OBD II error trying to read Mazda 3

[Luap]

Hey folks -- quick question I couldn't find by searching.

I offered to plug my OBD II scanner into a co-worker's 3 sedan today to help her out with a check engine light. I followed the usual routine and got an Error message reporting it couldn't read the car.

I've used this scanner many (many, many...sigh) times on my Milennia without an issue.

So then I thought I'd try it on my 2007 3 GT just for the heck of it and also got the Error code.

In short, what am I doing wrong? I've never tried to read a 3 before and must be messing something up. I'm using the jack at the lower, left side of the dashboard for both her 3 and mine.

Are these cars not OBD II compliant? I thought pretty well everything post mid-nineties was...

Advice appreciated!

[Luap]

I should add that when I plug the unit in to either car, it gives the usual three little beeps. So some kind of connection is being made. Why it won't pick up the codes is stilll a mystery.

[-cj-]

Stupid question, but is the key position set to 'On'? Car doesn't need to be running, but it needs to be 'On' to talk to the ECU...

Maybe make sure you didn't mess up a pin on the connector when hooking it up? I'm just guessing here. Does it STILL Work on your car?

[Luap]

No such thing as a stupid question when troubleshooting, -cj- but, yeah, tried the usual on both cars (ignition ON, engine off) and even tried ignition off and then with ignition on and engine running. No dice on either car in any format.

Good idea to check for bent pins tho.

I don't have the Milly any more but will try it on our CR-V tonight as it did work on the Honda in the past as well without issues.

[-cj-]

The only thing I can think of is that the port is locked out... Don't quote me on this (Maybe someone who knows can chime in) but I seem to recall reading on a thread that the dealer can lock the ECU to prevent other tools from accessing the ECU. They don't normally do it though. -- Again, I DO recall reading this, but I don't know if it's true or not.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

how old is your OBD-II reader?

it needs to be able to read CAN-BUS protocol in order to connect with the 3's ECU.

The 3's ECU is OBD-II compliant, it just runs on a different protocol than your Millenia

[-cj-]

He mentioned that it worked on his 07 Mazda 3 though? Oh wait, he said he also got the error code. Does that mean it DIDN'T work or that you pulled the error code from the comp? Maybe I misread.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

He mentioned that it worked on his 07 Mazda 3 though? Oh wait, he said he also got the error code. Does that mean it DIDN'T work or that you pulled the error code from the comp? Maybe I misread.

comm error on both his 3 and his co-worker's 3 ...but works in his Millenia.

willing to bet his OBD-II reader doesn't support CAN-BUS.

[-cj-]

Ahh my bad, I misread that. I think you're totally right about it not supporting the CAN protocol.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

No such thing as a stupid question when troubleshooting, -cj- but, yeah, tried the usual on both cars (ignition ON, engine off) and even tried ignition off and then with ignition on and engine running. No dice on either car in any format.

Good idea to check for bent pins tho.

I don't have the Milly any more but will try it on our CR-V tonight as it did work on the Honda in the past as well without issues.

vehicles with CAN-BUS pre-2008 (all 08+ models must be CAN) (http://www.auterraweb.com/aboutcan.html)....if your CR-V is not an 08+ model, your reader will work in it without an issue

[JashiK]

My scanner didn't work on my friends 2007 Mazda 3 or my 2007 MS3 .... Sucks. My gf paid a lot of money for it back in the day. I wonderin if there is way to upgrade via firmware to make it work?

[mazdachris]

Well hot dam. Thats why I was not able to read any codes for my 07 3. No light was on, just checking it for shits and giggles. Needed to check my wife's car, 2002. No prob checking that. I almost bought one on sale at Canadian Tire thinking it was a great deal. Something to keep in mind when i do buy one. ;)