The OBD2 port in your car is essential for diagnostics, allowing tools like the Aura Car Scanner to communicate with your vehicle’s computer. However, sometimes you might encounter connection problems. If your Aura car scanner is failing to connect, it could be due to issues with the OBD2 port itself. Let’s explore common causes and troubleshooting steps to get your scanner working.
First, it’s helpful to understand the OBD2 port layout. This diagram shows the pin numbering and the function of each of the 16 pins:
Diagram illustrating the pin numbering of an OBD2 port for automotive diagnostics.
Schematic representation detailing the function of each pin within the OBD2 connector.
Several pins are crucial for your Aura car scanner to establish a connection. These include pins for:
- Battery voltage (Power supply for the scanner)
- High-speed GMLAN (For vehicles using this communication protocol)
- Low-speed GMLAN (Another communication protocol)
- Class 2 Serial Data (Older communication protocol)
- Ground (Provides electrical ground reference)
If any of these pins aren’t making proper contact, your Aura car scanner might fail to connect or communicate effectively with your car’s systems. A frequent issue is that the pin socket receivers within the OBD2 port can get pushed back. When this happens, they won’t make solid contact with the Aura car scanner’s pins when you plug it in.
To check for this, use a flashlight. Shine the light directly into the OBD2 port, parallel to the pin sockets. Carefully look to see if any of the metal sockets appear to be recessed or pushed further back compared to the surrounding sockets.
If you notice a pushed-back socket, reach behind the OBD2 connector if possible. Gently feel for the wire connected to that specific socket. Sometimes, you can carefully adjust the wire’s position from behind to nudge the socket forward, aligning it with the others. Be gentle; you don’t want to detach or damage the wire.
Important Warning: Never insert any objects into the front of the OBD2 socket to try and pull a pushed-back socket forward. This can damage the delicate connector clips inside.
Before reconnecting your Aura car scanner, inspect the scanner’s plug itself. Check for any bent pins. If you find any, very gently attempt to straighten them. Be extremely cautious as pins can break easily.
If you were able to adjust a wire to bring a socket forward, hold the wire in that position while you slowly and carefully plug in your Aura car scanner. Pay close attention to how it feels. You should not encounter significant resistance when inserting the plug. If it feels jammed or overly tight, stop and re-examine for any misaligned pins or sockets.
Aura car scanners are typically designed with auto protocol detection, meaning they should automatically identify and use the correct communication protocol for your vehicle. However, connection issues can sometimes interfere with this process.
Another point to verify is the ground connections. Ensure the ground pins in the OBD2 port are properly grounded to the vehicle chassis.
If you’ve checked for pushed-back sockets and bent pins, and your Aura car scanner still won’t connect, the problem might be more complex. It could involve a faulty wire, a deeper issue within the OBD2 port wiring, or a problem with the car’s communication network itself.
In such cases, it’s advisable to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. They have specialized tools and expertise to diagnose electrical issues and communication network problems that might be beyond DIY troubleshooting.
Caution: Never attempt to probe the OBD2 sockets with a multimeter probe or similar object. These probes are often too large and can bend the delicate receiving clips inside the sockets. Once bent, these clips may no longer make good contact with your Aura car scanner’s pins, even after removing the probe. This can create further connection problems and damage the port.
