Home FAQ

How do I know if my car has OBD2?

Most cars sold in the United States since 1996 have OBD-II. The quickest check is to locate the 16-pin diagnostic port under the driver’s side dash and confirm the model year in your manual or on the vehicle label.

Understanding OBD-II and why it matters

OBD-II is the standardized onboard diagnostics system that provides fault codes and real-time data about engine and emissions. It helps technicians diagnose problems, monitor vehicle health, and verify emissions compliance. Knowing whether your car uses OBD-II guides you to the right scanner and interpretation of codes.

How to tell if your car has OBD-II

Use these checks to determine whether the vehicle supports the standard. The steps cover regulatory timelines, the diagnostic port, and official documentation.

Year and regulatory context

In the United States, almost all light-duty vehicles manufactured in 1996 or later are OBD-II compliant.

Older cars (pre-1996) generally use OBD-I or a different diagnostics setup and may not have a universal 16-pin port.

For non-U.S. markets, adoption dates vary by country and model year; consult the vehicle’s documentation for specifics.

If your car is a 1996+ US light-duty model, it is highly likely to have OBD-II, but checking the port and the manual provides confirmation.

OBD-II diagnostic port and location

Look under the dashboard on the driver's side for a 16-pin DLC (J1962) connector. It is typically trapezoidal and about the size of a credit card.

In many vehicles, the port is tucked behind a small cover or inside a knee-panel; you may need a flashlight to locate it.

Some newer models place the port in the center console or behind a panel near the hood release lever; check the owner’s manual for the exact spot.

Locating a 16-pin port near the driver’s knee area is the fastest physical proof that your car supports OBD-II.

Documentation and manufacturer notes

Check the owner's manual under the maintenance or emissions section for OBD compatibility (OBD-II or J1962 port).

Look for an emissions or diagnostic information label on the vehicle, often in the engine bay area or inside the door jamb, that mentions OBD or the port type.

If you’re unsure, contact the dealer or the manufacturer’s customer service to verify the model-year-specific diagnostics setup.

Official documentation is a reliable way to confirm OBD-II compatibility and the exact port location for your model.

What if my car predates OBD-II?

Pre-OBD-II vehicles may not have a universal 16-pin port. They often use OBD-I, which uses manufacturer-specific connectors and codes. Reading codes or performing diagnostics on these cars typically requires a brand-specific tool or access through a dealership or specialized shop.

OBD-I ports vary by manufacturer and are not interchangeable with OBD-II scanners.

If you need diagnostics, plan for a dealer visit or a shop with the appropriate brand-specific tool.

In some regions, certain older vehicles may still use non-standard diagnostic interfaces that require specialized software or adapters.

Knowing whether your car uses OBD-I or another system helps you decide how to access codes and perform repairs.

Summary

The simplest indicators are the model year and the presence of a 16-pin OBD-II port. In the United States, 1996 and newer light-duty vehicles almost always have OBD-II with a J1962 16-pin connector under the driver’s dash. If you’re unsure, consult the owner’s manual or a dealer to confirm the port location and compatibility. With the correct scanner, you can read codes and monitor your vehicle’s health effectively.

What year vehicles are OBD2?

Cars sold in the United States with a model year of 1996 or newer are equipped with OBD2 systems. Some 1994 and 1995 model year vehicles also have OBD2, while other countries implemented the standard at different times (e.g., 2001 for gasoline cars in the EU). To verify if a vehicle has OBD2, check the emission control information label under the hood for the words "OBD II".
OBD2 adoption by region

United States: All gasoline and alternate fuel passenger cars and light trucks from 1996 onwards. Diesel vehicles followed in 2004.
European Union: 2001 for gasoline vehicles and 2004 for diesel vehicles.
Japan: 2002 for most vehicles.
Australia: 2006 for most passenger vehicles.
Canada: 1998.

How to verify your vehicle

Check the emission control label: The easiest way to confirm is to look for the words "OBD II" on the emission control information label, which is typically found under the hood.
Look for the port: The OBD2 port is a 16-pin connector, usually located under the dashboard, near the steering column. Some older vehicles may have an OBD1 port, which looks different.

How do you know if your car is OBD1 or OBD2?

You can tell if a car is OBD1 or OBD2 by checking its model year (1996 and newer is OBD2, older is likely OBD1) or by examining the diagnostic port. OBD2 ports are standardized, 16-pin, trapezoidal connectors usually found under the driver's side dashboard, while OBD1 ports vary in shape, size, and location, and were often manufacturer-specific.

Key differences

Feature	OBD1	OBD2
Model Year	Pre-1996	1996 and newer
Diagnostic Port	Varies by manufacturer; can be in different locations (e.g., under the hood)	Standardized 16-pin, trapezoidal connector; usually under the driver's side dashboard
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)	Manufacturer-specific codes	Standardized format (e.g., P0301)
Scanner Compatibility	Requires a specific scanner for that make and model	Uses universal scanners

Check the model year: If your car is a 1996 or newer model year, it is almost certainly OBD2. If it is a 1995 or older model, it is likely OBD1.
Inspect the diagnostic port: Look for the diagnostic port under the driver's side dashboard. If you find a standardized 16-pin trapezoidal connector, it's OBD2. If the port looks different or is in a different location, like under the hood, it is likely OBD1.
Look for the emissions label: Some vehicles have an emissions label under the hood that specifies the OBD system.
Consult the owner's manual: Your car's owner's manual will provide specific information about its diagnostic system.
Try a scanner: If you have access to an OBD2 scanner, try connecting it. If the scanner connects and communicates with the car, it is OBD2. If it cannot connect, your car is likely OBD1.

Do all cars have OBD2?

No, not all cars have OBD2 ports, but all gasoline and diesel passenger vehicles sold in the United States and Canada since 1996 are required to have one. Older cars (prior to 1996) use the older and non-standardized OBD1 system. Also, fully electric vehicles may not have a standard OBD2 port, as it's not always required for cars that don't have an internal combustion engine that produces local emissions.

Mandated for all 1996 and newer gas and diesel cars in the US and Canada: A federal law requires all passenger cars and light trucks to have an OBD2 port starting with the 1996 model year.
Older vehicles: Cars manufactured before 1996 use the older OBD1 system, which had different port designs for each manufacturer.
Electric vehicles: Some alternative fuel vehicles, particularly electric cars, are not required to have the standard OBD2 port because they do not produce local emissions.

How do I know if my car is OBD2?

The easiest way to determine if your car has an OBD-I or OBD-II is to figure out what year the manufacturer made your car. Here's why: All gasoline and alternate fuel passenger cars and trucks manufactured in 1996 or later have OBD-II systems.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.