX OBD2 Reader Compatibility with NB Miata Models
Are NB generation Miatas known to be particularly sensitive or selective about which OBD2 readers will successfully connect? Is it possible that the BAFX OBD2 reader, while generally well-regarded and functional on other vehicles (as demonstrated by its performance on my Civic), simply isn’t fully compatible with the 1999 Miata’s ECU? If this is a known issue, could you recommend specific OBD2 reader brands or models that are confirmed to work reliably with the 1999 Miata? While the BAFX reader seemed like a solid mid-range option with good reviews, I’m willing to consider returning it and trying a different model if compatibility is the likely culprit.
Any insights or suggestions on troubleshooting this BAFX OBD2 reader connection issue with my 1999 Miata would be greatly appreciated. I am eager to start using an OBD2 scanner for diagnostics and performance monitoring on my Miata.
