Experiencing frustration with your OBDWiz scan tool failing to communicate, especially when your car is running? You’re not alone. Many users encounter this issue, particularly on Windows-based systems. If you’ve been struggling to get your OBDLink cable recognized and working with OBDWiz, here’s a straightforward solution that has proven successful for others.
The Problem: OBDWiz Scan Tool Communication Failure on Windows
Like many, you might have tried the standard approaches – relying on default Windows drivers or installing the OBDWiz application itself. However, you may have found that the LED indicator on your OBDLink cable stubbornly remains red, indicating a communication problem. Vehicle Tuner (VT) software may also fail to recognize the cable, leaving you stuck. Even testing on different Windows environments, including virtual machines, might not resolve the issue immediately.
The Solution: Install Virtual Com Port (VCP) Drivers for OBDLink
The key to unlocking communication lies in installing the Virtual Com Port (VCP) drivers specifically designed for your OBDLink cable. These drivers, provided by FTDI, create a virtual COM port that allows your Windows system to properly interface with the OBDLink device.
Here’s how to implement this fix:
- Download the VCP Drivers: Navigate to the official FTDI website to download the Virtual COM Port (VCP) drivers. You can find them easily by searching for “FTDI VCP drivers” or by visiting this link: https://ftdichip.com/drivers/vcp-drivers/
- Follow the Installation Guide: FTDI provides a detailed installation guide for Windows 10, which is highly recommended to ensure correct setup. Access the guide here: https://ftdichip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/AN_396-FTDI-Drivers-Installation-Guide-for-Windows-10.pdf
- Verify Installation and Connection: After installation, connect your OBDLink cable to your computer and vehicle. Check your Device Manager to confirm that a new COM port has been created. A successful connection is often indicated by the OBDLink cable’s LED turning yellow.
- Test with Vehicle Tuner (VT): Open Vehicle Tuner software. With the VCP drivers installed and the COM port active, VT should now recognize your OBDLink cable. You may even be prompted to update the firmware of your OBDLink device, further ensuring optimal performance.
By installing these VCP drivers, you should be able to overcome the communication barriers and get your OBDWiz scan tool working reliably with your vehicle, resolving the frustration of a non-communicating device. This solution has proven effective in enabling communication and allowing users to proceed with ECU flashing and vehicle diagnostics.
