Where is My Car’s OBD-II Port?

An On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port, integrated with your vehicle's computer system, gathers crucial information about your car. This includes data on mileage, emissions, overall car diagnostics, and driving behavior. If your car was built in the U.S. after 1996, it's likely equipped with an OBD port, though there are some exceptions.

The OBD-II port's location can vary based on your vehicle's make and model. Let’s explore the OBD-II port in more detail.

This port is a small, rectangular outlet with 16 pins. Although the basic design is uniform, the port's material and color can differ. It might be metal or plastic and come in various colors like black, white, pink, or even multicolored.

Your car’s OBD port might be covered with a plastic cap, often labeled with phrases like “Diagnostic Connector Do Not Remove” or “OBD-II.” If your car has such a cover, you'll need to remove it to plug in the device. If you're unsure about removing the cover, consult your car’s manufacturer or a trusted auto technician.

The OBD port's location isn't standardized and varies depending on the car's make, model, year, and body type. Here are common places to look:

Under the Driver’s Side Dashboard: Often found within two feet of the steering column, this is the most common location in many US cars like Toyota, Chevy, and Volkswagen. It could be near the brake pedal, fuse box, or even in the fuse box. If not there, it might be closer to the driver’s side door.

Around the Center Console: In some models, like certain Audis and Renaults, the port may be near the top of the center console, possibly under a cover, or near the radio.

Remember, OBD ports near the center console often have covers that might be tricky to remove.

Other Possible Locations: In some Honda and Nissan models, check under the passenger side dashboard, near the glove box or passenger door. It might also be in the console behind the driver and passenger seats, potentially hidden behind an ashtray.

If Your Car Lacks a Standard OBD Port

Some vehicles, including specific BMW and Tesla models or cars manufactured before 1996, may not have a standard OBD-II port or may not be compatible with our device. In such cases, we would recommend purchasing a hardwire device that connects directly to your vehicle's battery.