Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

I've noticed that my AccessPort would sometimes loose connection if the dongle swayed too much.
This was more noticeable when I relocated my OBD-II port to my ashtray:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-obd-ii-relocation-169305/
I probably notice it more now since I use it daily (nice to have my MPH displayed off to the side instead of looking down and back up).

Anyway... I could move the end of the dongle (away from the OBD-II port) very little until it would loose connection.
This means that the pins are loosing connection when the dongle is moved.
I decided to create a small solder "bubble" on the end of the pins inside the AP dongle to basically thicken the pins.

This DIY is for the AccessPort's dongle, but the idea can be transferred to any other dongle experiencing the same problems.

Remove the four screws on the back of the AP dongle.


Label each wire so you know where they go later.
You'll see numbers for each position just above where the pins are inserted.


You'll need a skinny flat-head or anything else small enough to get inside the pins.


The pins have a tab that you need to push up on to remove.


This shows how you'll insert your tool into the pins to push up on the tab.


Once that tab is pushed up, you can pull on the wire to remove the pins.
If you tug on the wire and it doesn't come out, reposition the tool inside.
You won't need to pull hard on the wire to remove the pin.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

Now comes the tricky part... thickening the pins, but not too much.
I measured the pin thickness without any solder and it measured 0.032"
After some experimenting with different thicknesses, I ended up going roughly 0.030" more.
Now you'll never get exactly that much extra, but its a good starting point.

Add solder towards the end of the pins.
The pic below will give you an idea how, but it was hard to shoot this pic, hold the solder, and hold the iron... but you get the point.

Here are some tips while soldering these:

1. Don't touch the solder to the iron. Solder is attracted to whatever object is hotter (which is usually the iron).
2. Heat up the pin with the iron and add solder directly onto the pin (this is done within a few seconds depending on your temperature setting).
3. Don't leave heat on the pin for too long.
   If the whole pin gets hot enough, the solder will just flow down towards the wire.
   You want the solder to form a bubble on the pin without traveling away.
4. Try to get the solder to be rounded on top and avoid "icicles".

Here are a couple pics showing the solder bubble:


Now most of my pins turned out to be between 0.060" and 0.065"
I would not go any thicker than 0.070" or else it may not insert into the OBD-II port.
Reason I say this is because I had to slightly force the dongle into the OBD-II port.
When I tried this originally at 0.045" thickness, it worked for awhile.
But I started really playing with it and worked it back and forth.
Next thing I knew, it would start losing connection again.
This is why I added more solder and changed my original plan from thickening the front of the pin to thickening the entire pin.
If you put too much on and need to start over, have a solder wick available to remove solder from the pin(s)

But after reinstalling the pins and reassembling the dongle I tried it out.
I was able to move the dongle around without ANY loss in connection.
It was a beautiful thing.

WVBoosted8

iTrader: (5)

I just put zip ties around mine and its fine :P

Z0oMzo0m

iTrader: (4)

:P doesnt this void the warrenty on the dongle driver?

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

THANK YOU. finally.

im so sick and tired of my accessport losing power. it drives me nuts.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

LOL... that would work just fine with the OBD-II port in its regualar location.
But since mine was relocated to the ashtray, I don't have that ability.

I guess if something occurs, just take a solder wick to the pins and remove the solder

You're welcome

Z0oMzo0m

iTrader: (4)

i have been thinking about just installing a USB port on the dash and hide the dongle somewhere. Stil have the OBD II open for anything. But all i would have to do is plug the USB into the dash and be done. keeps the wire away from my legs.

Good idea? bad idea?

Suggestions..

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

^I actually have been thinking the same thing lately.
Just leave the OBD-II port in its original spot, splice the wires with a 'T' connection so it basically runs one set of wires to the port and the other set of wires run to the AP dongle.
Then just solder those wires to the AP dongle.
All you would see is the rear of the dongle where you plug in the mini-USB cable (though I haven't thought about where/how to mount it).

So yes, I think it'll be an awesome little project.
The only issue I found with this and why I haven't tried this out yet is because the AP dongle would be a permanent fixture.
I thought about buying a 2nd dongle to have in case I want it to be more portable, but I've been happy with just moving the port to the ashtray.
Let me know if you decide to tackle this or need any advise.

Z0oMzo0m

iTrader: (4)

But being a permanent mount wouldnt be so bad.. Does it ever have to leave ur car?? i was thinking what els ei have to use it for.. And if i would EVER have to sell the car it would go with it anyways.... But i would never sell so im not worried. lol

I just want to show a USB port. maybe even just having the USB plug in the glove box, and just pull the wire out and play. then when done put teh wire back in glove box. This way the wire stays out of my area and still looks clean.

Its a simple little fix just wondering if anyone has done any special mounting.

Z0oMzo0m

iTrader: (4)

It would be nice, I dont know how clean it would look but just have a USB port showing jsut like the side of a computer just a little plug. But to make that look clean adn keep from dirt could be hard.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

I've removed it from my car before to install it on another 8 for troubleshooting (obviously, just using a base map).

My only problem with your idea (which isn't that big) would be that the glove box would have to stay open at all times when you're using it.
And if you have a passenger with you, the glove box door would be in their lap.
It wouldn't be practical in my situation to have it in the glove box since I use my AP everytime I drive:


I think it'll look clean if its mounted right.

Z0oMzo0m

iTrader: (4)

The glove would be able to close when its hooked up.

I do like that idea on what you have in that picture. Except i have gauges located there.

I am thinking i am going to have a USB plug in the center console next to the spare cig lighter. This way its out of the way, the dirt or wont be able to access it as easy. and if the cut isnt as clean as i wanted it to be it wont be in the open.

I think im going to attempt this tom. or somtime. i like the idea, and i would do urs if i didnt have the gauges located there.

Z0oMzo0m

iTrader: (4)

i have no friends with rx8 any where around that would need trouble shooting LOL

But if i really had to i wouldnt make it difficult to remove if that was the case.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

Good luck and let me know how it goes.

Z0oMzo0m

iTrader: (4)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OBD-2...motiveQ5fTools

This can be used to relocate the plug. All you have to do is tie in the wires to the orginal plug and place this were ever you want. In my case i want in the center console next 2 the spare cig. lighter.

They also have an extension. but if dealer is looking for OBD II plug they might not find it. lol

Z0oMzo0m

iTrader: (4)

Well, i took the OBD II plug and turned it around in the mount. So the accessport dongel plugs in from up top. This way its away from the feet and veiwing area. and if i had to take it out it wouldnt be hard at all.

I ran the USB plug up through the dash and to the middle of the center console. I ordered a surface mount USB plug that i will install in center console.

This will hopefully be easier then having wires go across me and my feet while driving.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

Awesome!
I want to see pics when completed

Z0oMzo0m

iTrader: (4)

but i guess in your DIY you didnt like the idea of turning it up.

This should be in DIY thread or another DIY thread instead of "better connection with the AP dongel"

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

I didn't like bending it up because it still interfered and the cable was laying across my legs.

The purpose of my DIY was to share various ideas and ways to relocate the port, rather that be moving the whole OBD-II connector or extending the data cable elsewhere.
I welcome any other ideas and suggestions.

Z0oMzo0m

iTrader: (4)

well the wire i used one zip tie and the wire was complety out of the way, il get pics when im done with it all. I just hate using or the look of the dongle. and think a USB plug could be a clean look.

Dont get me wrong if i didnt have gauges in my ashtray, i would be all over that DIY relocate. lol

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

I don't know... I might like your idea better

Z0oMzo0m

iTrader: (4)

do you leave ur AP. plugged in all the time? i start my car daily, it shouldnt have no attent to kill my battery huh?

I got most of the stuff i need to make my mount, just want to make sure i have it in the right place.

1) surface mount USB 2.0 plug. one end is male, surface mount side is female.
2) female to female USB adaptor. (the USB plug from dongle and USB from surafce will leave you male to male facing each other. This will allow you to connect them.)
3) a USB plug male to male lenght 1',2' or 3 feet in lenght which ever you prefer, (this will go from the accessport to the surface mount plug mounted in the dash.)
4) an ipod holder that clip to your vents, window or any other spots you would like to mount to.
5)...more steps to come.

Most of my items were purchased through EBAY, since local stores dont ussually carry some of these items in stock. they look at you like your crazy. Ebay is the best bet.


Il get pictures of all items and running of the USB plug through the dash/center console.
I just dont know where i really would like the mount. (once its there its there)

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

Z0oMzo0m- What are your plans on connecting the mini-USB port on the dongle to the surface mount USB?

Z0oMzo0m

iTrader: (4)

Here is a quick drawing of what is used and how it will connect.

Z0oMzo0m

iTrader: (4)

Now from the surface mount to the Accessport, you can use a Male to Male USB plug which should be able to be found anywhere. They come in all different lengths.