Having trouble maintaining a stable connection between your Cobb Accessport V2 and your vehicle’s ECU? Many users of the Cobb Accessport, especially the V2 model, experience frustrating connectivity problems. Often, the culprit isn’t the Accessport itself, but rather a loose connection within your car’s OBD2 port. If you find yourself repeatedly unplugging and replugging your Cobb Accessport V2 Obd2 Cable to establish a connection for flashing a new map or capturing datalogs, this guide is for you.
This DIY fix addresses the common issue of loose pins inside the OBD2 port. While Cobb technicians may have mentioned tightening these pins, a clear guide has been lacking – until now. By carefully tightening the pins, you can restore a solid and reliable connection, ensuring smooth data transfer and flashing processes with your Cobb Accessport V2.
Tools Required:
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Small Flathead Screwdriver
- Very Small Pick or Sharp Pointed Object
- Patience and Common Sense
Process:
Step 1: Disconnect the Battery (Recommended)
While the original guide skips this step, for safety and to minimize any risk of electrical shorts, it is highly recommended to disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery before proceeding.
Step 2: Remove the Hood Release Handle
Locate the hood release handle under the dashboard on the driver’s side. To remove it, firmly pull it straight down and towards you. Avoid using a flathead screwdriver here as it can damage the clips. Gentle but firm hand pressure is usually sufficient.
Step 3: Unscrew the Fastening Screw
Once the hood release handle is removed, you’ll see a screw behind it, securing the lower dash cover. Typically, this is a black Phillips head screw. Remove this screw.
Step 4: Detach the Lower Dash Cover
Grasp the bottom edge of the lower dash cover panel and carefully pull it downwards. It is usually held in place by clips. Do not fully remove it yet, as it is still connected by wiring.
Step 5: Disconnect Switch Connectors
Reach behind the partially removed dash cover and locate the connectors for any switches (like dimmer or traction control) attached to the panel. Carefully disconnect these connectors.
Step 6: Push Out the OBD2 Port
From the front of the dash panel, where the OBD2 port is normally accessible, use a flathead screwdriver to gently push in the retaining tabs holding the OBD2 port in place. The plug should pop out from the back of the panel.
Step 7: Remove the White Retaining Clip
On the back of the OBD2 port connector, you’ll find a white plastic retaining clip. This clip secures the pins within the connector. Carefully remove this clip. It can be tight, so using two small picks might be helpful.
Step 8: Prepare for Pin Adjustment
Before proceeding, take a moment to observe the arrangement of the wires and their colors in the connector.
Step 9: Document Pin and Wire Order
Crucially, before removing any pins, take a clear picture of the connector, noting the order and color of the wires. Make sure you know which side is the top and bottom for correct reassembly. This step is vital for correct reconnection.
Step 10: Release and Access Individual Pins
Working one pin at a time, gently hold the wire at the back of the connector. Use a small pick to slightly pull back the plastic clip around the pin from the front, just enough to feel the wire release slightly.
Step 11: Tighten the Pin Connection
With the pin slightly released, use your pick to carefully tighten the pin. You’ll notice small metal ‘wings’ inside the connector that grip the pin. Gently push these wings inwards, towards each other, to increase the pressure they exert on the pin when it’s reinserted. The goal is to make the connection tighter.
Step 12: Reinsert and Secure the Pin
Push the pin back into its slot in the connector. You should feel a distinct ‘snap’ as it locks back into place.
Step 13: Repeat for Remaining Pins
Repeat steps 10-12 for each of the remaining pins in the OBD2 connector (typically 8 pins are used in OBD2 for standard functions).
Step 14: Reinstall the Retaining Clip
Once all pins are tightened, reattach the white plastic retaining clip to the back of the OBD2 port connector. This is very important as it prevents the pins from backing out when you plug in your Cobb Accessport V2 OBD2 cable. Ensure it is securely in place.
Step 15: Reconnect and Reassemble
Plug the OBD2 port back into the dash panel until it clicks into place. Reconnect the switch connectors to the dash panel.
Step 16: Reinstall Dash Cover and Hood Release
Position the lower dash cover back into place, starting with the bottom clips first, then the top. You might find it helpful to gently lift the weather stripping along the door frame for easier fitment. It lifts and reapplies easily. Reinstall the Phillips head screw behind the hood release location.
Step 17: Reattach Hood Release Handle
Finally, push the hood release handle back into its slot, pushing upwards and inwards until it snaps securely back in place.
Testing and Final Thoughts:
Ideally, before fully reassembling everything, reconnect your car battery (if you disconnected it) and test the connection with your Cobb Accessport V2. Plug in the Cobb Accessport OBD2 cable and verify that it connects quickly and reliably to the ECU.
After performing this pin tightening procedure, you should experience a significantly improved and more stable connection with your Cobb Accessport V2. Datalogging and ECU flashing should now be smoother and error-free, eliminating the frustration of intermittent connections caused by a loose OBD2 port. Enjoy the enhanced reliability of your Cobb Accessport V2!
