Encountering a flashing OBDII car icon on your car diagnostic app can be frustrating. It typically indicates a connection problem between your OBD2 scanner and your vehicle’s computer system. As an auto repair expert at autelfrance.com, I understand how crucial a stable connection is for accurate diagnostics. Let’s delve into why your OBDII car icon might be flashing and how to troubleshoot this common issue.
A flashing car icon in your OBDII app, such as Torque, signifies that while your Bluetooth adapter might be paired with your Android device, it’s struggling to establish a consistent data link with your car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This prevents you from reading diagnostic trouble codes, accessing live data, and performing other essential diagnostic functions.
Here’s a breakdown of potential causes and troubleshooting steps when you observe a flashing OBDII car icon:
1. Verify OBDII Adapter Functionality
Although you’ve tested your Vgate Bluetooth adapter on other vehicles successfully, it’s a good starting point to re-confirm its basic operation. Ensure the red LED on the adapter illuminates when plugged into your car’s OBDII port. This indicates the adapter is receiving power. If the LED is off, there’s likely a power issue at the OBDII port itself.
2. App and Bluetooth Connection Check
Confirm that your Android car stereo or phone shows the Bluetooth adapter as connected in the Bluetooth settings. Sometimes, even when paired, the app might not be correctly configured to use the connected device. Within your Torque app (or whichever OBDII app you are using), navigate to the settings and ensure the correct Bluetooth adapter is selected as the OBDII device. Restarting the app or even your Android device can sometimes resolve temporary software glitches that hinder the connection.
3. Investigate OBDII Port Power Supply
This is a critical area, especially considering the technician noted your cigar lighter was not working. The OBDII port, while standardized for data communication, also requires power to operate. Often, the OBDII port and the cigarette lighter circuit are related or even share the same fuse in some vehicles.
You mentioned checking fuse #13, which is a good step. However, fuses can sometimes appear visually intact but still be faulty. It’s recommended to test the fuse with a multimeter to definitively confirm its continuity. Furthermore, even if the fuse is good, there could be a wiring issue affecting power delivery to both the cigar lighter and the OBDII port.
Actionable Steps:
- Double-check the Cigar Lighter Fuse: Locate the fuse box diagram for your vehicle (usually in the owner’s manual or online). Confirm the exact fuse number for the cigar lighter and OBDII port if they are on the same circuit. Test the fuse with a multimeter for continuity, don’t just rely on a visual inspection.
- Test OBDII Port for Power: Use a multimeter to check for power at pin 16 of your OBDII port. You should find 12V with the ignition on. If there’s no power, or low voltage, this confirms a power supply problem to the OBDII port.
- Inspect Wiring: If the fuse is good but there’s no power at the OBDII port, carefully inspect the wiring harness leading to the OBDII port and the cigar lighter socket for any signs of damage, breaks, or loose connections. Wiring diagrams for your specific vehicle model can be invaluable for tracing the power circuit.
- Consider a Professional Diagnostic: If you’ve checked fuses and basic wiring and are still facing issues, the problem might be more complex, possibly involving internal car computer malfunctions or deeper electrical issues. In such cases, seeking professional diagnostic help from a qualified auto technician is advisable.
Conclusion
A flashing OBDII car icon is a clear indicator of a communication breakdown between your scanner and your car’s computer. While adapter or app issues are possible, power supply problems to the OBDII port, especially when linked to a non-functional cigar lighter, are frequently the culprit. By systematically checking the power supply, fuses, and wiring, you can often pinpoint the cause and restore a stable OBDII connection, enabling you to effectively diagnose your vehicle. For in-depth diagnostics and reliable performance, consider professional-grade OBDII scanners from Autel, designed to provide robust connections and comprehensive vehicle coverage.
