Are you experiencing frustrating connection problems with your Cobb Accessport? Many car enthusiasts, especially those with Subaru or Mazda vehicles, encounter issues where their Accessport struggles to connect to the ECU. Often, this manifests as repeated plugging and unplugging of the Accessport Obd2 Cable until a stable connection is established for flashing a new map or capturing data logs. While Cobb has mentioned the possibility of tightening the OBD2 port pins as a solution, a clear guide on how to perform this fix has been missing – until now. This DIY guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step process to tighten those pins and restore a reliable connection for your Accessport OBD2 cable.
Tools Required:
- Phillips Head Screwdriver (standard size)
- Small Flathead Screwdriver
- Very Small Pick or Sharp Pointed Object (like a sewing needle or pin)
- Common Sense and Patience
- A Supervising Cat (optional, but highly recommended for morale)
Step-by-Step Guide to Tightening OBD2 Port Pins
Step 1: Safety First (Consider Battery Disconnection)
While this guide was performed without disconnecting the battery, for safety and to minimize any risk of electrical shorts, it is highly recommended to disconnect your car battery before proceeding. This precaution is especially advisable if you are not comfortable working with electrical components.
Step 2: Access the OBD2 Port – Hood Release Removal
Locate the hood release lever under the dashboard on the driver’s side. To remove the surrounding panel, firmly pull the hood release handle straight down and towards you. Avoid using a flathead screwdriver for leverage here, as you risk damaging the clips that secure the panel. Gentle but firm hand pressure is usually sufficient.
Step 3: Expose the Screw
Once the hood release panel is removed, you’ll find a screw located directly behind where the release handle was. Remove this screw using your Phillips head screwdriver. It’s typically black and easily identifiable.
Step 4: Remove the Lower Dash Cover
Grip the bottom edge of the lower dash cover panel and gently pull it towards you to detach it. It will likely still be connected by wires, so don’t try to remove it completely yet. Just pull it out enough to access the back of the OBD2 port.
Step 5: Disconnect Switch Connectors
Reach behind the dash cover and carefully disconnect the three electrical connectors attached to the switches on the panel. These connectors usually have small tabs that need to be pressed to release them.
Step 6: Release the OBD2 Port from the Panel
From the front of the dash panel where the OBD2 port is normally accessible, use a flathead screwdriver to gently push in the retaining tabs that secure the port in place. As you push the tabs inwards, the OBD2 port plug should pop out from the back of the panel.
Step 7: Remove the White Retaining Clip
On the back of the OBD2 port connector, you’ll see a white plastic retaining clip. This clip secures the pins within the connector. Carefully remove this clip using your small pick or two picks if needed, as it can be quite tight. Patience is key here to avoid breaking the clip.
Alt text: Close-up view highlighting the retaining tabs on the OBD2 port connector that need to be pushed in for removal.
Step 8: Optional Cat Supervision
At this stage, if you have a feline assistant, they may choose to provide moral support and quality control. Allow for purrs and inspections as needed.
Alt text: A cat affectionately supervising the OBD2 port repair process in a garage setting.
Step 9: Document Pin Order and Wire Colors
Before proceeding with tightening the pins, take a clear photograph or carefully note down the order and color of the wires connected to each pin in the OBD2 port connector. Make sure to identify which side is the top and bottom for accurate reassembly. This step is crucial for ensuring correct reconnection.
Step 10: Pin Removal – One at a Time
Work on one pin at a time to avoid confusion. Gently hold the wire at the back of the connector for the pin you are working on. Then, use your small pick to slightly pull back the plastic clip that retains that specific wire. Pull back just enough until you feel the wire release – you don’t need to remove the clip entirely.
Step 11: Tighten the Pin
With the wire slightly released, use your pick to gently tighten the metal pin connector itself. You’ll notice a small, often rectangular or square section on the pin. Carefully push this section back into the clip, effectively squeezing it tighter against the mating pin when the Accessport OBD2 cable is connected. The goal is to increase the contact pressure for a more reliable connection.
Alt text: Detailed view of an OBD2 port pin being tightened using a pick, showing the area to gently adjust for better contact.
Step 12: Re-insert and Secure the Pin
Once you’ve tightened the pin, carefully push it back into its position in the connector until you feel a distinct “snap” or click. This indicates that the pin is securely locked back in place.
Step 13: Repeat for Remaining Pins
Repeat steps 10-12 for each of the remaining pins in the OBD2 port connector (typically 8 pins in total, but verify for your specific vehicle).
Step 14: Reinstall the Retaining Clip
After tightening all the pins, carefully slide the white plastic retaining clip back onto the OBD2 port connector. Ensure it is fully seated and secure. This clip is essential for preventing the pins from backing out when you plug in your Accessport OBD2 cable. Do not lose or forget to reinstall this clip.
Step 15: Reassemble the Dash Panel
Reconnect the OBD2 port plug and the switch connectors back into the dash panel. Push them in until they click into place.
Step 16: Reinstall Dash Cover and Hood Release
Position the dash cover back into place, starting with the bottom clips first, then the top. You may find it helpful to gently lift the weather stripping along the door frame to allow for easier fitment. Once the dash cover is in place, reinstall the screw behind the hood release location. Finally, reattach the hood release handle by pushing it firmly upwards and back into its slot until it snaps securely.
Step 17: Optional OBD2 Port Test
Before fully reassembling everything, it’s a smart idea to test your OBD2 port connection with your Accessport. However, if you’re confident in your work, you can skip this step.
Improved Connection – A Winning Outcome
After completing these steps, you should experience a significantly improved and more reliable connection with your Cobb Accessport. In many cases, Accessports will connect much faster, and data logging will initiate instantly without errors or delays. A solid OBD2 port connection is crucial, especially when flashing your ECU, as a loose connection can lead to data corruption or interrupted flashing processes. With tightened pins, you can now enjoy a secure and dependable link for all your Accessport needs, eliminating the frustration of intermittent connections and ensuring worry-free ECU tuning and monitoring.
Alt text: Image showing the lower dash panel being removed to access the OBD2 port for repair.
