How do I tell if my car is OBD1 or OBD2?
Most U.S.-market cars built after 1996 use OBD2, identifiable by a standard 16-pin diagnostic port located under the driver's dash; earlier vehicles typically use OBD1 with manufacturer-specific connectors.
Beyond that quick rule, you can confirm by locating the port, checking the model year and regional standards, and attempting to connect with a universal OBD2 scanner. The following guide outlines practical steps and what to expect for cars from different eras and regions.
Visual and port-based clues
These clues help you identify OBD version without specialized tools. Start with the diagnostic port and its surroundings.
- OBD2-compatible vehicles typically have a single 16-pin (2x8) diagnostic link connector located under the dash on the driver's side, near the steering column.
- OBD1 vehicles use manufacturer-specific connectors; the port shape, pin count, and location can vary and are often not easily recognizable without the manual.
- Year and region provide strong hints: in the United States, 1996 model year and later are largely OBD2; pre-1996 models are generally OBD1.
- Some vehicles had late or partial retrofits, so exceptions exist; when in doubt, consult the owner's manual or a dealership for the exact specification.
In short, a standard 16-pin under-dash port is a strong indicator of OBD2, while a nonstandard plug is a sign of OBD1 or a non-OBD2 system.
Diagnostics and scanning implications
Using a scan tool can confirm the version and unlock fault codes. Here’s how to test in practice.
- Attempt to connect a common OBD2 scanner to the port. If it communicates and reads trouble codes, your car is OBD2.
- If the scanner cannot connect, or there is no OBD2-style 16-pin port, the vehicle is likely OBD1 or a nonstandard system; you may need a manufacturer-specific tool or service manual to read codes.
- Regional standards offer context: Europe uses EOBD (petrol from about 2001, diesel from 2004); the port is still the 16-pin version, and many scanners support EOBD in addition to OBD2.
- Heavy-duty vehicles and some imports may follow different timelines; always verify for your exact model.
The scanning approach is the most definitive method to verify the system your car uses and to access diagnostic data.
Notes for Europe and other markets
In Europe and other markets, EOBD compatibility is often used alongside the U.S. OBD2 standard; petrol engines commonly adopted EOBD around 2001, diesel a bit later (roughly 2004–2006 depending on country and vehicle class). Many modern scanners support both OBD2 and EOBD protocols, making cross-region diagnostics possible on newer used cars.
What to do if you’re unsure
If you still can’t determine the version, try these practical steps: check the vehicle’s manual or service records, look up the exact model year and region online, contact the dealership, or have a qualified mechanic verify the port type and scanning capability. This ensures you select the correct diagnostic tools and prevent misreads or tool incompatibilities.
Summary
Key takeaway: OBD2 is the standard for most cars sold in the U.S. from 1996 onward and uses a 16-pin port; OBD1 uses manufacturer-specific connectors and lacks a universal diagnostic port. The quickest checks are the port appearance and the ability to connect with a standard OBD2 scanner, complemented by knowledge of the vehicle’s year and regional standards.
Does my car have OBD1?
The OBD connector is a 16-pin connector that is usually located under the dashboard on the driver's side. If your car has a 16-pin connector, then it has OBD2 or EOBD. If your car has a different type of connector, then it has OBD1. You can also check your car's owner's manual to find out which OBD system your car has.
How do you tell if you have 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 |
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This video explains the difference between OBD1 and OBD2: 59sbriansmobile1YouTube · Sep 25, 2019
How to check your car
- 1. 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.
- 2. 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.
- 3. Look for the emissions label: Some vehicles have an emissions label under the hood that specifies the OBD system.
- 4. Consult the owner's manual: Your car's owner's manual will provide specific information about its diagnostic system.
- 5. 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.
What year vehicles are OBD1?
Cars with OBD1 are generally 1995 and older vehicles, although some 1994 and 1995 models might have been transitional and have OBD2. All cars sold in the United States from the 1996 model year onward are required to use the standardized OBD2 system.
How to tell if your car has OBD1
- Check the model year: If your car is from 1995 or earlier, it is likely OBD1.
- Look under the dashboard: OBD1 ports have different connectors depending on the manufacturer, and are often located under the dashboard, sometimes behind a fuse panel cover.
- Consult your vehicle's manual: The owner's manual should provide information on your car's diagnostic system.
- Use a compatible scan tool: Since OBD1 systems were not standardized, you will need a scan tool that is specifically designed to read the different protocols used by various car manufacturers. Many modern scan tools are compatible with both OBD1 and OBD2 systems.
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.
