Kobra Can OBD2 Scan Tool Manual: Your Comprehensive Guide

Unlock the full potential of your vehicle with the Kobra Can OBD2 Scan Tool. This user-friendly guide will walk you through everything you need to know to diagnose car problems like a professional using your Kobra OBD2 scanner. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a car owner looking to understand your vehicle better, this manual will help you get the most out of your Kobra OBD2 device. This powerful tool instantly transforms your car into a smart vehicle, providing real-time data and diagnostics right at your fingertips.

Getting Started with Your Kobra OBD2 Scanner

Setting up your Kobra OBD2 scanner is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to connect your device and start diagnosing your car. It’s important to note that Kobra offers both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi versions. The Bluetooth version is compatible with Android devices only, while the Wi-Fi version works seamlessly with both Apple and Android devices. Ensure you have the correct version for your smartphone or tablet.

Step 1: Plugging in and Connecting via Wi-Fi

Ignition OFF: Make sure your vehicle’s ignition is turned off before you begin.
Locate OBD2 Port: Find the OBD2 port in your vehicle. This is typically located under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
Plug in the Scanner: Firmly plug your Kobra™ OBD Scanner into the OBD2 port.
Ignition ON: Turn your vehicle’s ignition to the ON position. This is the position right before you start the engine.
Connect to Wi-Fi: On your smartphone or tablet, go to “Settings” and then “Wi-Fi”. Turn Wi-Fi on and look for the network named “WiFi_OBDII”. Connect to this network.

Alt Text: Connecting to WiFi OBDII network on a mobile device, illustrating the step of selecting the WiFi_OBDII network from available WiFi connections in device settings.

Note: If your chosen OBD app doesn’t immediately recognize the Wi-Fi connection, try force quitting the app and relaunching it. On Android, use the “Task Manager” to force quit. On iOS devices, double-press the home button and swipe up to close the app.

Step 2: Configuring Your OBD App

Launch OBD App: Open your preferred OBD2 application on your device. Popular free options include Torque Lite, OBD Link, ScanMaster Lite, and OBD Car Doctor for Android. For iOS, OBD Fusion and OBD CarDoctor are excellent free choices. Paid apps like Torque Pro (Android) and DashCommand (iOS) offer more advanced features.
App Settings: Some apps connect automatically, while others require manual configuration. If needed, navigate to the settings menu within your OBD app.
Connection Type: Look for connection settings and select “WIFI” as the connection type.
Device Selection: In the device settings, choose the OBD2 device. The app should now be configured to communicate with your Kobra OBD2 scanner via Wi-Fi.

Alt Text: Torque App connection settings showing WiFi selected as the connection type and OBDII selected as the device, demonstrating the configuration within the Torque app.

Important: After adjusting these settings in your OBD app, it’s crucial to force close and restart the app for the changes to take effect. This ensures the app properly recognizes the new connection settings.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

Encountering issues while connecting your Kobra OBD2 scanner is not uncommon. Here are solutions to some frequently faced problems:

App Not Detecting Scanner

Solution: The primary reason for this is often incorrect app settings. Ensure that within your OBD app’s settings, you have selected “WIFI” as the connection type and specified the OBD2 device. After changing these settings, remember to completely close and restart the app.

No Power to OBD2 Scanner

Solution: If your OBD2 scanner shows no lights or signs of power, first detach and re-plug the adapter. If the issue persists, check your vehicle’s OBD fuse. Refer to your car’s manual to locate the OBD fuse and replace it if necessary.

Connected to Scanner but Not ECU

Solution: If your device is connected to the Kobra scanner’s Wi-Fi but fails to communicate with the car’s ECU (Engine Control Unit), try this:

Turn off Wi-Fi on your device.
Force close the OBD app.
Disconnect and reconnect the Kobra scanner from your car.
Wait for the red light on the scanner to illuminate.
Reconnect Wi-Fi on your device and select the “WiFi_OBDII” network.
Relaunch the OBD app.

Check Engine Light Not Clearing

Solution: If you are unable to clear a “Check Engine” light, try setting your car to ACC mode (Accessory mode, the second position of the ignition). Keep in mind that clearing the code only removes the symptom, not the underlying problem. The issue may recur if the root cause isn’t addressed.

Scanner Can’t Read Fault Codes

Solution: While the Kobra Scanner is compatible with the vast majority of vehicles manufactured after 1996, some vehicles might require more specialized diagnostic equipment. If your scanner cannot read fault codes, it may indicate a need for professional-grade tools.

App Detects Scanner but No Car Connection

Solution: In cases where the app recognizes the scanner but fails to connect to the car, your vehicle might not be OBD2 compliant. In the United States, all cars and small trucks manufactured after January 1, 1996, are OBD2 compliant. If your vehicle is older or of uncertain compliance, consider professional diagnostic services.

Advanced Troubleshooting for Firmware Issues

For older devices or those with outdated firmware, a specific sequence may be needed for connection:

Ignition OFF & Plug-in: Ensure the ignition is off and plug in the Kobra OBD scanner.
Ignition ON & Wi-Fi Connect: Turn the ignition to the ON position and connect your device to the “WiFi_OBDII” network. Note that it may take up to a minute for the network to appear.
Static IP Configuration: Once connected, access the advanced Wi-Fi settings for the “WiFi_OBDII” network (often by clicking a small arrow or settings icon next to the network name). Set the IP Address to Static and configure the following:
- IP address: 192.168.0.123
- Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
- Router: 192.168.0.10
- Leave gateway and DNS fields blank.
Start Car & Custom TCP Connection: Start your car’s engine. In your OBD app, configure a custom TCP connection using IP address 192.168.0.10 and TCP Port 35000.

Recommended Apps

To maximize the functionality of your Kobra OBD2 scanner, consider using these recommended apps:

Top Android Apps

Free:

ScanMaster Lite
Torque Lite
OBD2-ELM327 Car Diagnostics
OBD Dashboard
ScanMyOpel Lite (for Opel/Vauxhall)
OBD Car Doctor
Efficiency

Paid:

DashCommand
Torque Pro
ScanMyOpel
OBD Car Doctor Pro
TouchScan
Efficiency Pro
BMWhat (for BMW only)

Top iOS Apps