I have a 2004 WRX (not sti) and recently whilst driving got the orange CEL light appear. The car seems to be running fine still, I have seen no noticeable affect on performance. I bought an OBD2 Bluetooth diagnostic tool and when trying to use it on a pc it returns the cars voltage but will not connect to the ECU. I have tried it on a new Vauxhall insignia and a 61 plate Kia and it connects fine on both of these.

This narrows it down to either compatibility issues with the reader and my car or an issue with my port in the car. Can anyone more knowledgeable advise me on what my next steps should be. I don't know anybody else with a reader or a WRX. I'm assuming it's going to have to be taken to a garage to empty my pockets of pennies.

Is there any way to test the port with a multimeter.

Thanks

 

The bluetooth obd readers are hit and miss. I ordered one off ebay and wouldnt conect either. Ive got a psi3 data monitor now and works fine. Where you from? Someone might be near you that will help you out

 

Thanks, I'm hoping that is the case, I don't mind paying out a bit more if I know something will definitely work.

I'm in Hounslow, not too far from Heathrow.

 

I have also got a wired obd reader and that works fine aswell they about £15 off ebay

 

Could you let me know the make and model, or post up a picture. Also it's yours a 2004 wrx. I'm not sure if the year makes a difference to the reader. Thanks for your help.

 

Just ebay maxiscan ms390. They cheaper now around £11. Yea mine 2004 wrx

 

Thanks, ordered that hopefully it will work, if not looks like my port is faulty.

 

Wouldnt of thought so but worth checking it hasnt come loose from lower steering plastics. The clip in so put you hand up and make sure its secure if that makes sense?

 

All seems tight and connected and it is receiving power.

 

Had my MOT today and they lent me their reader beforehand, it worked fine and showed P0420. I have reset it and it hasn't come back... Yet.

Got home and my new maxis can wired reader has arrived as suggested above. It connects fine and reads the ECU. Thanks for your help.

 

No probs mate. Glad you got it sorted

 

That`s a common code if you have changed the Down pipe for a sports or decat pipe and not had the car mapped for it.

 

Planning on changing and removing cats next year, all as standard at the moment as far as I am aware.

 

I had same code few times on my previous subaru once i fitted sports cat. Eml on then id delete and be fine for months. I had it on rollers and it made 267bhp and was running fine (bug uk300). Had it mapped tho day after i went full decat.