BAFX OBDII Manual: Your Guide to Bluetooth OBD2 Reader Setup and Troubleshooting

IMPORTANT
Please read before using
THE BLUETOOTH PAIRING CODE IS 1234

This manual will guide you through setting up and troubleshooting your BAFX Bluetooth OBDII reader, ensuring you get the most out of your car diagnostic tool. Whether you are using it with Torque Pro or exploring other OBDII applications, this guide provides step-by-step instructions to get you connected and diagnosing your vehicle effectively.

SETTING UP WITH TORQUE PRO

Torque Pro is a popular and powerful Android app for use with OBDII readers. If you’re new to OBDII diagnostics, we recommend starting with Torque Lite to ensure compatibility and get a feel for the software before upgrading to the Pro version. Here’s how to set up your BAFX OBDII reader with Torque Pro:

Download Torque App: Open the Google Play Store on your Android device and search for “Torque OBD”. Download Torque Lite to begin with. This allows you to test the connection and features before committing to the paid Torque Pro version.
Plug in the OBD Reader: Locate the OBDII port in your vehicle (typically under the dashboard on the driver’s side). Plug your BAFX OBDII reader into this port. You should see the lights on the reader flash briefly, followed by a solid red light indicating it’s receiving power.
Turn on Your Vehicle’s Ignition: Turn your vehicle’s ignition to the “ON” position. It is not necessary to start the engine for initial setup, but the vehicle’s electrical system needs to be active.
Pair Bluetooth: Access the Bluetooth settings menu on your Android phone. Initiate a scan for new devices. You should see the OBD reader appear in the list of available devices, usually named “OBDII”. Select “OBDII” to pair, and when prompted for a pairing code, enter 1234.
Configure Torque App: Open the Torque app (either Pro or Lite). Allow 15 to 60 seconds for the app to establish a connection with the OBD reader and your vehicle’s computer. Once successfully connected, the icons in the upper left corner of the Torque app should turn solid blue, indicating a stable connection.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues: If Torque displays a “Cannot locate adapter” message or fails to connect:
- Tap the gear icon located in the lower-left corner of the Torque screen to access the settings menu.
- Select “Settings” from the options.
Access OBD2 Adapter Settings: In the settings menu, scroll down and select “OBD2 Adapter Settings”.
Choose Bluetooth Device: Next, scroll and select “Choose Bluetooth Device”.
Select OBDII Device: A list of Bluetooth devices paired with your phone will be displayed. Locate “OBDII” in this list and select it. This step tells Torque to specifically use your BAFX OBDII reader for data communication.
Return to Main Menu and Reconnect: Use your phone’s back button to navigate back to the main Torque menu. Allow another 15 to 60 seconds for the connection to re-establish. Once connected, the four icons in the upper left corner of the screen should become solid blue, and you will start seeing live data on the Torque gauges.

For visual learners, we have instructional setup videos available for both Android and PC platforms. Please visit WWW.BAFXPRO.COM/BTSETUP to access these helpful video guides.

OTHER APP OPTIONS

While Torque Pro is highly recommended, the BAFX OBDII reader is compatible with numerous other OBDII applications. You can find many of these apps by searching “OBD” in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Here are a few popular alternatives:

DashCommand
OBD Car Doctor
OBD Auto Doctor
OBD Fusion
ScanMaster
Piston
Car Scanner ELM OBD2
InCarDoc

Please note that BAFX Products does not have direct affiliations with these app developers. However, if you encounter any questions or need assistance using these apps with your BAFX OBDII reader, feel free to contact us. We are happy to provide guidance or point you towards helpful resources.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Having issues with your BAFX OBDII reader? Here are solutions to some common problems:

Problem: The red light on the adapter does not turn on when plugged into my vehicle.

Answer: While a non-illuminating red light could indicate a faulty OBD reader, the most common cause is a blown fuse for your vehicle’s OBD port. Even if the reader doesn’t power on in multiple vehicles, it’s crucial to check your OBD port fuses first. Often, the OBD port shares a fuse with components like cigarette lighters or windshield wipers, or it may have its own dedicated fuse. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to locate and check these fuses.

Problem: My phone cannot find the Bluetooth signal from the OBD reader.

Answer: First, ensure the OBD reader is powered on (red light illuminated). If it is, try these steps:

Unpair Bluetooth Devices: Unpair all Bluetooth devices currently connected to your phone.
Restart Your Phone: Power cycle your phone completely off and then back on.
Retry Pairing: After restarting, attempt to pair with the OBD reader again.

Phones can sometimes experience Bluetooth glitches, and restarting often resolves these issues.

Problem: I use Torque to clear a check engine light, but it immediately comes back on.

Answer: Try clearing the code with the vehicle engine running. If that doesn’t work, also attempt clearing the code with the vehicle in “ACC” mode (ignition on, engine off). Keep in mind that some diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are “instantaneous.” This means if the underlying issue causing the code is still present, the check engine light will reappear immediately after clearing. In such cases, the light will not turn off until the problem is resolved.

Problem: The OBD reader is not reading ABS, SRS, VSC, oil change, or maintenance lights.

Answer: This BAFX OBDII reader is designed to read and clear check engine lights only, as mandated by OBDII standards. It does not have the capability to diagnose or clear lights related to other vehicle systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), SRS (Supplemental Restraint System/Airbags), VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), or maintenance lights. For these systems, you will require specialized diagnostic tools or a professional mechanic.

Problem: I followed the setup steps, but the app says it cannot find the adapter, cannot connect to the vehicle, or I’m having Bluetooth connection problems.

Answer: These connection issues are often due to temporary glitches in the phone or app software. Follow these precise steps to reset the connection:

Close All Apps: Ensure all apps running on your phone are completely closed, not just minimized.
Unpair All Bluetooth Devices: Disconnect and unpair every Bluetooth device paired with your phone.
Phone Shutdown: Turn off your phone completely and wait for 15 seconds.
Restart Phone: Turn your phone back on.
Close Background Apps: After restarting, make sure no non-essential apps are running in the background.
Close Pandora (If Installed): If you have the Pandora music app installed, ensure it is fully closed as it can sometimes interfere with Bluetooth connections.
Re-pair OBD Reader: Pair the OBD reader with your phone again, using the pairing code 1234.
Reopen Torque/OBD App: Relaunch Torque or your preferred OBD app and repeat the in-app setup steps for adapter selection.

If your problem persists or is not covered in this troubleshooting section, please do not hesitate to contact our support team. We are here to assist you and ensure your BAFX OBDII reader works effectively.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Your BAFX Products OBDII adapter is protected by a 2-Year Warranty from the original date of purchase against manufacturing defects.

If you are experiencing issues covered under warranty, please email us your order number and a detailed description of the problem to: [email protected].

Warranty Terms:

Warranty Period: This product is covered by a 2-year limited warranty, unless specifically extended by BAFX Products. The warranty period is extended by one day for each day the product is held by us for warranty repair.
Non-transferable: This warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and is non-transferable. Warranty is only valid on products purchased from BAFX Products or authorized dealers.
Remedy: In case of a defect, the product will be repaired or replaced at our discretion, with parts and labor free of charge to the customer. This warranty does not cover cosmetic defects occurring after the initial 30 days of use. BAFX Products’ maximum liability is limited to the cash value of the product at the time of return, prorated based on the duration of product use. These remedies are the sole remedies available to the customer.
Shipping Costs: For warranty claims beyond 60 days from purchase, the customer is responsible for shipping the defective item back to us. We will cover the shipping costs for returning the repaired or replaced product to you, using a shipping method of our choice.
Exclusions: This warranty does not cover damage resulting from abnormal use, improper storage, modifications, incorrect installation, misuse, neglect, abuse, accident, or unauthorized repair.
Liability Limitation: By using the BAFX Products OBDII adapter, you agree that BAFX Products’ maximum liability is strictly limited to the replacement of a defective adapter within the 2-year warranty period.
No Consequential Damages: BAFX Products shall not be liable for any punitive or consequential damages under any circumstances. The remedies outlined in this warranty statement are the customer’s exclusive recourse in case of a defect.
Return Authorization: Before returning any defective product, you must contact us for return instructions. Items cannot be returned without prior authorization.

RECOMMENDED SOFTWARE FOR WINDOWS-BASED PCS:

For users wanting to use their BAFX OBDII reader with a Windows PC, we recommend software from these developers:

www.OBDAUTODOCTOR.com
www.EASYOBDII.com
mmv.PALMERPERFORMANCE.com
www.OBDIISPY.com

VEHICLE COMPATIBILITY

Will the OBD reader work with my vehicle?

We guarantee 100% compatibility with all consumer vehicles sold in the USA that are model year 1996 or newer. If your vehicle meets these criteria and you experience compatibility issues, please contact us immediately.

For heavy-duty vehicles like semi-trucks, tractors, and excavators, our OBD reader is compatible if they utilize the J1939 protocol, you have the correct port adapter, and you use a compatible app that supports heavy-duty protocols. For other heavy-duty vehicles not using J1939, an HD-OBD specific tool will be necessary.

Vehicles Purchased Outside the USA:

Our OBDII reader can function with vehicles purchased in many other countries. However, OBDII compliance regulations vary internationally.

Refer to the list below. If your vehicle is from one of these countries and is the specified model year or newer, your BAFX OBDII reader should be compatible:

Argentina: 2008
Australia: 2006
Brazil: 2008
Canada: 1998
EU: Gas/2001, Diesel/2004
India: 2010
Israel: 2003
Japan: 2010
Mexico: 2006
Morocco: 2011
South Korea: 2007
Taiwan: 2008
Thailand: 2013
USA: 1996

FCC WARNING STATEMENTS

FCC Warning:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Caution: Any changes or modifications to this device not explicitly approved by the manufacturer could void your authority to operate this equipment.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

The device has been evaluated to meet general RF exposure requirements. This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator & your body.

Documents / Resources

	BAFX Products Android Wireless Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner & Fault Code Reader [pdf] User Manual BAFX3127, 2A5EC-BAFX3127, 2A5ECBAFX3127, Products Android Wireless Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner Fault Code Reader