BAFX Bluetooth OBD2 Scan Tool Manual: Your Comprehensive Guide

Understanding and utilizing your car’s onboard diagnostics system has never been easier thanks to Bluetooth OBD2 scan tools. This manual will guide you through setting up and using your BAFX Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool, ensuring you can effectively monitor your vehicle’s health and performance. Whether you are using the popular Torque Pro app or exploring other options, this guide provides step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips to get you started.

Setting Up Your BAFX Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner with Torque Pro

Torque Pro is a highly recommended and widely used Android app for OBD2 scanners. To begin using your BAFX Bluetooth OBD2 scanner with Torque Pro, follow these simple steps:

1. Download Torque Lite or Torque Pro: Open the Google Play Store on your Android device and search for “Torque OBD.” For initial testing and to ensure compatibility, we suggest downloading Torque Lite. If you find it meets your needs, you can later upgrade to the paid Torque Pro version for more advanced features and functionalities. There are also numerous other OBD2 apps available, but Torque is a great starting point.

2. Connect the OBD2 Scanner to Your Vehicle: Locate the OBD2 port in your vehicle. This port is typically found under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Plug your BAFX Bluetooth OBD2 reader securely into this port. Once plugged in, you should see the scanner’s lights flash briefly, followed by a solid red light indicating power. If the red light does not illuminate, check your vehicle’s OBD port fuse (see troubleshooting section below).

3. Turn On Your Vehicle’s Ignition: Turn your vehicle’s key to the “ON” or “Accessory” position. It is not necessary to start the engine for the initial Bluetooth pairing and app setup, but ensure the vehicle’s electrical system is active.

4. Pair the OBD2 Scanner via Bluetooth:

   • Access your phone’s Bluetooth settings menu.
   • Initiate a scan for new devices.
   • In the list of available devices, you should find your OBD2 reader listed as “OBDII”.
   • Select “OBDII” to begin the pairing process.
   • When prompted for a pairing code, enter “1234”. This is the standard pairing code for BAFX Bluetooth OBD2 scanners. Your phone should now be paired with the OBD2 reader.

5. Configure Torque App to Connect to the OBD2 Scanner:

   • Open the Torque app (Lite or Pro) that you installed earlier.
   • Allow some time for the app to connect. Initially, it may take between 15 to 60 seconds for Torque to establish a connection with the OBD2 reader and your vehicle’s computer.
   • Successful Connection Indicators: Once connected, look at the icons in the upper left corner of the Torque app screen. These icons should turn solid blue, indicating a successful and active connection.

6. Troubleshooting “Cannot Locate Adapter” Error: If Torque displays a “Cannot locate adapter” message or fails to connect, follow these steps to manually select the Bluetooth device within the app:

   • Tap the small gear icon located in the lower-left corner of the Torque app screen. This will open the settings menu.
   • Select “Settings” from the options that appear.
   • On the settings screen, scroll down and tap on “OBD2 Adapter Settings”.
   • Next, select “Choose Bluetooth Device”.
   • You will now see a list of Bluetooth devices paired with your phone. Locate “OBDII” in this list and select it. This action tells Torque to specifically use your BAFX Bluetooth OBD2 reader for communication.
   • After selecting “OBDII,” use your phone’s back button to return to the main Torque app menu.
   • Wait again for 15-60 seconds for the connection to establish. Once successfully connected, the four icons in the upper left corner of the Torque app should become solid blue, and you should start seeing live data on the gauges.

For visual learners, BAFX Products provides instructional setup videos for both Android and PC platforms. These videos can be found at WWW.BAFXPRO.COM/BTSETUP. We highly recommend watching these videos for a clearer understanding of the setup process.

Alt text: BAFX Bluetooth OBD2 scanner adapter plugged into a car’s OBDII port, ready for vehicle diagnostics.

Exploring Other App Options for Your OBD2 Reader

While Torque Pro is a popular choice, the BAFX Bluetooth OBD2 reader is compatible with a wide range of other OBD2 apps. Exploring different apps can provide varied features, interfaces, and diagnostic capabilities. Here are some popular alternatives you can find by searching “OBD” in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store:

1. DashCommand: Known for its user-friendly interface and customizable dashboards, DashCommand offers extensive vehicle data monitoring and logging.
2. OBD Car Doctor: A free and user-friendly app that provides basic OBD2 diagnostics, including reading and clearing trouble codes, and displaying real-time sensor data.
3. OBD Auto Doctor: Another comprehensive app offering diagnostics, performance monitoring, and trip analysis. Available for both Android and iOS.
4. OBD Fusion: A powerful app with advanced diagnostic features, custom PIDs (Parameter IDs), and support for enhanced diagnostics for specific vehicle makes.
5. ScanMaster: A professional-grade app with in-depth diagnostics, emission testing, and advanced reporting features.
6. Piston: A newer app with a focus on a modern and intuitive user interface, offering essential OBD2 features and data visualization.

BAFX Products does not have direct affiliations with these app developers, but we are happy to assist you with general usage questions or point you towards helpful resources if you encounter any issues. Feel free to contact us with any app-related inquiries.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Your BAFX OBD2 Scanner

Encountering issues with your OBD2 scanner can be frustrating, but many problems have simple solutions. Here are some common troubleshooting scenarios and their resolutions:

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

Answer: While a non-illuminating red light could indicate a problem with the OBD2 reader itself, the most frequent cause is a blown fuse for your vehicle’s OBD port. The OBD port often shares a fuse with other vehicle components like cigarette lighters or windshield wipers. Always check your vehicle’s fuse box diagram (usually located in your owner’s manual or on the fuse box cover) and inspect the fuse associated with the OBD port, cigarette lighter, or auxiliary power outlets. Even if the scanner doesn’t power on in multiple vehicles, checking the OBD port fuse is a crucial first step.

Problem: My smartphone cannot find or detect the Bluetooth signal from the OBD2 scanner.

Answer:

• Verify Power: First, ensure the OBD2 reader is receiving power and the red light is illuminated when plugged into the OBD port. If not, refer to the previous troubleshooting step regarding fuses.
• Bluetooth Reset: If the scanner is powered, try a Bluetooth reset on your phone. Unpair all Bluetooth devices currently connected to your phone. Then, completely restart your smartphone. After restarting, attempt the Bluetooth pairing process again as described in the setup section. Smartphones can sometimes experience Bluetooth glitches, and a restart often resolves these issues.

Problem: I use Torque to clear a check engine light, but the light remains illuminated on my dashboard.

Answer:

• Engine Running vs. ACC Mode: Try clearing the code with the vehicle engine fully running. If that doesn’t work, try again with the vehicle in “ACC” (Accessory) mode – ignition ON, but engine OFF.
• Instant Codes: Some diagnostic trouble codes are “instantaneous.” This means if the underlying problem causing the code is still present, the check engine light will reappear immediately after clearing the code. In such cases, the light may seem to not turn off at all. Clearing the code does not fix the mechanical or electrical issue causing it; it only resets the indicator light. You need to diagnose and repair the root cause of the problem for the light to stay off permanently.

Problem: The OBD2 reader is not reading or clearing ABS, SRS, VSC, oil change, or maintenance lights.

Answer: The BAFX Bluetooth OBD2 reader is an OBDII compliant device. OBDII standards are primarily focused on emissions-related diagnostics, which are linked to the check engine light. Standard OBDII scanners, like this one, are designed to read and clear engine-related trouble codes that trigger the check engine light. They do not typically access or control systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), SRS (Supplemental Restraint System/Airbags), VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), or maintenance lights. These systems often require specialized diagnostic tools or professional-grade scanners that can communicate with different vehicle modules beyond the standard OBDII protocol. For issues related to these lights, you may need to consult a qualified mechanic or use a more advanced diagnostic tool capable of accessing those specific vehicle systems.

Problem: I followed all setup steps, but the app says “Cannot find adapter,” “Cannot connect to vehicle,” or I’m having Bluetooth connection issues.

Answer: These connection problems are frequently caused by temporary glitches in the phone’s software or the app itself. A systematic reset process often resolves these issues. Follow these steps exactly in the order listed:

1. Close All Apps: Ensure all apps running on your phone are completely closed, not just minimized. Force close them if necessary.
2. Unpair All Bluetooth Devices: Go to your phone’s Bluetooth settings and unpair every Bluetooth device listed.
3. Power Off Phone: Completely shut down your smartphone.
4. Wait: Wait for at least 15 seconds with the phone powered off.
5. Restart Phone: Turn your phone back on.
6. Close Background Apps: After restarting, make sure any non-essential apps are closed and not running in the background.
7. Close Pandora (If Installed): If you have the Pandora music app installed, ensure it is completely closed. Pandora, in some cases, has been known to interfere with Bluetooth OBD2 connections.
8. Re-pair OBD2 Reader: Re-pair the OBD2 reader with your phone via Bluetooth using the “1234” pairing code, as described in the setup instructions.
9. Re-open Torque/App: Re-open Torque (or your preferred OBD2 app) and repeat the in-app setup steps to connect to the adapter.

If your specific problem isn’t addressed here, or if these troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the issue, please don’t hesitate to contact BAFX Products customer support. We are here to assist you further.

Warranty Information for Your BAFX Products OBDII Adapter

Your BAFX Products OBDII adapter is backed by a 2-year warranty from the original date of purchase, protecting against manufacturing defects.

Warranty Details:

1. Coverage Period: This product is covered by a 2-year limited warranty, which may be extended for each day the product is held for warranty repair.
2. Non-transferable: The warranty is valid only for the original purchaser from BAFX Products or authorized dealers.
3. Remedy: In case of a defect, BAFX Products will, at its discretion, repair or replace the product with parts and labor at no cost to the customer. The warranty does not cover cosmetic defects after the first 30 days of use. BAFX Products’ liability is limited to the cash value of the product at the time of return, depreciated linearly based on usage time. These remedies are the customer’s sole recourse.
4. Shipping: For warranty claims beyond 60 days from purchase, the customer is responsible for shipping the defective item back to BAFX Products. Return shipping of the repaired or replaced product will be covered by BAFX Products, using a shipping method of their choice.
5. Exclusions: The warranty does not cover damage due to abnormal usage, improper storage, modifications, misuse, neglect, abuse, or accidents.
6. Liability Limit: By using the BAFX Products OBDII adapter, you agree that BAFX Products’ maximum liability is limited to replacing a defective unit within the 2-year warranty period.
7. No Consequential Damages: BAFX Products is not liable for punitive or consequential damages under any circumstances. The remedies outlined in the warranty statement are the customer’s only recourse.
8. Return Instructions: Before returning a defective product, you must contact BAFX Products for return instructions. Returns without prior contact will not be accepted.

For warranty service, please email your order number and a description of the problem to [email protected].

Vehicle Compatibility: Will the BAFX OBD2 Reader Work with My Car?

BAFX Products guarantees 100% compatibility of their OBD2 reader with all consumer vehicles sold in the USA that are model year 1996 or newer. If your vehicle meets these specifications and you experience compatibility issues, please contact us immediately.

Heavy-Duty Vehicles: For heavy-duty vehicles like semi-trucks, tractors, and excavators, compatibility depends on the vehicle’s protocol. If the heavy-duty vehicle uses the J1939 protocol, the BAFX OBD2 reader can be compatible, provided you have the correct port adapter and use an app that supports J1939 protocols. For other heavy-duty vehicles not using J1939, a dedicated HD-OBD tool is required.

Vehicles Purchased Outside the USA: The BAFX OBD2 reader can work with vehicles purchased in many countries outside the USA. OBDII compliance regulations vary by country and year. Refer to the list below to see if your country and vehicle model year are supported:

• Argentina: 2008 or newer
• Australia: 2006 or newer
• Brazil: 2008 or newer
• Canada: 1998 or newer
• EU (Gasoline): 2001 or newer
• EU (Diesel): 2004 or newer
• India: 2010 or newer
• Israel: 2003 or newer
• Japan: 2010 or newer
• Mexico: 2006 or newer
• Morocco: 2011 or newer
• South Korea: 2007 or newer
• Taiwan: 2008 or newer
• Thailand: 2013 or newer
• USA: 1996 or newer

If your vehicle’s country and model year meet these criteria, your BAFX OBD2 reader should be compatible.

FCC Warning Statements

FCC Compliance: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, according to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

Interference Potential: This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used according to the instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

Troubleshooting Interference: If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, try to correct the interference using 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 the equipment under FCC regulations.

FCC Part 15 Compliance: 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.

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