Are you experiencing frustration with your OBDWiz scan tool failing to communicate with your car while it’s running? This is a common issue that many users encounter, especially after uninstalling performance tuning software or when dealing with driver compatibility problems. If you’ve tried the standard Windows drivers and still see a red LED on your OBDLink cable with no connection in OBDWiz, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through a proven solution to get your OBDWiz scan tool communicating again.
Understanding the OBDWiz Communication Issue
The problem often lies in driver conflicts or outdated drivers, particularly on Windows systems. After uninstalling tools like Cobb Accessport, or simply due to system updates, the standard drivers may not correctly recognize your OBDLink cable. You might notice that even though your OBDII port is functional, OBDWiz software fails to detect the cable, leaving you unable to perform essential diagnostics or read ECU data while the car is running.
The Solution: Installing Virtual COM Port (VCP) Drivers
The key to resolving this communication problem is to install Virtual COM Port (VCP) drivers from FTDI, the chip manufacturer for many USB-to-serial converters used in OBDLink cables. These drivers create a virtual serial port that allows your computer to communicate with the OBDLink cable as if it were a traditional serial device.
Here’s how to install the VCP drivers and get your OBDWiz scan tool communicating:
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Download the VCP Drivers: Navigate to the official FTDI website to download the Virtual COM Port drivers. You can find them easily by searching for “FTDI VCP drivers” or by directly visiting https://ftdichip.com/drivers/vcp-drivers/. Choose the drivers compatible with your Windows operating system (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11).
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Follow the Installation Guide: FTDI provides a detailed installation guide to assist you through the process. You can access it at https://ftdichip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/AN_396-FTDI-Drivers-Installation-Guide-for-Windows-10.pdf. This guide offers step-by-step instructions specifically for Windows 10, but the general process is similar for other versions.
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Verify Installation and Connection: After installing the VCP drivers, connect your OBDLink cable to your laptop and car. You should observe a yellow LED indicator on the cable, signifying proper detection. In your Device Manager, under “Ports (COM & LPT),” you should see a new COM port listed (e.g., COM4).
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Configure OBDWiz: Open OBDWiz and ensure that the software is now able to recognize the USB cable connected to the newly assigned COM port. You may need to manually select the COM port in the OBDWiz settings.
Successful Connection and Next Steps
Once OBDWiz recognizes your OBDLink cable, you should be able to establish a connection with your vehicle’s ECU. As a confirmation, you might even be prompted to update the firmware of your OBDLink device within the OBDWiz software. After successful firmware update and connection, you should regain full functionality of your OBDWiz scan tool, allowing you to perform diagnostics and monitor your car’s performance while it’s running.
By installing the correct VCP drivers, you can overcome the frustrating “Obdwiz Scan Tool Does Not Communicate While Car Is Running” issue and get back to effectively using your scan tool for car diagnostics and maintenance.
