The PL2303 USB to serial converter chip is commonly used in OBDII diagnostic cables for vehicles. If you’re using a Windows 10 PC and need to connect to your car’s OBDII port, you’ll need the correct PL2303 USB OBDII driver. This guide provides comprehensive information on downloading and installing the appropriate driver for various PL2303 chip versions.
Finding the Right PL2303 Driver for Your OBDII Cable
Prolific, the manufacturer of the PL2303 chip, offers different driver versions depending on the chip revision and Windows operating system. Using the correct driver is crucial for stable communication between your OBDII software and your vehicle. To determine the correct driver, follow these steps:
- Identify your PL2303 Chip Version: Download the PL2303 CheckChipVersion tool from Prolific’s website. This utility will identify the specific version of the PL2303 chip in your OBDII cable. Knowing the chip version is essential for selecting the compatible driver. This tool can be found here: PL2303 CheckChipVersion.
- Download the Correct Driver: Prolific provides driver installers for different Windows versions, including Windows 10. Ensure you download the driver specifically designed for your operating system (32-bit or 64-bit) and your PL2303 chip version. The latest driver installer, version 4.3.0.0, supports Windows 7, 8.1, 10, and 11 and can be downloaded here: PL23XX_Prolific_DriverInstaller_v4300.zip. This installer includes drivers for various PL2303 versions (HXD, SA, RA GC, GS, GT, GL, GE, GD, GR).
Installing the PL2303 Driver on Windows 10
Once you have downloaded the correct driver installer, follow these steps for installation:
- Extract the Installer: Extract the contents of the downloaded .zip file to a folder on your computer.
- Run the Installer: Locate the setup executable file (usually named
PL2303_Prolific_DriverInstaller_vXXXX.exe) and double-click to run it. - Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The installer will guide you through the installation process. You may need to click “Next,” “Agree,” or similar buttons to proceed.
- Connect Your OBDII Cable: After the installation is complete, connect your PL2303-based OBDII cable to your computer’s USB port.
- Verify Driver Installation: Open Device Manager (search for it in the Windows search bar). Under “Ports (COM & LPT),” you should see “Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port” listed. This indicates that the driver has been successfully installed.
Troubleshooting PL2303 Driver Issues
If you encounter issues with the driver installation or operation, consider these troubleshooting steps:
- Uninstall Old Drivers: Before installing the new driver, ensure any previous PL2303 drivers are uninstalled. This can prevent conflicts.
- Restart Your Computer: After installing the driver, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
- Check for Counterfeit Chips: Counterfeit PL2303 chips are known to cause driver issues. Use the CheckChipVersion tool to verify the authenticity of your chip. Prolific recommends using the PL-2303GC chip.
- Consult Prolific’s Support Resources: Prolific’s website offers comprehensive support documentation and FAQs that may help resolve your issue. Consider contacting their support team if the problem persists. Prolific Support Webpage
Conclusion
Installing the correct PL2303 USB OBDII driver for Windows 10 is essential for using your OBDII diagnostic cable. By following the steps outlined in this guide and utilizing Prolific’s resources, you can ensure a successful installation and establish a reliable connection for vehicle diagnostics. Remember to always download drivers from official sources to avoid potential security risks and ensure compatibility.
