obd2 connector is not establishing connection but ports have power/ground

hey guys.

I am stumped. I got one of those harbor freight bi-directional scanners and after testing on two cars that wouldn’t establish a connection, I swapped it out at HF. I then updated the software/database on the new one, and I still can’t get the device to negotiate a connection. However, it connected fine with and recognized my friends Honda pilot. Threw a multimeter on port 16 and checked ground to ports 4 and 5 and each read in the 13+ range with the key turned to “On”. When I connect the device while it’s turned off, the three leds light up and stay lit but then the device won’t turn on until I unplug it. Is it possible i’m drawing too much power at the connector? Should it be in the 12+ -13 range?

all responses are appreciated thanks fellas

Mark

 

I think I figure it out.

i’m not getting a good connection; for instance, if I move the tool around a little while it’s plugged in, the lights dim or brighten. If I hold it while brighter, it connects asap. ugh

 

It wouldn’t surprise me if it’s still the scan tool. I bet there’s a whole batch of them bad. There are somethings that are ok to buy at HarborFreight, but a scan tool isn’t one of them. I’d recommend a Autel or Launch scanner.

 

holy shit bro you are so right. I plugged in this non powered 20$ fixd ghetto scanner and it works as advertised. what crap and it says (and they said when i bought it) there’s a 20% restocking fee.

i’m making a video of this