Can't Read from OBD2 Port - State Inspection

I've been to two places and tried 3 different machines, but the folks doing inspections say that they cannot connect to my OBD2 port. Last guy tried his handheld scanner and he said it looks like there is power, but it isn't connecting to read any information.

The strange thing to me is that I have a Bluetooth dongle for use with the Torque Pro app. When I connect with that, I can get all sorts of live readings and can run a diagnostic scan for any error codes (returns none). With all of the "bigger" scanners, I get nothing.

Any ideas what could be the culprit?

Alternator was replaced about 3 months ago, for whatever that is worth.

 

If you (or perhaps a previous owner) has left something plugged into the OBD2 port for an extended period, or used oversized paperclips to jumper (pin 4/13) to resync the immobilizer, you could have bent the pins or they could be 'tired' causing poor connectivity.

I've seen it on a number of trucks I've tuned. I'd honestly look there.

 

Yup this. pull one pin at a time and push the spring inside the pin so it will clamp down on anything plugged into the port harder.

 

Thanks. I'll give this a try.

 

Agree, good start. It’s also the reason it took me so long to buy an ultra gauge, keeping something plugged in that is actually a rather loose connection to begin with IMO. I haven’t had an issue in4 years, but certainly keeping an eye on this thread.
Good luck OP. Did the techs with expensive gauges try holding it in, or wiggling around the connection to see if it temporarily connects?

 

I had an OBDLink plugged into my Tacoma for years without an issue. I think I only removed it when I needed to get an inspection done.

 

Didn't see much when they were doing the reader required for inspection, but I did watch while he tried with the nicer handheld at the second place. He said he was showing it had power, but no reading. When he got nothing, I threw my cheap bluetooth dongle in and read everything right away. Frustrating.

Going to get my tiny flatheads out there tomorrow and see if I can't bend it a little tighter. Worst case, I suppose I just swap out the connector.

 

Been the same for me until today.